Classical Rajasthan Plus Varanasi Tours

Classical Rajasthan Plus Varanasi Tour (11 Nights/12 Days)

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi –Jodhpur – Osian – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Shekhawati (Nawalgarh) – Jaipur- Agra – Varanasi – Delhi

Day 01. : Arrival / Delhi
Late Night arrival. Traditional welcome with garlands as our representative welcome you board into your Luxury Car & ride to your hotel, during which time our representative would introduce, India as well as some common Indian customs and courtesies.Upon arrival at the hotel, whilst our representatives organize your check in, a refreshing welcome drink is served to you – ‘Namaste’ and welcome to India or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you !

Day 02. : Delhi / Overnight Train to Jodhpur
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. Afternoon, cross over to the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour includes visit to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi, Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.

The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description – including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. evening we transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur.

Day 03. : Jodhpur
We arrive into Jodhpur in the morning and transfer to our hotel where we have some time in the morning to relax or have a wander in the surrounding area. In the afternoon we’ll do sightseeing. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the State of Marwar. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost ten kilometres in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort from where we have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins.

Day 04. : Jodhpur / Osian
We start our day with a transfer through desert scenery towards Osian, A place where you will get the opportunity to meet the local villagers (still living in the era of 16th century), sit with them on Cow Dung plastered hut, and be a part of traditional opium ceremony. You will also see the world famous Bishnoi villagers Dhani’s (unit of huts), known for their love for nature from ages. Overnight stay at hote with cultural programl.

Day 05. : Osian – Jaisalmer
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Jaisalmer, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.Enjoy the evening walk in the Golden shopping streets of Jaisalmer, may be you can encountered with the local turban wearer man don’t get afraid have Indian Masala Chai with him and test the thunder .Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06. : Jaisalmer
Morning Breakfast & proceed for sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer – much has been written about this city but nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 100 metres over the city with its 99 bastions, several entrances, a group of Jain Temples from 12th to 15th century. The other places of interest include Tazia Tower with its five tiered splendour, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and conspicuous facades. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer / Bikaner
Morning Breakfast & drive to Bikaner, This day you will be heading directly to the west through arid wastelands, approaching the Great Thar Desert which constitutes much of Rajasthan. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven kilometer long embattled wall with five gates. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Bikaner – Shekhwati (Nawalgarh)
Morning Breakfast & take a city tour, and proceed to Nawalgarh, On arrival check in into Hotel, visit the Havelis, mesmerized your self with old wall paintings & frescoes, in evening visit the local bazaar, and enjoy the rural life of India, Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Shekhawati (Nawalgarh) – Jaipur
Morning Breakfast, and short visit of local Bazar, and drive to Jaipur, Enjoy the enroute sightseeing, arrive at jaipur, check into hotel. In Evening enjoy the city tour of pink city, you will hear the voice of bells from temples & azan from mosque at same time. Explore the market. Overnight at hotel

Day 10 – Jaipur
City tour of Jaipur – “The Pink City” is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing Amber Fort & City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal “Palace of the Winds”, and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Day 11. : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
After an early breakfast we check out from the hotel and drive to Agra via fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri – Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel.

Day 12. : Agra – Varanasi
Post breakfast we check out from the hotel and start our sightseeing tour of Red Fort and the famous Taj Mahal. Visit the Red Fort – lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Taj Mahal – This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal “the lady of the Taj”. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).Early Dinner & proceed to Railway station for further overnight Journey towards Varanasi.

Day 13. : Varanasi
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel. Varanasi is the World’s most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riveRfront, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi – the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. Spend night at Varanasi.

Day 14. : Varanasi / Overnight Train towards Delhi
Drive early morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of “Ganga”. As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel. early dinner and overnight train to Delhi.

Day 15. : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi Railway station, transfer to Hotel (for day use only). Day free for own activities, late night transfer to International Airport. Tour Ends