Essence of North and Central India

Arrive Delhi. Transfer to hotel in Delhi. On arrival check-in　the hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning guided sightseeing of Old Delhi by an English speaking professional guide - visiting the historical landmarks & monuments. Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi city. Evening free for cultural activities. Overnight at hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.

Hawa Mahal

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (260km/5hrs), known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan", founded in the late 19th century. Passing through the countryside. On arrival: check-in hotel. Proceed for half day guided city tour including City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Astronomical Observatory (Jantar Mantar) etc. Evening, enjoy a drive around the local streets of Jaipur in the car and see the local life of the common man.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Amber Fort

After breakfast, guided excursion to Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Ascend the fort on a gaily-decorated elephant back. Experience the Kingly palace buildings. Later free for wandering around the bazaars where one can choose from precious gems to variety of handicrafts.

Late evening transfer to the railway station to board overnight train to Jaisalmer.

Overnight train

GandiSar Tank

On arrival at Jaisalmer by noon, met and assisted at railway station by our executive and transferred to a heritage hotel. Later, guided sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. The Rajput walled desert city is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert.　As Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone, it is like a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the city palace and the Jain temples in the fort, magnificent Havelis(merchant's houses - Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli etc.) and Gadi Sagar tank (Gadisar tank).

Late in the evening camel safari to sunset point and the sand dunes

Overnight in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur (285 kms/5.5 hrs). On arrival at Jodhpur, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort - one of the best-preserved forts in Rajasthan spread over 5 kms on a perpendicular hill and looking down from a height of about 130 metres. It houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows and then enjoy yourselves in Girdikot and Sardar market - these colourful markets throb with activities. Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and a wide range of handicrafts makes this a specially charming area.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, full day guided sightseeing tour of the city, which includes: Umaid Bhawan Palace - only palace of the mid 20th Century in India; Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs, in white marble, it houses the rare 15 cms thick pure infinite marble slabs and then Mandore Garden.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

Lake Palace

Breakfast at hotel. Then proceed for Udaipur - the city of lakes (260kms/5 hrs). Enjoy day on the banks of the Lake Pichola.

Late afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola at sunset visiting the Jag mandir Island - in the middle of the Romantic Lake Pichola. It commands a magnificent view of the City Palace, Lake Palace and Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh Palace) and it is where Prince Khurram was given refuge in the 17th century.

Overnight in Udaipur.

Morning, city tour of Udaipur - The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace, the Jagdish temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the pleasure gardens, and drive around the other nearby lakes.

Later evening transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, check in at hotel.

Overnight in Mumbai.

After breakfast proceed for a visit to the Elephanta Caves - the 7th century cave temples situated on an island. Later visit to Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

Overnight in Mumbai.

After breakfast guided city tour of Mumbai covering Dhobi Ghat, Haji Ali's Dargah, sidhivinayak temple, Siddhivinayak temple, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus R. S. etc.

Evening go to Aurangabad by air or train. Upon arrival in Aurangabad, check in at hotel.

Overnight in Aurangabad.

Excursion to Ellora Caves where Buddhist, Jain and Hindu shrines date back to 4th to 9th century A.D. Also visit Kailasanatha Temple, the largest monolithic temple.

Overnight in Aurangabad.

Breakfast at hotel, followed by a full day excursion to the ancient Ajanta Caves. The 30 odd Buddhist caves here are full of sculptures and frescoes of life of Lord Buddha.

Later evening transfer to airport for flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival in Aurangabad, check in at hotel.

Overnight in Mumbai.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to international airport for connecting onward flight.