Nagaur Festival Tour

After breakfast enjoy a full day city tour of New & Old Delhi. First explore New Delhi. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The elements in its design ‑ a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by bulbous dome and surrounded by the char bagh (garden divided into quadrants), water channels and fountains.

Later visit the Qutub Minar the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the top.

Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate Built of Bharatpur‑stone, commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at

Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India.

Later in the afternoon. Visit the Red Fort (From Outside) the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.

Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656 at a cost of one million Rupees has perfect proportions. India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.

Also visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
IMP: Red Fort Remains closed on Monday.

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast drive to Agra.

En-route visiting Sikandra. The mausoleum of the great Mughal King Akbar (1556‑1605). Akbar began building it during his lifetime and his son, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, completed it. It has a large arched entrance and green lawns, on which deer can be seen grazing, surround the tomb. The entrance is decorated with marble inlay work around the arch, and the inner surface of the dome of the tomb is decorated with images of flowers, geometric designs and Islamic calligraphy.

Later continue your drive to Agra.

Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. Agra is a town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.

On arrival in Agra, check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the Taj Mahal- a poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today India's most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day and glows pearl-like in the moonlight and during the monsoon.

Overnight at the Hotel

IMP: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays

After breakfast visit Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces. The Agra fort happens to be on the same bank of the river Yamuna as the Taj Mahal, which is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. Emperor Shahjahan, a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance from his cell in the Agra Fort. It is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers long.

Post visit, drive to Jaipur.

Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival check in the hotel

On arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort with Elephant or Jeep ride. This city Fort is situated 130m high with the Aravali hills around 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 storied building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people.

In the afternoon, visit City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.

Later visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.

Overnight at the hotel

Drive to Nagaur. On arrival at Nagaur/Khimsar.

The town of Nagaur has been the bastion of the Rajputs. Here you can hear the jingle of bells as camels or sheep wend their paths from village to village. And with them go the hardy people of these parts. The men with their proud moustaches and brightly colored turbans. And the women, in their gaily-printed skirts and heavy silver jewelry. And centuries of tradition follow in their steps.

Nagaur Festival is also called as the Cattle Fair, is the 2nd largest animal fair of India. Thousands of animals are gathered at the cattle fair for trading. Traders come to buy and sell cows, bullocks, oxen and camels.

Overnight in the Tent (subject to availability) or hotel at Khimsar.

The Nagaur Festival is organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry in co-operation with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. As per the latest statistical records, approximately 80,000 cattle owners participate in this festival with more than 2,10,000 cattle’s being traded.

Enjoy the Nagaur festival.

Overnight in the Tent (subject to availability) or hotel at Khimsar.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the Bhopal Shatabadi train – 0817 / 1048 Hrs to Jhansi. On arrival, continue drive to Khajuraho.

On arrival in Khajuraho, check-in at the hotel

Khajuraho is the home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast.

Later visit Junagarh Fort. It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort. The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate] that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the Sun gate. The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure.

Devikund
Devi Kund is situated 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here. On the sides of reservoir of water lie the Royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to last Maharaji Karni Singhji as well as those of their wives and other important members of families.There are cenotaphs (Chhatries) of 22 SATIES of royal family prior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji (1745-1787). There is also one cenotaph of a SATA (male sati) of a ruler.The architecture of the cenotaphs is the prime attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling.

Camel Breeding Farm
It is a farm engaged in research on camels. It is located about 8 km from Bikaner. This is one of its kind institutes in India. The farm is complex of cables stables and enclosures and buildings. One can enjoy camel ride or ice cream made of camel milk. The farm permits tourists at certain hours of the day. It is interesting to watch camel calves gamboling around and also camels returning from a day out in the desert. It is also known as Camel Breeding Farm and was established in 1984 by the central government.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast visit the fort perched on its hilltop, contains some beautiful Jain temples, while beautifully decorated merchants' havelis are scattered through the town. The Fort stands on a roughly triangular shaped Trikuta Hill 76 m above the town, enclosed by a 9 m wall with 99 bastions (mostly 1633-1647). Take a walk through the narrow streets within the Fort, often blocked by the odd goat or cow and see how even today about a 1000 of the town's people live in tiny houses inside the fort often with beautiful carvings on doors and balconies.

Also visit the Salim Singh Haveli (17 century) which has the appearance of a great ocean liner, with a narrow base which widens at the top. It has a beautifully arched roof, topped with blue cupolas, and brackets in the form of peacocks.

Nathumal Haveli (1885) was built for the prime minister. It is partly carved out of rock by two craftsmen, each undertaking one half of the house. Highly decorative façade with attractive front door guarded by two elephants, Patwon Haveli (1805) is a group of five, built for five brothers. Possibly the finest in town and have fine murals and carved pillars

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast visit the fort perched on its hilltop, contains some beautiful Jain temples, while beautifully decorated merchants' havelis are scattered through the town. The Fort stands on a roughly triangular shaped Trikuta Hill 76 m above the town, enclosed by a 9 m wall with 99 bastions (mostly 1633‑1647). Take a walk through the narrow streets within the Fort, often blocked by the odd goat or cow and see how even today about a 1000 of the town's people live in tiny houses inside the fort often with beautiful carvings on doors and balconies.

Also visit the Salim Singh Haveli (17 century) which has the appearance of a great ocean liner, with a narrow base which widens at the top. It has a beautifully arched roof, topped with blue cupolas, and brackets in the form of peacocks.

Nathumal Haveli (1885) was built for the prime minister. It is partly carved out of rock by two craftsmen, each undertaking one half of the house. Highly decorative façade with attractive front door guarded by two elephants, Patwon Haveli (1805) is a group of five, built for five brothers. Possibly the finest in town and have fine murals and carved pillars

Overnight at the hotel

Today enjoy the Desert Festival

The Desert Festival is a 3-day extravaganza of color, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert Contest are a part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform.

The high points of the festival are - snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, folk performers do rapid trade. Camels, the lifeline of the desert, play a foremost role. Proud moustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics, camel races and decor, camel polo, tug of war and the like.

Overnight at the Hotel

Drive to Luni. On the way visit the Jodhpur.

Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha‑chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama ‑ the epic hero of the Ramayana.

On arrival visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459 of red sandstone. From the top of the fort one can get a bird's eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses ‑ the colour being associated with the high caste.

Later proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. After the sight seeing, drive to Luni for an overnight stay in a beautiful Fort now a hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum.

The Folklore Museum charged with the preservation of Rajasthani folk arts, has an interesting collection including dresses, dolls, masks, turbans, tribal jewellery, musical instruments, paintings and puppets.

Also visit the Sahelion‑ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers. The welcome fountain from the gate leads to the rain fountain, which has a center fountain with beautiful black marble kiosks with fountains on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the walls of the enclosure.

Afternoon enjoy the public boat ride on Lake Pichola

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum.

The Folklore Museum charged with the preservation of Rajasthani folk arts, has an interesting collection including dresses, dolls, masks, turbans, tribal jewellery, musical instruments, paintings and puppets.

Also visit the Sahelion‑ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers. The welcome fountain from the gate leads to the rain fountain, which has a center fountain with beautiful black marble kiosks with fountains on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the walls of the enclosure.

Afternoon enjoy the public boat ride on Lake Pichola

Overnight at the Hotel

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai.

On arrival at Mumbai, transfer to the hotel check in.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, India's most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading center, this palm‑-fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire's entrance to its `Crown Jewel'. Mumbai is also center for Hindi films made in India called "Bollywood", with a credit of almost 900 films a year.

Later drive for the sightseeing of Mumbai

Visit the 26 meter high British‑built Arch "Gateway of India", Mumbai's landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Also visit the Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai.

Pass by the `towers of silence' the crematorium of the Parsis and visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi uses to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes. The display on the first floor there is a diorama depicting Important scenes from Gandhi's life, the display of photos and letters written and received by Gandhiji

Later enjoy the visit to Marine Drive dubbed, as the Queen's Necklace is Mumbai's most popular promenades.

Overnight at the Hotel

On time transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onwards journey