India Panorama   21 Day Grand Tour
Colorful Festivals, Desert Safari, Historic Forts, Tented glamping

Rajasthan exudes charm through its opulent palaces, historical forts and tales of gallantry. Experience the culture, the people and geographical diversity of Rajasthan, which includes camel safari in the desert and camping in desert tents with modern facilities. Tour also includes journey by Indian Railways for a very unique India vacation experience. Stops include Delhi, Bikaner, Nawalgarh, and Manvar desert, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthanbore Wildlife Sanctuary, Agra, Varanasi and Delhi.

Tour Map-click to enlarge

Day I USA/DELHI:
Welcome aboard your flight to Delhi, enjoy the regal hospitality by silk sari clad hostesses. Indulge yourself with delicious Indian and Continental cuisine.

Day 2 DELHI:
This evening arrive in Delhi, capital of India, your first stop of your travel to India. You'll be received and escorted to Hotel Park/ Hotel The Grand.

Day 3 DELHI:
Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour includes, the Presidential-Palace, Parliament House, India Gate, Qu tab Miner Tower, Jan tar Mantra, the fashionable Connaught Circus. Red Fort, Chania Chow, Mahalaxmi Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi. Evening free.

Day 4 DELHI/NAWALGARH:
After breakfast, drive to Nawalgarh in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Better known as the "realm of frescos," Nawalgarh was founded in the beginning of 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior-statesman. The city boasts of some of the finest frescoes in Shekhawati region. This typical Rajasthani town reflects the old world charm through its colorful bazaars and hand- painted havelis. Hotel Roop Niwas Palace.

Day 5 NAWALGARH:
Spend the day exploring the magnificent temples, havelis, forts and the villages by Indian bicycles, that makes this colorful city a very memorable part of the tour.

Day 6 NAWALGARH/BIKANER:
After breakfast travel to Bikaner Rajasthan. Bikaner is a true desert country and part of the ancient caravan route that came from west and central Asia. Located in the north of the State of Rajasthan, it was founded in 1488 by a Rathore Prince Rao Bika, a descendent of Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. Rao Bika chose a barren wilderness called 'Jangladesh' and transformed it to an impressive city. The old city is surrounded by a wall and was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. Bikaner's forts, palaces and temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. Here you'll visit The Lalgarh Fort, that still echo the opulence of that bygone era, this red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. You'll also visit Deshnok rat temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum. Hotel Karni Palace

Day 7 BIKANER/MANVAR DESERT CAMP:
After a hearty breakfast we drive to the Manvar Desert Camp, an experience that reflects the desert life at finest. The desert camp is in the midst of the wilderness surrounded by sand dunes. The camp is exclusive, consisting of 20 deluxe tents tastefully decorated with attached bathrooms providing running hot and cold water. Meals are provided in the strategically located dining tent, which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the surrounding countryside. Evenings are livened up by campfire, mashaals and local musicians and dancers.

Day 8 MANVAR DESERT:
Full day activity of exploring the desert villages and sand dunes, each involving numerous visually stimulating sights and sounds to add to the excitement to your outdoor adventure and a taste of the Thar Desert. You can choose between camel and Jeep safaris. Visitors can visit tribal (bishnoi) villages, see desert wild life, watch local craftsmen at work and enjoy the beautiful sand dunes. The dunes around Manvar are untouched.

Day 9 MANVAR DESERT/JAISALMER:
After breakfast, we leave the desert camp for Jaisalmer, the western most citadel of the desert. Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading center. Part of its Golden Fort continue to be inhabited. We arrive here this afternoon and check into Hotel Fort Raj Wada/Gorbandh Palace. Day at rest.

Day 10 JAISALMER:
Sightseeing tour of this 12 century city dominated by its sandstone fort of 99 Bastions. Visit the exquisitely carved havelis and palaces with their latticed windows, balconies, cupolas and facades. Evening visit the sand dunes and take a camel ride

Day 11 JAISALMER/JODHPUR:
By car travel to Jodhpur which stands at the entrance to the Thar Desert, the fortified city whose foundations were laid in 1459. On top of a rocky hill stands the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, once considered invincible. The palaces within are noted for their lattice work in red sandstone. The lakes and the temples add to the beauty and grandeur of the Jodhpur. Other attractions of this desert city are the Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial built in 1899 and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Hotel Bal Samand Palace/Hari Mahal

Day 12 JODHPUR:
Full day sightseeing of Jodhpur city and desert.

Day 13 JODHPUR/JAIPUR:
This morning we continue our drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur, transfer to Hotel Mansingh Palace/Hotel Clark's. Day at leisure.

Day 14 JAIPUR:
After breakfast, travel in the style of Emperor Akbar to the Amber Fort atop festive Indian Elephants. Afternoon sightseeing includes The City Palace, Albert Museum, Jantar Mantar and the Observatory. For this evening, we recommend a rickshaw drive around the city displaying local life-style in the ancient biblical way.

Day 15 JAIPUR/RANTHANBORE:
This morning we leave for Ranthanbore wildlife sanctuary. The imposing ramparts of the 10th. Century fort are surrounded by this Project Tiger Reserve. Check into Tiger Moon/Safari Lodge. Ranthnabore is India's one of the finest tiger reserves. Its topography of low hills and large lakes provides a tranquil idyll. Enjoy the world-class safari.

Day 16 RANTHANBORE:
All day game viewing and bird watching tours.

Day 17 RANTHANBORE/AGRA:
Enroute to Agra well stop at Fatehpur-Sikri, the deserted sandstone city built by Akbar. This imperial complex of forts, palaces, mosques and temples was short lived and today is a haunting testament to that era. Check into hotel Hotel Taj View/ Clark's hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax or take swim in the pool.

Day 18 AGRA/VARANASI:
This morning visit the world famous Taj Mahal in the early sunrise. Enjoy the architectural wonder and awe inspiring monument of love. Following the Taj Mahal visit, we'll head to Agra Red Fort, where Emperor Shah Jahan, Spent his last days gazing at his monument. This afternoon transfer to the train station for our overnight journey to holy city of Varanasi.
Accommodation aboard the train in sleeper car.

DAY 19 VARANASI:
This morning arrive in Varanasi and transfer to Hotel Taj Ganges/Hotel Clark's. Morning free. This afternoon we'll visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha revealed his enlightenment to Nirvana. Hotel Taj Ganges/Clark's.

Day 20 VARANASI/DELHI:
Our day begins with a boat ride on the Ganges River, whose holy waters draw thousands of pilgrims. This remarkable tour shows the cleansing baths and burning cremation ghats of Hindu Funeral Rituals, followed by an in-depth tour of Hindu Temples. This afternoon fly to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi, the majestic capital city of India. Delhi blends within its folds a great cultural variety of India: an unceasing range of activity. Time free to explore on your own, great for shopping and browsing. Hotel Grand Intercon/Taj Palace.

Day 21 DELHI/USA:
Depart early morning from Delhi for homeward bound

welcome to Jaipur






Charming



Standing with Royal Guard