Introduction
Beyond the rich tapestries of colour, noise and confusion that characterise the cities and countryside of the Gangetic plain lies a desolate wilderness of breathless beauty. Scattered amongst the Thar Desert's 700,000 square kilometres are a variety of habitats that form a last stronghold for some of India's most threatened wildlife. Among the shifting dunes are rocky outcrops, scrub forests and, in places, some of the savannah grasslands that provide the vestige of a vanished landscape. Quiet and peaceful, but always colourful, the desert holds many surprises. Resplendent Rajput peoples in their gaudy turbans and scarves; desert citadels, eerie forts and Maharajahs' retreats provide the backdrop to our tour.

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the The Taj Mahal - synonymous to romance in the land of the Badshahs and Maharanis - and their eccentricities. The Taj Mahal is one of the most moving experiences that one can have in the whole world but if you are still unruffled by the Taj - we will get to see the romantic ruins of the Fatehpur Sikri which houses the 'Panch Mahal' with 84 columns - no two of which are exactly alike.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You will arrive Delhi by midnight; our representative will meet you at the airport and will provide you assistance and transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast your tour guide and the driver are going to meet you in your hotel with one of our senior tourism professional for the discussion of your tour itinerary. After having a short discussion and the Introduction you will proceed for the full day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi.

Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan - the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering voices.

New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic 42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutab Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).

Day 03: Delhi - Agra
Today morning you will be transferred to the New Delhi train station to connect express air-conditioned chair car train to Agra at 0600 hrs.
Note: We have given you this option only to give you the experience of the train journey in India. If you would not like to take this train journey you can drive to Agra. Delhi to Agra is only 210 Kms and will only take 05 hours.

You will arrive Agra at 0800 hrs and will be transferred to your hotel. Note: Normally the check in time for the hotels is 1200 hrs so before check in to the hotel you can visit Agra Fort OR Itmad Ud Daulah.

Itmad-Ud Daulah (the "baby Taj"), the mausoleum of Mirza Ghiyas Beg (the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj) is quite as magnificent as the Taj Mahal itself, and set in idyllic riverside gardens. Agra Fort too, is a marvellous structure, with towering walls two and a half kilometres in length.

Afternoon visit to Fatehpur Sikri, which is an hour's drive from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri, was once the capital of the Mogul Empire, and is situated roughly half way between Bharatpur and Agra City.

Day 04: Agra - Ranthambhor National Park
You will visit the famous Taj Mahal at sunrise. The magnificent atmosphere of the Taj is hard to leave, especially as its gardens, and the Yamuna River just behind, offer so much ornithological excitement as well!

After visiting Taj Mahal at sunrise you will drive to Bharatpur to connect your air-conditioned express train to Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve. Arriving after 03 hours at Sawai Madhopur - close to the reserve - you will take a short jeep ride to a comfortable lodge for a 02 night stay.

Day 05: Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhor is considered by many to be one of India's most beautiful national parks. Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing. Ranthambhor is perhaps most famous for being one of the original 'Project Tiger' reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger. With the recent escalation in poaching right across the sub-continent, there has been a worrying decline in both numbers and sightings of this magnificent animal. Today Tiger sightings in the park are on the increase and even though the animal itself is still under serious threat, we have a good chance of finding one.

You will take morning and evening drives into the reserve in search of its many mammals and birds. In between these there is plenty of opportunity for bird watching around the lodge or you can relax at the pool side by reading some wonderful wildlife magazines. You may also choose to take time to visit Ranthambhor Fort, whose massive battlements dominate the reserve.

Day 06: Ranthambhor National Park - Jaipur
After the morning game drive to the National Park you will drive to Jaipur (180 kms / 04 hours). You will arrive Jaipur in the late evening hours and will settle down at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

Day 07: Jaipur
Today you will visit Amber fort with an elephant ride in the morning and in evening will enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Amber, built by Man Singh, embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of the King. Its commanding view, sheer walls and rock face, and the curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to concern with security and defense. The fort is mirrored in Maota Lake, which stands adjacent to the Dilaram Garden. The private apartments begun by Man Singh in the17th century combine Hindu and Mughal styles and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), its walls covered with tiny mirrors, becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. Visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Kali Temple.

The capital of Rajasthan, also known popularly as the 'pink city', Jaipur was founded in the year 1727. Here we will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), which remains only a façade today, was originally built to enable ladies of the royal family to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The Jantar Mantar (Observatory) was built between 1728 and 1734. Each of the instruments serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading. Situated in the centre of the city occupying a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the City Palace is an interesting place to visit. We can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art gallery and hall of public and private audience.

Day 08: Jaipur - Samode
After having breakfast you will drive to Samode. On arrival we will check in Samode Palace for overnight stay.
Samode is situated in Rajasthan around 41 kilometres from Jaipur city. Located on way to Shekhawati, this small village is famous for its haveli and fort. Like most other places in north India, Samode too has an extreme climate. The summers can be very hot with the mercury shooting up to 45°C, whereas winters are chilly and the temperature can dip down to 5°C. The best time to go to Samode is the period between October and March. The places of interest include Samode Palace, Samode Fort and excursions to Shekhawati village.
The day is at leisure

Day 09: Samode - Bikaner
After breakfast you will drive to Bikaner (290 kms / 07 hours). After arriving Bikaner you will check in at your hotel.

In evening you will visit the Camel Breeding Farm, which is just outside of the city. After visiting Camel Breeding Farm if time permits you can visit the Karni Mata Temple (famous Rat Temple).

Day 10: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Before departing for Jaisalmer you will visit Jungarh Fort. The fort was built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611 A.D.), a general in the army of Emperor Akbar. The fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful places within. These places, made in red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The imposing fort has 986 long walls with 37 bastions and two entrances. It is approached through the Karan Poal, which is the main entrance. Among the places of interest are Anoop Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Anoop Mahal is famous for it's gold leaf painting. Har Mandir- a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped their Gods and Goddesses. Chandra Mahal or moon palace has exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool Mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with inset mirror work. The gigantic columns, arches and graceful screen grace the palaces. Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb.The other important parts are Durbar Hall, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc.

You will drive to Jaisalmer, which is known as the Yellow city or Gold City as most of the houses are build by Yellow Sand Stone.
You will arrive Jaisalmer at late evening and will check in at your hotel.

Day 11: Jaisalmer
Today you will have a full day guided tour of Jaisalmer before driving to Sam and Sand Dunes where you will have your short camel ride and followed by the typical Rajasthani dinner and cultural dance show in the desert.

The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Easel he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.

Day 12: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Today morning you will drive to Jodhpur (280 kms/ 06 hours). After arriving Jodhpur you will stay at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

In the afternoon you will visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur the second largest city in Rajasthan India, was founded in 1459 by King Rao Jodha. It is a popular tourist destination offering palaces, forts and temples. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall that was built 100 years after the city was founded. Jodhpur is called the Sun City, due to its many blue-painted houses; it can be seen to best advantage from the Mehrangarh Fort, an old maharaja fort placed on a rock above the city. Jodhpur is also called sun city because sun can be seen shining almost in all seasons. Sight seeing includes visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital here from nearby Mandore. There are Palaces, housed within this daunting structure, among them are Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada, constructed out of thin sheets of marble, which allow the sun to filter in, was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, in 1899.

Day 13: Jodhpur
Today you will do the horse riding at Rohetgarh area in the morning and later visit to Bishnoi village to watch Blackbucks.
Rohet Gary Horse safaris are organised in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. Its semi-desert environment serves as an enchanting backdrop to the rich colors of the people of different ethnic communities. The history of Marwar, expressed is an enigma of valour, battle and chivalry, is inseparable from the mount. The pride of the region is the horse, the "Marwar". That has been bred over centuries of royal patronage. The carefully reared pedigree is acclaimed for its stamina, and endurance against the harsh rigours of desert terrain and extreme demands of the climate. Rohetgarh offers a variety of Safaris, which provide both splendid riding exercise and the means to witness authentic places of scenic and tourisitic interest. One also enjoys wildlife, surprisingly abundant in this area. Well-bred horses that are a pleasure to ride carry you across this enchanting desert landscape.

Bishnoi is widely practiced faith or religion that is built on the holism of nature. BISHNOI is wholly and solely devoted to nature, and to conservation as the pivot of human life. BISHNOI people live, not in the bucolic splendour of some green valley, where nature may seduce you to love her; but in the arid, desolation of north-western India where nature requires a struggle by man to even survive. The 500 year faith of the hardy Bishnois, has many lessons for the modern man. For over half a millennium, the Bishnois have evolved their life-style into a religion that fiercely protects the environment. It is not a religion that has a heritage of myths, miracles, a book, ornate temples or priests. While Jainism, founded in 1542, believe in and practice complete non-violence to all living creatures; Bishnoi Community have been the largest contributing factor to the survival of wildlife in the region.

The Bishnoi, whose settlement we visit, are a gentle people who follow the 29 (bish-noi) principles of a non violent Vishnaa sect. Founded in the 15th century, their religion dictates protection of all animate beings. Their careful environmental management has resulted in wildlife, including the rare black buck, taking sanctuary near their villages. They are a community of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers and camel herders.

Day 14: Jodhpur - Udaipur
This morning you will take a 5-hour drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes visiting the exquisitely carved Ranakpur Jain temples en route.

One of the biggest and the most important Jain temples at Ranakpur is the extremely beautiful complex and is well worth seeing. It lies in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The main temple is the Chamukha temple or four faced temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, beautifully crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. Within the complex are two other Jain temples, Neminath and Parasnath - the former with a black image of Parsvanatha in the sanctuary and erotic carving outside. The star shaped Surya Narayan Temple is nearby.
You will arrive Udaipur in the late afternoon and will stay at your hotel for 02 nights

Day 15: Udaipur
In the morning you will visit the City of Lakes including the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-bari followed by a boat ride in the evening on the placid waters of Lake Pichola
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. You will visit the City Palace which was built in 1725, and has various palaces inside such as Dilkush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, the Palace of Krishna etc, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains, beautiful black marble kiosks on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari - this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden, contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains, beautiful black marble kiosks on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures. Shilpgram situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, the Shilpgram is a crafts and performing arts center and houses various craftsmen from different states who display live their crafts and products for the benefit of the visitors.

Day 16: Udaipur - Delhi
The morning is free at leisure and in the late afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to connect your flight to Delhi.

You will arrive Delhi in the late afternoon and will transferred to the hotel near airport for where a room is booked for wash and change and relaxation till you depart to board your return flight.

You will be transferred to the airport to connect your onward destination flight either on Day 16 late night OR on Day 17 early morning.