Delhi / Day 1
Arrive in Delhi. Landmark monuments fill the day for sightseeing. The 17th century imposing fortress, Red Fort, followed by Jama Masjid, the mosque that can house 20,000 kneeling devotees in prayer and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial. We also take you through the slim lanes of Old Delhi on a Heritage Walk, which gives you a perspective of history and current culture of the area. Food, living culture and historical sights in this area are the highlights. On the way back, we drive through other important buildings and monuments like Raj Ghat, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Agra – Jaipur / Day 3 -5
We drive to Agra after breakfast.
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. 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. Later visit an inlay work factory. The art of marble inlay or “Parchin kari” was introduced in India in the 17th century by the Mughals. The Mughals who were known for their great passion for art and architecture brought with them many different forms of art during their rule, which was the golden period of India’s architectural history. Today we visit the famous Taj Mahal, a poignant poetry in marble that stands serene and awesome on a raised marble platform, by the banks of the Yamuna. The most extravagant monument ever built for love is a tribute to the timelessness of art and love. Also visit the Agra Fort, situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death Later visit the Mother Teresa’s Orphanage in Agra. Here one can donate the books, disposable diapers and used clothes to the children. Group will also be able to interact with children. Today we first visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is a beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The Mughals later abandoned this city for lack of water. After sightseeing continue drive to Jaipur. Jaipur- the City of Victory was originally Sawai Jaipur, named after its founder Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743). The sunset-pink tinge of its walls, buildings, temples and emporia gave it the name Pink City, the name in which it became famous throughout the world. The highlight today is a rickshaw ride, the local mode of transportation. We visit the local markets in this.
Jaipur / Day 6
After breakfast enjoy a short trip which takes you to Amber Fort on Jeep / Elephants. This city Fort is situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills all around it in a valley 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 (Hawa Mahal). It is a 5 storied building from the 18th century having 953 windows and niches made so that the ladies of the Royal family. In the afternoon visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. You will visit City Palace, which houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. We also make a quick stop at Jantar Mantar. In the evening, there is a cooking class and a dinner. This gives you an insight into local Rajasthani food. The guests can try their hand at cooking.
Pushkar / Day 7
After breakfast drive to Pushkar, and on the way, visit Tilonia. On arrival in Tilonia visit the Tilonia Project being run by Bankar Roy. This will be one of the highlights of this trip. This program was given an award for its integration of social, ecological, cultural and educational elements in such a way as to aid rural development while promoting the architectural traditions of the region. Later, drive to Pushkar.
One of the holiest and oldest cities of India, Pushkar is a favored destination for thousands of tourists and devotees. As per legends, Pushkar boasts of over 400 temples, ghats and palaces revealing an entirely different picture of the city.
Deogarh – Udaipur / Day 8 - 9
Today, drive to Deogarh. It is situated about 135 Kms north-east of Udaipur. The main attraction of Deogarh is Deogarh Mahal which is a heritage hotel, originally built in the 17th century and now converted into a heritage hotel offering an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, enjoy the visit to Deogarh Village and watch villagers performing their day to day activities. Watch women around a community well fetching water buckets, washing clothes and carrying water in beautiful matkas (clay pot) on their heads. Feel free to join the group of people sitting under some shady trees or in open courtyards discussing everything from the world of politics to the local domestic issues. We will also have a round to village market where we will see various small shops of sweets, grocery, vegetables, fruits and other utility items. Also, watch different artisans like potters, cobblers, textile workers, carpenter, jewelers, etc. on their work. The highlight of the day is the local train ride through a wooded hill section (Deogarh to Phulad). A ride on the local meter gauge train, down a mountainous ghat section is interesting for its panoramic views and of the scrub jungle, hills, tunnels, 100-foot high bridges and remote one-man stations. Later drive to Udaipur. Enjoy a public boat ride on Lake Pichola derives its name from Pichola Village. Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city of Udaipur. This picturesque 4 km long and 3 km wide lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. The City Palace extends along its eastern banks.
Udaipur – Delhi / Day 10 - 11
Reserve the day for the highlights of Udaipur, namely, the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and the clock tower area to discover the local markets. We also visit an NGO, Jatan, on this day. Jatan strives to empower the youth by giving them a platform where they can freely express their concerns. Jatan also provides them with information that would enable them to seek social and scientific solutions thereby helping them become agents of change in their communities. Situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Havala village is Shilpgram - the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex. One of the important objectives of Shilpgram is in the sphere of increasing awareness and knowledge of rural life and crafts, specifically, for the younger generation. Special emphasis is laid on workshops for children on arts, crafts, theatre and music. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari which was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors.
Later, take on overnight train to Delhi.
Delhi / Day 12 - 13
On arrival, visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It is instantly recognizable by its stunning golden dome and tall flagpole. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, an Indian ruler in the seventeenth century. Here, we eat the ‘langar’ or community meal, which is a great experience.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Onward flight.
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