Humayuns Tomb; Jagdish Temple

This morning our goal is Humayun’s Tomb. Traffic allowing, we’ll make a photo stop at Rajpath, Delhi’s grand boulevard with the iconic India Gate and Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, and heavily influenced the Taj Mahal. Afterwards, an afternoon flight whisks us to Udaipur. Upon arrival we'll visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with noteworthy statuary.

City Palace; Lake Pichola cruise

Your morning is free for your personal explorations. In the afternoon we will visit Udaipur's City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake and surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, sumptuous rooms, and hanging gardens. Next we proceed directly to our classic evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. This lake is picturesquely surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. We’ll cruise by the famous floating Lake Palace Hotel and visit the island palace of Jag Mandir.

Ranakpur Temple

After breakfast we depart Udaipur by private bus to Jodhpur. On the way we will visit magnificent Ranakpur Temple. This Jain temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is our favorite temple in India. It features impressive pillared halls and majestic domes supported by over four hundred intricately carved marble columns. Upon our arrival in Jodhpur we’ll check into our hotel before adjourning to a roof-top dinner with views of mighty Mehrangarh, illuminated in the evening.

Mehrangarh Fort

Today is a special day. This morning our destination is the magnificent Mehrangarh, India’s most majestic fort. Situated on a steep hill, its interior boasts sumptuous palaces and impressive courtyards. The audioguides we’ll use are narrated by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, whose family still owns the fortress. Next up, a Jodhpur “Food Walk” through the traditional “Blue City” section of the town. After a free afternoon we will enjoy a home-cooked meal, followed by a Q&A session, with our Indian tour manager's extended family. 

Village Visit

We will spend this morning visiting the Bishnoi tribe. The Bishnoi are born nature lovers and considered the original environmentalists of India. We’ll explore and learn about village life in this traditional Rajasthani culture. Your afternoon and evening are free.

Amber Fort

A morning train whisks us to storied Jaipur. After settling at our Heritage hotel we will visit splendid Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh built the fortress and walls in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks a photogenic lake and crenelated walls. Dinner will be at 1135 AD Restaurant inside the fort. All the recipes used at 1135 AD have been passed down for generations through various royal families. One expects the food to be rich and decadent, and it does not disappoint.

Free Day; Cooking Demo; Sari/Turban evening

Your day is free to explore the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, picturesque Hawa Mahal, go shopping in the old city, or just relax by the pool at our Heritage Hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll be visiting a local family where we will enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. To add to the festive atmosphere, ladies will be shown how to properly drape a sari and men will learn to tie a turban. And of course we’ll enjoy the results of the cooking demo for dinner, resplendent in our traditional attire.

Jantar Mantar; Rickshaw food tour; Bollywood night

This morning we visit Jantar Mantar, a fascinating 18th century observatory. Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, it features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll experience a rickshaw food tour. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a unique and innovative endeavor that provides employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households. Tonight is Bollywood Night! Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Bollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Chand Beori; Fatapur Sikri

During our drive to Agra we will visit two of India's lesser known but premier sights. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago. It is one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in India. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. But the city was abandoned during his lifetime, leaving the evocative ghost town of today. Dinner is at Pind Balluchi restaurant, an interesting amalgamation of rustic ambiance and delicious food. It boasts a Punjabi village theme with Mud walls, artifacts, and traditional attire.

Taj Mahal; Agra Fort

We’ll begin our day visiting the ultimate monument of love and flawless architecture. Shah Jehan's Taj Mahal has inspired poets and writers for centuries. It was once described as "A teardrop glistening on the cheek of eternity". Afterward we move on to Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and filled with palaces and gardens by his heir Jehangir. Shah Jehan was imprisoned here, within sight of his beloved Taj Mahal.

Qutab Minar; B’Hai Lotus Temple; Tour over
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Delhi where the tour ends at the airport. Enroute we’ll visit the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. If time allows we’ll make a photo stop at the B’hai Lotus temple and visit Safdarjung’s Tomb. Most international flights depart Delhi late in the evening or the wee hours of the morning. We'll provide day-use rooms at an airport hotel where you can relax and refresh before your flight departure. Those continuing on to Varanasi will be accommodated overnight at the airport hotel.

Upon our return to Delhi (day 12 of the regular tour) we will check in to an airport hotel, where we will be accommodated overnight.

Sarnath
An AM flight will transport us to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city. Before heading into the bustling city we will visit Sarnath, one of the world’s most significant Buddhist sights. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first public sermon, preaching the middle path for attaining Nirvana. It is also considered one of the best places to see the rich antiquities of the Ashoka period of the 12th century. Afterward we’ll be taken to our riverside hotel - via boat.

Ganges Sunrise boat; Old city tour; Aarti
We will greet the sunrise on a classic boat ride on the river Ganges, a must do activity in Varanasi. Watch Hindus from all over India come to take this holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. Our vantage point is from a rowed boat that moves silently and slowly from one Ghat to another, including the burning Ghat where devout Hindus are cremated. Later, we’ll take a walking tour of the old city. We’ll explore the lanes and alleys behind the Ghats, viewing the architecture of the temples, the colorful chaos of the city, and gain insight into the spirituality of this ancient city. In the evening we will observe the Aarti ceremony (bidding goodnight to Mother Ganga) from a boat on the river before gathering for a final dinner together.

Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.