You will arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at Terminal 3. After immigration, proceed along the Green Channel to the exit gate where our Luxury Tour of Rajasthan representative will await you. He will ensure that everything runs smoothly and take you to an air-conditioned vehicle. At the hotel he will assist with your check-in procedure.

Some 25 million inhabitants live, work and play in Delhi, often called the City of Djinns. It is also among the oldest cities on the globe. Antiquities and remnants from long lost empires are scattered throughout the city and sacred a tapestry of religious monuments can be seen everywhere. Architecture spanning a thousand years exhibits the rich history of this fascinating metropolis. Delhi is actually a merger of 8 cities into one, making it a captivating combination of Mughal mausoleums, medieval forts, ancient bazaars, modern shopping centers and structures from the British colonial times.

We start our day on a peaceful note with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple constructed out of pure white marble, crowned by an eye-catching golden dome with a tall flagpole. The complex has a huge kitchen which feeds 1000s of people regardless of religion, culture or status daily, you may even spend some time as one of the many volunteers who help prepare the meals. There is also a sarovar, an immense sacred pool, an art gallery and a school on the expansive premises. Throughout the complex a sense of tranquility resides with the occasional sound of devotional hymns sang by the many pilgrims who visit this important religious site.

Our next destination is something extraordinary; the world’s tallest standalone tower, reaching 238 ft./72.5 m into the Delhi airspace. Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site showing an interesting mixture of Indo-Islamic architecture. The first three stories were constructed in red sandstone while the top two has marble added to it. The entire structure is embellished with intricate carvings including quotations from the Quran. The country’s very first mosque can be seen next to the tower. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid dates back to the twelfth century and was constructed with materials salvaged from 27 destroyed Hindu and Jain shrines. Another marvel is the Iron Pillar that is still rust-free after 16 centuries due to the composition of the metals used to build it.

New Delhi is the more modern section of greater Delhi, and the credit for this beautiful green part must go to the British. After lunch we make our way to the Presidential Palace, previously the British Viceroy’s residence situated at the heart of New Delhi. Sir Edwin Lutyens was the architect of a number of important structures like the imposing Parliament Building and several Government Buildings. From his drawing board also came the famous India Gate built to commemorate the 90,000 British-Indian Army soldiers who perished during WW1 and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

Our next stop is at the Lakshmi Narayan or Birla Temple. Dedicated to Vishnu, deity of wisdom and Lakshmi, his wife and goddess of wealth, this beautiful modern Hindu temple has fountains, several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities and a large garden. On your guided tour you will be able to admire the pristine red sandstone and marble structures set against the setting sun. The attention paid to detail throughout the temple is quite remarkable.

 We end our day on a high note with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, famous as India’s very first garden mausoleum. Commissioned by the emperor’s widow, it was finished in 1570 after ten years of construction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first of a line of great imperial tombs that display the dynamic Mughal architecture which reached its peak with the construction of the Taj Mahal 80 years later.

We spend the night in Delhi.

Today you will visit a few of the top historical sites in Delhi and enjoy some of the royal cuisine.

The best way to explore this remarkable city is with the typical local means of transport, a rickshaw. We drive through lively streets lined with mosques, temples and interesting stalls to the so-called Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid, one of the largest in India.

Next on the itinerary is the magnificent Red Fort, representing the zenith of Mughal architectural creativity. Here you will stroll through courtyards, and marvel at the wonders of design and skill of the numerous structures built in red sandstone with marble finishing.

From the fort we proceed to something completely different; the Khari Baoli Spice Market, counted amongst the most ancient markets of its kind on the globe. The air is filled with the fragrant aroma of various spices including garam masala. Veiled women sit behind colorful spice heaps awaiting customers while hurrying porters shouldering bags filled with herbs, spices and nuts push their way through the crowds. Here you can put your skills at successful bargaining to the test and have a quick chat with the locals. If aromatic herbs and spices is not your cup of tea, move on to the stalls selling brightly colored glass bangles, silk saris, bindis, traditional weddings outfits and much more. The market is a treasure chest of traditional items. There is also an opportunity to see the house where Mirza Ghalib, the famous Persian poet lived in Ballimaran.

After the excitement of narrow alleys filled with treasures, it is time for some nourishment and we make our way to the famous Karim’s Restaurant. Here you will taste how the spices you have just smelled are being used in various dishes savored by the Moghuls in years gone by. Karim’s has been serving authentic Moghul cuisine for the last 80 years, so you will be licking your lips after eating their mutton burras and seekh kebabs.

We jump into another rickshaw to the Raj Ghat, site of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation’s memorial. His cremation on January the 31^st 1948 is marked with a slab of black marble with a perpetual flame on one side of the platform. The beautiful surrounding gardens lend a peaceful atmosphere befitting a great pacifist and leader.

The Bahai Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship is a modern wonder of architectural skill and design. More than four million people from around the globe visit this temple every year. The site forms a welcome retreat away from the noise and commotion of the city streets. The temple is built of white marble and designed to resemble a lotus flower with its pure white half opened petals. The building is surrounded by tranquil water pools, giving it the name of the Lotus Temple.

By now it is late afternoon, the perfect time to experience the colors, excitement and aromas of the lively streets of the Sarjoni Nagar neighborhood and the Lajpat Nagar market area. Known as a shopper’s paradise and any shopaholic’s heaven, this was Northern India’s ancient trading center. Here you can literally shop till you drop in local bazaars, shopping centers, malls and complexes stocking accessories, fabrics, footwear, spices, furniture, gadgets of all kinds, electronics and much more.

We spend another night in Delhi.

We depart after breakfast in the hotel and drive on to Jaipur where we book into our hotel on arrival.

Jaipur has a choice of old markets and you can visit them all or decide on one or two which interest you most. Choose between M. I. Road, Rajasthali, the Kishanpol, Nehru, Zohri, Bapu or Tripolia Bazaars, or Chaura Rasta. Meander at leisure through the stores of Rajasthali selling handicrafts and items produced by Rajasthan’s top craftsmen. Shop for the famous Bagru block prints and Bandhni fabrics. If you have a soft spot for jewelry, make your way to the Jauhari Market for jewels of precious stones and other traditional Rajasthani jewelry items. Look out for the pieces of meenakari, the world famous colored and ornamented metal jewelry, as well as the elaborate kundan, precious stones set in gold foil.

Shopping done, we set off to Birla Temple. Also called the Laxmi Narain Temple, it is located on land donated by the Maharaja Man Singh and was constructed by the wealthy Birla merchant family who manufactured Ambassador Indian cars in Calcutta. After ten years of construction it was opened in 1985. Although modern technology was used in its construction it loosely follows the Nagara architectural style of the Vedic cult with a Panchayatana layout where the temple resembles the five organs of the human body. White Makrana marble was used to build the temple which is maintained by the Birla Foundation. Dedicated to the Vishnu deity, there are five Aarti or religious ceremonies according to our daily human routine called rising, breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner and sleep. The beautifully extravagant garments and jewels of the deity and Laxmi, his wife are also changed according to the seasons.

As the sun starts its descent, we find ourselves at Amer Fort for the dazzling Light and Sound Show. A well-coordinated mixture of light effects, narratives and music recalls the history of the fort, as well as the Jaipur dynasty. This site saw 28 Kachhwaha clan rulers in the time before Jaipur was the capital, and their six-hundred-year reign had a major influence on the ancient history and development of India. During this wonderful 50-minute extravaganza you will get insight into the history, cultural folklore, legends of the people and the lives of the royals. The rhythm of typical Rajasthani music will make your heart beat faster and fill your soul with joy.

However, if you are in the mood for something less boisterous, a visit to the Nahargarh Fort will be just the thing. Also called Tiger Fort, it dates back to 1734 and was the handiwork of Jai Singh who built it as additional defense for the capital of Jaipur. Situated high on a hilltop, the fort offers wonderful views of the city below. A 1.2 mi./2 km-long winding road leads up to the fort and the spectacular sunset is best enjoyed with a cold drink.

We overnight in Jaipur.

You have the option of an early morning cycling trip along the narrow streets of ancient Jaipur.

Breakfast is enjoyed in the hotel after which your Luxury North India Trip continues with a visit to Amer Fort. This 10^th century erstwhile royal residence for Rajput Maharajas, consisting of various palace buildings is enclosed by massive defensive walls, towers and ramparts. Close to the Ganesh gate and near the palace entrance you can see the temple built in dedication to the Chaitanya goddess Shila Devi. Make sure to stop by the numerous ornate courtyards, the Mirror Palace or Jai Mandir and the beautiful audience halls. Peer through the carved screen window openings of the pavilion to enjoy the enchanting views of the water pools and surrounding countryside below.

The amazing Jal Mahal is every photographer’s dream and we will stop for a picture perfect shot or two. The red sandstone building seems to rise up from Sagar Lake with its mirror image doubling up in the still water. Sometimes it resembles an immense floating palace. This amazing feat tells us a lot about the brilliant skills of the ancient Indian architects and masons.

Another excellent photo opportunity presents itself at the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds dating back to the start of the 19^th century. Towering five stories high and constructed of beautiful pink sandstone it has 953 honeycomb-style lattice screened windows through which the women of the court could watch royal processions and life in the streets below without being observed themselves.

We continue on our way to the City Palace Complex to explore its 18^th century palatial buildings like the Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal. Large courtyards and gardens add a feeling of serenity. Watch out for the heaviest silver artifacts found on earth, namely three enormous silver jars, each one filled with 900 gallons/4091 liters of water from the Ganges River. There is also an outsize chess set with pieces made of stone nearby. As you stroll through the elegant galleries, you will see illuminated images of members of the royal family with the garments they wore displayed in cabinets.

Something quite different but equally impressive is the astronomical observatory, the Jantar Mantar where 13 huge instruments made of stone, brass and masonry are displayed. A massive marble sundial designed by Maharaja Jai Singh ll is also on view. He invented these instruments according to directions in ancient Sanskrit documents and data collected from Mughal astronomical documents.

It is time for lunch and afterwards a local rickshaw ride takes you through the narrow alleys and vibrant bazaars of this historic city. We have another gourmet delight in store for you, so we proceed to the Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar Hotel, shortened to LMB, still in the capable hands of the Ghodawat clan since its opening in 1727. They offer an astounding variety of 500 different sweets, all deliciously addictive. Top of the list though is the honeycomb textured sticky paneer ghewar.

The 196 mi./315 km-long drive to Jodhpur takes around five hours and on the way you can sit back and enjoy the interesting countryside views and Rajasthani women dressed in their traditional bright colored saris, anklets and bracelets. Talking about fashion, the tight-fitting ankle-length trousers called Jodhpurs get their name from the Jodhpur equestrians.

On arrival we check into our hotel, enjoy lunch and then start our exploration of the Blue City, managed by descendants of the Jodhpur Maharajas all these years.

 Mehrangarh Fort dominates the landscape outside Jodhpur. Its formidable walls protect the palace complex and interlinked courtyards, typical of Rajput buildings. Seven gates give access to the fort. At the Lohapol or Iron Gate are sati marks, miniature handprints covered in red powder of Man Sigh’s widows who allegedly threw themselves onto his burning pyre during his 1843 cremation. Various buildings have been converted into museums with interesting exhibitions of royal court palanquins, musical instruments, household furniture and much more. Also of interest are the cannons still standing ready on the fort walls.

You will be amazed to find almost every house in the old part of the city painted blue. The reason is two-fold; not only does the blue exterior bring relief from the harsh desert heat, it also deters mosquitos. Jodhpur truly lives up to its name of the Blue City.  

Jaswant Thada, our next stop is a beautiful white marble cenotaph built by the Maharaja Sardar Singh for his father Jaswant Singh ll in 1899.

We spend the evening in one of the oldest markets in the country. Sardar Bazaar surrounds the landmark clock tower and in the many alley stalls you will find anything from silver, vegetables, Indian sweet and fabrics to Bollywood movie soundtracks.

We spend the night in our hotel in Jodhpur.

The next city on the itinerary is Udaipur, renowned for its peaceful lakes and beautiful palaces. We will stay in a luxury hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola and have plenty of time to enjoy the hotel grounds and wonderful views. The hotel offers relaxing spa treatments, perfect after the drive. Along the way we stop  close to Udaipur to visit the opulent Ranakpur Jain Temples. Truly spectacular, the interior is reminiscent of the more popular Mount Abu Dilwara Temples. However, the façade is far more superior. Every inch of the 15^th century structure is covered in intricate carvings depicting scenes from ancient daily life, Jain Tirthankara sculptures and mythical creations. An amazing total of 1444 pillars, each individually hand-carved, support the ceilings of 29 halls inside.

Upon arrival we book into the hotel and the remainder of the day is yours to send as you please. Sajjangarh Palace is optional and we recommend a visit. This hilltop nine-story marble palatial residence was named after the Mewar ruler for whom it was built and served as viewpoint from where he could watch the monsoon clouds; hence the popular name of Monsoon Palace. Beautiful carvings of flowers and other plant-like motifs decorate the interior of this former summer retreat and hunting lodge of the royal Mewar family. The scene at night is exceptionally enchanting with hundreds of lights reflected in the water of Lake Pichola 1100 ft./335 m below. And if the palace reminds you of something, you are correct since scenes from the James Bond movie Octopussy were shot here.

We spend the night in our hotel on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

Udaipur is an enchanting city founded seven centuries ago and is often described as the top romantic destination on the Indian subcontinent. Its combination of serene lakes, breathtaking countryside and ancient bazaars make it a magical and exciting place to visit.

First on the agenda this morning is the largest palace in Rajasthan, the magnificent City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola and the Taj Lake Palace. Constructed over a period of 400 years, it is a cluster of eleven separate palaces with numerous towers, balconies and copulas. Fountains, a hanging garden and terraces make up the fabulous rooftop garden which offers wonderful views. The palace is elegance and luxury personified with an endless number of rooms, and decorated with miniature antique paintings, mirrors, elaborate mosaics and stained glass. On the grounds are 8 arches each commemorating the occasions a Maharana was weighed after which the same weight in silver and gold were distributed among fortunate locals. Galleries inside the City Palace sell fabulous jewelry, miniature paintings and fabrics, and in the numerous shops in the streets outside you are sure to find a bargain or two.

After a delightful morning we head for the Jagdish Temple in the afternoon. Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, it houses an image of the deity Vishnu, Lord of the Universe as Jagannath, done in black stone. The top steps leading up to the entrance are flanked by two elephant statues. Raised on a tall terrace, the temple, the largest in the city, is embellished with friezes, intricate carvings and numerous sculptures.

The road we take goes past Lake Fateh Sagar, pride of this City of Lakes. On three sides the lake is surrounded by hills with the Pratap Memorial commissioned by Maharana Fateh Singh to the north side. Nehru Park with its café in the shape of a boat, is a beautiful garden island seemingly floating in the center of the lake and can only be reached by boat. We head to Sahelion-ki-Bari, also called the Garden of the Maidens, and a popular green retreat. Carved marble pavilions with many rain water fountains and lotus ponds create the illusion of raindrops dancing with the maids of honor. The garden was built as a place of tranquility for the queen and the maidens who accompanied her, and a paradise where the king could find respite from political turmoil.  Four kiosks in black marble form the corners of the main tank that has a white marble kiosk in the center.

Late afternoon finds us on a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, the perfect way to rejuvenate the soul. We watch the sun slowly setting over the water, blue-green mountains making up the background. The scene is a peaceful one; white and black water birds dive into the lake in search of a meal and ducks glide past our boat in rows. We enjoy the views of two spectacular palace hotels, the Oberoi Udaivilas and Taj Lake Palace, and watch the locals bathing on the lake ghats and tending to their chores. Toward the end of our boat ride we stop for a relaxing drink in Jag Mandir Island’s restaurant.

A highlight of your Luxury North India Tour is the exotic Dharohar Dance Show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli. The show takes place at 8 p.m. every evening and is an extravaganza of colorful traditional dress, music and the most unbelievable dance feats. Women balance up to 8 clay pots filled with water on top of their heads, performing energetic movements without spilling even a drop of liquid.

We spend the night  in Udaipur.

After breakfast we continue our journey to Sardargarh, driving past flocks of sheep grazing under the watchful eye of their shepherd, cows walking in long lines, and through quaint villages until we finally arrive at 4 immense stone gateways leading to the magnificent Sardargarh Hill Fort situated in the center of a man-made lake. Part of the palace has been turned into an intimate 21-bedroom boutique hotel. Sardargarh is a place of living history evident at first sight of the gigantic ramparts and impressive facades.

Sardar Singh, one of the most powerful Dhodhia rulers in Rajasthan, finished construction of the Sardargarh Fort in 1743, and to this day it is in the hands of his descendants who also manage it. The present-day suites, set in beautiful gardens, were the private residence of the ruler’s children and wives. Every suite has an antique two-person swing hanging from the vaulted vestibule ceiling outside by beautifully embellished brass chains.

The fort interior is filled with fascinating historical antiques like bowls adorned with floral designs created from petals, which fill every nook and cranny. The proud owners are clearly very serious about preserving the heritage and many treasures of the fort they have inherited.
The village has much to offer the visitor, so you can spend your afternoon on a Gypsy Safari booked at the hotel at your own cost, or go for a camel or horseback ride. The local bazaar is worth a visit, and so is the village of Banjara, the Kalbeliya tribe, Talao Paal and Bagh family.

The evening brings additional delights; the hotel often arranges typical Rajasthani dance and folk song events with a traditional Mewar dinner and bonfire thrown into the package. The meals are served in a variety of open-air locations like the garden or on the walls with views of the valley.

To add even more spice to a wonderful evening, the owner and his charming wife are more than willing to share interesting anecdotes from their colorful lives with the guests.

We spend the night in the Sardargarh Heritage Hotel.

Because Rajasthan is so popular with tourists it is difficult to avoid the crowds, but Bundi, often overlooked by visitors, is a haven of tranquility and much less crowded. This small town is filled with gems ready to be discovered, such as ancient step wells, robust fords, lively bazaars and brightly painted houses. Strolling through the narrow little streets is a joy and make sure to stop at one f the many side cafés for some people watching while sipping on a refreshing cold drink. Now that you have some feel for the town, make your way to the main attraction, the 17^th century Garh Palace. This massive palace consists of a number of smaller residences surrounding the central palace. There are superb frescoes in the Chitrasala and Badal Mahal, in fact, everywhere you look you will see beautiful murals. They mostly depict scenes of life in ancient times. This palace also features in Rudyard Kipling’s writings.

Another must-visit for history enthusiasts is the enormous 14th century Taragarh Fort. The ramparts hold huge reservoirs carved from the rock. The Sukh Mahal, right on the bank of the lake is where Kipling, the Nobel Prize winner author stayed during his visit of two years. Another gem in Bundi’s treasure chest is the Queen’s Stepwell of Raniji-ki-Baori. The well, built by the queen in 1699 is 150 ft./46 m deep with a small temple for worship on each level. Bundi truly has a lot to offer for the historian and the adventurous traveler alike.

We spend the night on a charming old haveli, either the Bundi Vilas or Bundi Inn.

After breakfast we have a mere 3-hour drive ahead of us to the Ranthambore National Park where we will stay in a luxury jungle lodge. We arrive around midday, so you can enjoy lunch and make use the facilities of the hotel before you embark on the first of your uncovered Jeep safaris just after 2 p.m.  Situated 15 minutes away by car from the park entrance, the lodge has sizable grounds, a pool and Ayurvedic spa. The Indian restaurant has a variety of dishes including international, Chinese and North Indian cuisine. The fresh vegetables used in the restaurant are grown on the grounds.

In the olden days this park was the hunting grounds of the Jaipur Maharaja and his friends. The landscape consists of lakes, rivers and woods nestling between steep cliffs and rock formations. In 1955 it was established as a game sanctuary and wildlife preservation area, although hunting took place until the beginning of the 1970’s. When it became one of the country-wide Tiger Project initiative in 1973, the tiger population saw a significant increase in numbers.

Although the Bengal tiger is the main attraction, many other animals roam the park, including striped hyenas, langurs, pythons, marsh crocodiles, Ganga soft shelled turtles and sloth bears. A large variety of bird species can be seen, and bird watchers especially enjoy the eagles, white-breasted kingfishers, and wagtails.

We spend the night in our lodge close to the park.

In the morning you can enjoy another safari in the park. Your chances of spotting a tiger is much more likely in the early morning when these magnificent animals are more active. As soon as the heat descends, they tend to seek the shade of denser vegetation, but while it is still cool you might see them out hunting, drinking at one of the rivers or strolling through the forest.

After the drive you return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and a short rest before we set out for Agra.

We break our trip at Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient fortified city and a World Heritage Site. Founded in 1569 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and abandoned a mere 16 years later, it is remarkably intact and affords a good insight into life of the imperial court members. Among the many important structures is the five-storied Panch Mahal which housed the emperor’s harem. A curiosity is the Pachisi Board. Legend has it that Akbar played Pachisi, a game similar to chess on this human-scaled board with slave girls dressed in different colors as living pawns. Perhaps the most beautiful building is the Diwan-i-Khas, the Private Audience Hall with a massive central column carved like a lotus flower.

This morning you are going to see one of the most breathtaking sights on earth. You will have to rise extra early because we are going to watch the sun slowly casting its golden light on the Taj Mahal as it rears its head above the horizon. The soft colors illuminating the white marble of this epitome of love changes every minute. Since it was finished 350 years ago people have been admiring its fine elegance and beauty. The mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor for his beloved wife Mumtaz and was completed after 22 years of construction. When he died, the ruler was interned next to his wife under the white sandstone dome.

We return to our hotel to enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning.

After lunch we continue our sightseeing with a visit to the majestic Agra Fort situated on the banks of River Yamuna. The Mughal emperor Akbar built this spectacular fortification in red sandstone to protect his first imperial capital with its many palaces and temples. The clever use of red sandstone and white marble makes this fort and its many buildings one of the most outstanding on the globe.

We take to the road on a three to four-hour journey to Delhi where we will board the plane for Goa, a wonderful West Coast beach destination and much sought after because of the interesting mixture of religion, architecture and pure fun it offers.

Laid-back is the best word to describe Goa; from the palm trees moving gently in the breeze to the mellow-natured, smiling people. Five hundred years of Portuguese influence has left its mark on the interesting architecture, as well as the delectable cuisine.

We spend the night in a beach resort in Goa.

There is much to do and enjoy in Goa. Try the chestnuts the locals love so much, while sipping on a cold beer. Go beachwear shopping and visit the numerous inexpensive North Goa markets for bargains on jewelry, cotton sarongs, shoulder bags as well as many wonderful handicraft items. Most of the vendors are local or from neighboring Karnataka, but you will also find merchandise from all over the country. All this shopping makes a person peckish, so try a burrito or something from the Middle East like falafel or hummus. Do not miss the Saturday night market with its endless number of small restaurants offering anything from roast chicken to delicious gelato. Relax, enjoy the balmy weather, chat to the locals and have a great time.

We spend four nights in Goa.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and so must your Luxury North India Tour. Spend a last few hours enjoying the sandy beach before you leave for the airport to board the plane for Mumbai or Delhi. Upon arrival you will check into a hotel near the airport.

Depending on the time of your flight home, you will be taken to the international airport for check-in. No doubt you will leave India with lots of sweet memories and we hope to see you soon again.