Itinerary

Depart USA for Delhi, India

ARRIVE DELHI -- Welcome to India!
You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs & immigration formalities and baggage collection, a Cox & Kings representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival proceed for check in at the hotel.

Proceed for a combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort overlooking the river Yamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak, continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet

Later, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy what the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Return back to the hotel after the city tour. Later in the evening proceed to visit an Indian Home for Cooking Class followed by Dinner (included). The host will also provide the handouts of all the recipes taught during the class for reference.

Drive to Agra (205 Kms, 4-5 hrs drive). In the afternoon, you will be taken to visit Agra Fort. Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. Later in the afternoon proceed to visit an Indian Family for lunch.

After lunch, visit the world renowned Taj Mahal by sunset. Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna.

Drive to Bharatpur (56 Kms, 1.5 hrs drive) and board train to Sawai Madhopur.
On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon game/drive in sharing jeep/canters to see wildlife in the park.  Eg. Bengal Tigers, Indian Gazell, Sloth Bear.  http://www.ranthamborenationalpark.org/

Morning and afternoon game drives in sharing jeep/canters
Optional: Nature walk in Ranthambore can be undertaken from the entry gate to the Fort. It takes around 1.5 -2 hrs. Also one can climb up the Fort (30 minutes up and down)

Drive to Samode (250 Kms, 4-5 hrs drive).  On arrival transfer to Samode Bagh.
Samode Bagh is a garden paradise situated 4km from Samode Palace, nestled on 20 acres of beautiful grounds combines warmth and luxury, an atmosphere that is quiet, relaxed & elegant. It is a romantic hideaway where you can be as active or contemplative as you wish. Samode Bagh offers a unique experience of an air-conditioned tented camp where the dune coloured tents are luxuriously furnished with every comfort. The garden is about three blocks long and is enclosed by a 15ft high stone wall. A 200ft long row of fountains fed from natural springs and wells are displayed all along the garden. Victorian and traditional Rajasthani décor echo life in a 16th century luxury camp.

After a leisurely breakfast trek about 8km through rural countryside and villages to Samode Palace, where we are given a conducted tour and learn of its history. Return to Samode Bagh. Along with our guide, this afternoon explore local villages and the farming communities (optional Camel Safari, Jeep Safari through the lanes of the village- payable directly) Evening would be at leisure.

Early start to head for Jaipur (42 Kms from Samode), the City of Victory and founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a well-planned city, built from rose-coloured terracotta, which has given it the name 'Pink City'. Its bazaars teem with people, camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles.

This morning we stop at the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds for a photo opportunity: this is an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life going on in the streets below. Next we visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region, now a deserted complex; it still recalls its heydays in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides.  Ride by elephant to the stately splendour of the main Palace, where our guide explains the history of this beautiful complex, which has been extremely well preserved.

Later proceed for lunch with cooking demo at an Indian Home (included).

After lunch proceed to visit City Palace, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day.

Drive to Deogarh (280 Kms / 6.30 hours). A long but interesting drive (packed lunch will be provided).  Deogarh is a small village where we stay for three nights at the spectacular hilltop fort of Deogarh Mahal, which dominates the delightful small town nestling in the Aravalli Hills. These rugged, rocky hills are dotted with a number of old, majestic forts and more than 100 lakes.

Today we set off for a full day’s trekking in the nearby hills including Gokal Garh Fort and the Shiva cave temple at Anjana Mahadeoji. Picnic lunch at Fort Anjana and return to the hotel by jeeps

Anjana Mahadeoji temple is a Shiva shrine ensconced in a huge rock cavern. It has two "lingams"; one is natural (swayambhu) and the other has been placed there. This is what makes it different from other temples. Entering the dark cave using lamps should be a unique experience as it a much revered locally

The entrance has a well laid-out geometrical pattern, and the Fort on the opposite hill, Anjana Garh, is also attached to the temple. The temple priests who took "live Samadhi" are buried in the cenotaph which was erected for the purpose. The Garh which stands on a hill offers commanding views of the surrounding rocky countryside and the neighbouring Aravalli Hills. Return to the hotel by jeep.

Today we have planned a morning walk through the local colourful and bustling village where we should see fabrics, old silver and spice shops and villagers buying and selling their wares. Continue along the lake, passing the family cenotaphs and ruins. Return to the hotel via the streets of the village taking in the sights and sounds of rural India.  Free time in the afternoon.

Drive to Kumbhalgarh (40 Kms / 1 hour) and trek (approx 5 hours) mostly downhill through the nature reserve to Ghanero where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Kumbhalgarh. This wildlife sanctuary provides a haven for wolves, leopards, panthers, and marsh crocodiles. Today you have the option of taking part in the walk or relaxing at the hotel.

Nature is surprisingly different in this part of Rajasthan with rocky hills and lots of greenery. Starting at the Fort we follow a well-defined footpath through wilderness area. From the hilltop there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and, as we continue mainly downhill, we enter a narrow fertile valley where cultivation by local hill tribes includes sugarcane and other staple food being cultivated with old Persian water wheels driven by oxen.

Early morning visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort, strategically located atop an 1100m high hill and impressive for its location with splendid views. Kumbalgarh fort is the second most important fort in Rajasthan. Dominating the pass from Ghanerao to Udaipur, it has 36 km (22.5 miles) of walls, which in parts are thicker than the Great Walls of China. During the walk we explore huge ramparts and a wealth of (365) temples, palaces and gardens. After about 2 hours exploring the fort we set off on a stunning drive through the Aravali Hills to Ranakpur, where we stop for lunch and visit the Jain Temples

Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country and are famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. It is one of the holiest Jain sites of India. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and surrounded by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy.

After the visit, drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur - "City of Dreams" is often referred to as the most romantic city in India. In contrast to some of its desert neighbours it presents an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills, and is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region.

Morning sightseeing tour of the City Palace with its superb museum, paintings and glasswork.

Later proceed to visit an Indian Home where an Indian Family would be your host for lunch. 
In the afternoon we will take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.  

Fly back to Delhi or Mumbai (own expense) and transfer to International airport for flight to onward destination.   Some airlines will provide this flight without additional charge, if purchased as part of the International flight.

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