Tour Through the Land of Kings

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later, a full-day visit to Old and New Delhi. Visit Old Delhi, starting with the Raj Ghat (closed on Mondays), the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Then, visit the Bangla Sabih Sikh Temple and observe the fervour with which the members of the Brotherhood listen to the reading of the Book. Then, visit the Great Jama Masjid Mosque, built by the Shah Jahan rising in the middle of the old city of Old Delhi. Muslim pride prevails in most Hindu territory, especially in the northern part, marking and recalling the ancient supremacy in the subcontinent, the conquests achieved in the 16th-19th centuries, and its undeniable influence on the development of Indian culture. From one end of the mosque courtyard, you can view the Red Fort of Delhi or Lal Quila in Hindu, built by the Islamic empire in the seventeenth century.

Further, continue experiencing a rickshaw ride through the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk full of shops with varied decorations: shoes, backpacks, glasses, cows or goats that sneak into the shops, all under a constant and disturbing disorder and bustle. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In New Delhi, we pass through Rajpath, the city built by Edwin Lutyens as the British capital in the so-called Anglo-Indian style. The India Gate memorial was erected in honour of the soldiers who died during various wars. Parliament Building, Presidential Palace, and ministries. Visit the Qutub Minar, the oldest monument in Delhi, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

(driver & car at disposal from 0900 Hrs to 1800 Hrs)

Breakfast and transfer to Delhi airport for a flight to Varanasi. Land at Varanasi airport, where you will be received and transferred to your hotel, with a visit to Sarnath on the way. Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi, is one of the foremost Buddhist centres. Varanasi is the holy site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths, also known as the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra-Pravartan), setting in motion the principles of his teachings as laws. Two hundred years later, in the third century B.C., the Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka spread the Buddha’s teachings of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and neighbouring countries, and built 84,000 massive stupas, including in Nepal. And built countless viharas and monasteries, making India the only centre of the Buddhist world until the 15th century. From the third century B.C. to the 11th century A.D., several important Buddhist structures were built at Sarnath, and today, it presents the most extensive ruins among places on the Buddhist pilgrimage route. There are two ancient stupas for ceremonial public worship, and their present names are Dhamekh and Dharmarajika. Jagat Singh of Varanasi dismantled Dharmarajika in the 18th century. Emperor Ashoka erected several monuments here. Chaukhandi Stupa comes first. Akbar repaired the same to commemorate his father’s visit to Sarnath.

The Sarnath Museum boasts a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures and images of numerous Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, considered among the finest specimens of Buddhist art. It also has the magnificent Lion capital, India’s National Emblem. After the visit, Check into your hotel.

In the late afternoon, we visit the old part of the city and take an Aarti tour at sunset. We drive to the town for the Arati tour and then walk through the alleys until we reach the Burning Ghat, where we take a boat to see the Aarti Puja and sunset from the Ganges River. Hundreds of devotees make offerings to the Sun God to eliminate all their sins in this sacred river (Arati time is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.). Return to the hotel, walking through the old part of the city and a rickshaw ride to the hotel.

Early in the morning, visit the Ghats at the Ganga River. The religious belief is that bathing in the Ganga River, especially here in the Ghats, purifies all ills and sins of a lifetime. Early in the morning, a boat ride on the holy river is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise and witness the Burning Ghats, where cremations are conducted, and the Bathing Ghats, where devotees take a dip in the holy water and offer prayers. Thousands of pilgrims flock here daily to dip in the sacred waters and worship the sun. Near Manikarnika, the chief burning ghat of Varanasi, is the Charanpaduka pedestal, Lord Vishnu’s footprints preserved in marble. The other important ghats are Asi Ghat, Lala Misi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Dandi Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Ahalya Bai Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Mir Ghat and many more.

After the visit to the ghats, come back to the hotel. Later, visit Varanasi city. Varanasi, the City of Lord Shiva, is situated on the bank of the sacred Ganges River and is one of the holiest cities of India. Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the River Ganga, a ritual that washes away all sins. The city, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is the holiest place for intimate rituals of life and death, which often take place in public on the famous ghats (riverbanks) of the Ganga River. This accessibility to the practices of ancient religious tradition captivates many visitors.

Kashi and Banaras were the city’s name in the past, but its present name, Varanasi, is a restoration of its founding name, which means the place between two rivers, the Varuna and Assi. It has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 3000 years and claims to be among the world’s most ancient and lived-in cities. Situated on the western bank of the River Ganga in a labyrinth of alleyways, Varanasi has an antique feel. Still, only a few buildings are more than a couple of hundred years old due to the marauding Muslim invaders and the destructive tendencies of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Lord Buddha further enhanced the eminence of Varanasi by preaching his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Sarnath, located 10km away from Varanasi. The city’s early history, as recorded in Buddhist literature, recounts a constant struggle between the dynasties of the Kosalas and Mallas for its possession. Later, it suffered defacement as Muslim invaders destroyed many of its temples.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, you are received and escorted to your hotel. Later, a half-day visit to the world-famous erotic Khajuraho Temples.

Khajuraho – Khajuraho, famous for its magnificent temples, was the former capital of the Chandela Kings and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Jain Tirthankaras, making Khajuraho one of the most beautiful religious centres of its time. The temple was built between 950 and 1050 AD and is the most exquisite in medieval India. Today, Khajuraho is a tiny hamlet without the golden date palms that once graced the entrance to the town and gave it the name “Khajurvahika”, or bearer of the date palm.

The magnificent temples lay neglected and vulnerable to the ravages of nature with the decline of the Chandela Empire. These superb monuments were rediscovered only in the last century and restored to their current form, granting them the recognition they deserve. Initially, there were 85 temples, of which only 22 exist today. The temples are dedicated to various Hindu gods, including Vishnu and Shiva, as well as Jain saints, but share a common architectural style. Each temple is on a high masonry platform, with the entrance facing east and aligning east to west. The classic period temple is made of sandstone, while the buildings of the earliest period are of granite. The three major compartments in the temples are the entrance (Ardha mandapa), the half assembly hall, and the actual sanctum (Garbha Griha).

The liberally embellished and exquisitely carved sculptures have made Khajuraho famous; sculptures are a tribute to life itself, embodying everything sublime and spontaneous. There is an unbelievably elaborate and detailed carving of masses of individual figures, including gods and goddesses, mythical beasts, couples in erotic poses, voluptuous women, and friezes. The murals depict the realities of the Chandelas period and celebrate the erotic nature of the natural world. All of these testify to the craftsman’s mastery and the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandelas.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit The Western Group, comprising the following temples: Kandariya Mahadeo, the largest of Khajuraho’s temples and architecturally and artistically the most perfect. The most elaborately carved temple, depicting various gods and goddesses with apsaras (heavenly maidens), is dedicated to Lord Shiva, enshrining a lingam within it. The ceilings, entrance arch, and massive pillars are adorned with exquisite carvings, leaving visitors spellbound.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Jhansi City en route to visit Orchha. Orchha is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and lies beside the Malwa plateau along the Betwa River. The word Orchha means ‘hidden place’. Once the capital of the Bundelas, it is now a village set within a beautiful complex of well-preserved palaces and temples, making it a wonderful and relaxing place. It was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap, and it remained the capital till 1783 when nearby Tikamgarh became the new capital. Orchha’s golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Deo, who ruled for almost 22 years. Complementing the notable proportions of the exteriors are the interiors that represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Its 17th-century impressive temples are still alive and admired by thousands of devotees and tourists. The area is filled with beautiful little shrines and memorials, giving visitors an overwhelming sense of awe.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Ram Raja Temple, built on a square base, which has an almost plain exterior with projecting windows and a line of delicate domes. The Jahangir Mahal is built on a rectangular base, and each corner is surmounted by a dome with graceful balconies, with eight large fluted domes as roofs, marking the central storeys. An ornamental fence connects each dome. All these architectural wonders make Jahangir Mahal the specimen monument of the Mughal period. Jodha, the mother of Jahangir, was also a Rajput; therefore, the Rajput ruler of Orchha built the Jahangir Mahal. A show of sound and light in Jahangir Mahal is spectacular to see. The show offers an overview of the history of Orchha City, including its Jahangir Mahal. The 9th-century Chaturbhuj Temple is an old temple.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Agra via Gwalior. Visit the Gwalior Fort and the city. Gwalior Fort is one of the oldest & loveliest forts in Madhya Pradesh, founded around the 3rd century A.D. It is one of the oldest examples of Hindu palace architecture to survive unspoiled. It is built with two floors above and two below ground; the latter contains the serdab, and the cool and shaded apartments were used during the summers. The palaces of Scindias are magnificent and contain exotic trifles mixed with priceless antiques. Visit Man Singh and Jai Vilas palaces and the archaeological museum. After the visit, proceed to Agra. Arrive and check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. This evening, you can explore the markets of Agra on foot and purchase souvenirs for your family.

This morning, take a sunrise visit to the main attraction of Agra: The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Called “A Dream in Marble,” the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jah as a memorial to his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jah built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (the elect of the palace), who died shortly after the birth of their 14th child in 1631. The Taj Mahal – often described as the most extravagant monument ever built, a monument of love constructed by 20,000 men from Asia commenced in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The marble used for the memorial was sourced from Makrana, near Jodhpur, and precious stones, including amethyst, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal, and mother-of-pearl, were imported from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China, and the Indian Ocean. The Taj Mahal is located at the banks of the river Yamuna, reflecting her in the waters of Yamuna, and you can look at it from nearby Agra Fort.

Finalise the visit and return to the hotel for breakfast. We then visit the main attractions of Agra, including Red Fort –and the Marble Factory. The imposing Red Fort, or red sandstone Agra Fort, was principally erected as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, when he was just 23, and was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings, including the Octagonal Tower, the Jahangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir, and the Pearl Mosque made of marble. Then there is the Hall of Public Audience, best known for its Peacock Throne and white marble-built private palace known as the Khas Mahal. Agra is also famously known as the city of Marble; therefore, visit its marble factories.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Jaipur by road. En route, visit the Fatehpur Sikri, built by the 28-year-old Emperor Akbar on a rocky ridge. Unfortunately, Akbar had no son or heir to his vast empire. Desperate for not having an heir, he decided to see a Muslim holy man, Salim Chisti, who blessed Akbar. Therefore, the emperor had a long-awaited son, whom he named Mohamad Salim, in honour of the Muslim saint. Salim would one day take the throne from Jahangir. Akbar was so thrilled that he decided to move his Royal court from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in gratitude and to affirm faith, hope and joy, where he died in 1569. Fatehpur Sikri stands on a rocky ridge for 2 miles. Walking through Fatehpur Sikri’s empty palaces, one cannot but be transported back 400 years and visualise the glory and the splendour that must have existed.

After the visit, continue your drive to Abhaner and visit without a guide; originally called Abha Nagri, which means “The Shining City”. Abhaner has “Baoris” (stairwells), which are the invention of the natives to collect rainwater. Finalise the visit and continue your drive to Jaipur, known as the Pick City. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel.

Jaipur, known as the Pick City, the capital of Rajasthan, still seems cradled and well-protected. Jaipur is named after Maharaja Jai Singh, who became King of Amber in the early 1700s at the age of thirteen. Despite his precocious age, he was a distinguished student, adding to his credentials the careers of architecture and astronomy. He designed the new capital with exquisite pink terracotta buildings, which earned it the nickname “Pink City” due to its predominant colours of pink and orange; the sunset effect is magical.

For the rest of the afternoon, you can explore the city and visit the local market without a guide.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit the Amber Fort, stunningly situated on a hillside overlooking a lake, 11km from Jaipur. Amber was the capital of Rajasthan for six centuries and the core land of Rajput history. Nowadays, the city is practically abandoned. The objective of the visit is to see and admire its imposing palace. The palace stands on the steep hill slope behind Maota Lake, retaining an air of great beauty. The visit to the palace can be made on foot, by Jeep, or by elephant-back safari, which is the most preferred option. The construction of the Palace/Fort was initiated in the 1592s by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army and later extended and completed by Jai Singh. The “Hall of Public Audience,” with a double row of columns and latticed galleries, is reached by an imposing stairway. The Fortress also contains a temple with doors made of Silver dedicated to Goddess Kali. Next, walk over to the Hall of Victory, noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. The “Hall of Pleasure” is on the opposite side with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door, and the “Hall of Private Audience” is extraordinary with exquisite murals. However, the highlight of the fort is the “Hall of Mirrors”, whose interior is encrusted with tiny mirrors, sparkling like a diamond in candlelight. The oldest part of the palace is Raja Man Singh’s apartments, where each of his dozen wives had a separate suite.

Afternoon: Tour of Jaipur City. Jaipur city is a living testament to one of the most remarkable rulers of his age, Jai Singh II, a highly talented ruler in politics and warfare. However, the credit for the pinkness of the city goes to Maharaja Man Singh, who dressed up the city in the welcoming symbolic colour following the visit of the Prince of Wales and, later, Edward VII, who visited Jaipur in the 1876s.

The City Palace and Museum visit comprises several courtyards, gardens, and buildings that blend Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The former Maharaja still resides in one of its wings, dating back to the 18th century, and features a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The museum contains an extensive collection of art, miniature paintings, carpets, costumes and dresses, enamelware, old weapons, and an armoury of guns and swords. The Jantar Mantar, a renowned astronomical observatory built in 1728 by Jai Singh, and Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), constructed in the 1790s, are Jaipur’s most famous monuments of Rajput architecture. Hawa Mahal consists of 5 floors, of which only the multi-windowed façade remains.

NOTE: The Archaeology department has limited the number of trips and times to Amber Fort by elephant, so it is possible that Amber Fort may not be accessible on the day of the visit. In this case, we will have to access it by Jeep instead. Therefore, an elephant-back tour cannot be guaranteed.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Bikaner. The afternoon arrives, and we visit Bikaner City. Bikaner is a true desert country and part of the ancient caravan route from the west to central Asia. Bikaner, located in the north of Rajasthan State, was founded by a Rathore Prince, Rao Bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in the 1480s. The barren wilderness of Jangladesh was transformed into an impressive city by Rao Bika. A crenellated wall surrounds the old town and was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. The Ganga Canal, built between 1925-27, irrigates a large area of previously arid land around Bikaner.

Sheer beauty in the desert is the fortified royal city of Bikaner. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground, circumscribed by a long embattled wall with five gates. Bikaner’s forts, palaces, and temples – magnificent red and yellow sandstone creations are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can sense the medieval aura pervading the lifestyle of Bikaner City. Bikaner is not only famous for its colourful bazaar and lively traditions, but it is a famous place for the best riding camels in the world. Undulating lanes filled with bright and cheerful folks and living colourful bazaars make Bikaner an interesting site to see and experience. All these wonders are built on high plinths with slender minarets seen even from a far distance on each of the four corners.

Visit the Junagarh Fort, built from 1588 to 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, an army general in the empire of Akbar. The formidable Fort structure encircled by a moat contains thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples. The Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) is the main entrance to the fort, exquisitely built from red sandstone and marble, featuring ornate mirror work, carvings, and paintings. The interior is picturesque, with extensive courtyards, balconies and windows. Other notable palaces include the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), decorated with paintings and carved marble panels, the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), the Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace), and the Anup Mahal. In addition, the complex features magnificent stone carvings, a collection of Rajput weapons,  and an old World War I biplane presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Lallgarh Palace, located 3 km north of the city centre, is a red sandstone palace with beautiful latticework and filigree. Maharaja Ganga Singh built it between 1881 and 1942 as a tribute to his father, Jai Singh. A part of the palace is a luxury hotel that also houses a museum. The Shri Sadul Museum, located within the palace, occupies the entire first floor. It houses an extraordinary collection of the former Maharaja’s possessions, including old photographs of royal hunts and trophies of wildlife.

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum boasts an exciting collection of sculptures, terracottas, weapons, miniature paintings, and musical instruments.

Jain Temples – the old city’s narrow streets have a couple of notable Jain temples. The Bhandasar and Sandeshwar temples date back to around the 15th century, featuring colourful wall paintings and intricate carvings.

Morning breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Jaisalmer. Arrive at Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit the city. The Fort of Jaisalmer, a sentinel to the bleak desert scape, perches 80 metres high on the Trikuta hill, built by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 and later reinforced by later rulers. The historical Fort of Jaisalmer is entered through a fierce series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard, where a seven-storey palace of the former Maharaja stands in front. The huge courtyard once served to review the troops, hear the petitions, and present extravagant entertainment for the royal guests. A group of beautifully sculpted Jain Temples, dedicated to the Jain apostles Rikhabdev and Sambhavnath, 12th to 15th centuries A.D., are located within the Fort walls, and a part of the palace is open to visitors. It is fascinating to wander through the winding labyrinth of streets within the fort, as nothing has changed here for centuries. It features an enchanting Haveli, or mansion, with intricately carved sandstone buildings built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. Several of these fine examples are in good condition. The Patwon ki Haveli is noteworthy, being the most elaborate and magnificent amongst the Havelis of Jaisalmer, with exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of these five-storey haveli apartments is adorned with exquisite murals featuring remnants of paintings and mirror work on its interior walls. Salim Singh ki Haveli, built approximately 300 years ago, is situated just below the hill, and a portion of it is still inhabited. When Jaisalmer was in its full glory as a princely state’s capital, Diwan Salim Singh served the land as prime minister. This extraordinary mansion in Yellowstone has a beautifully arched roof with superb brackets carved in the form of peacocks and an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. Nathmal ki Haveli is a late 19th-century mansion carved by two brothers, similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are splendid, with miniature paintings. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building, and even its front door is a work of art.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, drive to Jodhpur. Arrive at Jodhpur in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day tour of Jodhpur City, set at the edge of the  Desert of Thar. After Jaipur, Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan. This imperial city, echoing tales of antiquity in the desert’s emptiness, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. The Rathores ruled not only Jodhpur but also other Rajput princely states. The Rathore kingdom was then known as Marwar, also referred to as the Land of Death. The massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a sheer rocky ridge, dominates the surroundings and is situated right in the heart of the town. The old town is surrounded by a 10km long wall built around a century after the city’s founding. From the fort, one can see where the ancient village ends and the new town begins. Jodhpur is appreciatively referred to as the ‘Blue City’ because of the indigo-coloured houses in the old city, best seen from the ramparts of the fort. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but non-Brahmins have also taken on the practice these days. Apart from looking fresh and lively, it is believed that the colour works as an effective mosquito repellent. It is fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding streets in the old city.

Graceful palaces, forts scattered throughout the city, and temples that evoke the historic grandeur of its time, along with exquisite handicrafts, music, folk dances and colourfully attired people, create a romantic aura to the city. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is fascinating, with people wearing artistically designed, lovely, multi-hued costumes. The colourful turbans worn by the male folk add more colour to the city. Part of the film Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book was shot in Jodhpur, and it was from here that those baggy-tight, horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name. Countless celebrations alive the rich culture of the princely state’s past and present, and the Marwar Festival is one of the spectacular bonanzas held annually.

Mehrangarh Fort – The Majestic Fort of Mehrangarh is sprawled across a 125m high hill and is still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort is renowned as one of the most impressive and formidable forts in Rajasthan, a state famed for its numerous forts. The Mehrangarh Fort is approached by a winding road from the city 5km below. Seven gates lead into the fort. The Second gate is still scary by cannonball hits; Maharaja Man Singh built the Jayapol gate, celebrating his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner in the 1806s. After that, Maharaja Ajit Singh built the Fatehpol or Victory Gate, to commemorate the feat of the Mughals. Amongst the heaviest of the gate is the Lohapol (Iron Gate) with 15 handprints marks of Maharaja Man Singh’s wives, the sati (self-immolation), who decided to take the sati throwing themselves upon the funeral pyre of the Maharaja in the Year 1843.

The apartments of the palace, with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows, have moving names such as the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), the Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), and the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace). The fort houses the rare trappings of its royalty, such as elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), palanquins, miniature paintings, costumes, furniture, rocking cradles, and musical instruments. The southern end of the fort is dedicated to the goddess Durga, with the Chamunda Devi Temple. The views from here are superb, with old cannons on the ramparts at their ends.

Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, located just off the fort. The cenotaph, built in the 1899s, was followed by the royal crematorium, and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. Some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the drive to Udaipur, and en route, we visit the world-famous Ranakpur Jain Temples. The largest 5th-century Jain temple complexes are located in the remote valley of the Aravalli ranges in southern Rajasthan, built during the reign of Rana Kumbha. They are well-preserved and in near-perfect condition. The main Chaumukh Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, is dedicated to the first Tirthankara (apostle) Adinath, built in the 1439s. This huge, superbly carved temple has 29 halls, supported by 1,444 pillars, all distinctly carved and no two alike, and enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath. The three-storey temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. Within the complex are two other temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath. The Jain temple has beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. There is also a Sun Temple located a little distance away. The temple has polygonal walls embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots. Please note that shoes and all leather articles must be left at the entrance before entering the temple. Arrive in Udaipur in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas. It is an imposing and majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Maharana Udai Singh II initiated the construction, and various maharanas made subsequent additions over the years. It is an accumulation of courtyards, terraces, pavilions, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens! Although added by various maharanas at various times, the complex still retains a surprising uniformity of design. The main entrance is through the triple-arched gate, the ‘Tripolia’. The main palace is preserved as a museum, including the Mor Chowk with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks. The Manak Mahal, or Ruby Palace, has glass and mirror work, while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. The Chini Mahal is noted for its blue and white ceramics and ornamental tiles. Additional paintings can be viewed in the Zenana Mahal (Women’s Palace), and the Bari Mahal features a pleasant central garden.

Lake Pichola – After founding the city, Maharana Udai Singh II enlarged this tranquil lake, which is 4 km long and 3 km wide; the masonry dam is known as the Badipol. In the lake are two islands, the Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. Boat rides on the lake, especially in the evenings, are very popular.

Jag Niwas – is the island on which stands the famous Lake Palace. Maharana Jagat Singh II built the palace in 1754, and it covers the whole island. Formerly the royal summer palace, it is today a luxury hotel with shady courtyards, lotus ponds and even a tiny mango tree-shaded swimming pool.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. At leisure. Afternoon transfer to Udaipur airport for flight to Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai airport, be received and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, enjoy a boat excursion across the harbour to Elephanta Island, which is 1,200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture represents the trinity of the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer.

Afternoon: A city tour of Bombay. Drive past the shopping centre of Colaba Causeway to the fishing village at Cuffe Parade. Drive past the impressive building of the High Court, the Bombay University and the Rajabai Clock Tower to the Victoria Terminus Railways station. Further down is the Crawford Market Drive along Marine Drive, the main boulevard onto Malabar Hill, an exclusive residential area. Visit the Jain Temple and the Hanging Gardens, and then drive on to Banganga, a unique and distinctive place with a water pond surrounded on all four sides by several temples. Next, arrive at Dhobi Ghat, the open-air laundry, one of the most fascinating areas of Bombay. Finally, drive to Mani Bhavan, the home of Mahatma Gandhi, between 1917 and 1934.

Breakfast at the hotel. Get escorted to Mumbai airport for your onward flight to Bhubneshwar. Arrive at Buhbeneshwar airport and transfer by car to Puri.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Full-day excursion to the 13th Century Konark Sun Temple, built by King Narasimhadeva of the Ganga Dynasty. The Sun Temple in Konark lies 35 kilometres from Jagannath Puri, in the middle of nowhere; even the last hamlet is several miles away. This UNESCO site is often compared to Khajuraho for its form and features, particularly in terms of erotic art.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bhubaneswar, en route visiting Pipli (Appliqué village), Dhauli (Rock Edicts of Ashoka), and Heerapur (64 Yogini Temple). Arrive at Bhubaneshwar and check into your hotel. Later, take a city tour of Bhubaneswar, covering temples such as Parasurameswar Temple, Mukteswar Temple Complex, Rajarani Temple, Brahmeswar Temple Complex, and Lingaraj Temple complex (from the outside, as non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple). Also, visit the State Museum. PM Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain Caves, Tribal Museum. Evening visit Ekamra Haat.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bhubaneshwar Airport for a flight to Amritsar via Delhi. Arrive at Amritsar airport, receive and transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure. Evening visit Golden temple

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit the Golden Temple, the most sacred site for Sikhs, and a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people globally. The evolution of the Darbar Sahib has been intricately entwined with the history and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture, symbols associated with other places of worship are included. This exemplifies the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that Sikh philosophy promotes. Also, visit Jallianwala Bagh, the Martyrs’ Memorial, on the outskirts of the Golden Temple, built in the shape of the eternal flame of liberty. Here, about 1500 and 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell under the bullets of British General Dyer on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar. In the afternoon, transfer to the Amritsar railway station to board your train back to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi railway station, where you will be met & transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon, visit Wagah Border to watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony. The beating of the retreat and the change of guard of Indian and Pakistani forces here make the most charming of the spectacles.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amritsar airport for a flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi airport, receive and transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast and leisure day on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Mountaineers will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, complete the formalities, go through immigration, and proceed to departure. The life-changing journey to the Himalayas ends here with ever-lasting memories!