Luxury Wildlife with Taj Mahal Tour

 

Day 01 : Delhi

Arrival at Delhi
 
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

 

Day 02 : Delhi

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
       
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy 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.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

Enjoy the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

 

Day 03 : Delhi – Nagpur By Air

Nagpur – Pench:
By Road in 3 hrs

Have an early breakfast and proceed to the airport for flight to Nagpur.

Reach and drive to Pench.

Pench National park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the satpuda hills is named after Pench river, meandering through the park from north to south. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara.

The undulating terrain of Pench is covered with small hills and well stocked taek and mixed forest. The main flora being Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Lendia, Haldu, Dhaora, Aonla, Amaltas etc. The ground is covered with a number of grasses, bushes, herbs & shrubs. Dazzling white Kullu trees scattered around singly in the forest is conspicuous among various hues of green. The old plantations of Teak & Bamboo add orderly vistas in the otherwise general wilderness.

The flow of Pench river stops in December, what remains are a few scenic and serene pools in the river bed. There are a few perennial springs and tanks. At the southern boundary of park, the Pench river has been dammed for Pench hydroelectic project at Totladoh. At the maximum capacity the reservoir submerges 54 sq kms of the park area. This had been the loss of best valley forest, which was once referred by Sir Rudyard Kipling in his book named "Jungle Book". The Pench reservoir with a few islands attracts a number of winter birds from north.

CHEETAL, SAMBHAR & NEELGAI (All deer family) are commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river & reservoir. Jackals can be seen in search of food anywhere in park. Packs of wild dogs can also be seen occasionally. Herds of Gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches, more common during summer months.

Langurs are very common. Whereas Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes there are around 50 Tigers and 30 Leopards they are a shy lot and can be seen on roads and near water pools of river during summer months. Pench boasts of more than 210 species of birds including several migratory ones. Commonly seen are Pea fowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Redvented bulbul, Racket tailed Drongo, Magpie Robin, etc.

Reach and transfer to the resort.

Enjoy a safari of the park in the afternoon tracking wild dogs and tigers along with other fauna. 

Lunch and dinner will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at Pench.

 

Day 04 : Pench

Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris) There would be a lot of birding today as we would take roads around the forest to places not frequented by people and in the bushes.

All meals will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 05 : Pench – Kanha By Road in 5 hrs
Enjoy morning safari inside the park.

After breakfast drive to Kanha.

This is the place that has been described by RUDYARD KIPLING in his great book "The Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the high ground Barasingha.

In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded .The area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the year that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.

Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species and in the grassy forest clearings. Water birds can be seen near the park’s many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum.The birds comprise ofRacket Tailed Drongo, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Peacock, Golden Oriole, Treepie, Whitenecked Stork, Shikra, White-eyed Buzzard, Roseringed Parakeet, Shama, Red Munia, Large Green Barbet, Crimson Breasted Barbet, Lesser Golden Backed Woodpecker, Hair Crested Drongo, Common Teal, Pintail Duck, etc.

Reach in the afternoon and relax at the resort. Enjoy the afternoon drive in the park.

Lunch and dinner will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 06 : Kanha

Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris) There would be a lot of birding today as we would take roads around the forest to places not frequented by people and in the bushes.

All meals will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 07 : Kanha
Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)

All meals will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 08 : Kanha – Bandavgarh By Road in 5 hrs
Enjoy morning safari inside the park.
Later drive to Bandhavgarh after breakfast.
Reach and check in at the resort.

If time permits, proceed for the afternoon safari or in the evening go for a birding trip around the resort understanding the national park.

Bandhavgarh is a new National Park with a very long history.  Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles (437sq km) it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game, including a large number of Tigers.  This is also the White tiger country.  These have been found in the old state of Rewa for Many years.  Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951.  This white Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa.  The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting – otherwise the wildlife was well protected.  It was considered a good omen for Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers.  His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.

Where birds are concerned, keep a look out for white browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, black and white malabar hornbills (quite a rare sighting), blossom headed parakeets, parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon's and gold fronted leaf birds, minivets, woodshrikes and the lovely paradise flycatchers.

In the afternoon proceed into the Park for your wildlife safari. In the evening have dinner by the bonfire and overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 09 : Bandavgarh
Enjoy birding inside the jungle and on the periphery. (full day safari)

Trip to the Bandhavgarh Fort: The oldest fort in India - considered to be more than 2500 years.   One-hour trek up the fort is worth the effort.  The charm of this trek lies in discovering these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored.  Some of the statues lie off the main path and so it is best to take a guide.  Apart from the avatars, well worth seeing are three small temples of around the 12th century.  These temples are deserted but the fort is still used as a place of worship.  Kabir Das, the celebrated 16th century saint, once lived and preached here. The natural ramparts of the fort give breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The fort still belongs to the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to visit it. However permission is available locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is complete without making an effort to climb up the fort. The staff of the resort carries your lunch while you are busy negotiating the trek to the fort.

Breakfast will be in the resort along with a theme dinner while lunch will be in the park.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 10 : Bandavgarh

Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)

All meals will be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 11 : Bandavgarh – Panna By Road 250 km in 6 hrs

Enjoy breakfast at the resort and start for PANNA.

PANNA National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a short distance from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination. The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching, are when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July and continues till mid-September.

PANNA is famous for its diamond mining industry and this makes it an interesting place to visit. PANDAV FALLS is also a major attraction with its lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction of this region is the RAJGARH PALACE, a magnificent piece of architecture overlooking the valley.

Reach and in the afternoon enjoy a visit to the KEN RIVER and a village or a diamond mine close by.

Lunch will be packed for the drive and dinner would be in the resort.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 12 : & 13 Panna
Enjoy the two days in PANNA taking jeep safaris and nature treks. All meals will be in the resort.

One of the days you would also visit the Crocodiles at RAHNE and the RAHNE FALLS for a beautiful experience with picnic lunch.

Overnight will be at the resort.

 

Day 14 : Panna – Khajuraho By Road 50 km in 1 hr
Enjoy the morning drive in the park.
Drive to Khajuraho after breakfast. (It is a short drive only).

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and visit the WESTERN SET of temples.

Kandariya Mahadeo: The 31m high temple is the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple with exquisite carvings and intricate and detailed craftsmanship in stone depicting divine deities, celestial maidens, eternal lovers, gods and goddesses. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines the 'linga'.

Chaunsath Yogini: The temple is the earliest temple of the group that has survived. It belongs to 900 AD and is dedicated Goddess Kali. It has the distinction of being the only granite temple here.

Chitragupta Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev). It faces towards east or the rising sun and the imposing image of the image of the deity in the inner sanctum is as high as five feet and is shown driving a horse-drawn chariot. It is in front of this temple and the Vishwanatha temple that most of the dance performances take place during the Khajuraho Dance Festival.

Vishwanatha Temple: This temple has impressive entrances with magnificent stone guarding its northern steps and royal masonry elephants taking care of the southern steps. The three-headed image of Lord Brahma in the temple is not less captivating.

Lakshmana Temple: A pretty Vaishnava temple flaunts a lintel over its entrance depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu.

Matangeshwara Temple: Situated outside the premises of Western group of temples, this Lord Shiva's temple is known for the daunting eight feet high lingam (male organ representing the natural process of reproduction and the continuity of human life form) that it enshrines.

Return to hotel for a late lunch.

In the afternoon start the EASTERN & SOUTHERN TEMPLES tour.

Parsvanatha Temple: The largest Jain temple of the Eastern group, Parsvanath temple has intricate stone carvings, especially, the sculptures on the northern outer wall of the temple are certainly praiseworthy. It enshrines a throne facing the bull emblem that represents the the first tirthankara, Adinatha.

Ghantai Temple: This Jain temple has remarkable frescos depicting the 16 dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth and a Jain goddess mounted on a winged Garuda.

Adinatha Temple: This temple is richly ornamented with delicate and pretty scultures including those of yakshis. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara (saint), Adinath.

Most of the temples here belong to Jain faith but there are three Hindu temples of the group, namely, the Brahma temple enshrining a four-faced linga; the Vamana temple with divine carvings of sensuous celestial maidens in various poses adorning its outer walls and the Javari temple with a opulently carved doorway and ostentatious sculptures on its exteriors.

Finally visit Southern set of Temples:

Duladeo Temple: This Shaiva temple is known for flaunting the striking images of the celestial maidens or apsaras and richly ornamented figures.

Chaturbhuja Temple: It is the huge imposing intricately carved image of Lord Vishnu in the temple's sanctum, which is the chief attraction of the temple.

Enjoy SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW later in the evening.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

 

Day 15 : Khajuraho – Orchha

Proceed by surface to ORCHHA after breakfast.  

ORCHHA – A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Lunch will be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for train to Agra. (This is a superfast train with airline type seats and snacks / mineral water is served on board)

Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. 

Overnight will be at Agra.

 

Day 16 : Agra – Bharatpur

By Road 56 km in 1 & ½ hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.   

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Drive to Bharatpur after lunch.

En-route, stop at FATEHPUR SIKRI for a sightseeing tour.

Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. JALAL – UD – DIN – MUHAMMAD AKBAR named Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue drive to Bharatpur. Reach by evening.

Check in at the resort.

Bharatpur, an erstwhile princely state of the Jat rulers, was founded by the great Maharaja Suraj Mal, who also once conquered Delhi. Maharaja Suraj Mal built the fort at Bharatpur as also the beautiful palaces and gardens at Deeg. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The Maharaja of Bharatpur artificially created the lake and wetland in the 19th century. The marshes of Keoladeo (area 24 sq km, established in 1956 as a bird sanctuary, 1981 as a National Park), were the private hunting reserves of the Maharajas, and was developed in the late 19th century by creating small dams to collect rain water and by feeding it with an irrigation canal. Over the years, the lakes attracted great numbers of waterfowl and the Maharajas held grand shoots with family, friends and visiting dignitaries.

Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a delight for bird watchers. Over 375 species of birds are found here and raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also unforgettable experience. The cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colors and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating vegetation.

The Park has over 400 resident and migrant bird species, including the Common, Demoiselle and the rare Siberian Cranes. As well as mammals like Striped Hyena, Fishing Cat, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Blackbuck, wild Boar and Indian Python.

Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places for this rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birds with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from their summer retreats.

Colorful kingfishers, graceful pelicans rare Siberian cranes and Trans- continental fliers - the migratory water - fowl are amongst the 375 species of birds found in the Keoladeo National Park. The most spectacular nesting is that of the egrets, storks, herons and cormorants, which make over 10,000 nests every year. This makes outstanding bird havens of the world. The park covers an area of 28.73km.

The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is incomplete without an account of the migratory waterfowl. The most prominent waterfowl coming to this park are bareheaded and greyleg geese. Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in the lakes. The ducks usually found here are pintail, widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, etc.

Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the predatory birds-tawny eagles, spotted eagles short-toed eagles imperial eagles and fishing eagle also arrive. They all form the apex of the biological pyramid of the sanctuary and complete the avian food chain of the ecosystem. There are large herds of the nilgai, chital, wild boar and fear cows in addition to a few herds of sambar.

Overnight will be at Bharatpur. 

 

Day 17 : Bharatpur – Ranthambhore By train in 2 & ½ hr

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Proceed on RICKSHAW for viewing the birds. RICKSHAW PULLERS have been trained by the forest department in bird watching and are knowledgeable.

Return to the lodge and enjoy lunch.

Take afternoon short train to Ranthambhore (2 & ½ hr).

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

Check in at the resort and enjoy the “tiger slide show” at the resort.

Retire early after dinner.

Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

 

Day 18 : Ranthambhore

Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.

Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.

In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 – 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.

Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

 

Day 19 : Ranthambhore – Jaipur

By Road 170 km in 3 hr

Enjoy the morning safari at the park.

Breakfast will be served in the resort.

Drive to Jaipur and check in at the resort.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.

 

Day : 20 Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
       
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
       
JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
       
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

In the late afternoon you can enjoy shopping or take an optional visit to SANGANER.

Sanganer is a little village just 16 kilometres from Jaipur. Here you will find the centre of the region’s block printing industry. Traditionally, only coarse cotton was printed for the ankle-length, flared skirts of Rajasthani women and today, you can see cotton cloth being printed by hand. It is said that the water of Sanganer makes the colors fast. Sanganer is the busiest crafts centre in the region and you should have time to visit artisans in their workshops and browse for gifts. You can also visit the Blue Pottery Factory, to see pottery created in Jaipur’s distinctive style; graceful floral designs in white or deep sea-green painted over a traditional inky-blue glaze.
 
In the evening enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

 

Day 21: Jaipur – Delhi By private jet (45 min)

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing of a royal village SAMODE.

Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode - the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj.

The 400-year-old SAMODE PALACE has a wealth of frescoes, many of them depicting religious subjects. The highlight is a vast DURBAR HALL.

Take a walk of the Rajasthani village or take a camel cart ride. Have lunch at SAMODE PALACE.

Return to the city and take your personal flight to Delhi. Arrive and COMPASS will assist you to your hotel close to Delhi for freshening up.

Later in the evening we will organize a FAREWELL DINNER and then you would proceed to the airport for flight home / next destination.