Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.

Morning depart for a full day city tour of Delhi, visiting important sites of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, drive pass Red Fort once a symbol of Mughal might, visit Jama Masjid, 16th century mosque and largest in India. Take a rickshaw ride in the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk, and amazing mixture of history with modern world and visit Raj Ghat cremation site of the “Father of the Nation”.

In New Delhi, visit the Qutab Minar, a 12th century intricately ornamented tower and one of the tallest towers of its time. Wander around the complex visiting ruins of Hindu temples and palaces which once remained here and a 4th century steel pillar, which has not developed rust till date. Visit Lutyen’s Delhi - drive past President’s palace and also known as Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate a World War memorial. Lutyen’s city is characterized by wide tree-lined avenues, parks and palaces built for important Indian Princes. Humayun Tomb a 16th century Tomb built in the memory of the second Mughal emperor. This monument is wonderful early example of Mughal architecture and considered as one of the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight in Delhi.

Morning drive to Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check in at hotel.

Afternoon explore the quaint Havelis of Sehkawati that are often referred as open art gallery of Rajasthan. Started as a Thikana (feudal estate) in the mid of 18th century by the Shekhawat Rajputs which graduated to be a trading outpost for silk route ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East, Mandawa soon became one of the important trading centers for silk route. However, in the recent days it has become favorite among visitors for its fascinating Havelis with elaborate murals on the walls. Some of the famous Havelis here are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli, all depicting some or the other classics on its wall.   

Overnight in Mandawa.

Morning explore more Havelis of Sehkawati.

Afternoon drive to Bikaner. Arrive Bikaner and check in at hotel.

Overnight in Bikaner.

Morning proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort – built in 1593, this fort palace is considered as one of the finest and most impressive fort palaces complexes in India. Encircled by a moat followed by 986 meter wall with 37 bastions, fort is dotted with beautiful palaces built by successive ruler. Some of the interesting palaces inside are Anup Mahal, famous for it's gold leaf painting, Ganga Niwas, Rang Mahal or the pleasure palace, Badal Mahal or the cloud palace etc. Part of the premises also houses a museum which has an array of a rich collection of royal memorabilia which includes a First World War DH – 9DE Haviland plane.

Devi Kund - in the outskirts of the city lie this small reservoir which is cremation site for Bikaner royal family. The place is dotted with royal cenotaphs built in the memories of kings, queens and other members of royal families. Some these cenotaphs with brilliant designs, delicate carvings and beautiful murals stand today as testimony to brilliance of Rajasthani arts and architecture.

Camel Breeding Farm - government managed camel breeding farm is one of its kind and largest in Asia. Visit to this farm will give a good picture of how camel plays an important role in daily life of Rajasthan. It creates and interesting site to observe in the afternoon when hundreds of camels return to the farm from their grazing grounds. You can try tick camel milk while Raika/ Rebari (a camel breeding tribes) briefs you about the animal and breed along with some interesting camel lore.

Rampuria Havelis - a group of mansions said to be built by wealthy merchants during 15th century. Rampuria havelis are one of the must not miss attraction of Bikaner. Intricately carved outer walls, balconies and panels on red sandstone here is one of the finest example of Rajasthani architecture and craftsmanship.

Overnight in Bikaner.        

Morning drive to Nagaur, visiting Deshnok Rat Temple en route. Deshnok – located 30 Km from Bikaner, this 600 year old temple dedicated to Karni Mata the presiding deity of Bikaner is considered as the savior of the region. The temple gate boasts of an elaborate work which reflects the excellence of the craftsmanship of those days. However the most interesting aspect of this temple is the reverence of rats here, one can see about 20,000 rats scampering freely around the temple including the sanctum of the temple. 

Arrive Nagaur and check in at tents.  Afternoon explore the fair ground.

Nagaur Cattle Fair – Come late January or early February this sleepy town in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan comes into life. People from nearby villages to far flunk places adorned in the most colorful attire gathers here to buy and sell camels, horses and other live stocks. During these ten days of the fair around 70000 animals change hands from one owner to the other making it one of the biggest cattle fairs in the country. Apart from witnessing the large congregation large number of animals many of the nicely decorated and camels with delicately cut fur in different deigns colorful people are fun to observe. Various cultural, sporting activities and competitions will keep one entertained during the day. In short heart of the Nagaur Cattle Fair is its rustiness that it has managed to keep despite change time.

Overnight in Nagaur.           

Full day explore the Nagaur Fair Ground.

Overnight in Nagaur.

Morning explore the fair ground.  Late morning drive to Jaipur.

Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort - ancient capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs rulers of Jaipur. Amber guarded one of the important defiles from invading enemies. Wander inside the Fort to watch extravagant Palaces to witness the opulence of Rajput royal lifestyle among which summer palace, winter palace and mirror palace etc. are the most popular. Climb atop the forts ramparts on elephant back. While returning, stop at Jal Mahal or the water palace, a hunting lodge in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.  

Afternoon proceed sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Visit City Palace - official residence of the present royal family City Palace covers a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. A part of this Palace is a now a museum housing Armour, Textiles and Artifacts. City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture.

Jantar Mantar is a 17th century astronomical observatory, an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses and some of them still work.

Also stop at Hawa Mahal during the course of the tour. A five story facade in red sandstone with 953 small windows, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) forms part of the City Palace and extends to Zenana (Women's chambers). It was built with an intention to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life on the street below without being seen. However, today it has become the emblem of Jaipur.  

Overnight in Jaipur.

Morning depart Jaipur by surface.

Arrive Abhaneri and check in at tents.

Afternoon explore Abhaneri. This sleepy village in eastern Rajasthan is one of the oldest settlements, where one can find the temple of local deity Goddess Mirth and Happiness. Temple now in ruins with pieces of sculptures scattered around displays a fine degree of craftsmanship. However, highlight of the visit to this place is to see 10th century Chand Baori (step-well) that is one of the biggest and deepest in the country. It is believed that the well is an indigenous invention of the locals for rainwater harvesting. Thirteen levels well fortified with flights of steps on three sides, sculptured corridors and ornamented pavilions makes this step-well an interesting piece of architecture.

Overnight at hotel.

After a leisurely morning drive to Agra visiting deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569 was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to lack of potable water. Built mostly in red sandstone, its palaces inside are testimony to brilliant fusion architecture and they are at an ultimate state of preservation.  

Arrive Agra and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or optional activities (time permitting optional visit to Taj Mahal to view the monument by sunset – Entrance Fees Extra,  A visit to Taj Mahal tomorrow morning  is included )

Overnight in Agra.

Early morning visit Taj Mahal to witness the monument in the glowing light of rising sun. This most beautiful monument of love was built during 1630 by grieving emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal is flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that Taj Mahal is not a monument that can be described in words – one has to see it to experience it.

Later in the morning visit Agra Fort - foundation led by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors, famous among which are Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. These represent the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also serves as a vantage point to view Taj Mahal and it is believed that Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days in exile watching the Taj Mahal from here.

Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb - this tomb was built by Begam Nur Jahan wife of Jahangir, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg one of generals in Mughal army, who had been given the title of Itmad-ud-daulah (pillar of the state). 

Afternoon drive to Delhi international airport and fly to U.S. or extend your trip to other parts of Asia.