Beyond Rajasthan with Taj and Ganges

On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set out for Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, embark on a walking tour to discover Mandawa’s vibrant, painted havelis (palaces). Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Early in the morning, leave for Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit Junagarh Fort, constructed by Raja Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, and explore Lalgarh Palace, a heritage hotel built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh between 1902 and 1926. Continue your exploration with a visit to Bhandasar Jain Temple, admired for its stunning wall paintings and intricate artwork, and then to the unique Karni Mata Temple, famous for its resident population of sacred rats. Finally, head to the National Research Centre on Camels to learn about these fascinating animals. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, head to the Sand Dunes for a camel safari. Enjoy cultural activities, traditional folk music, and dance around a campfire at the dunes. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day guided tour of Jaisalmer. Start with the Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 and one of the few living forts in the world where nearly one-fourth of the old city's population still resides. Explore the beautiful Jain temples within the fort, the palace museum showcasing imperial dresses and royal artifacts, and the intricately designed Patwaon-ki-Haveli. Next, visit Gadisar Lake, a prominent city attraction, and the Bara Bagh Temples, featuring royal cenotaphs set against a mango grove, built by the Maharajas of Jaisalmer in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, embark on a Village Safari to the Bishnoi village, where you'll learn about local life and culture. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Jodhpur, starting with Mehrangarh Fort, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Perched on a 150-meter-high hill, this fort is one of Rajasthan’s most impressive and well-preserved. Note the seven gates, including the Jayapol (Victory Gate), built to commemorate victories over Jaipur and Bikaner. You can still see the battle scars on the second gate of the fort. Visit Jaswant Thada, the elegant marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, followed by Mandore Garden, the Clock Tower, and Sardar Market. Conclude with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum, part of the world’s largest private residence, which also houses a luxury hotel and royal quarters. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Udaipur, making a captivating stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temples en route. Dating back to the 15th century, these temples are renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Marvel at the 1,444 unique marble pillars, each featuring a distinct design and theme. After visiting Ranakpur, continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a stunning garden designed for the royal ladies of Udaipur. Next, head to the Museum of Folk Art, where you can explore an extensive collection of traditional costumes, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, musical instruments, and paintings. Proceed to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in India. Here, you’ll discover a sprawling collection of palaces and mansions added by four generations of Maharajas. Also the palace museum, showcasing intricate peacock mosaics and exquisite miniature wall paintings depicting Indian mythology. Conclude your day with a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, admiring the picturesque surroundings before returning to the hotel. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, leave for Pushkar. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind. Later, visit the Pushkar Lake, one of the most sacred lakes in India - the Pushkar lake, surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake) where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath. Explore the Brahma Ji Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Afterward, visit the Pushkar Cattle Fair Grounds, known for the world-famous annual fair. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, explore the charming markets of Jaipur's historic walled pink city, where you can witness the timeless traditions and vibrant local culture. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the "Amber Fort and Palace," a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Proceed to City Palace, a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring impressive instruments designed for accurate celestial observations. Continue to Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, renowned for its intricate facade adorned with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities. Explore the Albert Hall Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture housing a diverse collection of artifacts. Conclude your day with a visit to Birla Mandir, a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Agra. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Agra for an overnight stay.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you from your hotel and take you for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah and the majestic Agra Fort. Spend the evening exploring the local markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Early this morning, our driver will transfer you to Agra Railway Station for your express train to Jhansi, assisting you in locating your reserved seat. Breakfast on board. Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station, our local driver will greet you and take you on a sightseeing tour of the historic town of Orchha, once the esteemed capital of the formidable Bundela Rajput kings from 1531 to 1783. Begin your exploration with a visit to the majestic Jehangir Mahal, followed by the intricate architecture of Raj Mahal, Phool Bagh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, and Sunder Mahal. Also visit the renowned Ram Raja Temple and the captivating Chaturbhuj Temple. Overnight stay at your hotel in Orchha.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave to Khajuraho. On arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, delve into the rich cultural heritage of Khajuraho with a temple tour, starting with the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Group of Temples. Among these architectural marvels, the Kandariya Mahadev temple stands out as a breathtaking masterpiece, adorned with intricate sculptural details. While Khajuraho is often associated with its famed erotic sculptures, only a fraction, approximately 15%, of the temple's artworks depict such themes; the majority feature representations of Hindu deities, goddesses, and celestial nymphs. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Eastern group of temples, before unwinding for the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Khajuraho.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to Khajuraho Airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, our local representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight stay.

Please Note: If flights are not available in between Khajuraho and Varanasi route, an alternative transfer by Train or by Car will be provided at no additional cost.

Start your morning with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the sunrise and the spiritual activities along the ghats. Next, embark on a morning city tour of Varanasi, strolling through the sacred ghats and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, and pay homage at the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Later, proceed to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Explore the Dhamekha Stupa, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the Archaeological Museum to view ancient artifacts. Continue to the Chaukhandi Stupa, an important historical monument. Later in the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Early in the morning, around 5:30 AM, we will transfer you to Varanasi railway station to board Vande Bharat Express train back to New Delhi. Breakfast on board. Upon arrival at New Delhi Railway station around 02:00 PM, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.

In the morning, we will transfer you to IGI Airport, New Delhi for your journey home or onward journey.