Majestics Rajasthan with Khajuraho and Varanasi

We'll begin our tour from the Old City late in the morning after a hearty breakfast. Immerse yourself in all the sounds, colors and scents of old India as we introduce you to several key spots in the heritage of this historic city - such as the old quarter, where we can walk through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets in town. And, we'll travel via rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque.
We also visit an elaborate complex of tombs from the 16th century, set within beautiful gardens as the final resting place for Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor and his family. Humayun's garden tomb - India's first and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - influenced the designers of the much more famous Taj Mahal, which we will visit later in the tour. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we continue on to New Delhi, where the wide streets and colonial architecture offer a sharp contrast to the old city and reflect the legacy the British left behind. Architect Edwin Lutyens carefully planned this area which became the political center of India when the British moved the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
We will stop for a photo opportunity at India Gate, the war memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Next up, a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the former official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life. Now, it's a museum dedicated to the memory of an incredible man and world leader whose influence and inspiration on nonviolent mass movements has prevailed ever since his death.
As a monotheistic faith and the world's fifth largest religion, Sikhism opens their doors to all religious and socio-economic factions. We will get to immerse ourselves in this culture during a visit to the majestic Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a holy place of worship for the Sikh community. With its golden domes, pristine white marble and healing powers of the waters said to be blessed by Sikh Guru Harkarishan, this temple is comparable to Amritsar's Golden Temple in Punjab. Here we will see a gigantic open kitchen run by volunteers who feed more than 10,000 people each day, a true testament of selfless giving. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we continue overland into Rajasthan, the "land of kings," a colorful state renowned for its rich history and heritage. In centuries past, Rajput aristocrats leveraged their power and financial strengths acquired from overland trade into the magnificently built palaces, defensive forts and lush gardens this region boasts. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. We enjoy a two-night stay in Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, founded in the 18th century by Maharajah Jai Singh II. Known as "the pink city," due to the predominant color of its rose-hued buildings, the origin of which dates back to 1876. Then, in preparation for a visit from the British royals, Jaipur underwent a face lift that included mass painting in the chosen color. Planners chose pink, allegedly, to help reduce glare from the hot sun.
Upon arrival into Jaipur we check in to our hotel. Later on, we embark on a cultural tour, exploring the local bazaars, taking a thrilling rickshaw ride through Jaipur's teeming streets, and observing devotees during their evening prayer ceremony at Birla Temple. We conclude this intriguing day with dinner at a Jaipur restaurant serving Indian food with traditional Rajsthani delicacies. Enjoy a puppet show and folk dance performance by local artists (weather permitting). Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we'll load up into 4 X 4 jeeps and drive to the Amber Fort. This vast and opulent complex is situated in a strategic position atop a high hill outside of Jaipur and served as the home of the ruling Rajput dynasty prior to the construction of Jaipur. The Maharaja Man Singh I began its construction in 1592, the palace reflects a classic Rajasthani romanticism. His descendant, Jai Singh I, finished the fort, which boasts a forbidding exterior that hides an inner paradise - a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles. We offer the opportunity to return to the fort before an informative tour exploring the temples, palaces and gardens that make up the complex.
Time permitting, we make a short stop to learn more about the famous Rajasthani textile and fabrics. The northern province of Rajasthan is well renowned for woven rugs, silk scarfs and embroidered shawls, all handiwork from local craftsmen and villagers, and those interested can bargain for a unique souvenir of their trip to India.
We continue to the heart of Jaipur, to further explore the city founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a scholar and leader modern day analysts might deem a philosopher prince. The city was carefully planned on a grid system with the impressive City Palace complex at its center. We explore the palace and its excellent museum, which contains art, vintage weapons, clothing, even playthings from the royal children. Also visit "Jantar Mantar," an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh, his interests in astronomy back in the 18th century inspired him to build giant sculptural astronomical instruments out of stone to help him map the heavens. Before returning to the hotel we stop to enjoy the mysterious and beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a five-story sandstone edifice plastered in pink and encrusted with fine trellis work and elaborate balconies. Its ornate screens were used to hide the palace women from public view while still allowing them to watch outside life.
Enjoy the evening at leisure, explore the local market, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast and drive to Pushkar and delve deeper into Rajasthan's famed semi-arid deserts. Here, at the edge of the Thar Desert, the small lakeside town wakes up every November to an extraordinary event - the Camel Fair. Hundreds and thousands of beautifully decorated camels, cattle and thoroughbred horses descend on the sleepy town in their surreal finery, often from remote unnamed nomadic herding communities from across the desert.

Livestock exhibitions, competitions and races abound as Pushkar buzzes with acrobats, tourists, animal trainers, curio sellers, photographers, filmmakers and gypsies. Surely this ranks among the most unusual county fairs in the world.

We've designed and paced the tour so you can take advantage of your proximity to one of the most extraordinary carnivals on the planet. Stay in tented camps and explore the fair grounds and the lake side temples - or interact with camel owners as they prepare and decorate their animals for the big show. Overnight at Camp.

Breakfast. Today expect the unexpected for your full day at the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, the world's largest and most magical celebration of its kind. We'll find out how the festival bridges religious ritual with events highlighting camels, cattle and horses which villagers bring to buy and sell.

It's quite the cultural phenomenon, filled with elaborately dressed devotees in dazzling colors, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians and sadhus (holy men). But the Pushkar Fair represents much more than the best examples of local livestock and the curious camels. Villagers flock here to congregate and enjoy a well-earned break from their harsh life in the arid desert.

Hindu pilgrims also converge during the fair for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the only Brahma temple in the world. We hope our guests can immerse themselves in what's tr huly an exotic experience that captures the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan, crystallized for you in one place.

Some of the Rajasthani fair events spread throughout the fair days may include camel milking and wrestling competitions, as well as safaris via camel and camel carts and the beloved matka race in which rural Rajasthani women run with earthen pots balanced on their heads. Overnight at Camp.

Breakfast, Today we leave the hustle and bustle of Pushkar and drive to Ranthambhore National Park. During the age of the Rajas, Ranthambhore served as a favourite hunting ground and escape from palace life for the Jaipur ruling family. Now a key part of Project Tiger, this vast and renowned reserve has won international acclaim for its role in preservation and protection. On the way, we stop at a local village to observe how the traditional way of life still prevails. India continues to modernize and grow its urban networks, but the majority still live in villages; in fact, the common view considers villagers the soul of this vast nation.

Generally, this population leads simple and largely self-sufficient lives, and we'll learn about them and visit a local school - subject to open days and permission from the authorities - to understand the important role education plays in the future development of the country. Overnight at hotel.

Expect an early wake-up call as we start the day with a game drive into Ranthambhore National Park. Native wildlife for which Ranthambhore provides excellent habitat include leopards, deer, hyenas, sloth bears, and the Royal Bengal Tiger - the apex of the food chain. Nature enthusiasts and photographers in general will find plenty to observe and capture on film for a lifetime of memories.
Take advantage of one of the best places to see these majestic creatures, and an expert naturalist who knows the animals' habits will assist our search for the large cat by looking for fresh pugmarks and listening for distress calls from other animals. Please note - by nature, these tigers are shy, solitary hunters. Sightings, which can be frequent, require patience and understanding; we cannot guarantee we'll see one. The popular wisdom is, "the tiger may see you a hundred times before you see him once."

Return to the hotel to spend the middle of the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool or sharing exciting accounts of your early morning game drive. In the late afternoon, we'll embark on another game drive into the park. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast, Today we'll leave Rajasthan, the 'Land of Kings' to the erstwhile Mughal stronghold ' Agra ' home of the famed Taj Mahal. Our next stop will be at Abhaneri in Bharatpur. Here we will walk around the amazing Chand Baori (Stepwell). Built in the 10th century, the incredible well of Chand Baori (Stepwell) was a practical solution to the water problem in the area. The arid climate forced the locals to dig deep for a dependable water source, one that would last throughout an entire year. The Chand Baori is 99 feet deep, has 13 floors and 3,500 steps. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism-a "baori (Stepwell)" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater.

Our final destination today, Agra, served for many years as the capital of the vast Mughal Empire. Now a bustling town on the banks of the Yamuna River within India's famed Golden Triangle, Agra draws tourists to the Taj Mahal and other historic sites that reflect Agra's rich history. Overnight at hotel.

Nothing compares to the surreal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and we have the opportunity to witness this magical scene. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan dedicated the legendary monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, and you will indeed marvel at one of the greatest architectural works of all time. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and inspiration, explore the intricate mosaics, precious designs and perfect architectural symmetry as if they were poetry created by hand from prized marble. The Taj Mahal seems to float above the banks of the Yamuna River, and blends Persian, Indian and Islamic elements in perfect symmetry. You will have ample time here, where 20,000 men spent 22 years building the monument.
After breakfast and some relaxation, join us to explore the local marble market, where you explore and shop for marble souvenirs, Taj replicas, figurines and more. Be sure to visit the "Pietra Dura Workshop," where you enjoy an opportunity to watch the master craftsmen at work for the most renowned Indian handicrafts - the decorative art of inlay technique, to cut and fit highly polished colored stones to create images. The technique evolved to its peak during the construction of Taj Mahal and is still passed on from generation to generation.

We continue our visit to yet another great highlight from the Mughal era - the famed Agra Fort. Explore and learn the history of this fascinating site, a vast fort which was the home of the Mughal Emperors and their many courtiers during Agra's era as capital. Enjoying an important position on a bend of the Yamuna River, Emperor Akbar the Great initiated construction, building a vast sandstone fort. However, it was his grandson Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, who added to it and embellished it using the finest marble, intricate carvings and inlaid precious stones. This architectural largess was not entirely appreciated by his son, Aurangzabad, who thought Shah Jahan was wasting the Empire's fortune, thus deposing his father and keeping him under house arrest in a tower within the fort his one consolation, a view of the Taj Mahal, home to his beloved late wife. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast, Today we'll combine a road and rail journey for the long trip from Agra to Khajuraho, famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary dance festival. The train is a method of transportation synonymous with India as the British built a vast rail network crisscrossing the country. Our journey on board will offer a rich insight into everyday life.
We travel via rail from Agra to Jhansi and break for at Orchha. We continue to Khajuraho, named after the khajur, or date palm tree, which grew abundantly. The complex of temples and their intricate carvings, many of which depict erotic scenes, has made this small and quiet town larger than life for those tourists with more modest notions of love, devotion and surrender. Islamic invaders viewed the carvings as a religious affront and destroyed most of the temples reflecting this elaborate style, which had proliferated across much of northern India in the 10th and 11th centuries. The temples at Khajuraho remain intact today largely due to the town's remote location.

Our India tour focuses on some of the best preserved temples, where we may appreciate the intricate handiwork that went into their construction. The temples celebrate many aspects of womanhood and eroticism, and depict women writing, applying eye makeup, combing tresses, and dancing and playing with offspring. The temple builders designed and carved each piece to lead the eyes from ground level upward until one sees the heavens above. Overnight at hotel