DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI

You will be greeted at the airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel. A welcome dinner tonight to greet all your new friends. 
Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 2: DELHI

We will spend the day visiting Delhi’s major attractions including the Red Fort and Humayan’s tomb. Try some of Delhi’s delectable famous street cuisine for lunch and explore the Old Delhi market by rickshaw. We will also take a stroll through Food Street and the Spice market. Delve into the antiquated maze of organised chaos of Chandni chowk. Explore ParantheWaliGali. The atmosphere here in the old part of Delhi is filled with high pitched shouts of shop owners articulated bartering and chaos from the maze of busy alleyways as porters carrying sacks and boxes to the roads to await transport. As the world goes by, we will be drawn by the aromas of stuffed parathas being dipped into a large cauldrons, where they emerge golden and beautifully transformed. Hard to resist a snack at this point. 
Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 3: DELHI - AGRA

After breakfast, a drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra a visit to AgraFort and Mehtab Garden with the stunning picturesque Taj Mahal as her décor backdrop. Agra fort built by Akbar. It was the main residence of Mughal emperors Akbar and Shahjahan. You will visit palaces and mosques in this massive fort. 
Overnight in Agra.

DAY 4: AGRA - JAIPUR

Early morning visit to the undoubtedly most romantic burial site in the entire world, The Taj Mahal. It was built by Shah Jahan as a token of his love for his deceased wife and has gleamingly stood since showcasing his affections immortalised in time.Return to the hotel for breakfast and then drive to Jaipur. Along the way a stop to visit the former imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri and the perfect triangular symmetry of the 3500 steps over 13 floors of the abandoned Abhaneri stepwell.  
Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 5: VISIT JAIPUR

After a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning, those who wish to buy some Indian attire to look the part on our trip (great for photos), we can go shopping for Kurtis or if you’re feeling courageously vivacious maybe even a saree. We can ponder for the afternoon doing some shopping in this wonderful city full of the most magnificent finds. Heads up ladies Jaipur is the jewellery capitol of India. 
Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 6: JAIPUR

After breakfast it’s off to explore the enchanting Pink City. The harmonious consolidation of old and new propitiously comforted over Jaipur’s shoulders like that old favourite jacket that’s buttons have since been replaced with a modern zipper. It still has the same feel, it’s just more functional. The regal bygone opulent era merged with modernity gently stirred not shaken created this appetizer of a city. Enough to drown the thirst of any traveller with its vast array of offerings. The perfect cocktail of past and present will leave you astonishingly in admiration of the countries first planned city.

You will visit the famous Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Amber Palace and Water Palace. An optional stroll through the Old City, giving you an opportunity to maximise you’re understanding about Jaipur and experience the hidden corners of this captivating city. Your guide will take you through the vibrant bazaars and lanes that interweave the Old City in a lattice patchwork of inspiration. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals and try some of the delectable street food delicacies of Rajasthani cuisine.

Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 7: JAIPUR

After breakfast we will visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Then after lunch we will go and paint an elephant …. (yes, you did read that right). We will have our own elephant to fabulise! Us girls like a makeover but this is a whole new level. We can have a cuddle and our paint an elephant (all natural derived non harmful paint). The elephants respond delightfully to what they consider a massage with the brushes. This caring elephant sanctuary strives on the care of these abandoned post circus victims. The sanctuary allows visitors to experience the knowledge of these colossal mammals. The sanctuary is a loving caring environment that houses the mammoth beauties in their own homes with their very own carer and his family on the property. 

Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 8: JAIPUR - FORT BARLI

After breakfast we will drive to Fort Barli. The royal yesteryear still echoes trough this heritage opulent 16th generation heritage palatial fort. The rest of the day is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of this incredible property that is drenched in hues and history of a bygone era.
Overnight at Fort Barli.

DAY 9: FORT BARLI - UDAIPUR

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or maybe a stroll around the narrow little streets. The quaint little shops are indeed the place to find something unique to take home. 
Overnight in Udaipur.

DAY 10: UDAIPUR

Sunrise is spectacular in Udaipur if by chance you wake up early. As the sun ascends the mountains, the palace glistens like diamonds. The birds are mirrored in the lake as they glide through the golden gilded rays. The rainbow of peripatetic sarees starts the day, taken all in its stride, while stilled you will watch in total awe. After a leisurely breakfast, a visit to the opulently ostentatious City Palace which is the second largest palace complex in India. The extravagant City Palace stands majestically on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Flanked by the Aravali mountain range, The City Palace is worth admiring for its natural settings that offer a breathtaking view of its surroundings.
Maharana Udai Singh II chose a new capital for his kingdom near Lake Pichola that shielded the territory from its enemies, well surrounded by forests, lakes, and the imposing Aravalli hills.The several palaces within the complex stand magnificently behind the 100ft high and 801 ft long wall built exquisitely on the ridge of Lake Pichola. Later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The rest of the day is at leisure. 
Overnight in Udaipur.

DAY 11: UDAIPUR - RANAKAPUR - NARLAI

After breakfast we will head towards Narlai. With a stop along the way to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple which has 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars. Arrive at the palatial royal manor of RawlaNarlai. 

The picturesque estate perched amongst the Aravalli hills is truly a destination of dreams. The 17th century Royal Manor has been restored to the originality of its bygone glory. The rest of the day is free to relinquish in the charm of yester regality.

DAY 12: NARLAI - JODHPUR

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, the blue city in the state of Rajasthan. 

Check into the hotel and then later in the afternoon, we will attend a cooking lesson in the countryside with a weaver’s family. We will prepare then dine on local Marwari dishes. Most of the food is cooked with wood and other natural elements. A truly remarkable unique non-touristic experience.
Overnight in Jodhpur.

DAY 13: JODHPUR

The morning will be spent exploring the Mehrangarh Fort, where you can look down upon the old city and beyond. Following this we will move back to the old city to enjoy a heritage walking tour of the Old city around the Clock tower. You will get to ride a ride on a tuktuk, stroll through the bazar and experience life as a local. 
Overnight in Jodhpur.

DAY 14: JODHPUR - JAISALMER

After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. Check into the hotel. A visit to Lodurva Jain Temple then a mesmerising evening watching the sunset at Bada Bagh. The picturesque cenotaphs are marvelled by the ascending sun’s rays as the desert sky pallet changes.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.

DAY15: JAISALMER

After breakfast, a visit to Jaisalmer Fort. Infiltrating the fort is like stepping into a porthole in time. Contouring the curvature of the cobblestone lanes and alleys with merchants sailing their textural artworks and other fineries will bring memories of childhood fairy tales. Aladdin and the 40 thieves come to mind in its rustic ambiance. Making way to the Chandraprabhu Jain Temple within the fort. The sheer grandeur of the ornately carved temple has been preserved in time protected within the arms of the fort. The Patwa Haveli with over 60 balconies awaits within the fort, dappled in laced attire the architectural grandeur of this 18th century haveli is indeed a sight to behold. A stroll to Gadisar Lake, to view the radiant hue of the mirrored scenery that doubles itself upon the water. The domed scalloped charm of the shrines and temples adorn the landscape makes a popular portrait backdrop.

Making way back to the hotel for lunch and some free time to relax before an exciting evening in the dunes.

Around 4 pm a drive to the Sam Dunes (approximately 50 kms).

A top a camel you will witness the dusk as the pink desert sun starts to weary over the curvature landscape as you sway to and fro on the best seat in the house.

Return for an overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

DAY16: JAISALMER TO BIKANER

After breakfast, we will hit the road to Bikaner. On the way we will stop and visit a quaint little desert village. The Bawari village is an authentic Rajasthani little small township. Lunch today will be with the village chief’s family. This is a rare non touristic experience never to be forgotten. The heartfelt welcoming smiles are a prescription for your soul. 
Overnight in Bikaner.

Day 17: BIKANER

After breakfast, a visit to Bikaner fort. The glandular fort contains several astounding palaces, pavilions, and many temples.It was constructed in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Then we will convoy in tuk-tuks through the old city. The rest of the day to relax. 
Overnight in Bikaner.

DAY 18: BIKANER - DELHI BY FLIGHT

Today you will be transferred to Bikaner airport to board a flight to Delhi to connect with your outbound flight. 
Or, if preferred another night can be arranged in Delhi and be transferred to the airport at a later date.
For more information email:  mel@soulofindiatours.com