Duration: 14 Days .
Best Time: October - March
Focus: Camels , Palaces ,Culture & Colourful Village Life
Special Attraction :Taj Mahal & Houseboat in Srinagar
Physical Challenge: Moderate overall, some long drives

India is a land that truly suspends belief and defies description. Stretching from the frozen barrier of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala.
A delightful combination of Himalayan Valleys of Kashmir and Colours of Rajasthan presenting enduring images of vibrant and colourful past, with beautiful lakes, snow capped mountains and magnificent palaces gracing every horizon. A thriving folk culture of Rajasthan expresses itself in an abundance of pageantry and colour, Explore the majestic architecture and ornate Hindu Temples, Mighty forts and marble palaces, teaming cities and peaceful lotus lakes.

Day 1, 20/10/05 : Europe - Delhi
Arrive Delhi from your home country , assistance on arrival , traditional garland welcome and transfer to the hotel in Delhi . Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. O/n Hotel

Day 2, 21/10/05 : Delhi - Srinagar
Morning after breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board flight ( 9W 603 , 11.15hrs / 12.35hrs ) to Srinagar .Arrive Srinagar and embark the House boat, moored near the summer palace of Maharani , the most sought after sight in the Dal Lake , with panoramic views of Zabarwan hills , Pari Mahal , Shankaracharya Temple and distant views of snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range . Afternoon Shikara ride in the lake . O/n Houseboat

Day 3, 22/10/05 : Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar
Morning disembark from the house boat and proceed to Gulmarg ( About 56 kms / 02hrs ) , known as ' the meadow of flowers ' situated at an altitude of 2730 Mts . Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world, and one of the highest golf courses in the world with 18 holes. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga Parbat if the weather permits. The view en route from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is fascinating Drive through villages , Apple Orchids and pine forests . Skiing , tobogganing , ski - bobbing are some of the activities offered here , with instruction and facilities . A full day to explore Gulmarg , Late afternoon drive back to Sirnagar .O/n Houseboat

. Day 4, 23/10/05 : Srinagar ( Visit to Mughal Gardens )
Today morning after breakfast we visit the Nishat Bagh ( Garden of Gladness ) and Shalimar Bagh gardens built on a symmetrical plan of a central waterway with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces . Nishat Bagh ( about 11kms from Srinagar ) on the shores of the lake was laid out in 1633. It is the largest of all the Royal gardens . The gardens on either side of the water course are planted with tall Chinar trees, which you can see at their best in Autumn . Two Kilometers further on is the Shalimar Bagh garden built for Nur Jahan by her husband , the Mughal Emperor Jahangir . The central black marble pavilion in the Zenana or Ladies' garden is surrounded by water and looks out in four directions . Below in the Diwan -i - Am , the hall of Public Audiences the Emperor used to sit on a black marble throne above the water . Afternoon visit the famous Shankaracharya Temple , believed to have been founded by the Hindu sage of the same name and dedicated to Lord Shiva . O/n Houseboat

Day 5, 24/10/05 : Srinagar - Delhi
Morning free . Afternoon transfer to the domestic airport to board flight ( 9W 603 ,13.30 hrs/15.50hrs) back to Delhi . Arrive Delhi and check into the hotel . O/n Hotel

Day 6, 25/10/05 : Delhi - Agra
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra ( About 210 Kms / 05 hrs ) , check into the hotel. Afternoon we visit RED Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (Kind of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna, and consists of Deewani - Aam(hall of public ordinances) and Deewan- Khass (the hall of Private ordinances), it also has a nice grape garden, beautiful fountain ways. Evening free, to relax by the pool. O/n Hotel

Day 7, 26/10/05 : Agra - Jaipur
Early morning we visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graveful from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface . After breakfast we drive to Jaipur ( about 240kms / 05hrs ) , enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri, visit the Palace complex built to commemorate the birth of Mughal Emperor Akbar's first child. Then proceed to Jaipur the picturesque capital of Rajasthan, is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor . Arrive and check into the hotel . Rest of the day free to relax . O/n Hotel

Day 8, 27/10/05 : Jaipur
This morning after breakfast we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated apartments. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, this fort palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. You will visit the palace and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal (Water palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace, still inhabited by Jai Singh's descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Maharaja's museum with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone façade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

Day 9, 28/10/05 : Jaipur - Narlai
Morning after breakfast drive to Narlai (about 140kms/04hrs), check into a 40 yrs old castle. Afternoon visit to Narlai village on Oax cart. Here you will exposed to various aspects of rural village. Narlai alone has about 500 temples within the village. O/n Hotel

Optional : Horse riding or Camel riding is also possible in Narlai .
Day 10, 29/10/05 : Narlai - Kumbalgarh
Morning after breakfast drive to little known Kumbalgarh (about 150kms/04hrs) via visiting marvelously carved 15th century temple complex of Ranakpur. This is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. The most important temple is dedicated to Rishbhji and sprawls to some 48000 sq.ft. and have 29 halls and 1444 pillars, all distinctively carved. Upon arrival in Kumbalgarh, check into the hotel. Kumbalgarh is one of the finest examples of defensive fortification in Rajasthan. You can wonder around the palace, the many temples and along the walls to savour the great panoramic views. Evening visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort covering an area of 12 sq. km was once to the army of Akbar and that too because the water supply was contaminated by the enemy forces . O/n Hotel.

Day 11, 30/10/05 : Kumbalgarh - Udaipur
Morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur (about 85kms/02hrs), through the attractive Rajasthani countryside. The small fields are well kept, wherever possible irrigated from the streams, Persian wheels and 'tanks' are dotted across the landscape. Check into the hotel. Afternoon we visit Udaipur city, set in Girwa valley amidst the Aravalli hills of south Rajasthan regarded as one of the most romantic in India. Visit the City Palace - the impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughal influences. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal with its mirror inlay and the Chini ka Chitra Mahal's iridescent tile work. Located close to the City Palace is Jagdish Temple with its imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. Also continue your visit to the ornamental gardens of the Maids of Honour or Sahelion ki Bari. Evening stroll around the city or free to relax . O/n Hotel

Day 12, 31/10/05 : Udaipur - Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast we drive to Jodhpur (about 275 kms / 6hrs ) . Upon arrival check into the hotel . Afternoon visit the Maha Mandir ( Great Temple ) 4km northeast of the city , it is built around a 100 pillared Shiva temple . Back to the hotel .Evening free to relax or stroll around the colourful bazaars . O/n Hotel .

Day 13, 01/11/05 : Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast visit the Mehrangarh Fort and museum .The massive 15th century A.D, Mehrangarh Fort looms over the city and the Red sandstone Palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Its museum contains sections which house armory, palanquins, howdahs and headgear from all the communities of Rajasthan. Life in the city revolves around the Clock Tower area, a haven for shoppers, selling everything from the leather mojris (shoes) to ornamental swords fashioned after designs seen in the fort museum.The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour to the city. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

Day 14, 02/11/05 : Jodhpur - Delhi - Europe
Morning free . Afternoon transfer to the domestic airport to board flight ( 9W 3312 , 14.00hrs / 15.20hrs ) back to Delhi . Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel near to International airport for wash & change . Later in the night transfer to the International airport to board flight to your home country .

Hotels Used or Similar Delhi ( ist visit) The Nikko / Grand Intercontinental - 4 Star with swimming pool , Garden etc. Srinagar Lotus Retreat - Deluxe Houseboat Agra Clark Shiraz - 4 Star with Swimming pool , restaurant etc. Jaipur Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Narlai Rawla Narlai - Heritage Kumbalgarh The Aodhi - Heritage Udaipur Shiv Niwas Palace - Heritage Jodhpur Ajit Bhawan - Heritage Delhi( Day Use/2nd visit ) Ashok Country Resort - 3 Star Near to Int'l Airport .