CULTURAL TRAIL OF INDIA

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive at Delhi, India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Moghul dynasties, as well as the British, ruled. Arrive at Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing. Visit the spectacular Red Fort with its Pearl Mosque and exquisite audience halls, Mahatma Gandhi memorial, Ashoka Pillar and the mile long Chandni Chowk bazaar and the Jama Masjid. Enjoy a tricycle ride on the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. Overnight at hotel in Delhi

Day 02 : Delhi

Morning tour of New Delhi includes visit to the Qutab Minar and the colorful Birla Mandir. Drive along Rajpath, where you will see the Parliament, President's Palace and India Gate. In the afternoon transfer to Delhi station to board train for Satna. 1450 Mahakoshal Express departs from Delhi at 16:20 hours. Overnight on train.

Day 03: Satna - Khajurao

In the morning 7:00 hours reach Satna. Pick up from station and proceed towards Khajuraho (117 km) was the capital of the 9th to 13th Century Chandela. Reach Khajuraho and check in hotel. Later in the afternoon visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev, representing Chandela art at its best. The less ornate Eastern Group reflect the austerity of the Jains. Overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 04: Khajuraoh - Panna - Khajuraho

Morning proceed to visit the Panna National Park (32 km). En route visit the spectacular Pandav Falls. Panna National Park spreads along the River Ken. The jungles today harbour many types of wildlife. Tiger, leopard, wolf and gharial can be viewed here. Enjoy a jeep safari inside the Park. Return to Khajuraho. Evening visit the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Arts to view a fine collection of masterpieces of tribal and folk arts. Evening enjoy the Sound and Light Show at the Western group of temples. Overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 06: Agra-Fathepuri-Sikri- Jaipur

Morning tour the Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, India's "Pompei" once a glittering imperial capital, later mysteriously abandoned. Proceed towards Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City." Jaipur gained its colorful name after its buildings were painted pink for the visit of Prince Albert in 1876. Arrive and check-in hotel. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 07: Jaipur

Excursion to Amber Fort. You are transported back in time today, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, up into the high mountain fortress of Amber. A complex of palaces, temples, mirror inlaid public halls, this is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. Afternoon visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds", City Palace and the ancient observatory. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 08: Jaipur - Jodhpur

Morning free. Later drive towards Jodhpur (321 km). Reach Jodhpur. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 09: Jodhpur

Sightseeing this morning covers the invincible Mehrangarh Fort, the magnificent palaces within, containing marvelously carved panels, and latticed windows housing a fabulous collection of Rajput art. Visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 10 : Jodhpur-Rankpur-Udaipur

This morning depart for Udaipur (260 km). Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble is so well preserved it belies the temple's 500 years. Arrive and check-in hotel. Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 11: udaipur - Kumbhalgarh

Morning Excursion to Kumbhalgarh, cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century A.D. by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 A.D.) and is the principal fortification lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the "City of Lakes," known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 12: Udaipur - Mountabu

Morning drive to Mount Abu. Check into hotel. Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples dating back 11th- 13th century make it a popular pilgrimage center visiting its natural attractions and splendid temples. Visit Nakki Lake (enjoy boating), Gomukh Temple, Dilwara Jain Temple and Bhramkumari. Visit Vimala-Vasahi. Overnight stay at hotel in Mount Abu.

Day 13 : Mountabu - Ahmedabad

Morning drive 221 km to reach Ahmedabad. Check in hotel. Ahmedabad is associated with Mahatma Gandhi, the Apostle of peace and non violence. Later in the day visit the Gandhi Ashram. Then you proceed to visit the Shaking Minarets (when one minaret of the Sidi Bashir's Mosque is shaken the other minarets vibrate too). Evening free. Overnight at hotel in Ahmedabad

Day 14 / Departure

Morning drop to Ahmedabad station / airport for onward journey.

Rate in USD per person (Valid till 31 Sep 2009)