Tour Duration: 21 Nights / 22 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Jaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Bhandarej - Karauli - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi

Day 1: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi

Reach Delhi. COMPASS local tour manager will give a warm welcome at the airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

India's capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the region in and around modern delhi saw lalkot built in the mid 11th century, siri established by allauddin khilji, tughlakabad and ferozabad built by the tughlaks followed by the city of the lodhis and then came shahjahanabad, capital of the mughals under shah jehan. Newdelhi also reflects the legacy the british left behind. The division between new and old delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the british and the mughals respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes he will invariably confront the city's past.

Overnight at Delhi.

Day 2: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Proceed to JAIGARH FORT.

JAIGARH FORT - Jaigarh used to be the royal arsenal. The view of the city of Jaipur from this picturesque fort on top of a hill is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Return to city.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 3: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for morning sight-seeing of Jaipur covering the important palaces and monuments.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Shopping in the city. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 4: Jaipur - Ajmer
By road covering 132 km in 3hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Ajmer. Reach and check in at hotel.

Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. Ajmer behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif Tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.

Proceed for afternoon sight-seeing of Ajmer. Visit the Mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.

Overnight at Ajmer.

Day 5: Ajmer - Pushkar
By road covering 11 km in 15 min. Breakfast at hotel.

Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotees throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Proceed to Pushkar and visit the Brahma Temple.

PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. It is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Overnight at Pushkar.

Day 6: Pushkar - Kumbhalgarh
By road covering 260 km in 5 hr. Start after breakfast for Kumbhalgarh and reach by afternoon.

Proceed to visit Kumbhalgarh - a picturesque town on a hillock surrounded by forest. Famous for the hunting folklore.

Kumbhalgarh Fort - an imposing fort set amid massive ramparts and surrounded by hundreds of temples, is the creation of one of Mewar's legendary heroes, Rana Kumbha. The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife sanctuary, the only panther reserve in India is very close to the hotel and one could even spot a panther or a sloth bear from here.

Visit the FORT and the SANCTUARY. Overnight at Kumbhalgarh.

Day 7: Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur
By road covering 100 km in 3 hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 8: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Overnight at Udaipur.

In the afternoon, proceed for motor-launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake.

Relax or shopping in the afternoon. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur
By road covering 260 km in 6 hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur.

A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating back to the 15th century is part of the itinerary. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Reach Jodhpur and check in at hotel.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping. Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.

Afternoon sight-seeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.

Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 11: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
By road covering 330 km in 6hr. Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for Jaisalmer. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 12: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for sight-seeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience.

Return to the village to drive back to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani dinner served in the village amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 13: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
By road covering 340 km in 6hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.

The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's life-style.

More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 14: Bikaner
Proceed for sight-seeing tour of Bikaner.

Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Mughal Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel Country".

Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 15: Bikaner - Mandawa
By road covering 200 km in 4hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Mandawa.

The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season.

Reach and check in at hotel.

Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all traces of the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War scarred turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons that seem to look down at you, as silent retainers in green appear to whisk you away, the tails of their orange 'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze, mark your arrival to the fanciest destination in Shekhawati. Caparisoned camels and horses saunter in, carrying the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome. In the Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah and wander in the under the high ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where the walls adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era that was royal, rich and resplendent.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Relax for the evening. Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 16: Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel.

From Castle Mandawa you will take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around.

Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.

Shopping in the evening and spending time with the local villagers. Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 17: Mandawa - Bhandarej
By road covering 320 km in 6hr. Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Bhandarej. Reach by noon.

The village of Bhandarej in the Dausa district lies on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Its colorful and fascinating history gives a glimpse into the typical life-style of the princely states. Several places of interest like Bhangarh with its temples and historical sites and the nearby Meena tribal village are accessible from Bhandarej.

In the evening enjoy the folk dance after a short walk through the village. Overnight at Bhandarej.

Day 18: Bhandarej - Karauli
By road covering 130 km in 2hr Visit the Bhadrawati Palace after breakfast.

Bhadrawati Palace - The Bhadrawati Palace A Heritage Property with a fascinating History.A well maintained palace; it is an interesting blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Proceed to Karauli and reach by evening.

Karauli is a remote ancient town. A devotional city. The city is surrounded by a wall of red sandstone strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated at several places, has six gates and eleven pasterns. As per the legends, the ruling families of Karauli, recognized as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, are the descendants of Lord Krishna. Situated 23 km from Kaila Devi, Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan.

Karauli is famous for its pale red-stone. Karauli has some noted places of visit like temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji and other historic monuments. The annual fair at the Kaila Devi temple is quite popular. Overnight at Karauli.

Day 19: Karauli - Bharatpur
By road covering 120 km in 3hr Sight-seeing of Bharatpur.

The old City Palace is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, gorgeous JALLI work and classic paintings. The spellbinding beauty of Darbar Hall is an experience in itself.

Witness devotional life at the temples of Madan Mohanji, Kalyanji and Kaila Devi. Visit local bazaars for exclusive items of handicraft, and colorful bangles of Karauli. Proceed to Bharatpur.

Bharatpur is the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary-the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - finest in Asia rich avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.

Reach by afternoon and relax. Overnight at Bharatpur.

Day 20: Bharatpur - Agra
By road covering 55 km in 2hr Breakfast at hotel. Drive around the National Park in a rickshaw and view the different species of birds. A naturalist will accompany you to help spotting the rare species.

Proceed to Agra. Visit Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Continue drive to Agra. Reach Agra and check into hotel.

In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India. Overnight at Agra.

Day 21: Agra - Delhi
By road covering 201 km in 5hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sight-seeing.

Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Proceed to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy city of Mathura. Reach Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 22: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for day tour of Old & New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Transfer to airport or station in time for flight or train or leave by surface for the next destination.