PROGRAM - 2 INCREDIBLE INDIA

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi

12 nights / 13 days

Day 1| 5 January 2024 Arrival in Delhi (by flight: ET 686 at 08:05 hrs)

Welcome to India!

Our representative will meet you upon arrival at New Delhi airport and will help you to get to your hotel.

Welcome with a Silk scarf at the airport (Included)

Delhi is a curious mix – of the traditional and the modern. Prepare to be charmed by the seamless
intermingling of the old and the new. Monuments that have stood witness to the rise and fall of empires
stand harmoniously by new-age restaurants and bars that offer a variety of world cuisines. Delhi’s recorded
history dates back, to over 1500 BC, and each kingdom that ruled over the city left an indelible mark on it.

(Check-In: 1400 HRS AND EARLY CHECK ALWAYS SUBJECT TO ROOM AVAILABILITY)

Welcome by accord aarti tikka on arrival at the hotel with a welcome drink (non-alcoholic)

Upon arrival at the hotel, we will be greeted with a ceremony called Arti and Tikka. The rest of the day is
free to relax.

Overnight at the hotel.

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 Day 2| 6 January 2024 In Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Continue for a tour of Old Delhi.

Pure indulgence and immersion in the local cultural flavors of a beautiful historic city. The city of
Shahjahanabad, built by the Mughals, eat, breathe, and experience history. Enjoy a memorable three-
rickshaw ride through its alleys that offer a unique insight into its historical and current cultural fabric,
making Old Delhi the perfect fusion of living traditions and spectacular built heritage. Enjoy this unique
essence of Old Delhi at a leisurely pace on our rickshaws with custom pit stops that are designed to meet
your needs and requirements and give you a compelling snapshot of Old Delhi.

A visit to Gandhi Smriti (Closed on Mondays)

The residence of industrialist BD Birla has become a monument to Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay
during his visits to Delhi. Gandhiji was killed here on his way to offer customary evening prayers. A large
collection of photographs with some personal belongings and a series of small terracotta dollhouses and
dolls illustrating the life of Gandhiji are the attractions of this museum.

Visit the community kitchen of the Sikh Temple "Gurudwara"

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the main temple of the Sikhs in Delhi. Located very close to central Connaught
Place, its structure is immediately recognizable by its peculiar golden dome. The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
was originally a palace, known as Jaisinghpura, a building owned by Raja Jai Singh, ruler of India in the
seventeenth century. During the visit to Sikh Bangla Sahib Gurudwara temple, one can participate and
experience food preparation in the community kitchen run by the Gurudwara committee in which hundreds
of people eat together at one time.

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Later enjoy the visit to Humayun’s Tomb.
Humayun's Tomb: The complex is considered by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites in India as it is
one of the first samples of Mughal architectural art. Here is the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun.
This monument is constructed of red sandstone to which elaborate decorative details in black and white
marble have been added.

Creative exclusive experience: Shopping experience in the world-famous Khan Market

Khan Market remains a favorite among expats and the upper classes of Delhi. The popular shopping
destination has many upscale stores, selling everything from the latest in fashion and books to household
items and groceries. Take a break in one of the many restaurants and cafes while you rationalize your
luxury item purchase.

Later you will also pass through the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, after visiting the India Gate, the
Parliament of India & the Embassy area.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3| 7 January 2024 Delhi to Agra (Drive: approx. 210 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Agra.

Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Afternoon proceeds to visit of Agra Fort.

The Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, is a historical fortification located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh,
India. It holds significant historical, architectural, and cultural importance. It is renowned for its magnificent
architecture, which blends elements of Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles. The fort features impressive
gateways, massive walls, intricate carvings, beautiful courtyards, and ornate palaces. It showcases the
grandeur and opulence of the Mughal era's architectural style. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. It was inscribed on the list in 1983 due to its outstanding universal value as an exceptional example of
Mughal architecture and its historical significance.

The Agra Fort represents the cultural heritage of the Mughal era and provides insights into the lifestyle, art,
and traditions of the Mughal court. The fort houses several palaces, including the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of
Private Audience) and Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), where the emperors held court and conducted
administrative affairs.

It attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists. Its historical and architectural
significance, combined with its proximity to the Taj Mahal, makes it a popular tourist destination. Tourism
related to the fort contributes to the local economy and provides employment opportunities for the
residents of Agra.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4| 8 January 2024 Agra – Abhanehri Step Well – Jaipur

[Approx. 254 km / 5 hours’ drive]

Early morning Taj Mahal (Remains Closed on Every Friday’s

The magnificent monument of love: the Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved
queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete,
with more than 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction are said to be by
the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once the construction was completed,
Shah Jehan cut off Lahori's hands and blinded them, so he could never duplicate the structure. What makes
the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, construction medium, and
ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects hues of pink and gold at sunrise and sunset, while it's dazzling
white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any other setting than its paradoxical
garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where streams flow. When the Mughals brought
this concept to India, they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

Creative exclusive experience: A photo will be clicked in an Indian outfit in front of the Taj Mahal as a
remembrance of golden memory

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After breakfast check out from the hotel.

Later drive to Jaipur by road en route visiting Abhanehri Step Wall also known as Chand Baroi Step Well.
Chand Baori is said to be named after a local ruler called Raja Chanda. However, no epigraphic evidence has
been found regarding the construction of the Chand Baori or the adjoining Harshat Mata Temple. Based on
similarities in style and carvings with the terraced temples of Paranagar and Mandore, the Baodi can be
dated to the 8th-9th century. It was likely constructed before the temple. The Chand Baori is one of the few
stepwells that has "two classical periods of water building in a single setting", according to Morna
Livingston in Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India.

Later you will be continuing the drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR: Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-
colored buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren
hills surmounted by forts and crenelated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts
and a feast for the eyes. The city of Jaipur is a prime example of the culture and traditions of this region. In
this land, towering forts were built as much for ostentation as for intimidating the enemy and desperate
battles were fought by rulers who were great patrons of the arts. The royal city of Jaipur owes its name to
the founder of the city. It was Great Warrior King Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1743) who laid the foundation of
the city in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details and a very good

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scientific temper. Being capital to the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, the city is the mirror to everything
that Rajasthan signifies, be its culture, tradition, society, and most importantly people.

Creative exclusive experience: Evening witness live aarti ceremony at Brila Temple in Jaipur (Included)
Later in the evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at a local Hindu Temple. Aarti is an offering of respect,
welcome, or adoration to an exalted person. Because the most exalted person is the Supreme Lord, the
most appropriate thing is to offer him Arti. He is an aspect of the worship of Deity. During the Árti,
auspicious objects are offered to the Deity.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5| 9 January 2024 Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to Amber Fort (ascend and descend by jeep). Near Jaipur, about 11 kilometres away, is Amber, an
imposing fortress that rises on a rocky hill next to a lake. The main entrance to the Amber Palace is
impressive; decorated with bas-reliefs and floral motifs, with the elephant god Ganesh above the door, and
with several windows with stone lattices from which women could see without being seen.

Creative exclusive experience: Blessing Ceremony at Amber Fort Temple by Hindu priest (Included)
The interior of the palace is also of great beauty, with its walls decorated with small inlaid mirrors, which is
why it has been called Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors. This building is a wonderful example of Rajput
architecture with terraces and ramps that are reflected in the Maota Lake in the valley.

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Also, visit Anokhi Museum near Amber Fort followed by Pana Meena Ji Ki Baoli (With compliments from
Creative Travel).

The creation of the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing was the initiative of Rachel Bracken-Singh and her
husband Pritam Singh. Pritam’s father, John Singh, purchased the dilapidated Chanwar Palkiwalon ki Haveli
mansion in the late 1970s and began a 3-year renovation project in 1989. With the guidance of architects,
Nimish Patel & Parul Zaveri of Abhikram, the building was restored to its original grandeur. By
demonstrating the feasibility of using indigenous materials, time-honoured construction methods, and
skilled local craftsmen, the preservation project earned a UNESCO award for ‘Cultural Heritage
Conservation’ in 2000.

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Evening drives past Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Mansingh Stadium and Patrika Gate.

Evening free for relaxing at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6|10 January 2024 Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to visit the City Palace.

We will walk through the impressive city palace, which is now a public museum, which is in the heart of the
old city of Jaipur. The magnificence of Rajasthani architecture and art blends perfectly with the different
Mughal influences. The palace, which in the past was the true private museum of art and artifacts from
around the world, is now open to the public. We will enter the Jantar Mantar, a strange garden of
structures, which is next to the City Palace. It's amazing how astronomers calculated eclipses and planetary
positions at precisely that time when computers didn't exist.

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Creative exclusive experience: Try hands in block a printing (Included).

It is used for small to medium 'runs' of prints. Successful block prints range from bold, simple shapes and
designs with limited colours, to more complicated designs using several different colours. Block printing is
good for making positive and negative images and repeating patterns

Creative exclusive experience: Session of turban & Saree tying (Included).

Turban Tying and Safa Tying have been popular in Jaipur since their very foundation. We find mention of it
in the description of the bazaars of Jaipur as early as 1770 A.D. As it happens, it is, to this day a favoured
time pass with its people. In Jaipur, this is used to wear by men’s

You too can enjoy this deeply engrossing and surprisingly challenging sport. Many guests are reminded of
the wonderful reading of Khaled Hosseini’s novel ‘The Kite Runner’. Here you get to fly kites with our
passionate in-house kite flyers all decked up with Rajasthani Turbans and Scarves. And enjoy Indian-style
high tea, there is a constant supply of Indian snacks and our favourite beverage – Chai.

Evening free for shopping at Jaipur renowned market “Bada Bazar & Johari Bazar”

Overnight at the hotel.

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 Day 7| 11 January 2024 Jaipur – Bikaner
[Approx. 334 km / 6 hours’ drive]

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bikaner.

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is located 330 kilometres (205 mi)
northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner City is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and
Bikaner Division.

Formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner, the city was founded by Rao Bika in 1488 CE, and from
its small origins, it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganges Canal, completed in
1928, and the Indira Gandhi Canal, completed in 1987, facilitated its development.

Arrive at Bikaner & transfer to the hotel.

The rest of the evening is free for relaxation.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8| 12 January 2024 Bikaner

After breakfast visit Fort, Jain temples & the local market.

Inside the Junagarh Fort are situated numerous palaces that are constructed with amazing designs and
mesmerizing views. Karan Mahal was built by Karan Singh back in the year 1980, it was constructed to mark
his reign over the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Fort displays the aesthetics of Rajasthani culture with its
stained-glass windows, beautifully carved balconies, intricate mirror patterns, and glorious colored walls.

If you are an architecture enthusiast, this is something that would leave you mesmerized by the dexterity
and skills of the architects that constructed this palace. Counted among the most luxurious palaces of all
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time, Chandra Mahal is a pleasure to eyes and an epitome of creativity. The entire palace is gold plated with
mirrors aligned throughout the palace that adds to its mesmerizing beauty and gives it an otherworldly
charm that needs to be seen to be believed. The construction of Badal Mahal began when the first rains
commenced in the desert region of Rajasthan. Hence the name – Badal Mahal. Phool Mahal Palace is a
symbol of Jahangir’s era of rule. What attracts tourists to this palace is how it is designed entirely using
floral designs on walls and ceilings. Make sure you visit Phool Mahal if you are interested in Mughal
architecture paired with traditional motifs.

After sightseeing return to the hotel.

The rest of the evening is free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9| 13 January 2024 Bikaner – Jodhpur

[Approx. 250 km / 5 hours’ drive]

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur, approx. 05 hours drive.

Jodhpur was the home of the Rathore rulers - the princely State of Rajasthan. A high 10 Km. the long stone
wall protects the well-fortified city. Within stands an imposing Fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about
125 meters. Above the surrounding plains. In 1458, Rao Jodha (1438-14 88), one of Rainmal's 24 sons
became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. After one year of his accession, Jodha was suggested to move his
capital to a safer place because one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to be
strong and safe. This need for a safer place for Jodha gave India one of her largest forts, Mehrangarh. The
foundation of this fort was laid on May 12, 1459, by Jodha on a rocky hill which is 9 km. south to Mandore.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Optional: Evening to stroll down to the local busy markets of Jodhpur. Also, enjoy the Tuk Tuk ride (2 per
rickshaw) to experience [Included]

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10| 14 January 2024 Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the visit to Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort is Fort, which stands a hundred feet in Splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred
feet above the skyline of Jodhpur. Burnished red sandstone, imposing, invincible, and yet with a strange
haunting beauty that beckons. Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun, for truly, it is one of the
most impressive in all of Rajasthan. So colossal are the proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work
of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as the finest living example of a Hindu fortress.

We experience this majestic fort and visit the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal.

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Also, visit the beautiful Jaswant Thada cenotaphs along with the visit to the fort. It was built by Maharaja
Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and serves as the
cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar. The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of
marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by
the sun. The cenotaph's grounds feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake. There are three
other cenotaphs on the grounds. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh displays portraits of the rulers
and Maharajas of Jodhpur.

Rest of the day free for relax

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11| 15 January 2024 Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur

[Approx. 250 km / 5 hours’ drive]

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Udaipur

En-route stops Ranakpur and visits the famous Jain temples. The temples at Ranakpur are over 500 years
old but well preserved. No other place in Rajasthan has the same ambiance and setting as that of Ranakpur,
whose beauty has been emphasized by its isolation. The temples are unique in style and design. Their
ceilings are carved with fine, lace-like foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. Their domes are carved in
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concentric bands and the brackets connecting the base of the dome with the top are covered with figures
of deities.

After the visit continues the drive to Udaipur.

Udaipur was founded in 1559, by Maharana Udai Singh II in the fertile circular Girwa Valley to the
southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River. The city was established as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom.
This area already had a thriving trading town, Ayad, which had served as the capital of Mewar in the 10th
through 12th centuries. The Girwa region was thus already well known to Chittaud rulers who moved to it
whenever the vulnerable tableland Chittaurgarh was threatened with enemy attacks. Rana Udai Singh II, in
the wake of the 16th-century emergence of artillery warfare, decided during his exile at Kumbhalgarh to
move his capital to a more secure location. Ayad was flood-prone, hence he chose the ridge east of Pichola
Lake to start his new capital city, where he came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli
Range. The hermit blessed the king and guided him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be
well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In November 1567, the
Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittor. To protect Udaipur from external attacks, Rana Udai Singh built
a six-kilometre-long city wall, with seven gates, namely Surajpole, Chandpole, Udiapole, Hathipole,
Ambapole, Brahmpole, and so on. The area within these walls and gates is still known as the old city or the
walled city.

Upon arrival in Udaipur, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

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 Day 12| 16 January 2024 Udaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, and then departure for the visit of Udaipur.

City Palace and Museum: The monumental City Palace, standing above the lake, is the largest palatial
complex in Rajasthan. It is a conglomeration of buildings erected by various Maharanas and yet the palace
retains a surprising uniformity of design. The construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh, the
founder of the city.

The palace is crowned by balconies, towers, and domes, and has views over the lake and the urban core
from the upper terraces. Access to the palace takes place through the North sector, through the Bari Pol,
from 1600, and the triple Tripolia Gate, from 1725, with its eight arches sculpted in marble. It was, at one
time, a customs house where the Maharanas were weighed under the door, and their weight in gold or
silver was distributed among the populace.

The main sector of the palace now houses a museum that contains a large and varied, albeit somewhat
spoiled, collection of pieces. The museum includes the Mor Chowk, with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks,
the favorite bird of the Rajasthani. The Manak ("ruby") Mahal exhibits crystal and porcelain figures, while
Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. In the Bari Mahal, there is a very solemn central
garden. In the Zanana Mahal, you can admire more paintings. The Moti Mahal exhibits beautiful works with
mirrors, and the Chini Mahal is covered with ornamental tiles. Other pieces of the exhibition include the
Rolls Royce of the princes.

Later enjoy the visit to Jagdish Temple.

In the afternoon, a boat trip on Lake Pichola

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Saheliyon ki Bari the Saheliyon ki Bari, or "Garden of the Ladies of Honor", is located north of the city. This
small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delicious pond covered in
lotuses.

Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur| Bed & Breakfast

Day 13| 17 January 2024 Udaipur – Delhi [By Flight] – Departure

Breakfast at the Hotel

Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi

Indigo Airlines 6E 6382

Depart from Udaipur at 17:25 hrs
Arrival in Delhi at 18:40 hrs

Arrive in Delhi & stay in transit to board your next international flight to your onward destination.

Day 14| 18 January 2024 Leave Delhi [Flight: ET 687 at 02:40 hrs]

****END OF TRIP****

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