Signature India – North and Central India Tour

Namaste! Welcome to India You will experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi.

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tombshow that even this new part of town has an ancient past.

Fly to one of India’s oldest and holiest cities. Immerse yourself in India’s spiritual font, Varanasi. View an illuminated “Aarti” ceremony and roam the labyrinthine alleys of this 3,000 year – old sacred city, a jumble of voluminous humanity and deep devotion that Mark Twain called “ Older than history.”

At dawn, see the banks of the holy Ganges come alive on your sunrise boat excursion. See ancient sculptures at the Bharat Kala Bhayan museum and experience Sarnath, site of the Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit Benaras University andVishwanath temple dedicated to Shiva.

The temples of Khajuraho are a fusion of superb architecture and remarkable art. Visit the Chandela Temple Complex – including the most important temples in the city – and soak in the spectacular Light and Sound show at the site of the temples

See Orchha, a city frozen in time. Explore the multi–tiered Jehangir Mahal, and the Raj Mahal noted for its fine murals, or the tall – inspired Ram Raja Temple and exuberant frescoes of Lakminarian Temple.

Catch sight of the venerable Taj Mahal at dawn, when the sun gently graces the etched marble, painting it in hues of pink, light yellow and bright white. Later, tour the mighty Agra Fort, where Mughal emperors lived and ruled for centuries.

Visit Fatehpur Sikri—the short-lived Mughal capital that is now a ghost town—en route to Jaipur. This “Pink City” teems with grand palaces and captivating legends of the ancient Rajputs.

Ascend to the towering Amber Fort on elephant back, and marvel at the `Palace of Winds’. Wander the ornateCity Palace and admire theJantar Mantar, a stone observatory. Later, enjoy an authentic Indian cuisine demonstration with a special local family. Consider a hot air balloon ride over this historic city.

Drive through the desert landscape to Bikaner, a city on the ancient caravan routes. The famous fort here exudes a graceful dignity, distinguished by its 37 pavilions and balconies. Later, have an insider’s view of camel breeding at a Camel Farm.

After breakfast, it’s off to Junagarh Fort, which lays claim to a mantle of invincibility: the fort was never conquered. Continue your journey deeper into the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, a fairy–tale Golden City.

Explore Jaisalmer Fort’s weather-worn havelis, jali screens and oriel windows, recalling a lost time of medieval might. You’ll visit theKuldhara Heritage Village: Once a prosperous settlement where all the residents vanished one night in 1825.

Check into your tent at Manwar camp – an oasis of color and comfort in the desert. The safari – style tents serves as a base to explore the sand dunes, perhaps on a camel or jeep safari. Later, enjoy dinner with a performanceby Rajasthani dancers.

Today, you’re off to the famed 15th century “Blue City”: Jodhpur. The city is a whirlwind of experiences: temples and havelis, spices and fabrics, color and texture.Visit the hulking Mehrangarh Fort and Sadar Bazaar: a hectic, multi-hued market.

Stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples, a stunning cluster of temples featuring an astounding 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars, on your way to Udaipur. Enjoy a scenic cruise on shimmering Lake Pichola this evening in this most romantic of Indian cities, Udaipur.

Allow Udaipur to enchant you, starting at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Admire the heritage mansions, boutiques and bathing ghats, and experience the opulence of the City Palace—the largest palace in Rajasthan

After a leisurely breakfast, discover the Eklingji and Nagda temples – two ancient masterpieces of storytelling in stone that include carvings from the Kama Sutra and other ancient Indian texts. Your North and Central India tour comes to an end as you transfer to the Delhi airport for you flight home.