Raj Ghat is the famous memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The shrine bears testimony to the simplicity of the man who changed the world with the power of ideas. A simple black stone structure with an eternal flame burning at one end.

The majestic Red Fort was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639, and remained seat of the empire for the next two centuries. Today, the Prime Minister of the India delivers his Independence Day speech to the nation from the ramparts of this red sandstone structure.

Jama Masjid is one of Asia’s largest mosques. We shall view this magnificent structure from outside, its lofty and highly ornate domes and minarets reminiscent of a scene from the Arabian Nights.

Take a rickshaw through the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, “Moonlit Square,” the celebrated 17th century market complex, where sweetshops from the 1790s still do roaring business .

Proceed for sightseeing in New Delhi after lunch.

New Delhi was built by the British in the 1930s as their imperial capital. Majestic government and administrative buildings line the wide, tree-lined avenues of what is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi after Sir Edwin Lutyens who was commissioned to design the city in 1911.

Further south lies the Qutub Minar. Built by Qutubuddin Aibak, a slave general in 1193, it is India’s tallest stone tower and marks the site of the country’s first Muslim kingdom. The iron tower in a square opposite is unique in that it never rusts, although it has been exposed to the elements for centuries.

Next stop would be the majestic Humanyun’s Tomb.

Start at India Gate, the red sandstone arch erected in memory of Indian and British soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. Close by are the majestic Parliament House, the seat of the world’s largest democracy and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the Indian President’s official residence. Inside are the famed Mughal Gardens with its ornate fountains and manicured lawns. Mughal Gardens are open to the public during spring.

Enjoy Dances Of India show in the evening.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Visit the fascinating Akshardham temple in the morning. At the fascinating Akshardham Temple, a few millennia of Indian history comes alive through a mind-boggling kaleidoscope of dioramas, animatronics, giant iMax screens and installations. The immense temple structure itself is a modern architectural marvel with highly shikharas, plinths, domes, pillars and statues in the traditional Indian style held up without the benefit of even an ounce of steel.

Continue to Dilli Haat, a unique bazaar in the heart of the city specializing in ethnic handicraft and cuisine from every corner of India. A shopper’s dream come true.

Overnight at Delhi.

Breakfast will be served at hotel. Later you will be dropped at the airport in time for your flight to Varanasi.

The ancient city of Varanasi on the west bank of the holy Ganga has been a spiritual center for Hinduism since the dawn of time. Varanasi’s high ghats (steps leading to and from the river) are crowded with priests, wrestlers, astrologers, devotees, bathers, morning walkers and saffron clad mendicants or sadhus. The ringing of temple bells and the heady, heavy smell of incense permeate everywhere. In Varanasi, even a short walk or a simple boat-ride is an unforgettable adventure.

The cinematic nature of daily life in Varanasi is not lost on filmmakers and over the years, many have made Varanasi their backdrop, among them maestros like Roberto Rossellini, James Ivory and Satyajit Ray. Fittingly, the first moving picture ever shot on Indian soil was filmed here in 1899. Varanasi is one of the unforgettable highlights of your luxury holiday in the timeless Indian subcontinent.

A short drive from Varanasi, lies Sarnath where, millennia ago, the Buddha delivered his first ever sermon. Today, thousands of travellers from all over the world pour in every year to pay homage to what is one of the holiest places in Asia. The 1600 year old Dhamekh stupa marks the spot where the Buddha sat as he delivered his first teachings. Interestingly, this ancient stupa is a stand in for an even earlier structure erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC to commemorate the teaching.

The highly recommended Sarnath museum houses antiquities dating back to the 3rd century BC. Don’t miss the gigantic red sandstone standing Bodhisattvas and the magnificent Ashokan pillar that is India’s state symbol.

Later in the evening visit the Ghats for the auspicious and breath-taking Aarti of Lights offered to Goddess Ganges.

Overnight at Varanasi

Go for an early morning boat ride along the middle of the river to watch the spiritual life of Hindu India unfold before you along the banks. Visit Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, the holiest of the Varanasi ghats. A section of Manikarnika serves as a cremation ground and it is said the funeral pyre never dies here.

Kashi Vishwanath with its famous solid gold spire is one of the holiest of Hindu temples and devotees believe that praying here after a dip in the Ganges will grant them Moksha or liberation from the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, visit the 18th century Durga Temple. According to legend, the idol of the goddess simply appeared in the spot where the temple stands today.

The white marble Tulsi Manas Temple has scenes and stanzas from the Hindi epic Ram Charit Manas engraved upon its walls. The temple is in the traditional Shikhara style, its towers representing the great Himalayan summits or shikharas.

Overnight will be in Varanasi.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

A Compass India Holiday representative will meet you at the airport and help transfer you to the hotel.

The Chandela dynasty of Central India is credited with the construction of the magnificent Khajuraho Complex between the 9th and 10 centuries AD. The name Khajuraho may be a corruption of the Sanskrit Kharjura Vahaka, the bearer of the scorpion and could be a reference to one of Khajuraho’s popular sculptures, depicting woman undressing to remove a scorpion from her body.

The sandstone walls of the Khajuraho temples are crowded with countless sculptures of gods, goddesses, dancers and beasts but it’s the sections containing erotic sculptures that the temple is most famous for. Some interpret them as an indicator of the liberal and enlightened outlook of medieval Indian society but according to some scholars, the figures are merely metaphoric and conceal a deeper symbolism.

Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most exotic high points of your luxury tour of the Indian subcontinent.

The Western group of temples

Kandariya Mahadev is the largest temple in the complex and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with over 800 exquisitely sculpted figures of gods and celestial maidens adorning its walls.

Chausat Yogini Temple is the oldest in the complex. The only granite temple among the cluster, it’s a shrine to one of the aspects of the fearsome Hindu Mother Goddess Kali, or The Dark One.

The Lakshmana Temple stands at the southwest corner. Look out for a minor shrine where one of the ancient sculptors added his own likeness in a touching act of vanity.

Other temples include the Vishwanath Temple with exquisite stonework on its outer wall, the Matangeshwar Temple with its famed eight foot high phallic lingam, the Chitragupta Temple, inside which the radiant Sun God rides his seven-horse chariot, and the Varaha Temple that houses a 1.5 m high Varaha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a giant boar, that attempts (and fails) to find the end of the universe.

The Brahma and the Hanuman temples are the most famous and best preserved among the Eastern Group of temples. Don’t miss the Vamana temple that showcases in elaborate stone work all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

In the evening proceed for the sound and light show.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

12 kms from Khajuraho, the medieval city of Orchha on was founded in 1501 by the Bundela rulers on the bank of the Betwa river. The town is famous for its cenotaphs, locally known as chhattris, built in the memory of long-dead kings.

Of interest, the Orchha Fort, the majestic high domes and spires of Chaturbhuj Temple and the Raj Mandir, both constructed in the later half of the 16th century.

Proceed to Jhansi railway station and then take a train for Agra.

The Mughal capital of Agra on the banks of the Yamuna River is a bustling town teeming with narrow, winding alleyways that hark back to an era gone by. Dotted by magnificent monuments including UNESCO World Heritage SIte Taj Mahal, the city is a dazzling contrast of red sandstone and white marble structures.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Enjoy an early morning sunrise tour of Taj Mahal.

Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal and designed by Persian architect Ustad, the magnificent Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. A massive white marble structure so delicate that it appears to float in the air, the Taj is otherworldly in its beauty and is best viewed in moonlight or at dawn and dusk. The close-up view reveals breathtakingly intricate inlay work carved into the marble, and bears eloquent testimony to the triumph of Mughal art, culture and architecture at its peak. No holiday in India is complete without the Taj.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra after freshening up.

A beautifully maintained tree-lined monument at Sikandra marks the grave of the illustrious Akbar the Great. A great believer in harmony and equality of all religions, this visionary Mughal Emperor created Din-i Ilahi, a unique religion that combines the fundamentals of Islam, Hindusim, Buddhism and Christianity. His memorial imbibes architectural motifs of all the faiths that inspired him.

Standing across the river from the Taj, the majestic red sandstone structure of Agra Fort was erected in 1565 by Mughal Emperor Akbar the great. Little did he know that the same fort would later serve as prison for his grandson Emperor Shah Jahan in the end of his days. From his prison perch of Musamman Burj, an exquisite octagonal marble tower atop the fort, Shah Jahan would spend his last days looking out longingly at the Taj.

Itmad-ud-Daulah is perhaps the Mughal Empire’s best kept secret. Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Jahangir, son of Akbar, commissioned the structure as a memorial to her father. Mistakenly called Baby Taj, Itmad-ud-Daulah in fact is decades older than the Taj, and may have served as its design blueprint.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Fatehpur Sikri, or the “City of Victory”, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 in honour of sufi saint Salim Chishti was the capital of the Mughals for 14 years. The white marble Tomb of the Salim Chisti with its intricately carved marble screens occupies pride of place in the central courtyard of the structure.

Attractions include the colossal Buland Darwaza, a victory gate built to mark the conquest of by Emperor Akbar, the Diwan-i-Aam where the emperor held his legendary hearings with the general public and the Diwan-i-Khas where he held private consultation with his nine ministers, or as he called them, his navaratna or nine gems.

Fatehpur Sikri also houses the palace of Jodhabai, Akbar’s Hindu wife, and the house of the legendary Birbal - Akbar’s Hindu minister and one of the navaratnas - the tales of whose extraordinary wit and wisdom are the stuff of popular culture in India, inspiring countless comic books and children’s animation TV shows.

Continue drive to Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore is the largest national park in North India and its dry deciduous forests are home to over 500 species of flowering plants and 270 species of birds in addition to leopards, nilgai, sloth bear and wild boar.

Ranthambhore of course is best known for its large tiger population. The chances of spotting a tiger is relatively high in Ranthambhore, with the elusive predator often seen basking in the sun or enjoying the shade of a tree.

Ranthambhore’s most famous denizen is the aging T-16, better known as Machhli or “fish” after the curious markings on her face. Machhli has been the subject of numerous wildlife documentaries and is an “Internet phenomenon” - a video of her hunting a giant salt water crocodile generating over 2 million views on Youtube.

Other notable striped residents of Ranthambhore include Machhli’s grown up cub T-17 or Sundari (the pretty one), her boyfriend the temperamental T-25 (better known as Dollar), the elusive T-19, the current dominant female of Ranthambhore, and the majestic T-28 or Sitara (Star), the park’s dominant male.

Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Wake up early morning and proceed for your safari into the National Park.

Ranthambhore Fort is the majestic 10th Century fortress that gives the national park its name. There are four 12th century temples inside the fortress that are worth the visit. Standing 700 feet above its surroundings, the fort’s ramparts provide a tremendous panoramic view of the national park. Keep

your eyes peeled, as the jungles surrounding the fort are a favorite haunt of T-19.

After lunch proceed for your afternoon safari.

Dinner will be served at the resort.

Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Enjoy morning safari at the National Park.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Proceeed for Jaipur.

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ from the facelift it received in 1853 to celebrate a visit by Prince Albert, is dotted with havelis (traditional mansions), bazaars, opulent palaces and rugged majestic forts that showcase the glorious past of its rulers, the Rajputs.

The Rajput princes were fierce warriors some of whom declared loyalty to the invading Mughals and proved to be formidable allies of the empire. Among them was King Jai Singh II, whom the Mughals gave the title Sawai Maharaja, or “King and a quarter”. Jaipur gets its name from this valiant king.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple. A stunning white marble structure, the three towers of the Birla Temple stand for three different approaches to religion. Carvings on the ornate pillars celebrate Hindu gods and goddesses along with Christ, Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assissi. Don’t miss the hypnotic evening Aarti, the ritual lighting of oil lamps.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

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

Situated on the top of a hill, the magnificent Amber Fort Palace offers a panoramic view of the old city. Established in 1592, its rugged exteriors believe the delicate architecture inside, a rare fusion of traditional Rajasthani and Islamic styles. Reach the fort the old fashioned way, atop a ceremonial elephant along a cobbled path up that opens into several havelis, step wells, courtyards and temples. Visit Sheesh Mahal or chamber of mirrors, Jas Mandir with its ornate ceilings and latticework and the stunning Shila Devi temple with its intricately carved silver door.

Continue sightseeing.

The sprawling City Palace has been home to the rulers of Jaipur since the 18th century. The architecture of the palace is a blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The City palace Museum is located here and houses various items from Jaipur’s princely and warrior past.

The scientific-minded King Jai Singh II, an astronomy enthusiast, commissioned five observatories named Jantar Mantar around West Central India in the early 1700s. The one in Jaipur is the largest and the best preserved. The massive architectural instruments are constructed out of local stone and marble some of which are still in use. We shall walk through and explore this surreal maze of giant geometric objects.

The exquisite outer facade of Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds," resembles a manmade honeycomb and is one of Jaipur’s most iconic and oft photographed sights. Designed to facilitate maximum air circulation and cross ventilation, the five-storied Hawa Mahal is made of lime and mortar, and decorated with impossible intricate trelliswork. From the privacy of its ornate jharokhas (traditional Rajasthani windows), the ladies of the court could gaze out at life in the streets below.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Proceed to Deogarh. Reach and check into the hotel.

The 18th century fort in Deogarh (also known as Devgarh) stands on a hilltop 2700 feet above sea level, and as a result enjoys cooler climes than the rest of the state. Behind its battlements and turrets are luxurious living quarters equipped with every modern amenity. Enjoy the fabulous view of the surrounding hills and lakes from the ramparts, and be dazzled by the exquisite miniature paingings in Sheesh Mahal, the hall of mirrors.

We recommend walks in the town to observe the traditional Rajasthani way of life and a visit to the miniature painting schools.

Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers.

Overnight will be at Deogarh.

Breakfast will be served at the palace.

Proceed for sightseeing of the place around the town.

Drive to Udaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.

Founded by Maharana Uday Singh, beautiful Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola is a fairyland with beautiful palaces in the middle of lakes, islands, opulent havelis and temples. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli hills, Udaipur shimmers in dazzling white and is also called the City of Dawn.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.

The massive City Palace overlooking the Lake Pichola is a glittering example of Rajput architecture. A part of the city palace is now a museum. Behind the fortified walls of the palace, dark, steep and narrow staircases connect a maze of royal chambers and courtyards. Dazzling intricate miniatures, antiques and paintings are on display everywhere. Of note are gorgeous mosaics of peacocks in More Mahal and a courtyard full of shady trees on the terrace of Amar Vilas.

Maharana Sangram Singh built Saheliyon Ki Bari or “Garden of the Maidens” in the mid 18th century on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. The lush green lawns of the garden are replete with fountains whose spouts are placed inside the trunks of large stone elephants. The water flow is controlled solely by water pressure. No pumps are used. Of particular note is an interesting medieval experiment in sound design. In a secluded corner of the garden, carefully selected large leafed plants damp the sound of flowing water on stones to create the auditory effect of being in a large tropical forest in the pouring rain.

Built in 1751, Bagore Ki Haveli on Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichola has over a hundred rooms displaying interesting artifacts and paintings. Of note is the fascinating puppet museum. The officials in charge are happy to organize a short impromptu puppet show for interested visitors.

The magnificent 17th century Jagdish Temple is located in the center of the city and is a fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The main deity at the center is a giant black stone image of Lord Vishnu. The outer walls of the temple and the tower feature highly detailed carvings depicting Vishnu and scenes from the life of Krishna.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

The 15th century Ranakpur Temples are situated in the middle of dense woods and are an important pilgrimage for the Jain community. The temples’ exterior is majestic yet somber, while the interiors are richly embellished with highly intricate carvings covering every inch of the solid marble walls. This reflects the Jain belief in the importance of a rich inner life within a simple exterior. The huge domed marble central ceiling of the temple is so adorned with dazzling filigree work that it looks almost translucent. The hushed silence inside the temple and the subtle smell of incense will put even the most gregarious traveller in a contemplative mood.

Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Situated on the edge of Thar Desert, Jodhpur embodies the romance and feudal splendor of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also called the ‘Blue City’ from the blue houses that surround its most famous landmark, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort that sits on the top of a hill 125 meters above the city. The city itself is surrounded by high walls 10 kilometers long.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Enjoy the sightseeing tour of the city.

Hewn out of solid rock atop the red sandstone cliff overlooking Jodhpur 400 feet above the city, the awesome 15th Century Mehrangarh fort spreads out over 5 kilometers and in the words of Rudyard Kipling, is the “work of angels and giants”. The fort’s defenses are impressive, with seven highly fortified gates to reach the fort, and massive, ornate cannons perched on the bastion walls. The view of the Blue City from the ramparts of the fort is breathtaking. In spite of the forbidding exteriors, the fort’s exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, and ceiling with radiant glass tiles reveal another more artistic side to its warrior inhabitants. Batman fans might remember Mehrangarh Fort from an iconic scene in Chris Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is known for its highly intricate lattice-work. The marble used in the structure is translucent and in the day time, the interior walls glow from the sunshine outside. Jaswant Singh II was known for his innovative irrigation projects and to this day, locals throng to Jaswant Thada to pay their respects to the benevolent king whose touch once healed their arid land.

The Bishnoi tribe have been steadfast conservationists centuries before conservation became fashionable. Much like the Native American people, the Bishnois have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all species and believe that the continued survival of mankind is only possible if mankind takes steps nurture and preserve every species of plant and animal that populates our planet. So much so, that it is common to spot, completely unafraid herds of blackbuck grazing right inside the Bishnoi villages. A visit to the Bishnoi Village gives one a rare and intimate insight into the daily life of this ancient, enlightened tribe.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Osiyan is an 8th century town that grew and prospered around an oasis in the heart of the Thar Desert, gaining importance as a trading post between the 8th and 11th centuries. Stunning, richly engraved Jain Temples made of sandstone dating back to that era bear testimony to Osiyan’s medieval prosperity.

Osiyan is also a gateway to the mighty shifting sand dunes of the Thar Desert. A camel ride to the dunes to watch the stunning, colourful desert sunset is a highly recommended activity while visiting these parts.

Enjoy your stay at the Thar Oasis Resort with its distinctive traditional mud buildings fitten with every modern amenity.

Reach Jaisalmer.

In the heart of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer stands amidst a shifting landscape of giant sand dunes, its yellow sandstone buildings blending seamlessly with the desert sands. Founded in the 12th century by Maharawal Jaisal Singh, Jaisalmer is the perhaps the most iconic of Rajasthan’s cities.

Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. The magnificent Jaisalmer Fort is one of the oldest in the world and still in use, housing more than a quarter of the city’s population. Brooding, proud and tall, Jaisalmer Fort stands atop a hill, its dazzling yellow sandstone walls providing a natural camouflage against the yellow sands all around. Three layers of high yellow walls surround the fort, never breached in 800 years. Inside, narrow serpentine alleyways lead into and around magnificent old havelis, museums, markets and cafés. The sharp cry of peacocks occasionally break the majestic silence of the surrounds. The 19th century Nathmal ki Haveli may be identified by the two life sized yellow sandstone elephants that stand guard at its gates and the murals that adorn its walls. According to legend, the building was built by two brothers one of whom concentrated on the left side of the structure and another on the right, leaving the final product a bit asymmetric. The three hundred year old Salim Singh ki Haveli is an interesting experiment in building design. Narrow at the base, the structure grows wider with every level. Completely stable, the haveli is occupied to this day. The magnificent six story high Patwon Ji ki Haveli is known for the highly intricate carvings on its walls and houses the local office of the Archeological Survey of India. The Tazia Tower was a gift to the rulers of Jaisalmer from the Muslim stone carvers who worked on the city. Shaped like a tazia, a wooden tower carried by Shia Muslims during Muharram, it is, in terms of building style, different from everything else in Jaisalmer. The 15th century Godi Sagar Lake once held the town’s entire water supply. Surrounded by temples, the lake is home to migratory birds in winter. Don’t miss Tilon ki Pol, the beautiful yellow sandstone gateway that leads one to the lake. The Jaisalmer Fort also houses some intricately carved Jain Temples dating back to between the 12th and 15th centuries. An ancient library, Gyan Bhandar, in the temple complex houses very old and rare manuscripts from that era. In the late afternoon, proceed to the sand dunes for visiting the typical Rajasthani desert village. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Reach Bikaner.

In 1488, A Rathore prince named Rao Bikaji used his army to convert these northwestern wastelands of Rajasthan into a thriving city that he named Bikaner after himself. Rao Bikaji was astute in his choice of land as the spot he chose was located near a water source, a precious commodity in these parts, and fell on the ancient Central Asian trade route. Surrounded by seven kilometer long medieval walls on its rocky perch, Bikaner is a splendid sight, and a proud example of the rugged and exotic desert kingdoms of Rajasthan.

The camels are the domestic beast of choice in Bikaner and they are everywhere - pulling carts, transporting grain and drawing water from wells. Bikaner is also known for its famous riding camels, widely regarded as the world’s finest.

A mouthwatering local snack, ubiquitous in the town’s narrow winding alleyways, is highly popular all over India as Bikaneri Bhujia.

Overnight will be at Bikaner.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.

The beautifully preserved majestic Junagarh Fort was constructed in the 16th century and has never been taken in battle. The fort’s designer must have been a man of eclectic taste, borne out by the intricate inlay work on the inner walls of the fort.

Karni Mata Temple in the old city has an unlikely deity. A 20,000 strong pack of rats who are dutifully fed milk every day by large crowds of devotees. It is considered particularly lucky if one of the holy rodents runs over your feet.

Overnight will be at Bikaner

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Drive to Mandawa.

Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though the owners are away, the local caretakers are usually happy to show visitors around. Chokhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandka Haveli are of special interest. Spend the ay looking into frescoes.

Overnight will be in Mandawa.

As per the flight timings, a Compass India Holiday representative will transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home.