Please be aware that the Delhi stage of all itineraries listed here is flexible in that some visitors arriving in New Delhi will arrive late evening (9pm or later) or early morning (2am or later). India Ayurveda Tour recognizes that its guests' convenience is a priority and the start times of the tour can be adjusted accordingly, so that no monument/place of interest is missed.

Day 1

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by the India Ayurveda Tour representative and taken to your hotel by car. Check-in and then start your tour of Old Delhi beginning with visits to Jama Masjid – one of India’s largest mosques – then continue on to the Red Fort (from outside only) and Raj Ghat (the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi). After lunch (your own arrangements), drive past India Gate and the Colonial era government buildings for photographs. Finish your tour with a visit to Qutb Minar, a large red sandstone and marble complex with a magnificent minaret. Overnight at Hotel

Day 2

After breakfast, leave for Mandawa in Rajasthan. This town is famous for its havelis (traditional townhouses in India that are famous for their architectural importance and beautiful frescoe paintings) and it is also referred to as an open art gallery of the state. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast, depart for Bikaner, home to a fabulous fort. Check-in at hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, visit the Junagarh Fort with its immense courtyards and ornately decorated state rooms. Continue to the Deshnok Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, located just outside the city. Return and overnight in hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast, start your journey to Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City because of the prevalence of its buildings in yellowish sandstone. As the city is located near the Thar desert, an evening camel safari is organized as part of your tour. Overnight in hotel. .

Day 5

After breakfast, your tour of Jaisalmer begins with a visit to the artificial lake at Gadisar and the Jaisalmer Fort. This is only one of two living forts (allowing residents and businesses within) in India. Walk through the narrow streets and admire the architecture and be a witness to everyday life inside the fort. You will also visit the Nathmal ki Haveli and Patwo ki Haveli, where there are superb views of the fort from the rooftop. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6

After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur, also known as the blue city and famous for the Mehrangarh Fort. Check-in at hotel on arrival and then start your tour of the city. The Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline and don’t forget to see the beautiful miniature paintings painstakingly crafted by the descendants of the artists whose work graces many rooms of the fort. If you like walking, ask for a pre-arranged walking tour of the city which will take you along narrow streets but gives you an unforgettable view of the Fort. After lunch (your own arrangements), visit Jaswant Thada, the cenotaph of the Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. He had this monument constructed in 1899 for the cremation of the royal family of Marwar. End the day with a walk round the colorful Sardar Market. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. On the way there, enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Aravalli Range and the scheduled stop at Ranakpur to visit the Jain Temple, famous for its carvings and a site of pilgrimage for the Jain religion. Check-in on arrival and overnight in hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast, visit the City Palace in Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes (there are six in the municipality). The Palace complex is the largest in Rajasthan and is famous for its carvings and views of the city. Walk around the Jagdish Temple and then enjoy the greenery of Sahelion Ki Bari, a large garden oasis in the city. After lunch (your own arrangements), take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir, where you can enjoy refreshments in the restaurant complex of the island.

Day 9

After an early breakfast, start the drive to Jaipur. En route, visit the sacred city of Pushkar (a“mini Varanasi”), a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Visit the Brahma Temple and market before continuing to Jaipur. Check-in on arrival and overnight in hotel.

Day 10

After breakfast, start your tour by going past the Hawa Mahal (the Wind Palace) from the outside only, but stopping for you to take photographs. Continue to the Amber Fort, where you will be taken up to the 16th century fort on an elephant. Walk along the cobbled paths and through multiple gates enjoying grand architecture and a great history. After lunch (your own arrangements), visit the City Palace and then on to Jantar Mantar (the Observatory) where you can marvel at the accuracy of the sundial that was built in the late 18th century. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11

After breakfast, drive from Jaipur to Abaneri, stopping to visit the spectacular step well. Step wells are structures that are unique to India. They are an elaborate and usually ornate architectural marvel that have steps built along the sides in a geometrical pattern to reach the water. Continue on to Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th century. Enjoy the well-preserved architecture and large esplanades of this red sandstone complex. Arrive in Agra and check-in at hotel for the night.

Day 12

After breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal. If you are prepared to wake up early, make pre-arrangements with the guide so that you can be picked up before sunrise**. See the sun reflect off the newly cleaned monument and admire one of the seven wonders of the world close up. Your tour continues with a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah or locally known as the Baby Taj. It is often regarded as the mausoleum that the Taj Mahal was modelled on in the 17th century and is a perfect example of inlay work on white marble. Finish your tour with a visit to the Red Fort, where you can enjoy unhindered views of the Taj Mahal. Overnight in hotel.

**Please note: The sunrise visit is ONLY possible between March and October. Also note that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday, though you can see it from the Methab Bagh viewpoint across the River Yamuna.

Day 13

After breakfast, start your drive to Orchha, stopping en route in Gwalior to see the well-preserved fort overlooking the city. The fort has a rich history and a visit to the Sas-Bahu temple nearby is a must. Continue your drive on to Orchha and check-in at hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14

After breakfast, start your tour of Orchha, home to magnificent temples on the banks of the Betwa River. Tour the 17th century palaces of Jehangir Mahal and Raja Mahal where you can admire intricate architecture and enjoy scenic views. After lunch, continue your drive to Khajuraho where you check-in at your hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15

After breakfast, begin your tour of the western and eastern group of temples, famous for their erotic art and Kamasutra figures. Khajuraho was covered by dense vegetation for centuries and unearthed by a British Army engineer in the 19th century. Since then, it has acquired UNESCO World Heritage status and is a very popular tourist destination. In the afternoon, catch the flight to Varanasi from Khajuraho Airport. Overnight in hotel.

Day 16

An early start from your hotel to take a boat ride on the Ganges – considered by Hindus as a sacred river – to see the sunrise and also religious activities carried out in the river. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Re-commence the tour with a visit to Sarnath, just outside Varanasi where Buddah is believed to have preached his message of the middle way. The city attracts followers of Buddhism from around the world. In the evening, you are free to participate in Ganga Arti if you wish. This is a spiritual ritual that uses fire as an offering. A lit lamp (diya) with flowers is floated down the river and this is offered to the goddess Ganga, goddess of the holiest river in India. Overnight in hotel.

Day 17

After breakfast, check out of hotel and return via internal domestic flight to New Delhi. Check-in for your departure from India and end of tour.

City Category A Category B Category C Nights
Delhi Crown Plaza Mayur 5* The Suryaa 4* Le Roi 3* 1
Mandawa Castle Mandawa Sara Vilas 4* Heritage Mandawa 3* 1
Bikaner Laxmi Niwas Palace 4* Gaj Keseri 3* Ganga Mahal 3* 1
Jaisalmer Fort Rajwada Rang Mahal 4* Priya 3* 2
Jodhpur ITC Welcome 5* Ranbanka Palace 4* Kothi Heritage 3* 1
Udaipur Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace 5* Radisson Green 4* Udaigarh 3* 2
Jaipur Holiday Inn 4* Golden Tulip 4* Arya Niwas 3* 2
Agra Radisson Blu 5* Four Points by Sheraton 4* Seven Hills Tower 3* 2
Orchha Amar Mahal 3* Amar Mahal 3* Amar Mahal 3* 1
Khajuraho Radisson Jass 5* The Clarks 4* The Isabel Palace 3* 1
Varanasi Lemon Tree 4* Ibis 3* Ibis 3* 2
Delhi Lemon Tree 4* Ibis 3* Ibis 3* 1

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• Half board (breakfast and dinner) except in 3-star hotels where the treatment is for bed and breakfast only.
• The means of transport with air conditioning.
• The Italian Speaking Guide / Guide.
• Transfers to / from airport / hotel / airport.
• Domestic flights (Khajuraho / Varanasi - Varanasi / Delhi)
• Entry to museums according to program.
• Elephant tour at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.
• Boat trip on Lake Pichola to Udaipur.
• Camel ride in the Thar desert.
• Boat ride on the Ganges to Varanasi (unless the water level allows it).
• Current applicable taxes.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• The international flight ticket.
• Airport taxes if applicable.
• The costs for issuing an entry visa to India.
• No insurance policy.
• Personal expenses (drinks, telephone, etc.).
• Expenses for the camera and video camera in places where they are required.
• Tips for drivers and porters (you can ask the accompanying person how to regulate them if necessary).
• Cancellation fees and / or changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
• All that is not listed in the list THE PRICE INCLUDES..