Delhi (01 Nights) Agra (01 Nights) Jaipur (02 Nights) Pushkar (01 Night) Jodhpur (01 Night) Udaipur (02 Nights)
Experience the breathtaking historical and architectural marvels of Delhi, Agra, and
Jaipur spanning over 500 years starting from the 12 th century while discovering India’s
golden triangle. Discover Pushkar with its unique and colorful fairs, and from there get
transported to another era with the magnificent fort in the desert city of Jodhpur. The
intricate and erotic sculptures at Ranakpur and the romantic blend of palaces, temples,
lakes and gardens of Udaipur will leave you with memories of a truly exotic India.
Upon arrival, you will be meeting with our representative at outside the airport and transferred to the
Hotel our representative will be holding placard of “Concord Exotic Voyages” with the guests name at exit gate inside the airport Lounge
DELHI, the capital of India, is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.
Upon arrival, Check into the hotel
Overnight at Hotel in Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast; proceed to full day city tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Raj ghat and drive past Red fort with Russian speaking escort cum guide.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.
Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk
After noon sightseeing of New Delhi including Qutub Minar, and drive past India Gate, the parliament buildings and drive past Presidential house
Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of
72.5m. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu’azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and
Son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor We will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Later drive to Agra
Upon arrival transfer to hotel
Overnight at Hotel in Agra
Breakfast at hotel
Early morning visit sunrise Taj Mahal- a monuments symbol of love
Taj Mahal- Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately vehicleved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen
(Taj Mahal Closed on Friday)
Agra This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and it is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise
After noon visit Agra Fort – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. 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. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat
Later Drive to Jaipur en-route visit en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti, Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments
Jaipur – A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and a futuristic observatory, Jaipur was the inspiration of the ruler Sawai Jai Singh, who moved the capital from Amber in 1727. Jaipur was designed by a young architect from Bengal and together they planned a city along the ancient Hindu treatise of “Shilpa Shastra”, a science similar to the better known Feng Shui. Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares making it one of the earliest planned cities in India. In honor of the visit of the Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, the City was painted in rich terracotta, a tradition which has continued through the years. This is the reason why Jaipur is often called the “pink city”. Today it serves as the State capital for Rajasthan
Evening at Leisure
Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast at the hotel start a sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visiting Amber fort, City palace, Observatory and Windsor palace
You will also be experiencing Elephant ride while ascending the Amer fort.
(Elephant ride is subject to availability failing Jeep ride will be provided)
Amer Fort Palace – Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
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 or Observatory – 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 or Windsor Palace – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storied 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.
Evening at Leisure or Visit Birla Temple
The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Mandir, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birla’s, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvelous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up.
Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast Drive to Pushkar
Pushkar, an enchanting small town located exactly on the edge of the desert but is separated from it by
Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain. The town frequently visited by devotees lies to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its multitudes of bathing ghats & temples. It also holds the most unique fairs of its kind in the world. It is a combination of an animal fair & the religious fair. Both the fairs are enchanting & have their own unique aspects & quality
Pushkar Fair As per the Indian calendar the fair is held in the first lunar cycle in the month of Kartik culminating on the Kartik Purnima (Full moon)
Evening Visit Pushkar Jagatpita Brahma Mandir -This Hindu temple situated at Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. The temple is governed by the Sanyasi (ascetic) sect priesthood On Kartik Poornima, a festival dedicated to Brahma is held when large number of pilgrims visits the temple, after bathing in the sacred lake.
Overnight at Hotel in Pushkar
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur -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.
Afternoon you will be doing the city tour of Jodhpur including Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant thada Memorial followed by walking tour local market and clock tower.
Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort’s ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.
Overnight at hotel Jodhpur
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Udaipur and Enroute visit Ranakpur Temples.
The Ranakpur Temple, dating back to the 15th century. 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
Arrive Udaipur and check in to the 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 PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight at the Hotel Udaipur
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
City Palace: Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of “Jag Niwas” (the world wide famous Lake palace hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens – a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of KRISHNA are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other places such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna villas – in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Proceed for Morning 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. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Maharana Sangram singh builds this in the mid-18th century. The ‘garden of the maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The Foundation of the Saheliyon Ki Bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The whole ambiences are flavored by the nostalgia of those beautiful bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura.
Bagore Ki Haveli: This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too. It also preserves a fine example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen’s Chamber. The two peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are fine examples of glasswork. After the death Badwa the building became the property of Mewar State. It came to be occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore who built the palace of the three arches also in 1878 and it acquired its name of Bagore-Ki Haveli, the house of Bagore. After independence the structure lay in neglect until 1986 when it housed the West Zone Cultural centre.
Jagdish Temple: The temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilience of the art tradition it represents.
It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double – storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell – roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non – functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh 1st in 1651 A.D.
Overnight at the Hotel Udaipur
After breakfast, In time you will be transferred to the airport to board flight for onward destination
General Travel Guidelines for India
We hope that you will find this over view useful – should you need more detailed information on subjects that are mentioned or anything else that we may be able to assist with please do let us know.
Currency India’s currency is ‘Rupee’, abbreviated as ‘Rs’. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Coins are in various small denominations of 10, 25, 50 Paisa (these are rarely in circulation these days) & 1, 2, & 5, Rupees. Notes (Bills) are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees.
You cannot purchase Indian Rupees outside India. Therefore we suggest that you carry some cash in Dollars, Pounds or Euros which can be changed upon arrival in India at the airport (where you will find a fair exchange rate). Please ask us for any further assistance or guidance on this.
Dress / Packing suggestion
Most of the hotels are smart but not hugely formal and the smart casual label is the best description for suggested dress code. Do carry a warm coat/jersey for early morning starts and especially for any train journeys and safaris. Places of religious worship should be respected by covering shoulders and above the knee – it is therefore advised that on any days when you are out sightseeing or exploring that you follow this guide line to be on the safe side. It is strongly advised that you carry a hat when there is chance you will be out in the sun in the middle of the day. Ladies will always find a shawl or Pashmina very useful. If travelling in the hotter times of the year, it is important to wear light cotton clothing and to keep your head covered when out in the heat of the day. (Its very easy to dehydrate, so a note here is to ensure you keep fluids up and consider carrying rehydration salts.)
Dress Code for National Parks / Packing suggestion
Please wear appropriate colours when in any National Park or Tiger Reserves – these should be muted earthy colours. We would also suggest a sun hat and sunglasses for game drives.
Please note from mid-November until end February, the early morning and evening games drives can be very cold – this is attributed largely to the wind factor of the ‘open air’ jeep. We highly recommend you to carry fleeces, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. By about 8/9am, the sun is out and you will begin ‘de-layering’ and be comfortable in a t-shirt for the majority of the midday.
Electricity in India voltage is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, though some areas also have DC supplies. Visitors are advised to check the voltage before using electrical appliances. Socket sizes vary, so it is as well to take a set of plug adapters, available from most electrical stores.
Foreign Exchange
Visiting foreigners can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available, through banks and approved moneychangers. Or, one may change money at the big city hotels.
One can also change money at national or international banks such as Standard Chartered, Citibank, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank and others in the major metro cities. Most of these have 24-hour ATMs. American Express and Thomas Cook offices may be found in major metros and tourist cities.
Bank timings are usually from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays and 1000hrs to 1400 hrs on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or travellers cheques particularly in small towns.
Exchange money only through authorized banks or Money Changers. Insist on a receipt/encashment certificate when changing money. Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India. Current exchange rates of British Pound and US Dollar are: 1 US $: Rs 50 / 1 GBP: Rs 95
Inoculations/Vaccinations:
Before traveling to India it is advised that you get vaccinations for tetanus, malaria, hepatitis, rabies and typhoid. Consult your doctor before taking them / also take advice on other vaccinations for meningitis and tuberculosis. Most vaccination courses are completed within four weeks, best taken before the trip. Malaria preventive course may be taken before your trip, but again this should be consulted with your doctor.
Insurance
While traveling in India it is important that you obtain good personal travel insurance from an insurance agent in your country. A suitable policy will include an unlimited amount for medical, hospital and additional health associated costs. Most policies cover loss of baggage, personal money (usually limited) delay and curtailment. Do make sure your policy covers you for unexpected cancellation of your trip in this unlikely event you will then be covered for financial cost. You should carry your insurance policy with you at all time, preferably in your relevant details in a separate place, with your passport photocopy.
Meet and Greet
On arrival in India at the international airport, when you disembark the aircraft please move promptly to the immigration counter as large queues can build up at this point.
You will first pass through immigration control, and then collect your baggage and pass through customs before the Concord Exotic Voyages representative meets you. He/She will be carrying a paging board with your name on it. This procedure will be followed for domestic flights, albeit without the customs & immigration.
Once you have exited customs you will find a large number of people including taxi tout. Please move very slowly so that you can spot the Concord representative. In the rare event that the Concord representative is not to be found please call up Concord’s emergency number (found on Contact Details).
Payments All foreign nationals must pay their hotel bills in foreign currency (cash, Traveler’s Cheques or even by Credit Cards). This can be paid in Rupees if the visitor has a receipt to show as a proof of currency exchange.
Passport
You must be in possession of a valid passport, which will not expire for at least six months after your journey is due to end. It should have to clear pages for entry and exit stamps as well as your visa. A wise precaution is to carry a photocopy of your passport kept separately, extremely useful in the event of loss or theft.
Photography Visitors to India find varied subjects for photography including people, monuments, wildlife, festivities, and landscapes. Note, however, these formalities, in respect of photography:
Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is required for use of tripod and artificial light on monuments.
Special permission of Government of India is required for any photography for the purpose of publicity and commercial use.
Photography is prohibited in tribal areas.
Taking photographs of airports, railway stations, bridges, military installations, and from the air is prohibited.
Prohibited Articles
The import of prohibited articles such as dangerous drugs, live plants, gold/silver bullion and coins, not in current use, is either totally prohibited or restricted. The law provides heavy penalties for the infringement of this restriction, and in some cases punishment can extend to the death sentence. Also, by law, visitors are banned from taking antiques and wildlife products out of the country – any infringement is punishable by fines and imprisonment
Shopping
India can be described as a shopper’s paradise with products such as hand-woven rugs, inlaid marble, semi-precious stone jewelry, silk fabrics, brassware, etc. India’s diversity is expressed though the creation of master craftspeople. Each state has a unique handicraft to proudly reflect the inherited and improved skills to near perfection. Souvenir shops and art & craft emporiums are to be found everywhere. Consult your guidebook or the local guides and people. Usually the “pavement markets” do not guarantee the products and they do not accept credit / debit cards. Genuine products can only be guaranteed at a government showroom or branded showroom. Shopping can be one of the ways to interact with a local. For people who like to bargain, shopping is a true pleasure. For others, fixed priced stores are a relief. Whatever transaction you prefer, we hope your purchase that was made in India, will remind you of your trip. Yes, the guides do take you to shops and showrooms, while you are on tour. You can say “no” when you don’t want to visit the shops or not interested in shopping with a guide. But when you do visit the store with the guide, you do not necessarily pay a higher price for a substandard product. As this is a worldwide phenomenon, we accept it too with its “blues”. What we have done is, selected a few stores both privately owned & government owned (but in both cases Government recognized) at important destinations, where we are sure of two things;
1) Quality of the product 2) The product if too heavy should be delivered at your doorstep without any extra cost even if the extra cost needs to be added to the price of the product. As for price, some are fixed price & some are bargain shops. So go ahead and enjoy the shopping – and please ask our advice at any time.
Travelers Cheques/Credit Cards
Travelers’ Cheques should be of well-known brands like Thomas Cook, American Express and Visa. Large establishments generally accept Major Credit Cards like American Express, Master Cards, Diners Club, Visa, etc, including hotels, shops and airlines.
Unless we have informed you separately you are NOT travelling to a restricted area and it is best to apply for a multiple entry 6 month visa.
They have been known so far to change the details required from time to time, therefore if you have any questions whilst going through the application please do let us know – therefore it is advisable to complete the process during the working day so you can call to clarify anything during the process rather than having to start again.
Visiting Places of Worship
Removing one’s shoes before entering temples, mosques or Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) is essential. Avoid taking leather goods of any kinds (bag, belt etc.) and cigarettes into places of worship, as these are often not permitted. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in places of public worship.