Central Cocoon

Departure from your home country to Delhi.

Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi including  an exhilarating cycle rickshaw  ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling  Chandni Chowk  and it’s back roads – once the centre of the city Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal  times. Finally continue  onto the Raj Ghat- Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Maidens.

Morning sightseeing of vibrant  New Delhi including  the impressive Humayun’s  Tomb,  Qutab Minar  and the India Gate. Late afternoon board  overnight train to Varanasi  in 1st a/c sleeper compartment.

Morning arrival in Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to see the numerous Stupas, ancient & modern Temples and the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath  where Buddha preached  his first discourse.  Two nights at The Gateway  Hotel Ganges.

Early morning  boat ride on the Ganges. As the mist slowly rises, quietly watch the devout perform  their timeless rituals in the holy waters. After breakfast visit important sites including  the Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu  University. In the evening experience a cycle rickshaw  ride to the ghats.

Early afternoon flight to Khajuraho. Delightful evening light and sound show in the Gardens of the temple. Overnight at Taj Chandela.

Morning sightseeing of the exotically embellished Khajuraho Temples. Originally  85 Temples were built although only 22 remain today.  The Chandela Rajput  rulers built the Temples roughly between 950-1050AD. Afternoon drive to Orchha. Overnight at Amar Mahal.

Orchha is a timeless medieval city – morning visit will include the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal  and Laxminarayan Temple – look out for the glorious world famed murals from the Bundela School of painting.  Board evening Shatabdi  express train from Jhansi to Agra. Two nights at Hotel Trident.

Breath-taking sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal  to watch the sun slowly caress the white marble, awakening the day and distant  memories.  After breakfast explore Agra Fort seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughal  rulers. Also visit the Tomb visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah.

Drive to Jaipur via the magnificent deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri built by the Emperor  Akbar in the second half of 16th C. The complex of monuments are all built in a uniform  architectural style- including  one of the largest mosques in India the ‘Jama Masjid’. Stop en route to see the Abhaneri  Stepwell built in 800 AD. Two nights at the Samode Haveli.

Morning drive to the outstanding Amber Fort. Climb the steep winding road on a stately caparisoned elephant.  Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors – it’s said one small candle could light the whole room with its reflection dancing from mirror  to mirror.  Dine at the historic 1135 AD restaurant for lunch then take a city tour visiting the City Palace complex, amazing Jantar  Mantar Astronomical Observatory and the delightful Palace of Winds.

Drive to Jodhpur. Two nights at Ajit Bhawan Palace.

Morning visit the 15th C. Meherangarh Fort soaring above the city, with its charming  insight into the life and times of the ruling family. Also visit the quiet Jaswant  Thada-  a marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant  Singh II. Afternoon at leisure with an optional jeep safari to nearby Bishnoi tribal villages.

Drive to Udaipur  stopping  en route at Ranakpur to see the intricately  carved Jain Temples.

Morning sightseeing of the City Palace and Museum  with its fascinating  insight into the lives of the Maharajas. Later stroll in the delightful Garden  of the Maids of Honour. Remainder of day at leisure.

Fly back to your home country.