Rajasthan and sacred Ganges of Varanasi

DelhiDelhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs.You get to see and feel Delhi and its old town, Red Fort which complex was built as the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone it is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement.
Lodhi colonyis a quiet and green neighbourhood where you will see over a dozen of mural painted to house government employeesbuilt in 1940s.
Mandawa Famous for its havelis, some of which are the richest and most artistic house painting, the Shekhawati region is palace where you sure will need to have your camera handy.You will also have a nice walk in the village, see many havelis and temples and Mandawa castle and all the local hustling activities.
BikanerFounded by Rao Bika in 1488 Bikaner is a town surrounded by the Thar desert. There you will visit of 16° century Junagarh Fort, Bhandasar jain temple, walk around havelis, crowded markets, the Camel research center and go to Deshnok Karni Mata hindu temple also known as the rat temple.Jaisalmer city
Jaisalmer city The yellow city and its Golden Fort which goes by the local name of Sonar Quila is very different from other grand forts you can find in Rajasthan because people are living there. They have their stores, market and houses. There is also a hotel and a museum as well as a Jain temple. So this is an alive place. It is not only a sumptuous monument it still a life.
Patwa haveli/ Patwon Ki Haveli Dating back to the 18th century, the Kothari’s Patwa history is marked by their trade and business. They left Jaisalmer on the advice of a Jain priest with the intention of never returning. As the story goes their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer but apparently they were very successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking, finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.
Gadisar lake Built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer then revamped by his son Maharaja Garisisar Singh in 14th century. It was once the main source of drinking water for the entire town of Jaisalmer. The bank is surrounded by artistically carved Chattris, temples, shrines and ghats.
Riding Camels in the Thar Desert A quintessential Rajasthani experience, an overnight jaunt into the windswept dunes of the Great Thar Desert, more specifically in Khuri village. This desert is second largest desert in the world. Compared to the Sahara desert where there is nothing but sand dunes, the Thar is full of life. There is a national park, wild life such as the Rajasthan national bird the great Indian Bustard, vegetation and people living there.
Jodhpur The magnificent blue city is blue a a good reason or two. The indigo houses that stretches for more than 10 km along the walls of the historic old city were initially covered with indigo blue as an indication of a Brahmin dwelling. Over the time it became the identity badge of non-Brahmins as well. It is also said to have insect repellent effects.With its Mehrangarh Fort is the gateway to the Thar Desert. One of the largest forts in India built around 1459 by Rao Jodha. It is located 125 meters (410 feet) above the city. Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph that was built by maharaja sardar Singh in 1899 for his father memory. It is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. There is a vibrant market around where you will find a bunch of spices, saris, textiles and everything you can think of.So the Bishnois truly are environmentalist heroes. Known as tree-huggers, the Bishnoi community have a captivating culture, with a religion combining religious rules with ecological ones. It is based on care towards nature. They also practice a very special ceremony which is the opium ceremony. Ceremony that is, in fact characteristic of western Rajasthan and that is not exclusive to the Bishnoi.In Salawas village in the Bishnoi area, you can see very famous durry rug making and pottery making.
(If you have time, it will be our pleasure to include the visit to the Bishnoi, the rug and the pottery makers in your excursion).
Ranakpur Jain temple. On the way between Jodhpur and Udaipur make a stop at Ranakpur 15° century Jain temple which construction is entirely made of marble.
Udaipur Udaipur is called ‘Venice of the East’, as its complex lake system winds its way around palaces, temples, ancient waterside dwellings and a wonderful collection of heritage hotels. Stunningly romantic, the Aravali Hills proffer the perfect backdrop reflected in the city’s water, where you can saunter the City Palace on the bank of Lake Pichola or head to Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Palace on offshore islands. Around sunset you can enjoy a nice boat ride on the Pichola lake. If you have free time you can also go the see an interesting folkloric dance show at Bagora Ki Haveli.
Pushkar A sacred town for Hindus, Pushkar Lake is considered holy water and, therefore, surrounded by over 400 temples, including the multi-coloured Brahma temple. Brahma is the creator of the universe and there is only one temple dedicated to Brahma in the whole world.There are ghats galore, landing steps leading to the lake for the worshippers. Pushkar is a place to immerse in spirituality or enjoy a walk around the market in a quiet small city. As there are many Indian pilgrims to be found in Pushkar this is a great opportunity to have one of the best picture safari.(Be respectful and do not take pictures of the women bathing.)
Jaipur The pink city is the first planned city of India, Jaipur is the capital a the state of Rajasthan. T here are seven gates into its old, walled city bursting with flower markets and fortune tellers, artisans and animals, and not one palace, but two: Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal.
Amber Fort Before moving to Jaipur, the fort palace of Amber was the capital of the Kachwaha clan. The honey-coloured citadel rises gradually along a sloping ridge surrounded by even higher ridges capped with other battlements and watchtowers.
Jantar Mantar A stone observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh who represents his love for Astronomy, its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed represent the high point of medieval India astronomy. Some people say they feel as if in a contemporary open aire museum when entering the site.
AGRA Agra is a very famous city of India because of its very special monument which is classified as the 7th wonder of the world: The Taj Mahal . The Taj Mahal is a love testimony from the emperor of Mughal to his favorite wife. The city is located on the banks of the Yamuna river. Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
ORCHHA On the bank of the Betwa River, which has been surrounded by a battlement wall, where stands a huge palace-fort, the noteworthiest of which is the Raja Mahal. While walking on the site you’ll get to visit the Ram Raja Temple, the Jahangir Mahal. Among other points of interest there are the numerous cenotaphs or chhatris on the bank of Betwa river.
KHAJURAHO Known as the Kama Sutra temple the Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Jain temples dedicated to Lord Rishabha. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty.
VARANASI Has always been the most popular city for Hindu pilgrims where you will see and most likely go picture taking f the numerous sadhus. Morning have a boat excursion along the River Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and cremation site, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In evening witness the famous Aarti ceremony on the Ghat. Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage center.