Day 01: Arrive To Mumbai

After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel (check in at noon).

In the afternoon take a tour of the city. From humble obscure beginnings as a set of seven small islands, Bombay (now called Mumbai) has today risen to the eminence of India's most important commercial and industrial centre. The Gateway of India was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. The honey coloured basalt of the arch, facing the Arabian Sea, catches the light of the rising and setting sun and changes from shades of gold to orange and pink. The Prince of Wales Museum, built of blue-grey basalt and yellow sandstone, contains some excellent examples of Indian miniature paintings of the Mughal and Rajasthan Schools, as well as collections of jade and chinaware artefacts. Marine Drive is a long gracefully curving road along the buttressed sea-coast. Also of interest are the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill, from where you get a magnificent panoramic view of the metropolis and the Arabian Sea. The city has several fine examples of colonial architecture including the Afghan Memorial Church, established in 1847 which has Gothic arches and stained- glass windows; the Clock Tower - now called Rajabai Tower, the University Hall and Elphiston College with canopied balconies, the School of Art, built in the late 1800s, where Rudyard Kipling was born; Crawford Market which has bas-reliefs designed by Kipling's father; the massive Victoria Terminus, built of yellow sandstone, granite, polychromatic stones and blue-grey basalt and the Municipal Corporation building. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Mumbai To Udaipur

The morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Udaipur. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Day 03: In Udaipur

After breakfast take a tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks. Overnight at the hotel

Day 04: Udaipur To Rohetgarh Via Ranakpurr

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Rohet. En route visit the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur which lie buried in a shady glen and cover a vast area. The central temple is called Chaumukha (four-faced) and is the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering an area of over 40,000 sq. feet (3,600 sq. meters). Its 29 halls are supported by 1,444 pillars, none of which are alike. Subsidiary shrines in the shape of side alters throng around in all directions, including a temple dedicated to the Sun God, which displays erotic carvings.

On arrival in Rohet, check in at. Rohetgarh, a warm fortified home still alive with traditions of old. This 16th century stronghold of the Champavats lies some 40 km from Jodhpur.

In the afternoon visit the Bishnoi villages. The Bishnois are a fascinating community which follows the 29 (bish-noi) tenets laid down by the 15th century Guru Jambeshwar. They fervently believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life so all animals live near their villages without fear. When a Bishnoi dies, he is sometimes buried in the sitting position and often placed at the threshold of the house or adjoining cattleshed. A Bishnoi believes he will later be reincarnated as a deer, hence the herds of blackbuck often seen near their villages. There is time to visit the family cenotaphs, wander around the village picking up bargains in leatherware, fabrics, metalware and silver jewellery. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Rohetgarh To Jaisalmer

After breakfast depart on the 7-hour drive to Jaisalmer, which lies in the western extremity of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. On arrival check in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Day 06: In Jaisalmer

After breakfast spend the day exploring Jaisalmer. The ancient city, which stands on a low range of hills, surrounded by a stone wall three miles round, was founded in 1156 AD. Within its walls lie temples, forts and palaces, all built of yellow sandstone. The Jain Temples in the fort are decked with deities and dancing figures in mythological settings. The library attached to these places of worship contains some of the most ancient manuscripts in India, some dating back to the 12th century, written on palm leaf in black ink with handpainted wooden covers. Visit the renowned havelis (mansions) of Salim Singh, Nathmalji and the Patwas, every house boasting superb latticework in innumerable and intricate designs. Continue on to the Royal Cenotaphs, where the rulers were cremated. A pillared and canopied chhatri, often of white marble, marks the site of each cremation. The view of the sunset from the cenotaphs is magnificent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Jaisalmer To Jodhpur

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure to explore this magical fort-city on your own. In the afternoon depart on the 6-hour drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Jodhpur To Jaipur

After breakfast take a tour of Jodhpur. This is the land of the valiant Rathore kings, whose courage was a match for the tyranny of the Thar Desert. A bleak scarp rears up 120 meters from the desert valley. Straddling the rocky crevices is the massive Jodhpur Fort, its sheer walls reflecting the strength of its warrior builders. The fort is entered through seven gates, each a formidable barrier. The museum within the fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan and displays royal apparel, ancient paintings and manuscripts, fabled treasures of the royal household and an armoury. An interesting section displays folk musical instruments from different regions of Rajasthan. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens worked in sandstone form the dominant motif within the rugged casket of the fort and the palaces are exquisitely decorated. On the road down from the fort, the splash of blinding white marble on the left is Jaswant Thada, Jaswant Singh II's cenotaph, built in 1899 - previous rulers have their cenotaphs at Mandore

Late afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Jaipur. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: In Jaipur

After breakfast visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Experience the thrill of riding up the ramparts of the fort on gaily-decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago.

In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best-planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious building, elaborate and fanciful, built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar Mantar observatory, built by Jai Singh II, has huge stone instruments devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. There is time to wander through the colourful bazaars, a veritable collector's paradise where you can watch ancient craft forms. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 10: Jaipur To Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri

After an early breakfast depart on the 7-hour drive to Agra. En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed. On arrival in Agra, check in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: In Agra

After breakfast visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna river, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.

The highlight of your trip will probably be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Marble was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Train Agra To Jhansi, Drive To Khajuraho

Morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express, departing Agra at 0815 hours and arriving Jhansi at 1040 hours. You are met on arrival and transferred to Khajuraho, a 5-hour drive away.

En route, visit Orchha. Founded in the 16th century by the Bundela king, Rudhra Pratap, on the banks of the Betwa river, Orchha is a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing even today as it must have done in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built. The countryside undulates gently between riverine plains and rolling forest-clad hills and the landscape is dotted with palaces and temples, a fortress and cenotaphs. The architecture is a synthesis of traditional Hindu, hybrid Indo-Saracenic and ornate Mughal. One of the finest sights is the view of the cenotaphs from across the Betwa river. On arrival in Khajuraho check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 13: Khajuraho To Varanasi

Khajuraho is renowned the world over for its fine temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Only 22 of the original 85 temples survive today. The most popular theme is woman: reflective, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict gods in cosmic evolution, griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt and the several emotions of man - fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. In the morning visit the western group. Contained within a fenced enclosure, the complex is well maintained as a park. The large Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples, dating from 930-950 AD. It is also one of the best preserved, with a full five-part floor plan and four subsidiary shrines. The Vahara Temple, dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation (Vahara avatar) faces the Matangesvara Temple and has a huge solid and intricately carved figure of the boar incarnation, dating from around 900 AD. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is not only the largest but also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Build between 1025 and 1050 AD, it represents Chandela at its finest. The Mahadeva Temple is small and mainly ruined. However, it houses one of Khajuraho’s best sculptures - a fine sardula figure caressing a lion. The Devi Jagadamba Temple was probably originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later changed to Parvati and then Kali. The Chitragupta Temple is unique in being dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The Matangesvara Temple, standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, is not within the fenced enclose, because it is still in everyday use, unlike all the old temples. Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.

After freshening up, visit Sarnath. Located 9 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is the centre of the Buddhist world, just as Varanasi is that for the Hindu. It was here that Buddha preached his first sermon, partially recorded on one of its stones. Dhamek Stupa dating back to 500 AD, is the largest with geometrical ornaments on its wall. Dharmarajika Stupa was set up by emperor Ashoka to contain the bodily relics of the Buddha. There is an outstanding museum, worth visiting. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 14: Varanasi To Kathmandu

Early in the morning, before sunrise, depart for a boat ride on the sacred Ganges river, where devout Hindus can be seen performing their daily ablutions. The bathing ghats, over three miles in length, lead down from a steep bank to the river. They are the soul of the city - here, where the wavelets of the Ganges lap the last of the stone steps, can be seen young Hindu men practicing Hatha yoga, older men seated, eyes closed in medication, Brahmin priests under sunshades, waiting to bless the passing pilgrims and beggars sitting in serried ranks. Manikarnika burning ghat is the chief cremation centre of Varanasi. Corpses lined in white silk or linen are borne on bamboo stretchers to the smoking pyres, where they are deposited to await their turn. Photography is not usually permitted here. Walk back to the hotel through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, the religious capital of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. Known as Kashi in the 7th century BC it constitutes a microcosm of Indian life. No one knows how old it really is - when Buddha came here in 550 BC, it was already a flourishing ancient settlement. The town is one inextricable maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array no less than 2,000 temples and shrines. Domes, pinnacles, towers and derelict 18th-century palaces dominate the left bank of the Ganges river. The streets are noisy, colour is rife.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. You are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 15: In Kathmandu

After breakfast take a tour of Kathmandu city, visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, House of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandap and other fascinating temples in the area. Move on to Swayambhunath , the oldest Buddhist shrine in the world also known as the `Monkey Temple'. Perched high on a hilltop, it commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

In the afternoon visit Patan, the city of architecture and fine arts, which was founded in 250 AD. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Visit the Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha temple, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Mahavir - the Golden Temple. Also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where you can watch the art of carpet weaving. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 16: In Kathmandu

After breakfast visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva).

Also visit Bodnath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa have sprung up a number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. Continue on to Bhatkapur, home of medieval art and architecture, also known as the "City of Devotees". Places of interest include the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. En route stop at the little village of Thimi, where colourful papier-mâché masks and terra-cotta items are made. Overnight at the hotel .

Day 17: Kathmandu To Delhi

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Depart Delhi

After breakfast depart for sightseeing of New Delhi which includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Connaught Circus is the commercial hub of New Delhi. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutb Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. Check out 12 noon.

In the afternoon take a tour of Old Delhi: visit the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers. Also visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

Late evening transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.