Program Duration (15 Days)

Welcome to wonder land that is INDIA. A life time journey through India with The Indian Way blends all the elements of travel, culture, people, places and experience begins here.

• 1
  

  BRUSSEL – DELHI

  Departure from Brussels by scheduled flight to Delhi. Welcome by our tour manager and transfer to hotel for overnight.

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• 2
  

  DELHI-CHURU (SHEKHAWATI)

  After breakfast departure to the Shekawati region in the Shekawati region, literally translated, the "garden of Sheka". En route, visit to Mandawa and its magnificent havelis. These are old houses of rich merchants, decorated with beautiful frescoes. Walk through the village we are witnesses of everyday life in the Shekawati, with a medieval atmosphere. After the visit, drive to Churu – 1 h. On arrival, checck-in at hotel.
  
  

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  Overnight at hotel

• 3
  

  CHURU (SHEKHAWATI)

  Breakfast+dinner

  We love saying that Shekhawati is not just about seeing its great havelis (mansions) and their fresco paintings. Unlike the princely palaces and forts, the heritage of Shekhawati belongs to its people – the Marwari merchants. So, as impressive as our havelis are, the Churu experience is about the people – the merchants, the artisans, the farmers, the workers and so many more like us. Knowing these people, their stories, their lives is what makes it special.
  
  

  After Breakfast, take a tour to explore region’s craft and meet artist families. Most of these families have been practicing their craft for generations. You are also welcome to try doing some of the work with your hands.

  In the afternoon, take a tour of Churu (on foot) to see the frescos and learn about region’s unique Marwari heritage. The business community that thrived here since the time of caravans/ trade route has been known for building up the whole townships and their philanthropic work in addition to making fabulous, grand mansions for their families. It was estimated that up-to 1/3rd of industrial wealth in modern India was controlled by businessmen belonging to this small, arid region.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 4
  

  CHURU-BIKANER

  After breakfast, departure to Bikaner, the desert city built in 1486. En route, visit Fathepur, founded in 1451 as capital for the Nawab, but conquered by the Shekawati Rajpoeten in the 18th century. Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli: the sights, the Gauri Shankar Haveli, the Nand Lal Devra Haveli, and the Hari Krishna Das Sarogi Haveli. Then proceed to Bikaner or the red city, a large fortress city situated in the middle of the Thar desert, and an important trading city along the Silk Road to China. Bikaner is ' guarded ' by a huge fort. On arrival, check-in at hotel.
  
  

  In the afternoon, visit to Bikaner’s the Royal Chhatris (grave monuments), then visit to the Junagath fortress from the 16th century, one of the most beautiful palaces of Rajasthan and an immense fort that 37, pavilions and temples. This was building between 1588 and 1593. Departure to Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke and visit to the better known as the rats Temple because of the hundreds of rats out there who considered sacred. In the early evening trip with a Rickshaw through the city.

  Overnight at hotel

• 5
  

  BIKANER-JAISALMER

  After breakfast, leave for Jaisalmer, with en route visit to the village of Kolayat, a beautiful village with havelis and a sacred Lake. Kolayat is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Further to Jaisalmer, near the Pakistani border, a fortress city, which like a mirage in the desert. Jaisalmer was a prosperous town in the middle ages, as it lay on the Silk Road which connected India with Arabia and Africa. The numerous monuments of Jaisalmer have centuries of desert winds resist, and the city is still gorgeous. Arrival and welcome in the hotel. The rest of the late afternoon is free to relax after a long journey.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 6
  

  JAISALMER

  Breakfast+dinner

  After breakfast, visit to Jaisalmer, the Pearl of the Thar desert. This citadel city was built in the 12th century and has a modest size, there are but few cars, the desert is near, the population is very friendly; In short ... a real paradise. Visit Jaisalmer fort, situated on a hill with a breathtaking view; with the Maharawal Palace of yellow sandstone, with an impressive architecture of facades and balconies carved as a filmy lace, the beautiful jaïntempels, built by the wealthy merchants of the city. Walk through the fort within a fortress wall of 5 kilometers.
  
  

  Within those fortress one finds a tangle of alleys, shops and havelis. The atmosphere is very lively! Further visit to the Gadi Sagar, the small lake that the city of water and the beautiful cenotaphs of Bada Bagh, was established at the cremation of the maharajas. Discover the havelis, old merchant houses that are reminiscent of the glory days of the medieval Jaisalmer. In the afternoon drive to Khuri to admire the sunset and enjoy camel ride on tge sand dune.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 6
  

  JAISALMER – JODHPUR – ROHET (O–L–D)

  in the morning, leave for Rohetgarh en route visit Jodhpur: dating back to the 15th century and is located on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the blue city because of its blue-painted houses. The atmosphere in this city with colorful bazaars, food stalls and narrow streets, is very special. After lunch, visit to the mighty, located on a 125 m high rock, Merangarh fort, that hanging over the city. In the fort we discover palaces, courtyards and artillery of the Rajput warriors. We enjoy here, of course, plenty of views of the city. Visit the Jaswant Thada, a gracious further construction work that is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant i. Later, discover the numerous herbs that are offered on the local market, followed by a tea tasting. After the visit, contine your drive towards Rohet. On arrival, check-in at hotel.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 7
  

  ROHET – UDAIPUR

  After breakfast, enjoy the jeep ride to explore villages of bishnoi.. The Bishnoi are an Eco friendly community in Hinduism. It is one of the communities of Rajasthan, which are known for their rich Rajasthani lifestyle: they are also real nature and animal lovers. After the visit, drive to udaipur. En route, visit to Jain temple of Ranakpur. After visit, continue your drive towars Udaipur. On arrival,check-in at hotel.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 8
  

  UDAIPUR

  After breakfast, city tour of Udaipur. This ' city of lakes ' is built around the three lakes Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Swaroop Sagar. The beautiful city is a ' cool ' oasis in the dry desert of Rajasthan. Udaipur is also known as the most romantic city of the country. Fairytale gardens, palaces, lakes and temples provide that special atmosphere. Visit to the granite and marble City Palace, the biggest palace complex of Rajasthan. It has a fantastic view of the Pichola Lake and surprises us with beautiful inner courtyards, arches and gardens. Also a lot of attention has been paid to the Interior; There are frescoes and details of stained glass, silver and marble. Further, we hike to the marble Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by order of Maharani Jagat Singh. Walk and free time through the lively old town of Udaipur, with many art shops, herbal sellers and tailors.
  
  

  In the late afternoon boat trip on the Lake Pichola. We sail along the city, overlooking the Palace, made with the 17th-century water Palace Hag Mandir and enjoy the sunset on this special place. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
  
  

  Optional, cooking demonstration where you will discover all the secrets of the Indian kitchen.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 9
  

  UDAIPUR – BUNDI

  After breakfast, departure to Bundi, with en route visit to Chittorgarh district, one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan, and once the capital of a powerful Kingdom. Visit to the Bassi fort, the most historic fort of India on top of a hill. In its history, the defenders of the fort, to 3 times, after a long siege the fight. The men fighting to their end and the women committed collective suicide. After that, visit to the old Chet Temple, that with its water features as an oasis in the Rocky desert. After lunch, the road takes us through a hilly area where nomadic tribes live and where few tourists come. Along the way we will see Opium fields. Arrival in Bundi, a small picturesque small town where the middle ages remain is full of temples, palaces and merchant houses, surrounded by city walls and situated on a lake. Welcome in the hotel. in the evening, guided walk through the old centre with its colourful markets. Dinner and overnight stay.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 10
  

  UDAIPUR – BUNDI

  After breakfast, visit to the Taragarh fort built in the 14th century and the Garh Palace, an impressive Palace and the Rani-Ki-Baori, the main 46 meter deep well in the middle of the city a 46 meter deep water well. Then departure to Pushkar with lunch on the road. Arrival and welcome in the hotel. In the afternoon visit to Pushkar, born on the shores of the Lake that was created when the god Brahma a lotus petal dropped from his hand. It is a lively town with about 300 pilgrims Hindu temples, one of which is the only Temple in India dedicated to Brahma. We make a walk through the city, view the Lord Brahma Temple and also walking along the Lake with its 82 Holy ghats, where many believers come pools, pray and to forgiveness and healing. In the early evening, we are witnesses of a Puja ceremony at a temple.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 11
  

  PUSHKAR

  The entire day is dedicated to Pushkar festival. The full moon gives the starting signal of Pushkar festival. This takes 12 days and is the largest camel market of India: an unforgettable experience! The colourful pilgrims, local artists, acrobats, traditional dancers and Holy sadhus are an unprecedented spectacle between the thousands of camels that are traded throughout the festival here. The camels are washed, trimmed and combed in order not only to be able to be sold for the best price, but above all in order to get the best out of the fight during one of the many camels elections. And what about the many camel races that are held here during the festival, a true spectacle! The festival is a fantastic experience that will continue to reverberate for a long time.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 12
  

  PUSHKAR-JAIPUR

  After breakfast, departure to Jaipur, the capital of the State of Rajasthan is known as the ' pink city ' because of the suit in which the buildings in the old town are painted in 1876 to the visit of the Prince of Wales welcome; Pink is the color of the hospitality. Elephants and camels are part of the fascinating streets and the city is rich in forts, majestic palaces and temples.
  
  

  Arrival and welcome in the hotel. After lunch, we make a photo stop at the impressive Palace of the winds, Hawa Mahal. From the Windows of the Palace could 953 the Royal female guests watching the processions on street discreetly without being seen. Visit the City Palace, the residence of the Maharaja, with its different intricate cooing and rooms and the museum with a rich collection of antiques, costumes, paintings, rugs and weapons. Afterwards visit to the world famous old Observatory, Jantar Mantar, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Rickshaw ride through the old town, with many colourful markets. Along the way will also of the famous Lassi tasting, a drink made from yogurt. in the evening, experience a real Bollywood film in a traditional cinema, a real experience.
  
  

  Overnight at hotel

• 13
  

  JAIPUR

  In the morning, departure to the impressive Amber Fort, a great palace complex with interiors full of shiny panels. Maharaja Man Singh gave in 1590 the ordered the construction of the fort on this strategic location. Furthermore, visit the cenotaphs of the Royal family. Then, visit to the elephant village, elefantastic, after lunch with a Mahout family we will learn everything about the behavior, the language of an elephant, elephants feeding, they paint and together with baths. Lunch at a mahout family. Return to the hotel where the rest of the late afternoon is free. in the evening, found times and accommodation at the hotel.

• 14
  

  JAIPUR – AGRA

  Departure to Agra, with en route visit Abha Neri Step Well. In the East of Rajasthan is situated in the village of Abha Neri a forgotten monuments: Chand Baori. Chand Baori is the largest and one of the deepest stair wells in the world. Further to Fathepur Sikri and visit to the ghost town, with its delicate palaces and the mosque. The old Moghul capital built by Moghul Emperor Akbar-in honor of the birth of his son in the 16th century. The city, however, but did some 14 years of service as capital, after which the city was abandoned because of lack of water. The walled city is a splendid example of Moghul architecture. After lunch in Bharatpur, by trip to Agra, arrival and welcome at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

• 15
  

  AGRA – DELHI

  A horse-drawn carriage we go early in the morning to the graceful Taj Mahal, one of the 7 Wonders of the world and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Built between 1631 and 1653 by order of Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his late-wife Mumtaz. The harmonious and symmetrical structure is a splendid example of the Moghul architecture and the beauty of this does anyone fall silent. Now it has become the symbol of India! Sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards visit to the Red Fort of Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River and designed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Departure to Delhi. Arrival and visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, the India Gate, the Parliament and the Presidential Palace. Further, visit to the old Delhi: per rickshaw we drive through the narrow lanes to the Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque). Visit to the Sikh Temple. Transfer to the hotel for a wash and change. Following farewell dinner. Accordingly, let transfer to the airport of Delhi for the flight to Brussels.