Divine Diwali    

DAY 2: Monday  DELHI  Modes of transport from cycle rickshaws to Delhi's modern metro take you on a sightseeing tour to discover the life and history of India's most complex city, from the Mughal majesty of Humayun's tomb and the Qutb Minar to the bazaars of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk, the colonial grandeur of Lutyens' New Delhi, and Gandhi Smriti. 

After breakfast, drive to Agra and check in at the Trident hotel. Later, take a guided tour around Agra Fort and visit the incomparable Taj Mahal at a quieter time to see the monuments in late afternoon light. 

In the early morning, visit fields across the river to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, sublime architecture revealed in dawn light. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, visiting the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, designed as Akbar's new capital but abandoned after only 14 years, and Abheneri's beautiful stepwell.

After reaching Jaipur and checking in at Dera Mandawa, a charming heritage hotel, your evening is free to relax or visit the temples and bazaars of the Pink City.  

After breakfast take a daylong sightseeing trip with our expert guide, exploring the city through history, myths and anecdotes. Ride an elephant up to the majestic hill fort of Amber to see the audience halls and beautiful mirror palace. Visit the City Palace with collections of rare manuscripts and paintings, the Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar observatory, and Govind Dev Ji temple, where townsfolk worship daily; the attire of the deities varies according to the seasons, festivals, time of day and even the weather!

DAY 6: Friday  PUSHKAR  
Travel on to Pushkar, to stay for two nights in luxury tents at Camp Bliss. In the afternoon visit the camel fair, one of the greatest gatherings on earth.  

DAY 8: Sunday VARANASI  In the morning, drive to Jaipur airport for a flight to Varanasi, a city older than time, one of the most ancient cities in the world, the city of light, a city of death rituals yet radiant with life. 

DAY 9: Monday VARANASI  The day begins on the holy Ganges, taking a boat on the river to witness the early morning ritual baths and prayers on the ghats, a spiritual experience. After breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour takes you to visit the city, including a trip to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

DAY 10: Tuesday VARANASI  The day is free to explore the lanes and vibrant cultural and spiritual life of this age-old city and stroll on the ghats.

In the evening, we again take a riverboat for an extraordinary experience of Varanasi's Dev Deepawali festival, on the full moon night of Kartik, when the ghats are illuminated with diyas and firebowls, innumerable ‘Diya’ earthen lamps lit by devotees float down the river and spectacular firework displays light up the sky in a mystical and moving panorama of sights you will never forget. 

Tour cost includes: Stay at proposed hotels in double/twin occupancy room • Breakfast during the entire tour; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay at Camp Bliss at Pushkar Camel Fair  • Transportation in AC Toyota Innova or similar vehicle • Domestic air fares in Economy Class as detailed above  • Elephant ride in Jaipur • Boat rides in Varanasi • All luxury and state taxes, government service tax and fuel and transport taxes. • Guide services as detailed • Assistance at all arrival and departure points.

Tour cost excludes: Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone bills, beverages, mineral water during hotel stays, etc • Entrance and camera fees (still or video) at monuments • Extra meals • International air fare • Any optional, suggested and unspecified activities • Visa fees or arrival/departure tax if applicable • Insurance and Mediclaim.