India is different. The culture, religions, morals, customs, behaviors, and gesticulations of the Indians can be compared with no other country of the world. Perhaps India is just so interesting and worth seeing. At the same time, the geography of the subcontinent should not be forgotten - from the snowy Himalayas in the north to tropical beaches in the south, from the desert Thar in the west to jungle areas at the Brahmaputra River in the east. India can not be described and summarized in a few sentences and one must just experience it. But for that one needs much time, so one should focus on travel to certain regions. We offer the so-called "The Portrait of North India", the highlights of North India and Rajasthan, home of the Mughal Emperor and Maharaja. Magnificent palaces, colorfully dressed people, desolated steppes and deserts, colorful markets and bazaars. Rajasthan is like a glimpse into the world of fairy tales from 1001 nights. India cast its spell over everyone. Let yourself be enchanted.

Tour Duration: 23 Days Season: Throughout the year Tour Customizable: Yes Number of Participants: Minimum 1; Maximum 24
	Sacred Garden and Temple in Lumbini	Meenakshi Temple Complex, Madurai	Mandwa castle Haveli
Tour Highlights: • The tour is a personalized individual tour & can be started any time of year / month. The car, guides will be exclusively for you only. The tour is based on private departures, whereby you can benefit from having a private air-conditioned car, stop en-route for breaks or photo opportunities. • Being based in India, we offer you the best value of your money. Having branch and associated offices all over India, Classic Holidays India guarantees your complete peace of mind and comfort during your India travel with 24/7 support. • Finest Hotels in the category chosen.
Private car round trip: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Deshnok - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur – Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho- Varanasi – Delhi – Goa – Delhi 1. Day: Arrival in Delhi Upon arrival in Delhi welcomed by one of our local staff and transfer to hotel. 2. Day: From Delhi to Mandawa Morning: proceed (approx. 4 hours) to the Shekhawati region - Mandawa village, On arrival transfer to hotel; Rest Afternoon: Visit the most beautiful fresco paintings of Mandawa Mandawa: The Shekhawati region was situated once on the old, traditional silk route between China and Western Asia. With palatial-esque country houses (Havelis), the merchants flaunted here their wealth acquired through trade. The high quality frescoes on the walls of houses, for which the region is often referred to as "open-air art gallery", are from the period 1750 to 1930. The former Fort Mandawa Castle has been transformed by the Maharaja's family in a very stylish hotel. Its frescoes are among the most impressive of the region. In the afternoon you can watch on a walk, the most beautifully painted havelis in the town. 3. Day: From Mandawa to Bikaner Morning: Drive on to the hotel in Bikaner Afternoon: Excursion to the royal titular-tombs at Devi Kund, and excursion to the Camel Farm (largest in Asia) In the afternoon, the first excursion leads to Devi Kund, the dead memorial of the Maharajas of Bikaner and their wives, with beautiful marble and sandstone sepulchral-dome constructions. Then visit the only national camel farm in Asia, whose animals, now especially used in parades. Bikaner became well known in Europe, in particular through the camel corps stationed here that fought in World War I from the side of Lawrence of Arabia for Britain against the Turks. The ruler Gangha Singh (1887-1943) served as general of the British Army, the only Indian who signed the Treaty of Versailles for the end of the 1st World War. 4. Day: From Bikaner to Jaisalmer Morning: Sightseeing of Bikaner and nearby situated Deshnok Temple. After sightseeing drive on through the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer Afternoon: Upon arrival transfer to hotel, Rest of the time at leisure. Bikaner was once an important station along the caravan route between East and West Asia. It is surrounded by a 7 km-long city wall (18th century) with 5 gateways and conveys with the historic buildings of the old city until today the image of a medieval desert metropolis. The main attraction is the Junagarh Fort, built in the years 1571-1611. It was expanded over the years by 37 pavilions and temples, which were masterfully built onto the original building. Deshnok: The Karni Mata temple is located 31 km south of Bikaner. Its special attraction is thousands of rats that inhabit the temple. The rats in the temple enjoy complete protection and are fed by pilgrims and priests and are venerated and worshiped. The rats are always sated and thus totally harmless. (This excursion can also be deleted, of course, upon request) 5. Day: Explore! Jaisalmer Morning: Sightseeing in Jaisalmer Afternoon: opportunity to go for a stroll around town Jaisalmer: The fairytale-like "Golden City" in the desert of Thar Desert is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In 1156 AD, built directly on the ancient caravan route, Jaisalmer was an important trading center. Still the life pulsates here. The approximately 20,000 residents of the desert city Jaisalmer still live in the perfectly preserved fort. It is perched on a single 80 m high rock, protruding from the desert landscape, and - like also the part of the "new town" at its feet - all built out of warm yellow sandstone. It is in the present state mainly from the 16th century. The exotic uniqueness of this medieval town from the storybook with its subtly decorated buildings and its friendly people lets you to take a trip into the past that is more impressive than any museum visit. The with virtuosically filigreed stonemason worked decorated temples and the mansions of earlier rich merchants (havelis) are still preserved in their original beauty and will amaze you. The streets are narrow, with high rise buildings on both sides, whose bays and balconies and turrets protrude over the street and consequently bestow shadows. In contrast to the buildings in the Shekhavati region the mural paintings play no role here. You will visit the medieval fortress city with the 7-storey palace, temples and havelis. A stroll through the bazaars with a wonderful arts and crafts, should not be missed by you. 6. Day: From Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Morning: Drive on to Jodhpur, On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon: Sightseeing of Jodhpur Jodhpur: Here you can visit the titular tombs Jaswant Tada and the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, the fortified palace complex enthrones majestically on a 125 m high cliff above the town. Within the fort, which still belongs to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there is a whole series of spacious courtyards and palaces with lattice windows and balconies, which were carved from red sandstone with very fine details. In the former premises of the Maharaja is now an interesting display of weapons, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes, etc. to see. 7. Day: From Jodhpur to Ranakpur to Udaipur Morning: Drive on to Udaipur, on the way visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur Evening: Drive on to the hotel in Udaipur Ranakpur: The prodigious temple complex is a highlight of the Jain architecture. The construction of the temple was started here in the 16th century from a donation and foundation by a merchant. And after the 60 years of building one of the most beautiful temples built in Rajasthan. The main temple with 29 geometrically arranged halls covering the vast area of 3716 m², supported by 1444 pillars. In addition, the unique sun light behavior gives the interior an aura that almost no visitor can elude. 8. Day: Explore! Udaipur Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Pichola Udaipur: The old city is surrounded by a city wall. Through seven gates, you can get inside. At the time your scouting expedition, you will see the City Palace with Museum. In the palace rooms, the famous "peacock mosaics" can be seen, as well as beautiful inlay work with tiny mirrors. The Jagdish Temple is located near the palace and was built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style. Udaipur is a bustling city with many small bazaars. Its fun to stroll around the city and to go on a scouting expedition. The unmitigated splendor of this city can be enjoyed in the afternoon with a boat ride across the artificial Lake Pichola. It is over 4 km and 3 km wide. The island in the south is home to the 17th Century built Jag Mandir Palace, the northern island that was built in 1757 as Jag Niwas Palace is now the famous Lake Palace Luxury Hotel. To moviegoers and television viewers, the sight is perhaps known from the movies "Tiger of Eschnapur" and James Bond's "Octopussy", which have been filmed here. 9. Day: From Udaipur to Pushkar Morning: Drive on to Pushkar, on arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon: Sightseeing of Pushkar Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. 400 temples testify to the importance of this place, even the 52 ghats that lead down to the lotus-lake. These ghats are the main attraction of Pushkar, because the pilgrims perform here their rituals in the firm belief, in order to cleanse themselves from the sins of their lives. Pushkar is the only place in India with a Brahma temple, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the world. The dawn in Pushkar does not begin with the twittering of birds, but with the drums and bells of the Brahma temple at four clock in the morning. 10. Day: From Pushkar to Jaipur Morning: Drive on to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon: Opportunity for your own explorations and shopping. Evening: Excursion to Choki Dhani village resort, the artificially created village but giving true inpact of an Indian village. Dinner at the resort. 11. Day: Explore! Jaipur Morning: Tour of Amber Fort including Elephant ride / Jeep Tour Afternoon: Sightseeing of Jaipur Today you can anticipate the wonderful trip to the magnificent and majestic Amber Fort. On an elephant back or by jeep - you crest the sloping path to the fortress, hear their story and see the beautifully decorated mirror pavilions and halls during the extensive tour. From the galleries and terraces, you have a wonderful panoramic view over the valley and the mountains of the Aravalli range. In the afternoon you will visit Jaipur. In the year 1727 Raja Jai Singh II began with the construction of this extraordinary city of India. The city of Jaipur was laid out on the basis of an ancient Hindu treatise in accordance with the regular grid network principle created with fine, uniformly designed buildings. The streets were each allocated to different professional groups such as the potters, the weavers, the dyers, the jewelers and bankers. You will visit the City Palace, even today home of the local Maharaja, and can admire in the museum the private collections of historical miniatures, carpets, weapons, showy clothes. The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its unique facade belongs to the tourist highlights. Besides, you will also visit Jantar Mantar, the very interesting observatory from the 17th century. Your tour guide will explain the preserved site, astronomical instruments of the observatory. In a rickshaw ride you will experience up close the colorful goings-on in the glittering bazaars of the old town. 12. Day: From Jaipur to Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri to Agra Morning: Drive to Agra en route visit to the Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur and the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri Evening: After arriving in Agra, transfer to hotel The Keoladeo National Park, which is located 55 km west of Agra in the state of Rajasthan, is also known as Ghana Bird Sanctuary Gahna. It was declared in 1985 by UNESCO as the world natural heritage. The National Park was earlier the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Bharatpur, especially the duck hunting. In the large 29 sq km area, in total over 364 species of birds are observed. In winter season the birds hibernate in the park include cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks and eagles. In summer, partridges, peacocks, storks, cormorants and innumerable other species of birds seen. A very special visitor to the national park is the Siberian crane. This species is threatened with extinction. The stock of Siberian cranes has fallen from 100 in 1976 to 5. Fatehpur Sikri: Approx. 40 km from Agra, you will visit the famous ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar, but was abandoned after 15 years due to water shortage. The red, well-preserved sandstones buildings are amongst the most important examples of Mughal architecture. Today, you can stroll, just as four hundred years ago, through a intact, lordly city: Multi-storey palaces, gardens and a marketplace, a waterworks, countless covered corridors, staircases and terraces. They are testimony to the architectural masterpiece of Akbar. The lost city unites two contrasts: the figurative architecture of the Hindus and the geometric architecture of Islam. 13. Day: Explore! Agra Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal Afternoon: Visit the Red Fort Agra: Here you will find the highlight of your North India tour: The visit of the world famous Taj Mahal, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The beyond comparison perfection and beauty of this "dearest proof of love ever" shines even today in white marble. A mausoleum erected by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workers built it in 22 years: A dream in white marble, which rises in perfect proportion in an elegant garden of fountains. The magisterial architecture and the sumptuous inlays of semi-precious gemstones will amaze you. Agra, between 16th and 17th century, was the main city of Indian Mughal Empire. The “Agra Red Fort”, a Unesco World Heritage Site, that you visit ongoing, bear witness to this golden age. Mughal era was so glorious that at the time of Mughal rule, especially during the reign of mughal emperor Akbar, gross domestic product (GDP) of India was considered to be the highest in the whole world. The unity between Hindus and Muslims was at its peak. With its audience halls, its beautiful gardens and opulent mosques, Agra fort is counted amongst the most beautiful fortresses in India. The construction of the massive Agra Fort was started in 1565 as a defence work and seat of government. Over time, however, it was rebuilt, more and more to the palace, wherefore the completion lasted almost 90 years. 14. Day: From Agra to Orchha to Khajuraho Morning: Super-fast train to Jhansi. Pick up at railway station and proceed to Orchha (19 km). Visit the medieval city of Orchha. Afternoon: Drive on to Khajuraho. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Evening: Cultural program at Kandariya Art Cultural Center Orchha: Orchha is a medieval city, in which the time seems to stand still. The once flourishing capital of the Bundela Rajputs later came under the rule of the Mughals. The medieval city has palaces and temples dating from the 16th and 17 Century, most of which are very well preserved. 15. Day: From Khajuraho to Varanasi Morning: Visit of West and East group of temples of Khajuraho Forenoon: Transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi Evening: Arrival in Varanasi and Transfer hotel Khajuraho: A visit to the temples of Khajuraho is one of the highlights of any immersive North India trip. In the period from 950 AD to 1050 AD this 1,000-year-old town experienced a remarkable florescence of Indo-Aryan architecture. These masterpieces of stone masonry art reflect many aspects of Indian life. The sculptures and reliefs depicting gods, warriors, musicians, animals, and especially time and again women and couples in love in a perfect passion. The figures of Apsaras (celestial dancers), and erotic sculptures let the Kama Sutra to be alive again. But in the context of Hindu mythology, the erotic images must be properly interpreted. In the act of love, you see not only the union of man and woman, but also the generative act of the world's creation by the gods. The western group of temples are erected in hinin the West, the plant is in the Hindu style, while the east group of temples are erected in the Jain style. 16. Day: Explore! Varanasi Early morning: Boat trip on the Ganges at sunrise. After boat ride return to hotel for breakfast. Morning: Sightseeing of Varanasi Evening: Witness the evening Aarti (daily religious ceremony) on the bank of river Ganges. Varanasi: Located at the middle of the Ganges basin, Varanasi (Benares), also known as Kashi, is, like Rome, considered as the "Eternal City". Varanasi is the most important of the seven sacred cities of Hindus and also one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is not only a place of pilgrimage, but also unanimously the spiritual capital of traditional Hindu culture and literature. On the ghats (steps leading to the river) of the holy river, you will always see the crowds of the Hindu faithful and pilgrims, taking bath and performing religious ceremonials. The bath in the Ganges cleanses the sins and promises absolution. During a boat trip on the Ganges, experience the unique colors of the sunrise. Here - surrounded by the sound of bells, hymn singing of the priests, the fragrance of flowers and the sights of "bathing ghats” - you can gain insight into the religion of Hinduism. He who vanquishes the disconcertment, will see Varanasi with different eyes and be amazed. On the return journey to the hotel you will visit the "golden" Vishwanath temple. After breakfast and a refreshment break at the hotel, visit among the most important of the many shrines of the city, the Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Durga Tempel. Later, you drive through the 5 km² large premises of the Banaras Hindu University and then visit the New Vishwanath Temple, which is accessible to people of all religions. 17. Day: From Varanasi to New Delhi Morning: Excursion to the ruins of Sarnath Afternoon: Transfer to airport to board the flight to New Delhi. After arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Sarnath: 10 km north of Varanasi are the ruins of Sarnath. Here Buddha, after his enlightenment, preached his five followers in a deer park his first sermon. Later, King Ashoka erected there a number of monasteries and stupas. Local attractions of Sarnath include the Dhameka stupa, an important religious building, and an Ashoka pillar. The local archaeological museum has beautiful sculptures, which were discovered during excavations. 18. Day: Explore! Old and New Delhi Morning: Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Afternoon: Transfer to airport for flight to Goa. After arrival, transfer to hotel In the morning proceed freshly invigorated towards the city tour of Delhi. Delhi: In the capital city of India, the new and old India unites in a unique way. New Delhi, laid out symmetrically as a garden city in 1931 by British architects, is become apparent in a magnanimous, west oriented style with large shopping areas, luxury hotels, villas and diplomatic districts. In Old Delhi, however, burgeoned the splendor of the Orient. The loud, colorful streets invite you to stroll through the bazaars, and behind the old walls, the centuries-old palaces, temples and art treasures await your visit. In the old city of Delhi, you will visit the majestic Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India. You will have the rickshaw (rickshaw) ride through the bazaars in the narrow alleys of the old oriental city. Visit the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. In the colonial part of New Delhi you will see the government buildings with the President's Palace and India Gate. Then stand the Qutub Minaret (symbol of the city of Delhi from the 12th century) and the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun in the program. At last visit the Akshardham Temple, one of the biggest and most beautiful temples of north India. 19. to 22. Day: Relax in Goa Five nights stay at the beach resort of Goa. Goa: Lulled by the waters of the Arabian Sea and with shady palms swaying in the breeze, Goa’s relaxed pace of life has always made it an ideal introduction to India. Home to some of the country’s best-known and finest white sandy beaches, Goa is a cosmopolitan melting pot. The Dutch and Portuguese have both left their mark on the state while the pilgrimage site of St Francis Xavier’s tomb exemplifies the Catholic influence. Along with this diverse culture, Goa’s cuisine, blending fresh seafood with coconut and cashew nuts, produces sumptuous dishes. North Goa is relatively lively with more hotels and regular markets, while south Goa is quieter and the hotels generally more spread out with large gardens. With our in-depth knowledge of the area, we will be able to find the perfect property to match your requirements. 23. Day: Final stop: From Goa to Delhi Afternoon, transfer to airport to board the flight to New Delhi. After arrival, transfer to international airport for onward journey			Akshardham Temple, Delhi   Mandwa castle Haveli   Jungarh Fort Bikaner   Camels in Thar Desert Jaisalmer   Golden Fort Jaisalmer   Jaisalmer Fort   Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada Jodhpur   Ranalpur Jain Temple Complex   City Palace Complex Udaipur   Sacred lake at Pushkar   Palace of winds in Jaipur   Obesrvatory Jaipur   Fatehpursikri Complex Onearby Agra   Red Fort Agra   Taj Mahal, Agra   Matrimandir at Auroville   Ghats on the Bank of river Ganges   Girl Ganges in Varanasi   Haridwar   Humayun Tomb in Delhi   Jami Mosque in Delhi   Ariel View of Arambol Beach Goa   Calangute Beach Goa