Rajasthan lies separated from Ganga's plenitude by a watershed formed by the Aravalli range. The Aravallis and the plateau of Hardoti are highlands which channel the monsoons away creating a desert in the west.

In the historical time-scale, civilization came to Rajasthan before the rest of India. If Harappa culture(2500B.C.- 1700B.C.) is the general starting point of the evolution of Indian civilization, Rajasthan takes precedence. Some of its pre-Harappa locales like Kalibagan provide ample proof of an organised and agriculturally proficient society.

History abounds in Rajasthan. Its imposing forts and grand palaces speak of a past replete with tragedy, romance and valour. The Rajputs are a proud warrior race. Around the sixth and seventh centuries these warrior clans came into being. The Rajput clans owe their origin to both indigenous and foreign sources. Mythology even credits descent to the sun and the moon! The legendary beauty of their women though makes this myth quite credible. The clans' strong sense of honour and chivalry inspired many a battle over their women. These men are known to die to keep their word and are unparalleled in their history of bravery.

Home to the Maharajas, the palaces are mute witnesses to the splendour and grandeur of the erstwhile rulers. Even today it is difficult to decide which is more spectacular - the stark beauty of the desert state or the majesty of the royal palaces. Wander through the lanes in the pink city of Jaipur among turbaned men and bejewelled women and decide for yourself.

DAY 1 Arrive Delhi
Reception at airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Morning free. In the afternoon a combined sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. On your visit to New Delhi begin with a drive through the prestigious streets of Diplomatic Enclave then on to India Gate, Rastrapati Bhawan and Qutub Minar - one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. On your visit to Old Delhi, we will take you to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

DAY 2 Delhi - Agra
Early morning transfer from hotel to Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Agra. Breakfast on board. Reception upon arrival and transfer from Railway Station to the hotel. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of Agra which includes visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

DAY 3 Agra - Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Morning - drive from Agra to Jaipur (221 kms/6 hours) en route visit Fatehpur Sikri. In Jaipur upon arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

DAY 4 Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Morning - excursion to Amber Fort on elephant-back. Afternoon - tour of Jaipur, popularly known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit to Jantar Mantar Observatory, which was built in the 1700's and yet even today, looks futuristic. Visit to City Palace and its Museum and the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds.

DAY 5 Jaipur- Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Jaipur to Mandawa (140 kms/4 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of the town Mandawa, which lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted arched gateway, adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows, leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets, where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate frescoes.

DAY 6 Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Mandawa to Bikaner (190 kms/5 hours). On arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free for independent activities.

DAY 7 Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Morning city sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit the Junagarh Fort. Also visit Camel Breeding farm. Afternoon free for independent activities.

DAY 8 Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 kms/7 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel.

DAY 9 Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Morning - sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience.

DAY 10 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (280 kms/6 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 11 Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Also visit to Mandore Gardens. Afternoon free for independent activities.

DAY 12 Jodhpur - Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Morning - drive to Udaipur (259 kms/6 hrs), en route visit Ranakpur. Continue drive and upon arrival at Udaipur check- in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 13 Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Morning - sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Afternoon - enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.

DAY 14 Udaipur - Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer from hotel to the airport to board flight to Mumbai. Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to the hotel. Afternoon - free for independent activities. Transfer to international airport. Departure Mumbai.

EXTENSION GOA

DAY 15 Mumbai - Goa
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport to board flight to Goa. Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 16 TO DAY 17 Goa
Days free for independent activities.

DAY 18 Goa - Mumbai
Transfer to airport to board the flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival transfer to the international airport. Departure Mumbai.