India –the name alone conjures up images of breath-taking palaces, swirling kaleidoscopes of brilliantly coloured silk saris,incensed filled temples and fragrant spiced markets. On your travels through this extraordinary country, learn more of thespectacular architecture of forts and palaces, the beautiful artistic traditions, and how India is changing for local villagers,while they still maintain their traditional ways and customs.

In typical Panoramic Journeys’ style, travel through the countryside on local trains, chatting to passengers travelling tomarket to sell their wares. Bump along dusty trails to dinner on a bull cart under the star-filled skies. Take a jeep safari tospot magnificent leopards out for their nightly stroll. And walk through the rural countryside with Asian elephants,rescued from their former urban cityscapes. And, of course, throughout your journey, taste the authentic flavour of Indianhospitality while staying in charming havelis and royal homes.

Panoramic Journeys is delighted to offer a small-group journey to explore not only the classic highlights of the exquisite temples, forts and palace towns of North India, but also to take the less-beaten path through Rajasthan.

Specially timed to coincide with Diwali, the biggest festival in India, you are invited to participate in the special celebrations of this Festival of Lights with your royal hosts in their home. During the trip we will take the time to have tea with camelherders, stop to hold newly born goats, help villagers to pluck their crops by hand, and experience a quieter, more peaceful India – a place of shepherds wandering home with their herds at sundown, where leopards roam, and village life is tranquil.

Sat 19-Oct Arrive in Delhi Sun 3-Nov Depart Delhi

Sun 20-Oct Delhi sightseeing

Mon 21-Oct Cookery class and Delhi market visit

Tue 22-Oct Train to Agra to visit Taj Mahal

Wed 23-Oct Travel to and explore Jaipur

Thu 24-Oct Jaipur walking tour and Amer Fort

Fri 25-OctMorning cycle ride and afternoon at leisure

Sat 26-Oct Jeep safari at sunset

Sun 27-Oct Artisan walk and Diwali celebration

Mon 28-Oct Rural train to Narlai

Tue 29-Oct Leopard experience

Wed 30-Oct Chaifara and Mehrangarh

Thu 31-Oct Wilderness jeep experience

Fri 1-Nov Camel Ride & Dune Safari

Sat 2-Nov Back to Jodhpur

After arriving into Delhi, you will be met and transferred toyour hotel, the Colonels Retreat. Spend some time relaxingand unwinding after your journey.

You’ll then take a rickshaw for the magnificent drivebetween India Gate and the Presidents Palace, before beingshown one of Delhi’s hidden secrets, an ancient step well.Later, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple where you will be blessedby the priest.

After a tasty breakfast, hop on a rickshaw and explore OldDelhi, a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. There will be timeto explore Asia’s biggest wholesale market, a primeopportunity to try out some street food and local cuisine.

After lunch take a visit to Humayun’s tomb and then drivethrough New Delhi before returning to your Hotel.

Travel Details – Arrive in Delhi, transfer to hotelAccommodation – Colonels RetreatIncludes – Lunch

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Colonels RetreatIncludes – Breakfast,

This morning you will have an authentic cookery lesson,learning about traditional ingredients needed for creatingthe perfect dish. After a morning’s cooking, you’ll get toenjoy your home made lunch with your hosts.

This afternoon will be free for market visiting, shopping andsightseeing. A great opportunity to buy some of the exoticingredients you used this morning to re-create your newlylearnt Indian dishes at home.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to therailway station to board your train to Agra; your guide willhelp you find the correct seats.

Upon arrival in Agra, you will be welcomed and taken toyour hotel, located just 2km from the city’s main attraction,the Taj Mahal – you’ll drop off your bags and head out foran afternoon of sightseeing. Starting off with themagnificent Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts inIndia, you will then make your way to the Taj Mahal. Built in1630, you’ll get to experience the majestic building, knownas the monument of love, from one of it’s courtyards, a trulymagical and memorable experience.

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Colonels RetreatIncludes – Breakfast, Lunch

Travel Details – Train Delhi to Agra (about 1hr 40mins) Accommodation – Trident, Deluxe Garden Room Includes – Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will travel by road to Jaipur, the capital ofRajasthan. Stopping off on the way, you’ll visit Abhaneri StepWell – one of India’s deepest and largest step wells, whichhas featured in a host of Hollywood and Bollywood movies.

This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to try out the popularsport of kite flying. This ancient tradition has remained afavoured pastime amongst locals, and along with itscompetitive twist of cutting competitor kite lines, makes foran enjoyable and exciting experience. Following this you havethe rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax and absorb theatmosphere of the city.

Begin your tour of Jaipur at the Hawa Mahal (or Palace ofWinds), constructed in 1799 and built of red and pinksandstone. Your guide will lead you through the colourfulalleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and otherlocal handicrafts. You’ll have a break for lunch in a localrestaurant before continuing your journey through the city.

After lunch you’ll head to the City Palace, the heart of thevibrant pink city, an overwhelming complex of exquisitepalaces, gardens and courtyards. Adjacent to the Palace isthe Jantar Mantar Observatory, housing the world’s largeststone sundial, and displays for all twelve Zodiac signs.

In the afternoon you will be driven to Dera Amer, situated in the foothills of the Amer Fort, surrounded by just a few local hamlets. Here you will be greeted by the gentle giant, the elephant, and enjoy an early bush dinner. From 7.00pm you can make your way to see the spectacular Amer Fort , lit up by the lake in the darkness.

Travel Details – Agra to Jaipur (6 hours) Accommodation – Ikaki NiwasIncludes – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Ikaki NiwasIncludes – Breakfast & Dinner

This early morning cycle tour will see you ride through thecountryside to explore the town of Naila – there will beopportunities for breaks along the way. Naila is areplicated version of the city of Jaipur, and was built in 1875by the then prime minister, Thakur Fateh Singh, who wantedhis own version of the city. You will then return to the hotelfor breakfast before your mid morning drive to Bagru.

You will drive to the village of Bagru, to visit a block-printingworkshop and see this traditional craft taking shape.

Afternoon at leisure.

This morning you will travel to Deogarh and then check in toyour hotel. Later on, your late afternoon countrysideexcursion can be tailored to suit the interests of those in thegroup, from farming and village agriculture, to temples andcultural aspects of the area. You’ll set off in an open toppedjeep, fully equipped with dinner, snacks and a pair ofbinoculars.

Driving out of Deogarh, you’ll come to Anjana temple, aShiva shrine enclosed in a cave – its roof home to many bats.There is also a stepwell nearby, where pilgrims would bathebefore entering the shrine. Driving on, through more farmingvillages, you’ll see cattle returning from their day of grazing,before ending up at a lakeside in time to watch the sunset

and hopefully spot some migratory birds.

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Ikaki NiwasIncludes – Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Details – Jaipur to Deogarh (5 hours) Accommodation – Devshree, Suite Includes – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A gentle walk this morning will allow you to explore thevillage of Deogarh more fully. You’ll pass through thepotters' street and farm workers' houses, before joining theHigh Street, which is the trading part of the village. You’llthen reach the central square, Manak Chawk, and head backvia the Ker Ghati Residential Street, home to the moreaffluent villagers.

This evening you are invited to the Diwali Celebrations – thefestival of lights and the biggest in India. You will have thechance to participate in pooja (worship) and indulge in aspecial feast along with a dramatic firework display.

The train journey through the rural countryside from Phuladto Khambli Ghat is a memorable one. The train winds it’sway through the gentle Aravalli Hills, making it’s way slowlyupwards and crossing some impressive viaducts. Viewsalong the way offer a range of sights, including the vastvalley, small, deep gorges, and distant ridges, before easinginto the plateau of Khambli Ghat. On the way, the trainstops just once, in a lonely station in the middle of a sparselandscape, where monkeys are likely to descend upon thewindows in the hope of a treat from passengers.

Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy some freshly brewed teaby the lake whilst taking in the stunning scenery.

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Devshree, Suite Includes – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Details – Train Deogarh to Narlai Accommodation – Rawla Narlai, Classic Heritage Includes – Breakfast & Lunch

An early start to be up in time for an amazing sunrise, withthe hope of spotting a leopard in search of a cave to hidefrom the heat of the day, or maybe a desert fox playing withits young. After a rewarding morning searching for wildlife,enjoy a relaxed lunch at your hotel, to refuel for an afternoonguided walk or cart ride around the peaceful and scenicvillage.

This evening you can look forward to an authentic Rajasthaniinspired dinner, set in the picturesque 16th century Baolistepwell. Start off your evening with drinks in the courtyard,accompanied by royal residents who will no doubt tell talesof the step well’s rich history. Enjoy dinner accompanied withtraditional folksong by a local Jogi. Return to the hotelcourtyard by jeep and enjoy a cup of herbal tea for a goodnights sleep.

This morning you will begin your drive to Chanoudh and onthe way stop at Chaifara (Camel Charisma). At dawn you willbegin your activities with the camels and their handlers, theRaikas, a community that lives on camel produce. You willlearn about camels and how the Raika survive on the goodsand services camels provide.

This afternoon there will be time to visit the MehrangarhFort, the city’s main attraction, and one of the most impressive and interesting forts in Rajasthan.

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – Rawla Narlai, Classic Heritage Includes – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Details – Narlai to Chanoudh (3 hours) Accommodation – Rattan VilasIncludes – Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy a morning of exploring Jodhpur on foot, samplingstreet food and visiting the vibrant and chaotic markets thatreflect Jodhpur’s long history as a trading centre.

This afternoon, head north in time for your wilderness safari.Your open top jeep will take you out into the countrysidesurrounding Jodhpur, where you have high chances of seeingherds of blackbuck and blue bull (the Indian Nilgai antelope).

This afternoon you will have time to relax and enjoy yourhotel and local area.

Take the morning to relax before today’s drive that will takeyou to Samsara and into the desert. There’s no better wayof exploring the true charm of the quiet villages and barrendesert trails than in the back of a jeep, taking on the steepdescents and inclines of the sand dunes, making for athrilling ride. The journey will take you back to the bygoneera of Rajasthan, as you drive through far and distantvillages, giving you a peek into the local lifestyles; mud huts,narrow lanes, and the sighting of the odd antelope, deer ordesert fox.

You’ll also get the opportunity to explore the Thar on camelback, an ideal way to spend your time in the desert. As theevening draws in, dinner will be served on the dunes,against a backdrop of folk singers, traditional dancers, and astarry sky, making for a truly unbeatable experience.

Travel Details – Chanoud to Jodhpur (3 hours) Accommodation – Rattan VilasIncludes – Breakfast

Travel Details – No long drives today Accommodation – SamsaraIncludes – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Make your way back to Jodhpur to catch a late afternoon flight to Delhi, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you would liketo arrange any extensions or sightseeing in Delhi oranywhere else in India please ask.

Travel Details –Flight (Jodhpur – Delhi)

Accommodation – Holiday InnIncludes – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Travel Details – Transfer to airport Includes – Breakfast

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India’s capital and major gateway to the country,contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis. Here you trulyexperience the mingling of the Old and the New India,ancient and modern. Old Delhi, the one time capital ofIslamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined withcrumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, theimperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj iscomposed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposinggovernment buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power forseveral rulers and many empires for about a millennium.

Throughout your time in Delhi you will discover a citysprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancientmonuments, fascinating museums and art galleries,architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene,fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

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India Gate – located at the heart of New Delhi, India Gate isa war memorial dedicated to commemorate the 90,000Indian soldiers who were killed during World War I andThird Anglo-Afghan War. The names of British and Indiansoldiers who died in the wars are inscribed on the walls.Burning under it, since 1971, is the Amar Jawan Jyoti (theflame of the immortal warrior) which marks the UnknownSoldier’s Tomb.

Parliament Building – a circular building designed by theBritish architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in1912-1913. The building was opened as the home of theCouncil of State, the Central Legislative Assembly and theChamber of Princes. Today, Parliament House is now thesupreme law making body and centre of power in India.Visitor access into the house is restricted, but occasionallyyou may be able to have a look around.

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Sitting on the banks of the holy Yamuna River, Agra boaststhree UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fortand Fatehpur Sikri, as well as some fascinating tombs andmausoleums from the legacy of the Mughal empire.

Taj Mahal – an immense mausoleum of white marble, builtin Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughalemperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife,Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art inIndia and one of the most universally admired masterpieces. The uniqueness of the Taj Mahal lies in some trulyremarkable innovations carried out by the horticulturalplanners and architects of Shah Jahan. The clever placing ofthe tomb at one end of the quadripartite garden rather thanin the centre, added a rich depth and perspective to thedistant view of the monument. On a moonlit night, the viewof the ethereally white Taj, by the silently flowing YamunaRiver, is a sight to inspire.

Agra Fort – with the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, it is easy toforget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India.Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatialred-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement growsas the scale of what was built here begins to sink in. The fortwas primarily built as a military structure, but was latertransformed into a palace by the grandson of EmperorAkbar, before becoming a gilded prison for eight years.

Surrounded by ancient forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills,Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, is the gateway to India’s mostflamboyant state. The city’s colourful, chaotic streetsshowcase the balance of old and new, even in the mostmodern parts, ancient traditions remain.

The old city is a seemingly chaotic mix of fascinating,colourful, hectic bazaars and historic sights. At the city’sheart, providing a majestic backdrop to the city, the CityPalace continues to house the former royal family - now apublic museum of art and artefacts from around the world.The Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains aheavenly aspect, and just out of sight, in the arid hill countrysurrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of AmberFort, Jaipur’s star attraction.

However, beyond these monuments, Jaipur has so muchmore to offer. Take a privately guided walk into thebackstreets of the old city and you will come across men, intiny workshops, polishing priceless precious stones forJaipur’s famous jewellery industry. There are textile shopswhere clothes can still be made to order and a wonderful, ifslightly spicy, array of street food. Soar above thesurrounding countryside in a hot air balloon, cycle throughrural villages on the outskirts or get up close and personalwith an elephant.

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Jodhpur is a much smaller and quieter town than Jaipur, yetits fort, the Meherangarh, the second largest in Rajasthan,has to be the most impressive and well preserved of all thestate’s forts. Towering over the Blue City, it is a magnificentspectacle and an architectural master piece. SurroundingMehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-bluecubes, stretches out to the 10km-long, 16th-century citywall. The Blue City really is blue! Inside is a tangle of narrow,winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem tolead where you expect them to. Scented by incense, rosesand sewers, with shops and bazaars selling everything fromtrumpets and temple decorations to snuff and saris, you’lllikely walk away with exquisitely hand-embroidered textiles ,puppets, leather and silver wear.

Modern Jodhpur stretches well beyond the city walls, but it’sthe buzz of the old Blue City and the larger-than-life fort thatcapture travelers’ imaginations. This crowded, hectic zone isalso Jodhpur’s main tourist area. Area’s of the old cityfurther west, such as Navchokiya, are just as atmospheric,but much less busy.

A great favourite with overseas tourists, offering a truly comfortable and elegant place to stay in one of South Delhi's most popular locations.

Located within walking distance from Defence Colony Market, this well featured hotel allows you to come and go as you please. All rooms are air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, a refrigerator, free wi-fi, an electronic safe and attached baths, with hot and cold running water.

Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotelsin the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and waterfountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Builtin local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotelfeatures 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, whichoverlook the central courtyard and gardens. The soothingviews of this 5 star property are perfectly complementedby a selection of luxury restaurants, recreationand wellness facilities, accompanied by excellent service.Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast that ensures a greatstart to your day, before stepping out to explore the sightsand discover the rich history of Agra.

Located in the heart of city and closely connected topopular sightseeing locations, Ikaki Niwas is situated inpeaceful and clean surroundings with plenty of greenery.The rooms of this small boutique hotel are designedindividually. The blending of modern hotel amenities withinteriors decorated using local art and artefacts is a stylistichighlight. Thematically the colour schemes and interiorsare selected to be harmonious with nature. Traditionalmotifs and arches inspired by Moghul architecture adornthe property.

Dev Shree luxury hotel in Deogarh has been constructedin a traditional haveli style with deep verandas, prettycourtyards of Rajput architecture and influence. Theinteriors are airy and spacious, and the décor has acontemporary twist. In the words of one of the guests“gone is the musty, dusty feel so often associated withtraditional rural properties”.

Located by the side of a lake, Dev Shree is overlooked bya small fort and is just a stroll from the charming villageof Deogarh which is a wonderful place to explore atleisure. Take time to venture out on lovely walks, visit thefarm and see the food being traditionally cooked on anopen fire, before lazing out on charpais under the trees.

Rawla Narlai is set within the Aaravali Hills at the heart ofa typical Rajasthani village that is bustling with activity andbursting with colour. This 17th century heritage hotel offersthirty two rooms, dotted around the property, eachvarying in shape, size and décor.

The property remains small and well run, and dependingon your preference, works well as either a stop overbetween cities, or a pleasant place to spend a few days torelax and unwind. With its close proximity to Ranakpurand Kumbhalgarh, Narlai is the perfect stopping pointbetween Jodhpur and Udaipur. The building was once afavourite hunting lodge of the Jodphur Royal Family whoremain the present day owners; they have spentconsiderable time in renovating the property to bring it upto its current standard.

Stay in this imposing mansion adorned with delicatestone carving built in 1920 by the Maharaj Ratan Singhji,a Jodhpur royal and renowned horseman and poloplayer.

Converted into a hotel by Maharaj Bharat Singh, thegrandson and R.K. Brijraj Singh, the great grand son ofMaharaj Ratan Singhji; the mansion is still the familyresidence. You will feel welcomed into their ancestralhome with legendary Rajput hospitality.

This wonderfully historic building has retained itsheritage with vintage photographs and portraits liningthe drawing rooms walls.

Samsara is an alluring oasis amidst the endless dunes of theThar Desert. Beautifully landscaped exteriors complimentcreative interiors. Carefully laid out water bodies of moatsand fountains around the property, provide that soothingambience for a perfect get-away from the pandemonium ofthe city.

Amidst the wilderness, surrounded by the dunes of theThar, the luxury tents are a sight to behold. Vibrant block-printed interiors complimented by carefully designed andlocally crafted furniture and rugs highlight the rich heritageof Rajasthan. All tents come with en-suite bathrooms.

Spend the evening set against the backdrop of mesmerizingfolk singers and graceful dancers. The food prepared on siteis glorious, the experience majestic as music floats and thestars bear down on you, a night like this is an experiencethat's unmatched.

The Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar Noida offers comfortableaccommodation in Delhi with each room boasting largepicture windows with views of Akshardham Temple andHumayun’s Tomb. Try the Asian cuisine in the restaurant,wind down in the health and fitness centre or sunbatheon the patio before taking a dip in the cool waters of theoutdoor pool. Free Wifi is available in all rooms, suitesand public areas.

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Helen and Bob Conway

· All accommodation (based on shared twin rooms) · Meals as per itinerary · Activities as per itinerary ·English-speaking Guides throughout including a Panoramic Journeys Host · Surface Transportation · Park & MuseumEntrance Fees · Airport Transfers

International flights · Domestic flights · Travel Insurance · Passport · Indian Visa charges · Vaccinationcharges · Camera fees · Private excursions · Bar bills · Laundry · Telephone Calls & Items of a Personal Nature

Single room supplement of USD 2015.00 per single traveller will apply.

Domestic airfare between Jodhpur to Delhi will be approximately USD 160.00 per person with baggage allowance of 20kgs per person per sector. Airfare is full fare upon confirmation of booking payment and subject to change until time of issue.

Panoramic Journeys reserves the right to alter the itinerary or substitute accommodation if necessary. Price is based on November 2018 exchange rates. Please see Panoramic Journeys Terms & Conditions.

PANORAMIC JOURNEYS Ltd., Granary Barn, Chapel Road, Chadlington, OX7 3NX, Englandinfo@panoramicjourneys.com - Tel. +44 (0) 1608 676 821

If you would like to book a place on this journey, contact us to check availability and hold your spot. We can hold you aprovisional place for seven days.

Complete our online booking form (a word version is also available) and send us your deposit payment, plus anyapplicable flight or additional costs. We accept bank transfers, Visa, MasterCard or American Express, and UK cheques.Full payment methods are detailed in our booking conditions. We shall then send you a booking confirmation togetherwith an invoice for the full payment of your holiday which is due 90 days before your departure date.

Call one of our experts on +44 (0)1608 676821 or email us at info@panoramicjourneys.com. We will also send you a comprehensive India Practicalities document once you have booked.