India Trip - totally chaotic

Day 1: 23 January 2014

Delhi Arrival

Today we were collected from Delhi International Airport and transferred to our hotel.

The remainder of the day was spent exploring Karol Bagh, a very busy but rather chaotic area of Delhi.

The chief attraction of Old Delhi is the Red Fort that contains within it opulent palaces and impressive public buildings. Nearby is the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In New Delhi, is the India Gate -- a war memorial arch, the impressive Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Towards the South, we visited the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, both World Heritage Sites.

The Florence Inn is a mid-range hotel, located at the edge of the buzzing market area of Karol Bagh. It is just a 2 minute walk from the new subway station which connects to Connaught Place, the centre of New Delhi,

The hotel has 30 rooms and a small restaurant, a marble lobby, and friendly and cooperative staff.

Overnight at the Florence Inn

Day 2: 24 January 2014

Full Day City Tour

Today we had a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi.

When the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan decided to move back from Agra to Delhi in 1638, he built the huge city of Shah Jahanabad, now known as Old Delhi, within 10 years, dominated by the huge Red Fort.

The main street of Old Delhi is Chandni Chowk, a fascinating bustling jumble of craft shops, traders, mosques and temples. This leads towards the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which we visited. This was followed by a Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets, eventually arriving at a spice and tea shop, where we made our first purchases. This system of delivering us to a shop became the norm during the trip.

While driving from Old Delhi to New Delhi, we passed India Gate, a war memorial arch, the impressive Parliament Building, and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the imperial palace of the British viceroy and now the official residence of the President of India.

The highlights of New Delhi were the Qutab Minar complex and Humayun's Tomb, both World Heritage Sites. The Qutab Minar has a 5-storey, 72-metre victory tower of red sandstone. Humayun's Tomb is a sandstone mausoleum in proper Mughal style. This site was particularly impressive.

The more modern Lotus Temple, built by followers of the Bahai faith, was also visited and is a rare peaceful oasis in this busy city.

Overnight at the Florence Inn.

Day 3: 25 January 2014

Mandawa

Today we met our driver for the next 2 weeks (Ashim), we travelled to Mandawa (250kms with an approximate drive time of 7 hours). Mandawa is a small town situated in the heart of Rajasthan's Shekhavati area, famous for its painted havelis (mansions). They were built in the 19th century by Marwari merchants who took over as patrons of the arts. They built havelis lavishly decorated with frescoes which became the symbol of the status of the Marwaris and a home for their extended family, providing security and comfort in style.

Located on the outskirts of Mandawa and overlooking fields and sand dunes, the Desert Resort is a purpose built village. It has streets leading to the clusters of huts and thatched pavilions from which to enjoy the surroundings. The delightful "mud huts" are uniquely atmospheric and comfortable, and are decorated with local crafts and equipped with modern facilities – though we found them to be a little cold. There is an azure swimming pool overlooking the rolling sand dunes of Mandawa.

Overnight at the Desert Resort.

Day 4: 26 January 2014

Walking Tour of Mandawa

Starting at the impressive Mandawa Castle, our guide took us you on a stroll around the sandy lanes of the small town. Here we saw several of the "painted havelis" for which the region of Shekhawati is renowned. Built by wealthy Marwari merchants, these large family houses are now in various stages of preservation. Some are semi-abandoned, but some are being slowly restored. The paintings depict not only religious scenes, but also many different aspects of daily life, including several which display the influence of Europeans. Often referred to as an "open air art gallery", the havelis, and other typical architectural features such as wells and memorials, are unique to this area.

The remainder of the day was spent relaxing by the pool.

Overnight at the Desert Resort.

Day 5: 27 January 2014

Bikaner

Today we travelled to Bikaner (207kms with an approximate drive time of 5 hours).

On the way our driver took us to the Rats Castle at Deshnoke. This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout. But by far the most intriguing aspect of the interior is the 20,000-odd rats that call this temple home. These holy animals are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. This was quite a surprise to us especially as we had to take our shoes of to enter.

Bikaner grew up around the fabulous Junagarh Fort, a large 5-storeyed structure, the surrounding wall of which is more than one kilometre in length. We were told that its sumptuously decorated interiors are much better preserved than any other fort in Rajasthan – and so I would confirm. The old city of Bikaner retains a medieval air with its maze of narrow lanes and some beautifully carved havelis in red sandstone, while outside the walls, many palaces and mansions still survive.

On arrival, we had a half day city tour, visiting the Junagarth Fort.

Bhairon Vilas is a most unusual hotel with quirky decorations and wonderful colours and design. Rooms are eclectically decorated with antique clothes, bearskins and old family photographs. Bhairon Vilas has a garden and dining terrace, with a great location right across from the Junagarh Fort.

The hotel was the least comfortable of all the hotels we stayed at. We ate out at a local pleasant restaurant recommended by our driver – a good decision.

Overnight at the Bhairon Villas

Day 6: 28 January 2014

Jaisalmer

Today we travelled to Jaisalmer (335kms with an approximate drive time of 7.30 hours). On the way our driver took us to see a massive herd of camels – all female except one. Then on to see an amazing sight of Siberian Cranes – wintering in India.

The massive, turreted Golden Fort dominates Jaisalmer's skyline and the vast surrounding desert. Founded in the 12th century, the fort stands on a high hill, enclosed by a thick wall and reinforced with bastions. Within these bastions is a complete township of cobbled streets strewn with palaces, havelis or mansions of rich merchants, and temples. Walking through the narrow lanes provided us with an extraordinarily medieval feel which is unique in modern India.

Nachana Haveli is a 300 year old sandstone haveli in the old part of Jaisalmer, which has a lovely secluded courtyard with narrow corridors leading to the rooms scattered throughout the building. The rooms were large and were full of character, furnished with lovely traditional carved furniture and old paintings and relics. The rooftop Saffron restaurant has fine views of Jaisalmer Fort.

Overnight at the Nachana Haveli

Day 7: 29 January 2014

Morning Walking Tour

Jaisalmer, with its narrow cobbled lanes, is a place to wander around on foot. The Fort itself is not simply a monument, but is home to a community of several thousand people. Within it we saw some attractive Jain temples, fascinating architecture, and enjoyed superb views over the city and the desert beyond from the many vantage points on the city walls.

Hidden amongst the narrow lanes leading off the main market street are several elaborate and magnificent havelis, The Patwon Ki Haveli is best known for its latticed facade. The 300 year old Salim Singh Ki Haveli has a beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks.

Overnight at the Nachana Haveli.

Day 8: 30 January 2014

Jodhpur

Today we travelled to Jodhpur (284kms with an approximate drive time of 5.30 hours). Standing at the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort. The fort houses an excellent museum and affords captivating views of the blue Brahmin houses of the old city.

The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. Narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars for textiles, silver and handicrafts. It's a fascinating jumble of winding streets of great interest to wander around, though on the day we visited it was amazingly busy as it was a public holiday for local manual workers.

The Pal Haveli is a hotel located in the heart of the old city of Jodhpur, with superb views over the city. Located close to the bottom of the majestic Meherangarh Fort. The haveli itself is a maze of courtyards, stone stairways, terraces and some excellent carvings. The spacious guest rooms were delightfully furnished in the typical Rajasthani aristocratic style.

Overnight at the Pal Haveli.

Day 9: 31 January 2014

Chandelao

Today we visited Jodhpur’s Meherangarh Fort. Perched on a hilltop dominating the city, Meherangarh Fort is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace has huge courtyards surrounded by wings of palatial buildings, part of which is now turned into a fabulous museum. Afterwards we explored the ramparts of the fort, with their superb views.

The Jaswant Thada memorial lies on the approach to the Fort, and the large white marble structure is surrounded by the cremation grounds of former rulers.

We then travelled to Chandelao (43kms with an approximate drive time of 1 hour). Just an hour's drive away from the bustling city of Jodhpur is the small village of Chandelao with its 300-year-old fort.

We stayed at Chandelao Garh, a medieval fortified home converted by the, Praduman Singh, into a lovely small hotel, which is at the heart of the local community. Innovative water storage systems are used, and the property is fully solar powered. The room was traditional yet comfortable, and staying here is a genuine eco-friendly rural experience.

In the afternoon, we had a jeep safari to the villages surrounding Chandelao. Praduman has been personally involved in many welfare projects in his village and surrounding areas. His knowledge is deep and his genuine concern for the people of this area is evident. On the village safari by jeep we saw local craftsmen at work, and visited a Bishnoi family in their traditional home, where we were invited to join them in partaking of an opium drink.

There were many migratory birds, deer and many peacocks seen. We saw local women in traditional attire fetching water from the wells, and gained an insight into traditional Indian village life.

Overnight at the Chandelao Garh.

Day 10: 01 February 2014

Udaipur via Ranakpur

Today we travelled to Udaipur via Ranakpur (319kms with an approximate drive time of 7.30 hours).

Ranakpur is a little village between Udaipur and Jodhpur, tucked away in the Aravalli hills. Here was an amazing complex of beautifully carved temples, built by the Jains who served in the courts of the rulers of Udaipur. Built in marble, the main temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1,400 pillars, no two of which are alike.

Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. High whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys lend it an almost medieval charm. The huge City Palace, still the residence of the Maharana, is carved out of yellow sandstone and stands on the banks of the Lake Pichola, from we had fabulous views over the lake and the famous Lake Palace Hotel.

Staying in the delightful 17th century haveli right on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is reached through a narrow alley in the heart of the Old City. The whitewashed walls and plants create an atmosphere of pure relaxation and tranquillity in this otherwise busy area. The hotel has 30 rooms which differ in size and decor, attractively furnished with local fabrics and antique furniture. Many terraces and restaurant with its scalloped arches have excellent views of Lake Pichola and the famous Lake Palace.

Overnight at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

Day 11: 02 February 2014

Morning City Tour and Boat Ride

The main part of the City Palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection of mosaics, glass and porcelain figures, miniatures and paintings. There are superb views over Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel from many of the terraces and courtyards within the museum, and an overall air of luxury and grandeur.

Nearby is the Jagdish temple, a centre of constant activity. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh 1, and is famous for its superb and distinctive architecture.

On the relaxing one hour long shared motor boat ride on Lake Pichola, we enjoyed marvelous views of the activity on the "ghats" used by local people for washing and bathing, the City Palace complex which dominates the eastern banks of the lake, and the Aravali Hills to the west. We also passed the famous luxurious Lake Palace hotel, and stopped to visit the "pleasure island" of Jag Mandir.

Overnight at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

Day 12: 03 February 2014

Barli

Today we travelled to Barli (232kms with an approximate drive time of 5 hours). The small and picturesque village of Barli, south of Ajmer, was a good opportunity to enjoy peaceful rural life. Here we saw genuine smiles from people who are happy to welcome you into their village. We stayed in the Barli Fort which dates back to 1675; it was originally built to protect the village from intruders. It has been under its present ownership for sixteen generations and has recently been renovated as a charming heritage hotel by the family who owns it.There was a swimming pool but on this occasion no swimming as the pigeons were using it to wash themselves so we just lazed by the pool – other guests did take the plunge.

In the afternoon, we explored the village of Barli by bullock cart. As we made our way through the narrow streets, we received a friendly greeting from all of the inhabitants, especially the children, who insisted on photos being taken. We saw traditional potters at work, and visited a local temple, and like many places witnessed a couple of weddings celebrations with much loud music.

Overnight at Barli Fort.

Day 13: 04 February 2014

Pushkar

Today we travelled to Pushkar (94kms with an approximate drive time of 3 hours). The town of Pushkar clings to the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake, considered by Hindus to be extremely holy.

Hundreds of small temples are built on the periphery of the lake with wide stone steps or `ghats' leading down to the lake. Later in the day we explored Pushkar, unfortunately the Brahma Temple was closed when we arrived.

At sunset, Pushkar turns into one of the most exotic and extremely noisy places on earth, with fireworks and drums playing constantly.

We stayed at the Pushkar Palace, a charming building right on the banks of the holy Pushkar lake. The former palace of the Maharaja of Kishangarh has green gardens and the veranda's of the upper floors overlook the lake, the temples and the ghats. The hotel's owner, Jagat Singh, is a collector of antique furniture and our rooms had hand-picked features and fittings. Large armouries with cut glass handles, carved mirror frames, and other smaller pieces of colonial or Rajasthani furniture are a delight. The rooftop view of the lake is impressive, though the vegetarian based dinner and breakfast were somewhat lacking – no alchohol.

Overnight at the Pushkar Palace.

Day 14: 05 February 2014

Jaipur

Today we travelled to Jaipur (144kms with an approximate drive time of 3.30 hours). Jaipur is one of the most interesting cities in India with exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces and an exotic street life. Just outside town is the impressive Amber Fort.

We stayed at the Dera Mandawa Hotel, it is a distinctive and stylish small new heritage property, designed and run by the owner Durga Singh. We stayed in one of 7 spacious suites with a large ensuite bathroom,. Dera Mandawa has an atmospheric lobby and a small dining room, but we chose to eat in the courtyard - this is a very laid-back place!

Overnight at the Dera Rawatsar.

Day 15: 06 February 2014

Sightseeing of Jaipur and Amber Fort

The City Palace, the principal residence of the former royal family, also houses a museum for textiles and costumes, miniatures, carpets and manuscripts, and arms and armour. Nearby is the Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory created by an astronomer-king in the 18th century to measure everything from altitude to time, and map the movement of the planets and the stars. The `Palace of the Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is the pink sandstone facade of a palace with a profusion of windows and stone screens. The windows enabled cool air (hawa) to circulate and the women of the royal zenana would sit concealed behind these screens to see life in the city beyond the walls of the city palace.

Situated just to the north of Jaipur, Amber Fort overlooks the city from a spar of the Aravali Hills. From the parking area below the Fort, we took the short walk up the steep path to the entrance courtyard, which leads to a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. Here we saw 100 magnificent Elephants, being used to take tourist up the hill to the Palace – unfortunately we did not have time in our schedule to ride on the elephants but the sight was impressive.

Overnight at the Dera Rawatsar.

Day 16: 07 February 2014

Agra

Today we travelled to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (226kms with an approximate drive time of 5.30 hours).

Thirty five kilometres to the south-west of Agra is the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built in sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri served as Akbar's capital for only a short period of twelve years before the capital was abandoned, apparently due to a lack of water supply.

Today Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost city, its architecture is in a perfect state of preservation, and wandering through the palaces it is easy to imagine that this was once a royal residence and a dynamic cultural centre. The white marble Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar's spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot. This was the one place in India that we were hassled buy trinket sellers.

Agra is home to possibly the most famous and beautiful building in the world: the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb and memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Along the river Yamuna is the impressive Red Fort from where there were fantastic views of the Taj. Truly a wonder of the world – even if a little foggy when we arrived.

The Agra Red Fort was the capital of the Moghul Empire and thus of India during the 16th and 17th centuries. Here Suri was able to translate for the guide the Farsi words scattered around the Fort

Well known throughout India for their chain of vegetarian restaurants, the Dasapraksh group's new hotel in Agra is bright and clean. This is a simple place but with an emphasis on efficiency, cleanliness and hygiene which can be lacking elsewhere in Agra and India in general.

Overnight at the Hotel Dasaprakash.

Day 17: 08 February 2014

Half Day City Tour of Agra

The Taj Mahal is one of the most fascinating and beautiful monuments of the world. About 20,000 workers were employed in its construction, completed after some 20 years. So perfect are the proportions of the Taj and so exquisite its workmanship that this is really one of the world's most marvelous buildings.Abdul Haq, from Shiraz was the calligrapher who created the words on the mausoleum, in 1609, and was bestowed with the title of 'Amanat Khan' by none other than Emperor Shah Jahan himself.

Built in the form of a half-moon on the west bank of the Yamuna river, the Agra Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. The fort's colossal walls rise over 20m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. They are encircled by a fetid moat and contain a maze of buildings, some extremely exquisite, that form a small city within a city

Here we said our farewells to our driver Ashin, who had been a good driver in extremely chaotic driving conditions, he had been helpful with lots of advice and guidance, and provided us with virtual stress free drives.

Overnight at the Hotel Dasaprakash.

Day 18: 09 February 2014

Orchha

Today we transferred from the hotel to the railway station where we boarded the 12002 Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. This train departed on time at 08:11 and arrived at 10:45. This train journey was enjoyable with air condition. We were met on arrival and transferred to Orchha (18kms with an approximate drive time of 30 minutes). Situated in the north of Madhya Pradesh, en route from Agra to the temples of Khajuraho, is the tiny village of Orchha. This deserted medieval town is an architectural gem.

During the 16th and 17th centuries this was the capital of the Bundela dynasty who built a fort palace on a small island on a bend in the Betwa River, later followed by other magnificent fortifications, palaces and temples.

Built to resemble Orchha's palaces of the distinctive 'Bundela' style, we stayed in Amar Mahal, a low white building with open lawns and our comfortable rooms surrounding a large swimming pool, which we took advantage of. Its gardens have an unrestricted view of the famous royal cenotaphs

In the afternoon, we had a half day city tour. Orchha the 200 year old capital of the Bundela kings is a treasure trove of palaces, temples and royal cenotaphs built in the Hindu-Islamic style. We walked to the Orchha palace complex made up of the Raj Mahal and Jehangiri Mahal. Arches, carved brackets, glittering blue tiles brighten the buildings’ yellow facades. Also we saw the curiously mosque-like Chatturbhuj Temple and the busy Ram Raja temple, both belonging to the 16th century. The stroll through the town was particularly enjoyable.

Overnight at the Amar Mahal.

Day 19: 10 February 2014

Khajuraho

Today we travelled to Khajuraho (155kms with an approximate drive time of 4 hours). Khajuraho, a tiny village in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is world renowned for the intricately carved temples where sculptures celebrate the joy of life and love for which there is probably no equivalent in the world.

On arrival, we had a half day tour of the Khajuraho Temples and parkland. Today out of eighty five temples only twenty five remain. The sculptures are sublime and sensuous at the same time. They adorn every space of the temple walls depicting several themes of celestial nymphs, ascetics in penance, hunting and war scenes, group dances and royal processions. Our guide was particularly knowledgable of the Temples, highlighting many interesting features.

The Ramada has modern interiors of cool white marble elegance with chandeliers in the lobby, curving white staircases, and well-chosen Indian antiques throughout. Our rooms were decorated in soft cream shades and rich fabrics and had a large bay window, with views of the central swimming pool.

Overnight at the Ramada Khajuraho

Day 20: 11 February 2014

Varanasi

Today we set off early and drove to Satna (113kms with an approximate drive time of 3 hours) where we boarded the 15160 Sarnath Express train to Varanasi. This train was about 15 minutes late with a scheduled departure time of 08:10 and arrival of 16:10. This train journey was not particularly pleasant as two of our fellow travellers were clearly travelling without proper tickets and one was rather obnoxious, but that's all part of the experience. We were met on arrival at the train station and transferred to our hotel.

Varanasi is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus. It's believed that anyone who dies here will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation, and bathing in the Ganges River is said to cleanse away all sins. We decided not to bathe in the Ganges. The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly along the many riverside ghats, which are used for everything from bathing to burning the bodies of the dead. It is noisy, crowded and polluted, but it is certainly one of the most memorable places we visited.

A small classical building right on the banks of the Ganges, Palace on Ganges is situated at the end of the long line of ghats, at Assi Ghat, one of the most interesting and colourful areas of the city. The views from the terrace restaurant are of the endless curve of the river and the constant flow of pilgrims, animals and boats.

Overnight at the Palace on Ganges

Day 21: 12 February 2014

Ganges River Boat Trip and Heritage Walk

The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats, which line the west bank of the River Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river from which pilgrims make their sin-cleansing dip in the holy river and on which bodies are cremated.

We took a boat ride on the Ganges Leaving the boat after passing the most important Ghats, we then continued on foot for a fascinating exploration of the narrow lanes of the Bengali Tola area of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, passing countless small temples, shrines, and traditional shops. Our guide provided a unique insight into this most fascinating of cities, which would otherwise be incomprehensible.

Every evening at dusk a spectacular ceremony takes place at the main Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests sit on elevated platforms on the banks of the river and perform co-ordinated rituals dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu God who is worshipped in the form of the River Ganges. It is a photogenic, but also spiritual, experience, and the audience is mostly made up of pilgrims for whom this ritual has become an important part of their worship in Varanasi. The Aarti ceremony lasts for around 45 minutes, we witnessed this from a boat.

Overnight at the Palace on Ganges

Day 22: 13 February 2014

Varanasi to Delhi

Today we decided to explore Varanasi on our own by taking a Tut Tut taxi to the Golden Temple .(Kashi Vishwanath) which is protected by armed guards and is reached only by walking through a maze of streets. Here we were unable to gain entry as it was for Hindus only, not that we were told, though not entirely a wasted journey – more an experience.

Later in the day we visited the grounds of the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University which is an Asian institution of higher learning specialized in the study of Sanskrit and related fields. We transfered from hotel to railway station where we boarded the 12559 Shiva Ganga overnight express train to Delhi. This train was scheduled to depart at 19:15 and arrive at 07:40 the next day, but was about an hour late.

The overnight train journey was a reasonably pleasant experience after we swapped one of the beds to be close to each other and the company of an Indian couple who now reside in the USA.

Overnight on the train, we manage to get some sleep in somewhat uncomfortable couchettes – both of us on the top bunks..

Day 23: 14 February 2014

Delhi

We were met on arrival at Delhi railway station and transferred to our hotel.

We decided to explore Delhi on our own by taking the Metro to see India Gate and the Parliament buildings and to do some last minute shopping – today was our first experience of rain in India. Our return Metro journey was possibly the scariest time of the whole trip as the crush was unbelievable.

Overnight at the Florence Inn

Day 24: 15 February 2014

Delhi

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Departure transfer in Delhi from the hotel to the International airport

Summary of accommodation

• Florence Inn, Delhi : 1 Twin AC Premium Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 23-01-2014 to 25-01-2014 (2 nights).

• Desert Resort, Mandawa : 1 Twin AC Standard Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 25-01-2014 to 27-01-2014 (2 nights).

• Bhairon Vilas, Bikaner : 1 Twin AC Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 27-01-2014 to 28-01-2014 (1 night).

• Nachana Haveli, Jaisalmer : 1 Twin AC Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 28-01-2014 to 30-01-2014 (2 nights).

• Pal Haveli, Jodhpur : 1 Twin AC Heritage Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 30-01-2014 to 31-01-2014 (1 night).

• Chandelao Garh, Chandelao : 1 Twin AC Standard Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 31-01-2014 to 01-02-2014 (1 night).

• Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur : 1 Twin AC Haveli Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 01-02-2014 to 03-02-2014 (2 nights).

• Fort Barli, Barli : 1 Twin AC Super Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 03-02-2014 to 04-02-2014 (1 night).

• Pushkar Palace, Pushkar : 1 Twin AC Super Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 04-02-2014 to 05-02-2014 (1 night).

• Dera Rawatsar, Jaipur : 1 Twin AC Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 05-02-2014 to 07-02-2014 (2 nights).

• Hotel Dasaprakash, Agra : 1 Twin AC Standard Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 07-02-2014 to 09-02-2014 (2 nights).

• Amar Mahal, Orchha : 1 Twin AC Deluxe Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 09-02-2014 to 10-02-2014 (1 night).

• Ramada Khajuraho, Khajuraho : 1 Twin AC Superior Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 10-02-2014 to 11-02-2014 (1 night).

• Palace on Ganges, Varanasi : 1 Twin AC Standard Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 11-02-2014 to 13-02-2014 (2 nights).

• Florence Inn, Delhi : 1 Twin AC Premium Room on a Bed & breakfast basis from 14-02-2014 to 15-02-2014 (1 night).

Summary of train Journeys

• 2 Train Tickets by 12002 Shatabdi Express (AC - Chair Car) from Agra to Jhansi (08:11/10:45) on 09/02/2014

• 2 Train Tickets by 15160 Sarnath Express (AC - 2 Tier) from Satna to Varanasi (08:10/16:10) on 11/02/2014

• 2 Train Tickets by 12559 Shiv Ganga Express (AC - 2 Tier) from Varanasi to Delhi (19:15/07:40) on 13/02/2014

Transport

• Private AC Standard Car with chauffeur from 25/01/2014 (Delhi) to 07/02/2014 (Agra)

• Private AC Standard Car with chauffeur from 09/02/2014 (Jhansi) to 11/02/2014 (Satna)