HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN

16 Days / 15 Nights
Escorted and departing ex Perth Sunday 3 September 2006

Sunday 3 September: Perth to Delhi
Home pick-up will be provided to your flight to Delhi (via Singapore). We will be met on arrival and transferred to the Siddarth Hotel (or similar) for a stay of 2 nights.

Monday 4 September: Delhi
This morning we visit Old Delhi's vast Red Fort (built in 1648), Jama Masjid (the greatest mosque in India) and Raj Ghat then, this afternoon, tour New Delhi, driving past stately buildings including India Gate and the Presidential Palace, Humayun's Tomb and the towering Qutab Minar. (B)

Tuesday 5 September: Overland to Agra
We depart at 7am for the 4 hour journey to Agra where we'll undertake sightseeing, including the incomparable Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah. We stay overnight at the Mansingh with time to relax, or to view the Taj by moonlight. (B)

Wednesday 6 September: Overland to Jaipur
This morning we set out for Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th Century by emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was occupied for only a few years and the impressive red sandstone buildings remain in excellent condition. After sightseeing, we continue to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and undertake a 2 hour cycle rickshaw safari, then travel on to Jaipur for a stay of 2 nights at the Mansingh. Tonight we will head out to share in a Rajasthani folk dance performance and dinner. (B)

Thursday 7 September: Amber Fort & Jaipur
This morning we will visit the magnificent Amber Fort, entering the gate (in time honoured fashion) by caparisoned elephant. The deserted fort offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the aristocracy. We return to Jaipur to visit the Maharajah’s City Palace, Jantar Mantar (the ancient observatory), then drive past Hawa Mahal and stroll through the colourful bazaar. (B)

Friday 8 September: Overland to Jodhpur
Our great adventure continues as we set out on the 350km journey to Jodhpur. Along the way, we'll visit the quiet town of Pushkar, located at the edge of a beautiful lake. A holy city with 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats, Pushkar is regarded as being the centre of the earth's creation. This eveing we arrive into Jodhpur where we stay overnight at the Ajit Bhawan. (B)

Saturday 9 September: Overland to Rohetgarh
Built in 1459, Jodhpur's highlights include Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, the museum and bazaar. We will visit these then, this afternoon, depart for Rohetgarh where we stay overnight at the Rohetgarh Fort. (B)

Sunday 10 September: Overland to Udaipur 
This morning we will undertake a 4WD drive to a Bishnoi village. "The Bishnois worship nature in all its manifestations. Not the ripe, yielding nature of ancient pagan societies, but the ruthless and demanding desert where a desolate horizon meets a blazing sky. Here, women suckle motherless deer, die to save trees, go hungry to provide food for animals and live a strictly sattvic (simple) life advocated by their guru Jambaji." Later, we will depart via the magnificent 15th Century Ranakpur Jain Temples (the most distinctive features of which are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars), then proceed to Udaipur where we will check into the Shikarbadi for a stay of 2 nights. (B)

Monday 11 September: Udaipur
This morning we will undertake a tour of Udaipur, famed for its lovely palaces and lakes and arguably India’s most romantic city. We'll visit the City Palace with its beautiful rooms and apartments and the Saheliyon Ki bari ("Garden of Maidens"). This afternoon, we'll take a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola, enjoying the wonderful view of the City Palace and pleasant waterside gardens. Make sure you've got your camera at the ready. (B)

Tuesday 12 September: Udaipur to Bombay (Mumbai)
An early flight, this morning, to Bombay where we will be transferred to the Hotel Fariyas for a stay of 2 nights. After settling in, we'll venture forth to view British colonial buildings, the Gateway of India, the Towers of Silence, Dhobi Ghat (the colourful outdoor laundry), the lovely Hanging Gardens, Kamla Nehru Park (with views of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea), Mani Bhawan and bustling Crawford Market. (B)

Wednesday 13 September: Bombay
This morning we will make our way across the harbour to the world-famous 1,200 year old Elephanta Caves. Then, this afternoon, we can relax or undertake personal pursuits. (B)

Thursday 14 September: Air to Goa
Morning departure for Goa where we will be accommodated at the Holiday Inn for a stay of 2 nights. Relax here at enjoy India's favourite beach resort. (B)

Friday 15 September: Goa
A full day of relaxation, or to enjoy activities as may be arranged and co-ordinated by your tour escort. (B)

Saturday 16 September: Goa to Cochin (Kochi)
We depart the golden shores of Goa and fly to Cochin where we will stay overnight at the Abad Atrium Hotel. Then, this evening we'll enjoy a Kathkali dance performance. (B)

Sunday 17 September: To Perth
This morning we will visit the historic city with a walking tour through Fort Cochin and visiting the old Spice Market at Mattancherry, antique shops on "Jews Street," the synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Church of St Francis (Vasco da Gama's first resting place). Our rooms will be available to us until 6pm, following which we will share a farewell dinner, then depart for our return flight to Perth, via Singapore. (B/D)

Monday 18 September: Arrive Perth
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your home. For those who might be interested, a stopover can be arranged in Singapore.

HOLIDAY COSTS
Ex Perth	Twin Room	Share Single
16 day Rajasthan, Goa & Kerala	$4,775	$5,660
Check for conditions.