Description:

TUCAN TRAVEL ADVENTURE TOUR - 21 DAYS

Day 1 to 4

Delhi - Agra

Day 1 is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities, so you will have free time to relax and see some of the sights. Delhi is the bustling capital of India and, with a population of almost 13 million, it is bound to be a city that keeps you on your toes no matter what time of day it is! On Day 2 your tour leader will assist you with sightseeing options. You can visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or the infamous Red Fort. A popular way to discover Delhi for many people is to take a bicycle rickshaw tour and check out the view from Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

In the morning of day 3 you will travel by train from Delhi railway station to the industrial city of Agra. Home of the infamous Taj Mahal, Agra is a city steeped in history and tradition. The Taj Mahal never ceases to amaze all who visit to marvel at what is possibly the greatest testimonial to love and romance ever built. The mausoleum Taj Mahal is an enduring monument to the love Shah Jahan had for his wife, and is renowned throughout the world as an architectural masterpiece in the Mughal style. The UNESCO World Heritage site was completed in 1648 and attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. Although the white marble dome is the most iconic aspect of the Taj, the complex is set in a large garden, which is laid out with avenues of trees, fountains and reflecting pools. Originally the garden was a lush growth of vegetation, flowers and fruits but this has been gradually replaced by an English-style formal setting with verdant grassy lawns to wander around at your leisure. But there's more to Agra than monuments of love, and other popular attractions include the Agra Fort and Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah. You will have free time in Agra to explore at your leisure or book some optional excursions – your tour leader will offer suggestions and assist you with these. We visit the Taj Mahal with our guide early morning to avoid the crowds, a truly incredible sight. You might also like to visit Fatehpur Sikri – a complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The day will be free to explore Agra further and admire some of Hinduism's most holy sights.

Day 5 to 9
Ranthambore - Jaipur & Samode

Early in the morning of Day 5 we transfer from our hotel in Agra to the railway station and travel by train to Sawai Madhopur, a town located along the rolling hills of the Vindhyas and Aravali ranges. Sawai Mahhopur is famous for Ranthambore National Park, one of the finest tiger reserves in India. On Day 6 you will take a wildlife safari into the National Park in search of the magnificent tigers that reside there. The lakeside woods and grassland provide an ideal habitat for other native wildlife such as deer, wild boar, antelope, bear, leopards and gazelles. This beautiful sanctuary, which covers 410 sq km, came under the Project Tiger scheme in 1972. You may also wish to visit the Ranthambore Fort which is believed to have housed a settlement as far back as the eighth century. The fort has a Siva temple, where Rana Hamir once beheaded himself rather than face being humiliated by the conquering Delhi army! It also contains age-old palaces, pavilions and tanks.

On day 7 we head to Jaipur is Rajasthan's capital and most visited city, and is a bustling, lively destination. It is known as the ‘pink city' because of its pink wash buildings although time has faded some of this colour! Make sure you check out the Old City with its bazaars, palaces and havelis. There's also the popular Nahargarh (Tiger Fort) which is a small fort with towering walls. The walk there will take you through some picturesque local streets and then up a steep winding road for several kilometres. Alternatively you can reach it by the road via Jaiharh Fort. You may also wish to go on a group visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) which is one of Jaipur's most famous attractions. The following day there is free time to view the city independently. Try the fresh fruit juices from the street markets (remember to ask for no water or ice!) or wander around the old city taking in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you also have the option to take a traditional elephant ride. You could also visit the Amber Fort, which used to be the capital of the city.

On day 9 we will pass the hills of the northern Aravallis and stop in Samode. It is a quiet, sleepy town, home to many artisans producing goods such as cloth and jewellery. After we arrive you have the rest of the day free for options. The Samode palace is number one on many visitors' ‘to see' lists, although you might want to take an optional jeep safari to visit the local villages and artisans. If you feel like spending the day relaxing, then a visit to Samode Bagh, a large 400 year old formal garden with pavilions and beautiful fountains, might be the ideal activity for you.

Day 10 to 12
Pushkar - Udaipur

After our time in bustling Jaipur comes to a close we make for the enchanting and mystic Pushkar, which is famous for its revered lake and many temples. Brahma Lake is one of the country's most sacred lakes and continues to attract pilgrims today. Those who are game can take a dip in its holy waters. Pushkar has the only Brahma temple that exists in the world and is a popular attraction for those interested in Hindu culture. You can take an optional tour of the lake and its 52 Ghats, or visit the main Sadar (bazaar) which is a busy marketplace selling goods and pilgrim odds and ends. There are literally dozens of temples in Pushkar – if you are up for it, the Savitri Temple will give you an excellent view of the town and surrounding desert, but you have to climb 3km up a steep hill to get there!

On day 12 we head to the placid lakes and green gardens typify the beautiful city of Udaipur, which is where we make our next stop. Located in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur is one of the most popular cities in the region and is set in the Girwa valley. Feelings of romance continue to captivate travellers when they visit this haven, and as a result many have dubbed it ‘the most romantic city in India'. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, marble palaces and stunning gardens, Udaipur will most likely offer a refreshing change to the desert surrounds you have seen so far. It also provides an insight into the variety and geographical diversity that characterises India. If you feel like involving yourself with the local culture and tradition, why not try a cooking, art or Hindi class? Udaipur is also home to one of the most luxurious hotels in India, the Lake Palace, which is the former Maharajas Palace in the middle of the Lake.

There are many optional excursions and activities that you can try if you feel like involving yourself with the local culture and tradition, why not try a cooking, art or Hindi class? There are plenty of sightseeing options in Udaipur as well, including the City Palace, which is an impressive complex of several palaces.

Day 13 to 14
Jodhpur

Our next stop, Jodhpur, brings us into Western Rajasthan which is a region where preconceptions and stereotypes are lived out daily. Endless gold and dunes, camels slowly trekking into the distance and desert landscapes are what we are all about now. Jodhpur is Rajasthan's second largest city and is dominated by its spectacular fort. We arrive in the afternoon and have free time for sightseeing. After a visit to the Majestic Fort, you will see why Jodhpur is known as the ‘Blue City'; many houses in the old city are painted blue and you can admire this amazing view from atop the fort.

You can also choose to visit the old city with its stone temples and lively markets. Or take a wander through the new city, which houses several palaces, museums and a small exotic zoo in the gardens of the Government Museum.

Day 15 to 17
Jaisalmer Camel Safari Overnight

Heading deep into the desert, we arrive in Jaisalmer. You'll see that there is no shortage of markets or camels here! The feelings that come to the fore here are truly remarkable and typify what traditional, medieval India is all about. You can go on an overnight camel safari on Day 16 and your tour leader will accompany this. If you choose not to go on the safari you will stay in Jaisalmer (unescorted). Jaisalmer's main attraction is its incredibly majestic fort, which is the only fort in the whole of India that still has people living in it today.

Overnight Camel Safari
Starting in the majestic fort town of Jaisalmer we travel into the photogenic Thar Desert. This region is sparsely populated by some of India's most colourful and resourceful people. We will pass through traditional villages and gain an insight into how the locals live their lives. We then reach the vast sand dunes where we will begin our overnight camel safari, which will give you the opportunity to experience desert life from a camel's back. Camel breeding is a common practice in this area. You will meet with your village herdsman and camel who will be your companions for the next two days. We venture out into the golden sea of sand and will have the chance to see nomadic herders, remote parts of the Thar Desert, rolling sand dunes and desert villages. Tonight we will camp under the stars and have a traditional meal cooked for us. The next day we continue our journey back to civilization. The scenery becomes more fertile and populated as we near Jaisalmer.

Day 18 to 21
Bikaner - Shekhawati (Mandawa) Delhi

Bikaner in Northern Rajasthan is often referred to as an ‘oasis town'. It is home to the Junagarh Fort, an impressive fort surrounded by what was once an elaborate moat. Here, you might also want to visit Lalgarh Palace, which is a red sandstone building surrounded by sand dunes and rocks. Outside of Bikaner lies one of the most unusual attractions; the Karni Mata Temple, where some 2,000 holy rats reside, we take a trip down there to gaze at this monumentous site.

As we make our way back towards the hustle and bustle of Delhi, we have one night in Shekhawati, in the town of Mandawa. There are many havelis to admire here and we will take a tour of the nearby ones. Shekhawati is also a hub for traders and businessmen. Relatively undeveloped, the town is not as touristy as other places we will have seen. You will be able to get a great cultural insight into the way of life here and there's time to explore the sights at your leisure.

In the morning of Day 20 we return to Delhi, where there's time for some last minute souvenir shopping or to check out any sights you may have missed first time around. We will have our final group meal together in the evening, and it will probably continue well into the night as we reminisce about everything we have seen over the past twenty days! Our tour concludes on day 21.

• Accommodation & 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
• Excursions as per details itinerary
• Jaisalmer Fort Palace including fort entrance and walking tour with Tour Leader.
• Excludes compulsory travel insurance
• Excludes local payment of usd$370.00

From snow capped mountains to white sandy beaches, ramshackle beach huts to exquisite lake palaces and roadside samosa stalls to first-class fine dining restaurants. India is a land of mind bending diversity.

Home to more than a billion people and a vast array of ethnic groups, the subcontinent offers an intoxicating cultural experience to all who dare to tackle it.

With some of the most heavily populated cities in the world, the cluttered streets, the   constant hum of honking horns and the complete disregard for ones personal space can be overwhelming to the most intrepid traveller. But take a step outside the big cities and you will find that India is scattered with tranquil escapes.

Try a private houseboat cruise through the Kerala backwaters, sip a cocktail on the cliffs of Varkala or if it's a cultural experience youre after why not sign up for a yoga course.

Another great way to travel this mysterious land is to eat and shop your way around.

The food here is as diverse as the landscape. From the spicy Goan fish curries of the south, to the sumptuous tandoori chicken in the north. All complimented by an assortment of sweet chutneys and hot pickles, soaked up with a generous piece of naan! To work up an appetite, you can spend hours trawling markets, bargaining for jewellery, silks and marble souvenirs, and even be fitted for a sari or a turban.

India is not for the faint of heart! Let yourself go and surrender yourself to everything this incredible destination has to offer.

You will either love it or loathe it, most visitors swing between the two. But whatever experience, it is guaranteed that it will be truly unforgettable.