Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India. It's not surprising because it shows India at its most colorful and exotic best. All the things that come to mind when you think of India can be found in Rajasthan - forts, palaces, deserts, tigers, rivers, jungles, temples and just about everything else that the word `India' brings to mind! Women are dressed in colourful saris with chunky jewellery whilst men wear elaborate turbans and sport huge moustaches. On our Rajasthan tour you travel by car with private chauffeur to explore the myriad attractions.

On this tour you visit the major sites associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha. You start at Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon and then continue to Bodh Gaya where he gained enlightenment. You continue to Rajgir, where he came to meditate during the monsoons; the ancient university site of Nalanda, where he preached; Vaishali, where he gave his last sermon; and Kushinagar, where, lying on a bed under two trees, he died.

Travel to Deogarh and stay in the fabulous Deogarh Mahal, a building of yellow ochre with ornate domes and white accents. Many rooms have original furniture and some have exquisite frescoes and murals with mirrors. There is a well designed swimming pool in its own secluded area. The hotel organises interesting jeep safaris into the surrounding countryside.

Travel from Udaipur to Ahmedabad via the Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur, now converted into a heritage hotel. The palace is located on the shore of a peaceful lake, which attracts a large number of aquatic birds like pelicans and spoonbills. Guests of the Udai Bilas can also visit the 13th century Juna Mahal, situated on a hill above the village. It has excellent frescoes, miniatures, glass and mirror inlay work.

A short train ride from Agra is Jhansi, gateway for visiting nearby Orchha. Situated on a river, Orchha is a peaceful place, full of well preserved palaces and temples, with a distinctly medieval charm. Four hours' drive from Orchha is Khajuraho, world renowned for the intricately carved temples full of erotic sculptures. No where else will you find such unique temples with meticulously detailed carvings.

Stay two nights in the Pink City of Jaipur, one of the most interesting cities in India with exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces and an exotic street life. You enjoy a half day orientation tour of Jaipur which includes the City Palace & Museum, the Palace of Winds and the Observatory. You also make an excursion to the nearby Amber Fort. There will be time at leisure to wander through the colourful bazaars.

Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges River, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus. According to the Hindu beliefs, to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges, especially at Varanasi, is certain to gain entry to heaven. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats which line the river Ganges from which pilgrims make their sin-cleansing dip and on which bodies are cremated.

Agra is the home of India's most famous monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Hence, it's a must-see destination on anyone's trip to India. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.

On this trip you have time to explore India's capital, Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Moghul India between the 12th and the 19th centuries. You will find here many mosques, monuments and forts of the Moghul period of India's history. The medieval atmosphere of the bazaars of Old Delhi contrasts sharply with the open, spacious streets of New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British.