Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI: BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Today you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our office representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer you to your hotel.
Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. It is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 : DELHI
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, to review the suggested itinerary and plan the pace and inclusions of your days. Today, discover Delhi in all its majesty.
Enjoy unique yet fascinating experience of Old Delhi – Happily Chaotic
You will visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Asia, followed by a private tricycle rickshaw ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk, also known as Silver Street. Next we shall drive past the mighty Red Fort, built by the Emperor Shah Jahan – the builder of Taj Mahal. Conclude the tour of Old Delhi with homage to the father of the nation – Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat – the memorial.
The discovery of New Delhi starts with visit to Qutub Minar which is Delhi’s Eiffel Tower, its Statue of Liberty and Nelson’s Column. Visit the mosques, mausoleums and ruins of forts that lie around it. Continue onto Humayun’s Tomb set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Our drive back to the hotel will be through one of the most colonial part of New Delhi called Raisina Hill. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate – a war memorial arch. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 : DELHI – AGRA: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast drive towards Agra (200 Kms/ 4 Hrs). Agra – Medieval city situated on the banks of river Yamuna, it came into prominence when a lavish patronage of Mughal rulers created forts, tombs, and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi precious stones.
Upon arrival at Agra proceed to check in your hotel. Afternoon you will proceed for the breath taking tour of the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO world heritage site was built in white marble in 1635 by Emperor Shahjahan as a mausoleum for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is a universal symbol of love, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Red fort popularly known as Agra Fort Construction of Agra Fort was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jehangir, and grandson, Shahjahan, later made additions. It houses the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience) and its walls are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire. Overnight at Hotel
Day 04 : AGRA – JAIPUR: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (235 Kms, 05 Hrs Drive). On your way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, Fatehpur Sikri -the deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.
Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan province is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures; it is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
On arrival check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Hotel
Day 05 : JAIPUR
You will be chauffer driven to Amber Fort – the former capital of Jaipur state stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts to add the spirit of adventure and royalty. You will ascend the fort on elephant back – the Royal path..!! (Subject to availability of Elephants)
Post Amber, our tour will begin with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds, it has no less than 953 little windows and balconies, and it is a stunning example of Rajput artistry. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life in the streets below through the delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.
Visit the City Palace, now a museum, which was the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. It offers a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs.
Proceed to Jantar-Mantar – the ancient Observatory which is acute even today..!! Built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also a soldier, astronomer and builder.
Return to hotel after sightseeing tour. Overnight at Hotel
Day 06 : JAIPUR – PUSHKAR: BY: SURFACE
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to drive Pushkar (130 kms, 03 Hrs Drive).
The town of Pushkar is located on the bank of Pushkar Lake. According to legends, Hindu mythology God, Lord Brahma had created this beautiful town of Rajasthan. Since this town is one of the principal pilgrimage sites of India, Pushkar is often known by the name ‘Tirth Raj’.
On arrival proceed for check in hotel. Later you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Pushkar. City of Pushkar has over 400 temples in its confines. The only temple in the world of Brahma– the creator of the universe is here. Pushkar Lake is the holiest lake in the country and a bath in the lake during the kartik full moon is said to cleanse one of all sins. The fifty -two bathing ghats along the banks of the lakes are linked to the lunar calendar, with each ghat having its own miraculous powers. Overnight at Hotel
Day 07 : PUSHKAR – UDAIPUR: BY: SURFACE
Post Breakfast drive to Udaipur (280 Kms, 05 Hrs Drive). Udaipur – set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Udaipur often called the “Venice of the East” and the most romantic city in the state of Rajasthan. Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by green hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake Pichola. The city is a kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.
On arrival proceed for check in hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Hotel
Day 08: UDAIPUR
After breakfast, you will be taken for the half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Start your tour with visit to the City Palace. City Palace* Built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola.
Jagdish Temple* Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble.
Sahelion-ki-bari* the spectacular garden displaying the unique lifestyle of the Royal ladies who once lived in the Palaces
Evening enjoy common boat – cruise on Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola with its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir Lake Pichola is about 3 miles in length and 2 miles wide. Jag Niwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and one can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat. Overnight at Hotel
Day 09: UDAIPUR –JODHPUR: BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast proceed for drive to Jodhpur (285 Kms /6 hrs drive) en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples In a shaded valley, forty miles northwest of Udaipur, are the superb Jain temples of Ranakpur. Built in the mid-15th century, the Rishabji Temple, two or three storeys high in places and topped with five large shikharas, has 1,444 pillars, each of unique design, separating the 29 halls. Jain monks following the teaching of Ahimsa, or non-violence, may be seen walking about with masks on to avoid inadvertently eating insects, or carrying a brush to sweep surfaces so as not to sit or step on bugs.
On arrival proceed for check in hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight at Hotel
Day 10 : JODHPUR
After buffet breakfast proceed to visit Jodhpur. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10 km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale. The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family.
North of Mehrangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor.
Rest of the day is free. Overnight at Hotel
Day 11 : JODHPUR – JAISALMER: BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast proceed for drive (280 Kms /6 hrs drive) to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer, the golden beauty etched in yellow sandstone, standing tall against miles of gleaming sand. Founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer’s location kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the crossroad of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.
Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight at Hotel
Day 12: JAISALMER
After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Jaisalmer. You will walk up to The Fort, which dominates the town. Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city’s population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are a fine group of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Walk through Jaisalmer’s narrow streets dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples. Walk around this desert city, its fort emerging from the flat dry sands, bounding in ancient palaces, temples and delicately sculpted havelis – all witness to the emergence of this Rajput state into a market centre for traders.
Afternoon, you will be driven to Sam Sand Dunes for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand. Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Atop this ship of the desert embark on an exciting soft adventure. This safari is across India’s Thar Desert, one of the harshest environments in the world.
Return to the hotel after your tour. Overnight at Hotel
Day 13: JAISALMER – BIKANER: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast proceed for drive to Bikaner (333 Kms / 06 Hrs Drive) en-route visiting Karni Mata Temple. Bikaner is popularly referred to as the ‘Camel City of Rajasthan’. Bikaner lies on the ancient caravan routes that linked Western/Central Asia and North India with the seaports of Gujarat. Bikaner thus flourished as a major trade center during the medieval period. The kingdom of Bikaner was established by a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, son of the founder of Jodhpur. On arrival proceed for check in hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Day 14: BIKANER – MANDAWA: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Continue onto National Camel Breeding Farm and see the incredible sight of a herd of camels returning back after grazing, with the spectacular desert sunset in the background. Set amid rolling sand dunes, this farm is set up to produce superior strains of camels both for domestic haulage as well as, even today, for military use.
Later proceed for drive to Mandawa (200 Kms/4 hrs drive). The Rajput ruler of Mandawa built a fort in 1755 to protect this trading outpost that fell in the ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East. The township that grew around the fort attracted a large community of traders, who settled here. When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa build palatial mansions in their hometown.
Upon arrival proceed for check in your hotel. Later will explore this storybook town of Mandawa known for its colourful frescoes on a wide variety of subjects ranging from religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire rendered in the inimitable style of local artist. Every home here is adorned with gaily-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. Overnight at Hotel
Day 15 : MANDAWA – DELHI: BY SURFACE, DELHI – BACK HOME: BY INTER. FLIGHT
After breakfast proceed for drive to Delhi (275 Kms / 6 Hrs drive). On arrival in Delhi our representative will meet you and transfer to airport to board your flight for onward destination.
***** Return For Another Memorable Trip With Us *****