Tour Duration: 15 Nights/ 16 Days
Tour Destinations: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra
Highlights - Our Royal Rajasthan Tour will take you to all the popular destinations of Rajasthan. Rajasthan literarily means “The Land of Kings” is defined by arid landscapes, endless sand dunes, vibrant culture, lively folk music and dances, charming temples and yes of course the imposing forts and palaces. Rajasthan has over 300 forts and palaces spread across the region, some of them are colossal buildings and others are small. No matter what their size is, all of them display a nice sense of architectural aesthetics and each of these forts and palace has their own stories of romance and courage.
The journey starts from the capital city of India New Delhi, moving towards the Shekhawati region which is also referred to as the open art gallery of Rajasthan. Havelis (mansions) adorned by fresco paintings all over their walls mainly defines Shekhawati. Continuing on to Bikaner which boasts of imposing fort and palaces, golden city of Rajasthan ‘Jaisalmer’ which is the heart of Thar desert, Jodhpur the capital Marwar, lake city of Udaipur, pink city of Jaipur and of course a visit to Taj Mahal.
Apart of seeing forts, places, folk dances a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, visit to Camel breeding farm in Bikaner, Camel ride and sunset view on the sand dunes, a village safari in Rohet, sunset boat ride in Udaipur, elephant ride in Jaipur are some of the additional experiences one gets during the tour.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Day 02 - Full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat. Drive pass Luyntons Delhi to get a sense of reminiscence of 'Colonial India'. Also, take a cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk.
Day 03 - Morning drive to Mandawa. Afternoon explore the famouse Havelis of Shekhawati region.
Day 04 - Morning drive to Bikaner. Afternoon Camel Breeding Farm.
Day 05 - Full day sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Devi Kund, and Rampuria Havelis.
Day 06 - Morning drive to Jaisalmer. Afternoon visit Sam sand dunes and stay on to view sunset there.
Day 07 - Full day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting Jaisalmer Fort and quaint havelis of Jaisalmer such as Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli.
Day 08 - Morning drive to Jodhpur.
Day 09 - Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Afternoon take village safari of Rohet.
Day 10 - Morning drive to Udaipur visiting Jain Temple of Ranakpur en route.
Day 11 - Morning sightseeing tour of the Udaipur Jagdish Temple, City Palace and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari. Late afternoon sunset boat cruise in the lake Pichola.
Day 12 - Morning drive to Jaipur visiting Chittorgarh the old capital of Mewar enroute.
Day 13 - Morning excursion to Amber Fort with option of taking an elephant ride there. Also, stop at Hawa Mahal en route. Afternoon visit City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory).
Day 14 - Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route.
Day 15 - Early morning visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Later in the morning visit Agra Fort. Late afternoon visit Mehtab Bagh to view sunset on the Taj Mahal from across the river.
Day 16 - Drive to Delhi international airport and detart Delhi.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive IGI airport Delhi. Met by our representative upon arrival at the international airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
Proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Capital of India where history has seamlessly given space to modernity without loosing its presence. One of the largest cities in the world, it is dotted with imposing monuments of Hindu, Mughal and Colonial era.
Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque of India which can accommodate 25000 people at a time for offering prayer. Qutab Minar one of the tallest break minarets in the world, Humayun Tomb considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Drive pass India Gate and other government buildings stopping by President House to witness Indo-Saracenic architectures. A visit to Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial) will be a part of the sightseeing.
Apart from visiting historic buildings, one gets to take cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk is an experience by itself. Once was a flamboyant bazaar (market place) for the novels of the Mughal era, it today is the largest wholesale market of Asia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Delhi to Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (248 Km/ 05 ½ Hrs. approx.). Arrive Mandawa and check in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandawa. Started as a thikana or a feudal estate in the mid of 18th century by the Shekhawat Rajputs, it graduated to be a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East and soon became one of the important trading centre of silk route. However, in recent days it became favourite amongst visitors for its fascinating havelis with elaborate murals on the walls. Some of the famous havelis here are Havelis Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli all depicting some or the other classic on its wall.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Mandawa to Bikaner
Morning drive to Bikaner (190 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Bikaner and check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the Camel Breeding Farm. This government-managed camel breeding farm is the largest in Asia and one of its kind. A visit to this farm will give a good idea of how camel plays an important role in daily life of Rajasthan. It creates an interesting site to see in the afternoon when hundreds of camels return to the farm from their grazing grounds. You can try tick camel milk while Raika/ Rebari (a camel breeding tribe) briefs you about the animal and their breed along with some interesting camel trivia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Bikaner
Full day sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort - one of the finest and most impressive fort palaces complexes in India this fort palace was built in 1593. Dotted with beautiful palaces built by successive ruler. Anup Mahal with impressive gold leaf painting, Rang Mahal or the pleasure palace, Ganga Niwas, Badal Mahal or the palace of clouds, etc. are some of the interesting palaces to explore inside. Part of the fort also houses a museum which has an array of a rich collection of royal memorabilia which includes a First World War DH – 9DE Haviland plane. Lalgarh Palace, an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone built by Maharaja Ganga Singh during 19th century in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. A fusion of traditional Rajaput architecture with Muslim and European latticework and filigree work in the palace is very beautiful. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum which has one the best collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings that belong to Bikaner school etc. Some the items in display here are sculptures of the late classical time and master pieces from Harappan civilization. Devi Kund - the royal cremation site located in the outskirts of the city is dotted with royal cenotaphs built in the memories of members of Bikaner royal families. Some these cenotaphs boast of brilliant designs, delicate carvings and beautiful murals stand today as testimony to brilliance of Rajasthani arts and architecture. Rampuria Havelis – one of the not to be missed sites, this group of mansions said to be built by wealthy merchants during the 15th century. Intricately carved outer walls, balconies and panels on red sandstone here is one of the finest example of Rajasthani architecture and craftsmanship.
Day 06 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer (327 Km/ 07 Hrs. approx.). Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Sam sand dunes. Just 40 km from the city are these sweeping sand dunes of Sam - a true desert experience. Climb atop the dunes and stay on to view sunset which is an experience by itself. A short camel ride on the dunes is very enjoyable, which also gives you the feel of the animal.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 – Jaisalmer
Full day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.
Day will start with visit to Trikutta Fort (The Golden Fortress) - built by Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal in 1156 on Trikutta Hill large population of Jaisalmer still lives inside the fort, thus it makes this fort the only living fort in India. A magical site is created when 30 feet high tawny colour sandstone walls transform into a glowing honey-gold when the first and last ray of the sunlight hits its wall. The fort also serves as a point to get a panoramic view of the city from the fort. Five intricately carved Jain Temples and Raj Mahal (Royal Palace) are the main attraction of the fort.
Narrow alleyways that boast of quaint havelis are unique to Jaisalmer. Some of the fascinating ones are Patwon-ki-Haveli – a magnificent, largest haveli where one can see an elaborate craftsmanship. One gold and silver thread merchant Guman Chand Patwa built this haveli during 1805. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli - built by a notorious Prime Minister Salim Singh during 1815. This haveli depicts a distinct architecture, carving on the façade’s walls on the roof which is built in the form of peacock are viewers delight. Nathmalji-ki-Haveli - this 19th century haveli was built by then Prime Minister Nathmal Singh. Difference from the copy book haveli architecture it is unique blend of Rajput and Islamic style of construction. Legend has it that two architect brothers who were given the responsibility of the construction of this haveli took each side and started the construction simultaneously. Thus, there is slight difference in craftsmanship on the each wall, however it can only be only noticed if observed very carefully.
Day 08 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Morning at leisure or free for optional activities. Afternoon drive to Jodhpur (306 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.). Arrive Jodhpur and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 – Jodhpur
Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, which truly stands to its name ‘Mehrangarh’ or the Majestic Fort, it is one of the most imposing forts in Rajasthan. Set atop a hillock commanding a bird eye view of the city, the fort displays medieval charm with elaborate and exquisite carvings, lattice work on the panels and porches and decorated walls of palaces. Mehrangarh has its own architectural appeal, such as brilliant stained glass that creates vibrant mosaics on the floors when light passes through them. Fort also houses museum with an elaborate collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal cradles, howdahs, canopies and armoury. Also, visit nearby Jaswant Thada - close to the fort complex, lies 19th century Jaswant Thada or the royal cenotaph. Built in white marble a visit inside Jaswant Thada will enable one to understand the reverence hold by the locals for the royal family till date.
Afternoon take a village tour of Rohet. A visit to Rohet village enables one a better understanding of life in rural Rajasthan. Drive through the dirt tracks of Rohet village on a open jeep observing local lifestyle in rural Rajasthan, visit Bishnoi-ki-dhani or a typical household in the village (Bishnoi are a local clan who are very famous for their conservation work) and participate in the opium ceremony if one is in progress. You will also have opportunity to observe local wildlife such as black bucks, Nilgai etc. apart from birdlife of the region.
Day 10 – Jodhpur to Udaipur
Early morning depart Jodhpur by road for Udaipur (280 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.) stopping by en route to visit the Jain Temple of Ranakpur - this 15th century temple is the largest Jain Temple in India (covers an area of 4500 Sq. Yard) and an architectural genius. Lies on the base of Aravali Hills about 90 km from Udaipur intricacies put in the carvings in this temple looks more a lace work than stone carving. The most remarkable aspect of the temple is intricately carved 1444 pillars which are unlike one another and their placement synchronizing with the light and shadow making them change colour as the ray of the sun sifts through the day.
Arrive Udaipur and check in at hotel with the rest of day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 – Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of the Udaipur visiting Jagdish Temple - a 17th-century temple standing tall with a towering spire, intricately carved pillars and walls, and beautifully adorned halls in the middle of the Udaipur city is dedicated to Lord Vishu. The remarkable feature of this temple apart from having religious significance is its detailed carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology and culture showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic finesse of the artisans of that era. City Palace - actually a cluster of palaces built by successive Maharanas, City Palace now appears to be an impressive whole. Standing on the bank of Lake Pichola this palace is a marvel on marble and granite. Wander inside the palace observing the exquisite workmanship – Baari Mahal, Dilkush Mahal, Moti Mahal, the Suraj Gokhada or the Sun Balcony and the Mor Chowk known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics are some of the highlights of visit. This palace also houses some of the finest miniature paintings. City Palace commands an impressive view of the Lake Pichola with Lake Palace and Jag Mandir in the middle. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or the ‘Garden of the Royal Maidens’ built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a luxurious garden to relax with his maids. Garden boasts of hosts of fountains shaped in birds and animals sprinkling water all over recreating the scene of the rain in this arid environment.
Late afternoon proceed on a sunset boat cruise in the lake Pichola. An hours cruise in the lake Pichola in the evening is quite an experience, one gets to enjoy the landscape formed by heritage buildings lined along the bank of the lake with hillocks on the backdrop. Fading light of the setting sun adds to the experience.
Day 12 – Udaipur to Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (390 Km/ 07 Hrs. approx.) stopping by en route to visit Chittorgarh.
Old capital of Mewar, 7th century Chittorgarh fort has been one of the most historic forts in Rajasthan. This fort echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput traditions. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was “Jauhar” (after an acknowledged defeat of the Rajput army, women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort to fight the certain death).
Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 – Jaipur
Morning proceed on full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Start you day with an excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort lies in outskirts of Jaipur city. Erstwhile capital of Kachhawaha Rajput rulers of Jaipur, the Amber Fort guarded one of the important defiles against invading enemies. Wander around the fort exploring extravagant palaces that once witnessed the opulence and magnificence of Royal Rajasthani lifestyle. The mirror palace, winter palace, and summer palace, etc. are some of the highlights of the visit to this fort. You will climb atop the fort’s ramparts on an elephant’s back.
Stop at Hawa Mahal en route to the fort. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap a five-story façade in red sandstone with 953 small windows, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is part of the City Palace. It was built with an intention to allow ladies in the palace to observe everyday life on the street below without being seen. However, today Hawa Mahal has become the emblem of Jaipur.
City Palace – a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, The City Palace official residence of the present royal family covers a series of courtyards, gardens, and residential buildings, etc. A part of this Palace has now been converted to a museum housing an elaborate collection of Armoury, Textiles, and Artifacts. Jantar Mantar - this 17th-century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes, and calculating eclipses, etc. and some of them still work quite accurately.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 – Jaipur to Agra
Morning drive to Agra stopping by en route to visit deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri (185 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.). Fatehpur Sikri briefly served as capital of Mughal empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar, however it was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards all built in red sandstone inside the complex are in a remarkable state of preservation.
Continue drive to Agra (44 Km/ 1 ½ Hrs. approx.) on finishing the visit. Arrive at Agra and check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 – Agra
Full day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the Taj Mahal. This ultimate tribute of love built by a grieving emperor for his wife is actually flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that the beauty of the Taj Mahal has to be experienced, it cannot be described in words.
Agra Fort from where four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire. Built by successive emperors, fort consist of residential palaces, courts, social area and private mosques represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also is a vantage point to view Taj Mahal from a distance. Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb, considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Built primarily in red sandstone, this monument elegantly displays intricate white marble and pietra dura inlay work on its walls and floor.
Late afternoon visit the Mehtab Bagh across Yamuna river to view Taj Mahal changing its color with fading light of setting sun.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 – Agra to Delhi and Depart
Optional visit to Taj Mahal early morning to view the monument in sunrise.
Later in the day drive to Delhi airport (210 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.) to connect the flight for onward destination
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