ITINERARY CODE RJ 01
Colorful Rajasthan Tour
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrival New Delhi. Meet and greet upon arrival by our tour representative at the International airport. Transfer to hotel, Overnight at hotel in New Delhi.
DAY 02 : DELHI
Morning proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting important tourist sites of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar 12th century tower and one of the tallest towers of its time, walls here consist of verses from Quran (Holy book of Islam). Wander around the complex visiting ruins of Hindu temples and palaces which once remained here and 4th century steel pillar which has not developed rust till date. Drive past India Gate the war memorial and other government buildings stopping at President House. Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple.
In Old Delhi drive past Red Fort once a symbol of Mughal power, visit Jama Masjid 16th century mosque and largest in India. Take a rickshaw ride in the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk and amazing mixture of history with modern world and visit Raj Ghat cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi- "Father of the Nation".
Overnight at hotel in New Delhi.
DAY 03 : DELHI-AGRA
Morning depart Delhi by surface for Agra (200 Km) stopping by en route to visit Tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, which is one of the finest example of Hindu and Mughal fusion architecture. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort - Foundation led by emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors famous amongst which are Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid etc. that represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also serves as a vantage point to view Taj Mahal and it is believed that emperor spent his last days in exile watching the Taj Mahal from here. Taj Mahal (World Heritage Site) - This most beautiful monument of love was built during 1630 by grieving emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal is flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that Taj Mahal is not a monument that can be described in words – one has to see it to experience it. You can stay on to view the monument on the soft light of the setting sun.
Overnight at hotel in Agra. (Taj Mahal remain closed to visitors on Friday)
DAY 04 : AGRA-JAIPUR
Morning depart Agra by surface for Jaipur stopping by en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri - Just 44 km away from Agra on the way to Jaipur is Fatehpur Sikri, which briefly served as capital of emperor Akbar. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards inside the complex is in a remarkable state of preservation. Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti here is one of important pilgrimage for Muslims and Buland Darwaza which emperor Akbar built to commemorate his victory on Gujarat is very imposing. Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
DAY 05 : JAIPUR
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort - Ancient capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs rulers of Jaipur, Amber guarded one of the important defiles from invading enemies. Wander inside the Fort to see extravagant Palaces to witnessing the opulence of Rajput royal lifestyle amongst which summer palace, winter palace and mirror palace etc. are the most popular. Climb atop the forts ramparts on an elephant back. Stop at the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) en route to fort.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace – official residence of the present royal family palace covers a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. A part of this Palace is now turned into a museum housing Armory, Textiles and Artifacts. City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Jantar Mantar - 17th century astronomical observatory, an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses and some of them still works.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
DAY 06 : JAIPUR-PUSHKAR-UDAIPUR
After breakfast drive to Pushkar. Arrive and check in to hotel in Pushkar. This city is famous for Brahma Temple which holds utmost importance to the pilgrims as it is the only temple in World dedicated to Brahma. God Brahma is one of the Hindu Trinity of gods and is per Hindu mythology is the one who created the world. A dip in Lake Pushkar is supposed to absolve you of your sins. Later drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.
DAY 07 : UDAIPUR
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur:
City Palace: The City Palace amidst the Lake Pichola is a collection of rooms, corridors, terraces, pavilions, hanging gardens and courtyards. The City Palace of Udaipur built in 1559 is a must-visit for the tourists arriving in Udaipur. The tourists can have a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" (Now the Lake palace hotel) and "Jag Mandir". The Mor-Chowk (Peacock courtyard) and the Chini Chitrashala are the most noteworthy features of City Palace with a series of wall paintings of Krishna. Take a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit Jagmandir Palace.
Jagdish Temple: This Indo-Aryan Temple made by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD, is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with many intricately sculpted idols displaying the fine Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdishji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Completed in 1651, it encloses a double storied Mandapa (hall).
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir: This Indian Folk Arts Museum displays folk dresses, puppets, masks, dolls, ornaments, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honour): This small garden made for the queens and the maids, has many fountains and other important figures.
Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.
DAY 08 : UDAIPUR-JODHPUR
Morning drive to Jodhpur en route visit to Ranakpur temples. Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. The temple complex rests on 1444 exquisitely carved pillars none of whom are alike! .
Arrive Jodhpur and check in at hotel. Later visit Mehrangarh Fort - perched on a 150 m high hill, it's the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Later Visit Ummaid Palace - world's largest private residence built by then King to help his people to tide over a prolonged famine.
Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.
DAY 09: JODHPUR-JAISALMER
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Jaisalmer city - one of India's most beautiful, colorful & fascinating place. En route visit desert village. Arrive Jaisalmer check in at Hotel. Evening free for leisure, Overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 10: JAISALMER
After breakfast proceed to visit the Rich and beautiful palaces and "Havelis" of Jaisalmer Sonar Kila, Patwon ki haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmalji Ki Haveli and afternoon excursion to Sam for short camel ride in the sand dunes of Thar desert. Enjoy an evening with dinner at the sand dunes to the accompaniment of folk dances and music. Overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 11: BIKANER
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Bikaner was 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, Rao Jodhaji in 1488 A.D. He was able to carve out a state named after him after hardship of 30 years. Visit Lalgarh palace and the Camel Breeding Farm. A must see is the Karni Mata Temple also known as the Rat temple. Thousands of rats roam freely inside the temple complex and are said to be favourites of the local deity.
Overnight at hotel in Bikaner.
DAY 12: BIKANER-MANDAWA
After breakfast drive to Mandawa known for frescoes paintings .It is also known as the World’s largest Open Air Art Gallery. The inhabitants of this town were wealthy merchants, who fortified this well planned town in the early 18th century. Each Havelis or palace in the town has its own unique feature of frescoes paintings on outer wall of Havelis.
Overnight at hotel in Mandawa.
DAY 13: MANDAWA-DELHI
In time drive to Delhi with lots of happy memories.
(END OF TOUR)