Duration: 13 nights/ 14 days
Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranakpur & Udaipur, Delhi
Highlights:
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Tanga Ride (Horse Cart) at Agra
- Bollywood movie show in Raaj Mandir in Jaipur
- Elephant ride in Jaipur
- Boat Ride at Udaipur
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport. After clearing your custom & immigrations you shall be met by our representative outside the exit gate of the arrival hall. After meeting/assistance and traditional welcome at the airport transfer to hotel. Rest of the day/night at leisure to overcome jet-leg of the long flight & to recuperate to our weather conditions.
Overnight in Delhi.
Delhi – The capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope – that is India. Don’t let your first impressions of Delhi stick like a sacred cow in a traffic jam: get behind the madcap façade and discover the inner peace of a city rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep with history and totally addictive to epicureans. Both Old and New Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors. Lose yourself unwinding the secrets of the city’s Mughal past in the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi before emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and generous leafy avenues.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs leave for combined city tour of old and New Delhi.
New Delhi – An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, 12th century Minaret- Qutub Minar graceful and well sculptured and stands 75 meters, Lotus Temple, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, The President House, once the House of British viceroys and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Old Delhi – A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort-once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi/Agra (210 Kms)
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra – The Royal seat and capital of the province of yesteryears, Agra the City of Mughals.
Agra – Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai Cuisine.
Upon arrival check in at hotel and this afternoon visit Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal – One of the seven wonder of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it’s stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Thereafter visit Agra Fort – The first of the great mughal buildings where three Mughal emperor left there foot prints. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Overnight in Agra.
NOTE: Taj Mahal remain close on FRIDAY
Day 04: Agra/Fatehpursikri/Jaipur (235 kms)
Breakfast at hotel and leave for Jaipur en route visit Fatehpursikri.
En Route Fatehpur Sikri – The city of victory beautifully preserved. The sandstone mansions of Sikri are experiments in art and architecture and to a great extent uphold Akbar’s ideals and visions. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its “ruins” are in pristine condition…. it’s not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it’s grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Jaipur – The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it’s character and history – A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs proceed to city tour of Jaipur.
Amber Fort Palace – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Enjoy ride the hill on the back of decorated elephant ascent to the fort and feel like Maharaja. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression.
City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Complex which houses the rare and rich collection of ornaments, arms, royal costumes, carpets and decorative art objects of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture
Jantar Mantar – An 18th century Observatory. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Also visit Birla Temple.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur/ Mandawa (By Surface apprx. 188 kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and visit Amber Fort Palace – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Enjoy ride the hill on the back of decorated elephant ascent to the fort and feel like Maharaja. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression.
Afternoon drive to Mandawa, the region known as “the open air art gallery” of Rajasthan. On arrival check-in at hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 07: Mandawa – Bikaner (By surface apprx. 195 kms)
Breakfast at hotel and visit enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region, dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis
Afternoon proceed for the fascinating city of Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of Western Rajasthan and characterized by its beautiful sand stone architecture. Check-in at hotel
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 08: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (By surface apprx. 330 kms)
Breakfast at hotel and visit the un-usal Junagarh Fort, built on the desert plain itself, instead of a Hilltop. The Palace complex with its sumptuously decorated interiors, ornately lacquered walls and dazzling colored glass are perhaps the best preserved example of its kind in India.
Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the “Thar Desert” like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sand stone stands in awesome splendor. Check-in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 09: Jaisalmer
After breakfast visit awesome Jisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Lovely Nathmal-ji-Ki Haveli and Patwon – Ki- Haveli, three beautifully sculptured Jin Temples build between the 12th & 13th centuries; and five interconnected Palaces.
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the picturesque Dunes of Sam, where you will enjoy a “Camel Safari” this afternoon. The Ripples on the winds – caressed dunes are a photographer’s delight.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur and Check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the city tour of Jhodpur.
Mehrangarh Fort – Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur, sentinel to the grandeur of the past. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons.
Jaswant Thada – Down the road from Mehrangarh fort is Jaswant Thada, an attractive white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors, is the site of the white marble. Famous Jaswant Thada, is an example of architectural brilliance in India. It is a white marble memorial, built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. The carving shows the genius of the sculptors. These stones are extremely thin and polished. As a result, the outside surface of the monument emits a warm glow when the sunrays fall on its surface. There is also beautiful marble jali work on the cenotaph. You can have some nice views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph.
Umaid Bhawan Palace – Umaid Bhavan Palace is one of India’s most imposing and recent palaces, built in mid-20th century. This palace is also known as Chittar Palace as local Chittar stone is used. it is splendid example of indo-colonial style. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is named after him only. He utilized the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the construction of this palace. It contains three hundred and forty seven rooms. Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built for the welfare of the people. The purpose was to give employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long period of drought and famine. Over three thousand artisans were employed in the construction of this palace.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 11: Jodhpur/Ranakpur/Udaipur (280 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur – The pilgrimage town of the Jains, renowed for some marvelously carved Jain temples. later visit Ranakpur temple exquisite architectural Jain temples amidst the peaceful Aravalli range three storied structure, with 29 halls, 80 domes and 1,444 pillars and no two pillars are alike every pillar is intricately carved with equal delicacy in Amber stone. Thereafter continue your drive to Jodhpur.
Thereafter drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Udaipur – City Of Lakes or Veince of East founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1567 AD surrounded by Lovely land around the azure water lakes hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravali ranges. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs leave for city tour of Udaipur visiting…
Lake Palace: The most enchanting tourist attraction of Udaipur, the Lake Palace (also known as Jag Niwas) is a beautiful island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Situated on picturesque Lake Pichola, the white marble structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on the lake, creating a spellbound effect on visitors. The pretty white marble palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts thousands of guests each year.
City Palace: One of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, the City Palace is situated on a promontory on the picturesque Lake Pichola. The complex has 11 beautiful Mahals (palaces) with balconies and towers, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and the city. Its Durbar Hall, which had been used as a venue for formal occasions like state banquets and meetings, has most luxurious interiors highlighted by some of the largest chandeliers in the world. There are terraces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens, with lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on their walls, floors and ceilings. Simply astounding! The main part of the Palace is now a museum. You should see the Mor Chowk for the gorgeous peacock mosaics, Chini Chitrashala for the striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain figures and Krishna Vilas for miniature painting and a rich collection of artifacts. A ticketed ‘Mewar Light & Sound Show’ is hosted every evening within the Palace premises.
Jag Mandir: Jag Mandir is another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD. The palace once sheltered the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan, who built the world-famous Taj Mahal) who rebelled against his father Jehangir in the 1620’s. The Palace has a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive chattri (cenotaphs) that add to its beauty.
Saheliyon-Ki- Bari: The Saheliyon-ki-Bari (The Garden of maid’s) was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful Garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors.
Jagdish Temple: Jagdish Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur, built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the temple is famous for its beautiful sculpted images and towering Shikara. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside.
Fateh Sagar: Located in the vicinity of the famous Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden, Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678. A canal built at the beginning of the 20th century connects it to the Lake Pichola. Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped café, is situated in the middle of the Lake.
Lake Pichola – The largest and the most beautiful of Udaipur’s lakes – it is overlooked by hills while palaces, mansions, bathing ghats, gardens and temples dot its banks. Jag Mahal and Jag Niwas are the two island palaces that add to the lake’s romantic ambience. Evening enjoy the boat ride on lake Pichola and see the spectacular view of the sun set.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur/Delhi by flight
Morning breakfast at hotel. In time meeting at the hotel and transfer to airport to board onward flight for Delhi. Upon arrival direct transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 14: Delhi/Onward destination by flight
Morning breakfast at hotel. In time meet & assist at hotel and transfer to airport to board your onward destination flight to your home country.
