Day 01 : Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet & greet on arrival by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Delhi: one of India’s fastest growing cities has spread far beyond the “seven cities” created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the Yamuna and now straddles the river. Remnants of the past survive cheek -by-jowl with skyscrapers, residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts from all over the country. It has specialty restaurants to please the gourmet, open parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months particularly, a variety of cultural events. Its many-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveler into a fascinating journey of discovery.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning: sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid, – The largest mosque in India. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort – a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Chandni Chowk,once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).
(RED FORT IS LOSED ON MONDAYS).
Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian Soldiers),the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.
Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi. Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun – a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan temple. Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi – Mandawa (260 Kms – 06 ½ Hrs approx)
Morning: leave for Mandawa by surface.
MANDAWA: lies in the heart of Shekhawati region. A small town has many Havelies and temples. The terrace of the rugged fort provides a panoramic view of the town. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled in the 18th century, and was fortified by the dominant merchant families. Today it has some of the finest painted havelies in the region, and is a perfect place for wandering at random.
On arrival in Mandawa, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit around Mandawa of the Shekhawati region which is famous for the various havelies which are extravagantly painted. Some of the famous havelies one should not miss while in Mandawa are the Chokhanis, the Goenkas and the Sarafas. A short drive from Mandawa leads to Fatehpur a town once ruled by the Muslim. Here once must have a look out of the Devra and Singhania Havelis, which are unmatched.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Mandawa – Bikaner (190 Kms – 04 ½ Hrs approx)
Morning: leave for Bikaner by surface.
BIKANER: This city lies on the northern point on the triangle of desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore prince, Bika and came to be called Bikaner after him. Bika was the eldest son of the founder of Jodhpur state Rao Jodha. Bikaner was well protected from its enemies by the harsh desert which surrounded this rich city. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route, which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. Given its severe climatic conditions, the wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples.
On arrival in Bikaner, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon: sightseeing of Bikaner. Visit the Jain Temples and then enjoy the Tuk Tuk Ride (Auto Rickshaw) with drive past the old havelis of Red Sand Stone. Also visit JUNAGARTH FORT: This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. Inside the fort is a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for eyes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer (330 Kms – 07 Hrs approx)
Morning: leave for Jaisalmer by surface.
JAISALMER: Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the ‘golden city’. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples.
On arrival in Jaisalmer, check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
Morning: Half day sightseeing of Jaisalmer, built in burnished sandstone is an intricately moulded wonderland. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. Also visit Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries Patwon ki Haveli, a five-story mansion with carved pillars and murals; Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli.
Late Afternoon: visit the Sam Dunes, located 42 kms west of Jaisalmer in the midst of the Thar Desert and take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view sunset.
Return back to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer – Manwar (180 Kms – 03 Hrs approx)
Morning: drive to Manwar by surface.
Manwar is an ideal base to explore the Indian desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. It offers contrasting desert experience on one hand is the desert resort built in traditional desert village style and other even more precious in today’s world – a tented camp seven kms from the resort in the desert, a rare sanctuary of pristine beauty, tranquility and peace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Manwar – Jodhpur (110 Kms – 02 Hrs approx)
Morning: leave for Jodhpur by surface.
JODHPUR: One of the most beautiful places of tourist’s interest in India is Jodhpur. Situated in the arid land of Rajasthan, this place was founded by Rajput Chief Rao Jodha in 1459. Rao Jodha is the descendent of King Ramachandra of Ramayana. Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is surrounded by a tall stonewall of about 10 kms. Long. This wall has got eight doors facing various directions leading to different places of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is a beautiful small city with the golden sands covering the thorny shrub growing arid land. Jodhpur has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. Normally, guard’s chambers could be seen along with these walls, which are considerably high armed with iron spikes on top of it. The forts and palaces in the city are the major source of attraction in the city. Exploring the forts gives you a feel of the times when the Rajput might was at its peak. The gates and the walls of the forts speak of the battles they have witnessed.
On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon: visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses – the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 : Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur (260 Kms – 06 to 07 Hrs approx)
Morning: leave for Udaipur by surface en-route visiting famous Jain Temple at “Ranakpur” situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali, built in the 15th century. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, built in 1439. Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike.
UDAIPUR: Founded in 1568, by Maharaja Udai Singh, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals. As the 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, which culminated 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 Jehan, who soon became the creator of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Continue drive towards Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, check-in at the hotel.
Rest day free for independent activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : In Udaipur
Morning: Half day city tour of Udaipur, a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal – studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake.
Late Afternoon: Boat Cruise on Pichola Lake, 4-Km long and 3-Km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace Jag Niwas which is beautifully set in the lake.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Udaipur – Deogarh (130 Kms – 2 ½ Hrs approx)
Morning: Leaver for Deogarh On arrival, check-in at the Hotel.
DEOGARH: As soon as you glimpse the Deogarh Mahal, you can see that its rulers must have been major players in the aristocracy of Mewar – their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of the sixteen “umraos” – the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. But you might not necessarily guess that the Rawats of Deogarh (a local title equivalent to “Raja”) once ruled over the fourth largest feudal estate or “jagir” in all of Rajasthan. At its most extensive, their territory comprised of some 210 villages, with one of their defensive forts as far as 100 kms away. Yet there is little ostentation and even less gold to be found in their palace. Like most of the Mewar nobility, they spent too much time fighting to have much to spare for amassing great wealth.
Afternoon: visit the Deogarh village and its local market. It’s an interesting way to familiar with the culture, tradition and lifestyle of villagers. Peek into the rustic rural life during your Deogarh tour in Rajasthan. If you are a history buff then the place will definitely leave an impact on your heart and mind once the day come to an end. There is a lot more to see from landscape scenery to plush hills. Arrest the true essence of Deogarh in your camera. Have a glimpse at an awe-inspiring view of the Aravali mountain range from the top of a hill.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Deogarh – Jaipur (250 Kms – 07 Hrs approx)
Morning: Leave for Jaipur. On arrival, check-in at the Hotel.
JAIPUR: Built by Sawai Jai Singh, the city of Jaipur is amongst the first of India’s planned cities. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy tale palaces; rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues. Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars that delights for its Rajasthan handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration that makes a trip to the pink city a memorable one.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : In Jaipur
Morning: visit of Amber Fort with elephant ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.
Afternoon: – city tour of Jaipur which begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 14 : Jaipur – Ranthambore (160 Kms – 04 Hrs approx)
Morning: Leave for Ranthambore, On arrival, check-in at the Hotel.
RANTHAMBHORE: Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embracea network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. It has a congenial habitat for the stately sambar, the largest of all Asiatic deer, woodland, ground and water birds abound in the park including the uncommon red jungle fowl and varieties of eagles. The water tank harbours marsh crocodiles and pythons.
Afternoon Jeep / Canter Safari to Ranthambhore National Park
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : In Ranthambore
Early Morning enjoy safari inside the national park.
Return to your hotel.
Late afternoon enjoy afternoon safari in the national park.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Ranthambore – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 Kms – 07 Hrs approx)
Morning: Leave for Agra by surface en-route visiting “FATEHPUR SIKRI” Situated around 40 km from Agra built by Emperior Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. This was the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1570 to 1586. Fatehpur Sikri’s sprawling structure is made of red sandstone and combines both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The main entrance to this walled city is through the 175 feet Buland Darwaza. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid and Panch Mahal.
Continue drive towards Agra.
On arrival, check-in at the Hotel.
Late Afternoon: visit the Agra Fort. The foundation was laid by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and continued till the time of Shahjahan. The high red stone monument stretches for around 2.5 kms, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna northwest of the Taj Mahal. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), the Khas Palace (the private palace was used by emperor as a sleeping chamber), the Sheesh Mahal (palace of Mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) are the fascinating palaces inside the fort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 : Agra – Delhi (204 Kms – 4 ½ Hrs approx)
Morning: visit Taj Mahal which is the seventh wonder of world, built by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the banks of river Yamuna. After her untimely death, Shahajahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum The Taj has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The great monument took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers from all. (TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAY)
Continue drive to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi proceed for optional wash-n-change to the hotel near to the Airport.
Later in the evening in time transfer to international airport for onwards flight.
Day 18 : Delhi – Departure
Departure Transfer
