Rajasthan Palaces Tour

Day 2 : DELHI
In the morning have your breakfast and be ready to explore the capital of kingdoms and empires. Delhi is no fairytale city but a city where dreams come to reality. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power.

Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger joints and upmarket shopping malls.

Old Delhi owes it's origins to moghul emperor Shah Jahan. It offers monuments , narrowded streets within it's granite walls and bustling bazaars. The main structure is the Red fort built of red sandstone; it houses the famous Diwan-e-khas, the beautiful audience chamber where the moghul emperor Shah Jahan held court seated on the peacock throne.

On Board the Rickshaw Ride, for a unique experience through the Chandni Chowk or the silver street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this busy avenue heading west from the Red fort.. Opposite the fort is the largest mosque in India - the Jama Masjid and as you walk down its steps, you walk into the teeming market place famous for brocades, braids, silver, manuscripts etc.

Continuing the tour of Old delhi, visit Raj Ghat (Where the Father of Nation, Mahatma Ghandi was cremated) .

Post lunch , commenced the City tour of New Delhi . Drive past the state Government buildings designed by Lutyens, visiting Rajpath leading up from the war memorial arch India gate, up to the imposing presidential palace - the Rashtrapati bhawan - built on Raisina hill and flanked by the secretariat buildings. Landscaped parks and formal gardens surround old monuments all over the city- mausoleum of Humayun.

End the tour at the tower Minaret of Qutab Minar . The earliest Muslim city of India is 15 kms from Rashtrapati bhawan which is dominated by the Qutab Minar, which is an amazing 2000 yrs old pure iron pillar erected in 4 AD which has never rusted.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 3 : DELHI - MANDAWA
Depart for Mandawa. Reach and check in at hotel., Afternoon Guided tour of Mandawa to commence post lunch.

Mandawa - a compact little town of Shekhavati region, Arrive and check in into hotel. In the afternoon visit Havelis & beautiful frescoes. The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Drive to Nawalgarh - the town where the finest of the Shekhavati's frescoes can be seen. It's havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli & Chokhani haveli.

Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 4 : MANDAWA - NALAGARH - BIKANER
In the morning drive to Nawalgarh - the town where the finest of the Shekhavati's frescoes can be seen. It's havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli. Drive to Bikaner - Vale of Serenity, upon arrival check in into hotel. Evening free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 : BIKANER
Bikaner - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.

Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.

Today enjoy city tour covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important of this temple complex, Camel Breeding Farm - a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have perhaps the first taste of camel's milk. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 6 : BIKANER - JAISALMER
Proceed for Jaisalmer.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.

The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would expect barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 7 : JAISALMER
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
The Jaisalmer Fort The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town.

Manak Chowk and Havelis- A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis".

Havelis- Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different façade.

LAKES
Gadsisar Sagar Tank- A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

TEMPLES
Jain Temples- The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 : JAISALMER
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Adventure freaks can go out on a camel safari- getting the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.

Day 9 : JAISALMER - JODHPUR
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. JODHPUR

The powerful Rathor clan ruled the Kindgom of Jodhpur. The Rathors trace their ancestry back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan with a population of 650000.

The powerful Rathor clan ruled the Kindgom of Jodhpur. The Rathors trace their ancestry back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan with a population of 650000.

Day 10 : JODHPUR
Full day guided tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar,

Full day city tour covering Mehrangarh fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada - The 19th century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble, Clock tower - The timely treasure of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : JODHPUR - BUNDI
In the morning drive to Bundi - A dream remembered, on arrival check in into hotel.

Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals

Afternoon you will be free to explore the surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : BUNDI - UDAIPUR ( the city of Lakes)
Drive through the desert to the city of Lakes, On arrival , check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 13: UDAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.

There is no other place in India which appeals more to the poets and painters, Travellers and writers , than Udaipur , the lovely lake side capital of Mewar.

Udaipur today is one of the most picturesque cities in India, set as it is on three beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor.

It is the key city of Rajasthan's southern region of Mewar. Mewar is a hilly, forested region, in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of Marwar (Jodhpur).

The City Palace is a blend of stern Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on the inside. Set on a hill overlooking the Pichola Lake it is a sprawling edifice made up of at least four separate inter-connecting palaces, built over a period of nearly 3 centuries. The Palace museum contains a wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry. One of the more unusual moments in the colorful history of Udaipur was when it was used as a location for shooting the James Bond film, Octopussy.

Visit City Palace, the largest Palace complex Museum of Rajasthan. Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. Towards sunset proceed on a cruise on Lake Pichola, and visit the Jag Mandir Palace.

Return to Hotel and Overnight.

Day 14 : UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR
Today drive to Pushkar - the city of Brahma, on arrival check in into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel

Day 15 : PUSHKAR - JAIPUR
11-km from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies a tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus

Continue the journey towards Jaipur not missing the Dargah of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, entered through a high gateway with silver doors. The grave of the saint is surrounded by a silver railing. Arrive and check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 : JAIPUR
The Soul of Splendid Rajasthan - Full day guided tour of The Pink City

Morning at 0800Hrs. The guide shall meet you at the hotel to take you onto the city tour of the Pink city . Visit the impressive Amber Fort ( 12 Kms. from Jaipur) . At the foot of the hill , mount on to the Elephant for the slow but steady climb upto the main gate .

Amer Fort: Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the prominent areas of interest.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city - Your tour includes the imposing Maharajah's City palace, still home for the maharaja although severakl of the rooms are open to public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here.

Visit the Hawa Mahal (the ornamental facade of this "palace of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trellis work and balconies has 953 niches and windows.), Open air Jantar Mantar - Royal observatory (built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft. High; Albert museum (the museum amidst the Ram Niwas palace gardens founded in 1876 with a large collection of antiques),

Enjoy a stroll through the colourful Johari bazaar (the main bazaar in the old city, for jewellery and saris).

Village visit and dinner at the Chowki Dhani. Overnight at the hotel

Day 17 : JAIPUR - AGRA
Leisurely wake up and enjoy the buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey to the next destination - The land of Immortal TAJ - AGRA . Enroute visit the Fatehpur Sikri( The Deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means the city of Victory)".

Reach Agra and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 18 : AGRA - DELHI
After Breakfast we will drive to Taj Ganges parking place. From there we will take the battery operated Bus to World famous Taj Mahal.

Taj MahalOne of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).

After Taj you will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD.

Depart for Delhi by road (4 hours) to arrive in time to Connect to your journey to onward destination.