Rajasthan is a beautiful amalgamation of the old and new; the ancient and the modern. Rajasthan, or the Land of Kings, is true to its name with lavish forts and majestic palaces that are apt reminders of a rich, romantic past that speaks of heroism, honor and chivalry. Amidst a stark desert and surrounded by the Aravallis, India’s oldest mountain range, the State stands out like a beacon, attracting travelers with its rich art and culture. There are so many vibrant and colourful festivals held across the state that give visitors to Rajasthan a reason to celebrate almost throughout the year. A glittering jewel of India, Rajasthan has something for everyone so whether you are planning an adventurous holiday hoping for a rendezvous with tigers or a quiet sojourn gazing at the beauty of the golden sand-dunes; or to experience the many nuances of royalty – Rajasthan is the place for you. The fast-expanding cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur are a confluence of culture and modernity and despite the fact that the state has progressed steadily since Independence the people have still held on to their roots as is evident by their simple, warm nature and hospitality. No wonder, Rajasthan is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and just about has it all; it is brimming with varied, amazing and incredible attractions.
Rajasthan is home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture, which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer).Internal rivalry between the Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms, which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the British who disintegrated many of its areas. After Independence Rajasthan was organised into a state in 1956.
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DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Upon your arrival in Delhi, your transfer fromAirport or your hotel and transfer to the Hotel. After check-in proceed for half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi some of the city’s cultural landmarks like the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk Bazaar and Khari Baoli spice market on your way to visit Jama Masjid. One of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in India, it was built by Shah Jahan to dominate the city. Then, make your way to Raj Ghat, a memorial built to commemorate the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. Continue on with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qutub Minar, India’s tallest minaret, made of red sandstone and marble and inscribed with verses from the Qur’an. Stop next at Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage site, tomb of a Mughal emperor dating back to the 1500s. Next, pass under the high stone archway of India Gate – constructed in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in World War I – and drive along Rajpath (King’s Way), the ceremonial boulevard heading toward Rashtrapati Bhavan, official home to the President of India. Over Night in Hotel.
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DAY 02: DELHI-AGRA ( 165 Kms.)
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Agra an approximate four-hour drive. On arrival check-in at your hotel, After proceed for sightseeing of Agra. First, visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Constructed from 1631 to1651 by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the domed mausoleum – built from white marble – is considered one of the most extravagant monuments ever built for love. You will see Mughal architecture – a style borrowed from many traditions including Islamic, Turkish and Indian. Next, head to the 16th-century Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the Yamuna River. Admire its construction from red sandstone and its intricate design combining both Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Explore the complex to see the beautifully constructed rooms like the Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) and the Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall), added by Shah Jahan. Your city tour ends with a visit to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (more commonly known as the Baby Taj), built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father. Admire the marble trelliswork and precious stone inlay of the mausoleum, situated on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. The strong Persian influence on the monument’s design – the first tomb in India entirely made out of marble and often described as a jewel box! Evening free for shopping etc. Overnight in Hotel.
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DAY 03: AGRA-JAIPUR ( 243 Kms.)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by an approximate five-hour drive to Jaipur. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage red sandstone complex of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and abandoned 15 years later due to water scarcity. Take a walk inside the walls of the complex as your guide enlightens you about the Hindu and Muslim architectural style of the sprawling construction, including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti Chisti, Panch Mahal and other buildings. Afterward, continue to Jaipur and check in at your hotel upon arrival. With your evening free to spend at leisure, or stroll the local market. Over Night in Hotel.
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DAY 04: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING.)
Your day in Jaipur begins after breakfast drive to Amber Fort. Feel like a maharaja from the past as you ride up to Amber Fort on an elephant outfitted with traditional Indian draperies! As you walk around the hilltop palace, constructed at the end of 16th century, learn about this excellent example of Rajput architecture. Admire breathtaking views of Maota Lake from the fortress as well as the palace’s ornate design and unique architectural elements. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur, whose origins can be traced back to the 18th century during the reign of Jai Singh II. Prepare to look beyond the bustling metropolis to find its historical charm, such as the magnificent palaces, temples, lush gardens and pink plastered stone that gives Jaipur the popular name “Pink City.” You will starting with the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armor. Then, admire the exquisite Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, built to resemble the crown of the Hindu god, Krishna. Last, see Jantar Mantar, the extraordinary stargazing observatory built by the renowned astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh, before heading back to your hotel. Evening Free. Over Night in Hotel.
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DAY 05: JAIPUR- PUSHKAR ( 150 Kms.)
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a three-hour drive to Pushkar , enroute visit Ajmer famous shrine Dargah of Moinuddin Chisti a renowned Sufi shrine that draws Muslim pilgrims from all parts of the world to Ajmer. Next, learn about the 12th-century Afghan conqueror that converted Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra from a Sanskrit school into a mosque by adding a seven-arched wall in front of the pillared hall. Continue to beautiful Ana Sagar Lake, built north of Ajmer by King Anaji. See Daulat Bagh Gardens, located next to the lake, and its nearby marble pavilion. Afterward, drive to Pushkar, which devout Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. Check in Hotel , after visit Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world where a life-size, four-armed idol of Lord Brahma is worshiped. Admire the marble floors and stairs, and see the coins placed there by devotees to mark the births or deaths of their loved ones. Afterward, head to Pushkar Lake and hear the legend about its formation – when a lotus fell from Lord Brahma’s hands and dropped into the picturesque valley. The entire lake, surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces and 52 bathing ghats, is considered holy. Over Night in Hotel.
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DAY 06: PUSHKAR-RANTHAMBORE (307 Kms.
Leisurely after breakfast drive to Ranthambhore. Arrive there by lunch hours. Check-in the hotel. After noon free for rest and relaxation over night at the hotel.
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DAY 07: RANTHAMBORE INN
Early morning visit sanctuary to spot a wide variety of wild animals including Tiger, deer, wild boars etc. Return back to the hotel for breakfast. Later after lunch yet another visit to wildlife sanctuary to encounter the missed out species during your morning visit. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 08: RANTHAMBORE- KOTA (150 Kms)
Morning drive to Kota. Rajasthan’s largest industrial town well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes. Visit the City Palace and Fort and also see Rao Madho Singh Museum. Then visit Jagmandir located on the island in Kishore Sagar Lake. Go for a water cruiser by taking a paddleboat to reach the spot. Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Overnight at Hotel.
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DAY 09: KOTA –BUNDI-CHITTAURGARH(361 Kms)
Drive to Bundi, 36 km from Kota a tiny picturesque town. Visit the Taragarh or Atar Fort a magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals. Continue sightseeing by visiting Chatrasagar a fascinating picture gallery, you will be enthralled with elaborated colorful paintings on the walls depicting scenes from the ‘Ragamala’ ‘Raaslila’ – the tales of Radha-Krishna. Later visit Sukh Mahal, an underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace. Proceed to Chittaurgarh. Overnight stay at Hotel.
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DAY 10: CHITTAURGARH-UDAIPUR (115 Kms.)
Drive to Udaipur. Afternoon free to take a walking tour on your own through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola. Visit one of the fine downtown restaurants for an optional dinner. Overnight at Hotel in Udaipur.
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DAY 11: UDAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Today sightseeing of Udaipur visiting The City Palace and Museum is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Pratap Memorial has the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Jagdish Temple which was built in 1651 AD. Saheliyon Ki Bari is a small ornamental garden. Late afternoon enjoy boat-ride on Lake Pichola visiting many Ghats (banks) of washing, bathing etc and enjoy excellent views of the Lake Palace and City Palace. Overnight at hotel.
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DAY 12: UDAIPUR-KUMBALGARH(124 Kms.)
Morning drive to Kumbhalgarh. En-route visit the Ranakpur Temples, you will be bewitched at the temple sight with 200 pillars, none of which are alike, supporting its 29 halls. Also visit the temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Reach Kumbhalgarh, check in the hotel. Lying 90-km northwest of Udaipur, the city has the attraction of the massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall with 7 majestic gates and 7 ramparts. Stay overnight at the Aodhi hotel.
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DAY 13: KUMBALGARH-JODHPUR( 189 Kms.)
We will proceed for Jodhpur. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. On arrival proceed for sightseeing of Jodhpur. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named). The Fort is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red sandstone. Also visit Jaswant Thada- an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century. Overnight at Hotel.
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DAY 14: JODHPUR-JASALMER (300 Kms)
Drive to Jaisalmer, Driving through the Thar desert and arrive at Jaisalmer, one of the jewels in India’s crown also known as Golden city. Exquisite wood and sandstone buildings dot the town and within Jaisalmer Fort are homes, hotels and shops hidden in ancient lane ways. Overnight at hotel.
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DAY 15: JASALMER SIGHTSEEING
Visiting the Jaisalmer Fort – The oldest living Fort in the world having astonishing Havelis (Mansions) such as Salim Singh and Patwo ki haveli . In the afternoon, proceed to the Sam or Khuri village to experience Camel safari on sand dunes. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Desert Folk musicians playing desert symphony and folk dances.
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DAY 16: JASALMER- BIKINER (350 Kms.)
Drive to Bikaner. In afternoon enjoy the sightseeing of Bikaner, visiting Junagarh Fort, Camel Breeding form, chattries, . If time permits visit Deshnoke, famous for its Rat Temple. (Karni Mata Temple). Overnight in Hotel.
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DAY 17: BIKINER-MANDAWA (200 Kms. )
Drive to Mandawa – situated in Shekhawati region, known as “Open air art gallery of Rajasthan” covering towns such as – Nawalgarh – Dundlod – Mandawa. The Shekhawati region is famous for its beautiful painted havelis (mansions), constructed by merchants of this region in 18th and 19th centuries.
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DAY 18: MANDAWA- DELHI ( 233 Kms. )
Breakfast at hotel. Full day at your leisure free to explore the city and finish last minute shopping. Freak out at Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar. Shop some of the specialties of the city from the Government Emporiums. Enjoy the ‘Dances of India Show’ in the evening followed by a Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for your next destination with some splendid memories.
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