DETAILED ITINERARY
- Arrive at Delhi airport
- Check –in at hotel
- Overnight at hotel
Arrive at Delhi Airport. Meet, greet and assisted transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning visit Old Delhi with rickshaw ride
- Afternoon visit Qutub Minar & Humayun’s Tomb
- Overnight stay in Delhi
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.
Your tour begins in Delhi, India’s capital city that sports a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. After a short briefing, head out on a tour of Old Delhi, the capital of Mughal dynasty between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Arrive Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in year 1650 AD and completed in the year 1656 AD. From here, board the cycle rickshaws for a tour of Chandni Chowk, known as The Moonlit Square of India. As you drive through the narrow lanes, witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and get bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna. It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses. Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight.
Next drive through New Delhi, passing India Gate, War Memorial Arch, President’s Palace, Parliament and other government buildings built in the first quarter of the 20th century by two famous English architects, Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was during this time period that the capital of the British Empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
As a complete contrast to Old Delhi, New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight city - New Delhi.
You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb
Qutub Minar – A t 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193.
Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture dating to the Slave Dynasty (1268-1287 AD). The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. The style of the mausoleum is similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Mandawa
- Afternoon sightseeing of Mandawa
- Overnight stay in Mandawa
Today after breakfast you will drive to Mandawa.
On arrival check in at hotel
The compact and busy little market of Mandawa was established in the 18th century and was fortified by some dominant merchant families. Today, it has some of the finest painted Havelis in the region and is a perfect place for wandering at random.
In the afternoon visit the Medieval Fort which has a magnificent view of the entire town, and go around the Havelis or residential buildings of Mandawa built in a typical Rajathani style. The major themes found in the murals are Hindu mythology, history, folk tales, eroticism, and even foreigners and their inventions like telephones and cars.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Bikaner
- Afternoon visit Junagarh Fort
- Overnight stay in Bikaner
Today you will be driven to Bikaner. On arrival check in at the hotel
This desert town in northern Rajasthan was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and was once an important staging post on the great caravan routes. The old city with its exquisite merchant havelis, temples and bazaars retains a medieval air. The city is chiefly interesting for its superb large fort, but it is also known for the fine camels bred here. There is a government camel-breeding farm near the city.
Later visit Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort (built 1593) - with its magnificent stone carving is one of the finest in Rajasthan. See the beautifully designed palaces with interiors decorated with shell-work, mirror and glass inlays, gold leaf, laquer work etc. Highlights include Diwn-I-Khas, Phool Mahal and Chandra Mahal decorated with marble, mirror-work and carvings, Anup Mahal the coronation hall, Gaj Mandir with its mirrored Shish Mahal, and Har Mandir or the royal temple. There is also a museum containing manuscripts, weaponry, jewellery etc.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Jaisalmer
- Overnight stay in Jaisalmer
Today after breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to Jaisalmer
The captivating city of Jaisalmer, founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156 AD, has been dubbed Golden City because of the honey colour imparted to its yellow sandstone walls by the setting sun. With the crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has an extraordinary medieval feel. It was a major post in the desert trade route between India and Central Asia. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is an intricately moulded wonderland.
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Sightseeing of Jaisalmer
- Overnight stay in Jaisalmer
After breakfast you will start with the city tour of Jaisalmer.
Take a half-day sightseeing tour of this city of gilded magic. See the fort built by Rawal Jaisal atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill, where a fourth of the population still lives. Within the fort are also beautifully carved Jain temples of the 12th to the 15th centuries. See Badal Vilas Palace, the former ruler’s 20th century palace. Also visit some impressive merchant mansions (havelis) including Patwon ki Haveli (1805), a five-storey building with carved pillars and murals, Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli.
Afternoon proceed to Samm sand dunes. Enjoy short camel ride at Dunes. The Samm sand dunes permit you to experience the pace and space of desert life.
Return back to hotel.
Overnight at hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Jodhpur
- Visit to Mehrangrh Fort & Jaswant Thada
- Overnight in Jodhpur
Today you will be driven to Jodhpur.
Arrive Jhansi and drive for Orchha.
Jodhpur looks out over the desert to the West and the massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill, which rises right in the middle of the town, totally dominates the city.The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale.
In the afternoon you will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Udaipur
- En-route visit to Ranakpur Temples
- Overnight in Udaipur
Breakfast is at the hotel.
Later you will be driven to Udaipur, en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples, an exceptionally beautiful excursion through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley, to see one of the best complexes of Jain religion, which is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work.
After your visit, continue with your drive to Udaipur
Uadipur: Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. 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, culminating 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 Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Half day city tour
- Walk in the Bazar
- Common Boat cruise on Lake Pichola
- Overnight in Udaipur
Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning, take a tour of the city visiting the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Later visit mid-17th century built Jagdish Temple in the old town, famous for the remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu.
Continue the visit to the Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens), a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains.
Afternoon, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewellery shops, utensil shops, jiggery shops, silver market and local meat & food shop.
Towards the evening, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Pushkar
- Enroute visit Eklingji & Nagda Temple
- Overnight stay in Pushkar
Breakfast is at the hotel.
After breakfast you would be driven from Udaipur to Pushkar enroute visiting Eklingji and Nagda. The little village of Ekligji, with a number of ancient temples, is only 22 k.m. north of Udaipur. The Shiva Temple in the village it self was originally built in 734, although its present from dates from the rule of Maharana Raimal, between 1473 and 1509. The Walled complex includes an elaborately pillered hall under a large pyramidal roof and features a four faced Shiva image of black the nearby Sas Bahu or Mother and Daughteinlaw, group has intricate architecture and carvings, including some erotic figures.
After the visit continue driving to Pushkar, upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will proceed for checkin.
The village of Pushkar lies on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India’s most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake, and numerous temples. The Brahma temple, especially, attracts pilgrims all year round. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the month of Kartik (October/November), which attracts visitors in their thousands. You can also witness and participate in the evening prayer meetings in the temples. Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- The day will be at leisure to explore the Pushkar fair
- Overnight stay in Pushkar
The day will be at leisure to explore the Pushkar fair [The transport with driver will be available]
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit the Brahma Temple and Pushkar lake
- Drive to Jaipur
- Visit the colorful local market
- Overnight stay in Jaipur
Early morning explore the Pushkar fair.
Return to hotel and have breakfast.
Later today morning you will explore the city mainly visiting the Pushkar Lake Ghats and the Brahma Temple, which is one of its kind left in India today.
Later proceed for short drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures; it is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Evening, visit the markets of Jaipur and the downtown area for some shopping time. Your guide and transportation will be at hand.
Take a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). Five stories in height, and built of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white quicklime, it is thought that the women of the royal harem used the many casements to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit Amber fort with Elephant ride
- Half day city tour
- Overnight stay in Jaipur
After an early breakfast, start on an excursion to Amber Fort. Jaipur’s Maharaja Man Singh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started constructing Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Once you are on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
Later, visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The Maharajah, a scientist as well as an astronomer, had the principles of Euclid translated into Sanskrit. One of the most remarkable sites in Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar has fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses and tracking stars and planets.
Continue to the City Palace built within the fortified area of the original city, with one of the finest monumental entrances in India. The Palace is now principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets, royal garments and other interesting objects from Jaipur's intriguing past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.
End the tour with a fascinating walk in the old city. Mingle and talk with the locals whilst observing some of the regions culinary delight. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the winds is the meeting - point at which this walk begins.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart by surface for Agra
- Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
- Arrive and check-in at your hotel
- Overnight stay in Agra
Post breakfast, you will be driven to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is a fort palace that was the onetime capital of the Mughal Empire and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.
Continue drive to Agra and upon arrival check in at the hotel.
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. It came into prominence when a lavish patronage of Mughal rulers created forts, tombs and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. During this period the city became a leading centre
of art, science, commerce and culture. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the Taj Mahal.
DELHI – DEPARTURE
- Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit Agra Fort
- Drive to Delhi & Arrive and transfer to International airport
Early morning, visit Taj Mahal (remain close on all Fridays). It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory.
Said to be one of the most elegant and a harmonious building in the world, Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast you will start with guided tour of Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Approachable by two imposing gates and constructed of red sandstone, the citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, this dramatic city within a city was the palace of three emperors, Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb, each of whom made significant contributions to the wonderful architecture of the inner buildings – a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles.
Afternoon drive to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to airport to connect your flight for onward destination
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