Taj MahalCameldriverMehrangarh FortFort

 
     




Tour to India

Royal Rajasthan - 12 Night Tour

Delhi  Mandawa  Bikaner
Jaisalmer Jodhpur  Udaipur
Jaipur  Agra  Delhi

Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi: This evening arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport. Our representative will meet you outside the customs gate and escort you to your hotel in an air-conditioned car.
Meals included: None

Day 2 - Delhi: This morning enjoy an orientation tour of Delhi.

The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India.

In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising Number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British. Lutyens designed some of the most striking landmarks including a lovely broad avenue lined with stately residences and lavish neoclassical creations that lead up to the magnificent Presidential Palace and Parliament buildings.

Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648. Continue to Red fort. Built in red stand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. The main entrance to the fort is the Lahori Gate which was once a royal market where jewellers, painters and craftsmen sold their wares. Within the walls of the fort is ‘Diwan-E-Am’ for public audiences, ‘Diwan-E-Khas’, where private audiences were granted. It is this hall that contained the famous peacock throne, which was later plundered by Nadir Shah. The Red Fort Museum has on display armory, textiles, jeweler, artifacts and manuscripts belonging to the Mughal era.

Later visit New Delhi. Drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi. The Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hill. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Post lunch visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The squat building of white marble and red sandstone, with a dome and high arched entrances, surrounded by formal gardens, is
generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra. Huyamun’s wife is buried in the red-and-white sandstone, black-and yellow marble tomb.

Next on the itinerary visit Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368. Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu
and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs.

Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Delhi - Mandawa: This morning drive to Mandawa covering a distance of 230kms in approx 5 hours & 30 minutes. The town of Mandawa was founded and inhabited by Shekhawati Rajputs in the 18th century and is popularly known as the open art gallery of Rajasthan due to magnificent murals and frescoes from mythology, legendary tales and contemporary lifestyle which adorn the havelis (small mansions) of this town. Apart from the havelis the market town of Mandawa is renowned for the Mandawa Castle. A large number of antiques and paintings are also on display in the Durbar hall of the castle. The Mandawa castle is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Afternoon arrive in Mandawa and check-in at your hotel.Late afternoon explore the beautiful town of Mandawa. See the hand painted havelis that are some of the splendid examples depicting the regional folklore. Walk and maze through the streets, bazaars and observe colorfully dressed local people and there day to day activities. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Mandawa - Bikaner: This morning drive to Bikaner covering a distance of 160kms in approx 4 hours. Bikaner exists in magnificent isolation in the northern Rajasthan desert, a fortified town founded
by Bika, son of the Rathore king Rao Jodha (who built Jodhpur), in the late 15th century as a stop on the trading route between the Punjab and the plains. It may not have the golden perfection of Jaisalmer, but its fort has interiors alive with mirror-work, gold leaf and stained glass. Also see the sandstone Lalgarh Palace with its fine jaalis or latticework screens, many fine Jain havelis, Karni Mata or the Rat Temple - this may not be for everyone - whose rodent residents are thought to be the reincarnations of departed souls and, outside town, a camel farm. Bikaner is famous for its
superior camels - dark caramel colour, with luxuriant eyelashes - and hosts a famous January camel fair.

On arrival, check in at your hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort. With its sumptuously decorated interiors, the fort was built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains, its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky. Continue the tour to the National Research Centre on Camel (formerly known as the Camel breeding farm - closed on Saturdays). The Centre has developed a camel museum, which attracts the attention of researchers and tourists. Different breeds of camel are produced and
preserved at the centre. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Bikaner - Jaisalmer: This morning drive to Jaisalmer covering a distance of 325kms in approx 7 hours. There is something magical about Jaisalmer, which rears out of the inhospitable Thar Desert like a mirage from the "1001 Nights". Once a staging post on the trading routes west, it is a walled citadel, formidably fortified, of a sand colour that turns golden in the setting sun, and it contains a complex fort surrounded by palaces and temples. Below the forest of intricately carved spires and turrets is a merry jumble of buildings, alleys, animals, humans, shops and cafes, wonderful golden havelis and numerous fine Jain temples. Camel trains can often be seen taking visitors out into the desert on camel safaris.

Arrive in Jaisalmer and check-in at your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Jaisalmer: Morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, it is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city, built in 1156. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenulated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by number of gorgeous havelis, beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and 5 royal palaces. The Havelis or mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century within the complex are famed for
their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. The only ‘living fort’ is occupied by merchants and shop owners which is an interesting sight and a great photo opportunity.

Also visit the intricately carved havelis or mansions. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built around 300 year ago. It belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. Patwon-ki-Haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having a ceiling
supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight. Round off the tour with a walk through narrow cobbled street.

Late afternoon drive to Sam dunes (40 minutes drives approx). The village of Sam is Jaisalmer's nearest real Sahara-like desert and is one of the best places to see the sunrise and sunset amidst the picturesque sand dunes. Enjoy a Camel Safari on the dunes. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur: This morning drive to Jodhpur covering a distance of 265kms in approx 5 hours & 30 minutes.

Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ was once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. It is still a marvelously medieval city. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

Arrive in Jodhpur and check-in at your hotel. Late afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort
which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces.

The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of
trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments and costumes.

Continue your tour to Jaswant Thada, located a short distance from
the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace
in front of the cenotaphs. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Jodhpur - Udaipur: This morning drive to Udaipur covering a distance of 285kms in approx 6 hours & 30 minutes. Enroute visit Ranakpur.

Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and sequestered by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple
was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are
alike. Arrive in Udaipur and check in at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Udaipur: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, raise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like
fairy castles.

Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Udaipur rivals any of the world's famous creations of the Mughals with the Rajput love of the whimsical and it's superbly crafted elegance.

Visit City Palace; a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathii Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved ‘chhatris’ and of course the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.

Also visit Crystal Gallery located at the City Palace. It has a rare collection of Osler's crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877.

Return to hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure for independent/spa activities.
Evening, embark on a boat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the midst of the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Udaipur - Jaipur: Early morning transfer to airport for your flight to Jaipur.

Leave: Udaipur at: 07:40 hrs by: Jet Airways Flight 9W-373
Arrive: Jaipur at: 08:25 hrs

Arrive in Jaipur and check-in to your hotel. Jaipur, "The City of Victory", was first intended to be "Sawai Jaipur", named after the boy Prince who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743.

Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".

Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but still appears to be futuristic. It houses unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! Continue your visit to City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the "Palace of the Winds." This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort.

Day 11 - Jaipur: This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of
the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage
points & shimmering mirrors encrust walls of Sheesh Mahal. Remaining afternoon will be at leisure. Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Jaipur - Agra: This morning drive to Agra covering a distance of 265kms in approx 6 hours.

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 gallies and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects it’s 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.

En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world. Arrive in Agra and check in to your hotel. Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Agra - Delhi: Early morning visit Taj Mahal.

The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its
stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays).

Return to hotel after the visit and proceed for breakfast. Later in the day, visit Agra Fort. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques. The fort presents a good sampling of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Late afternoon, drive back to Delhi covering a distance of 200kms in approx 5 hours. Our representative will escort you to the International airport and will assist with departure formalities for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Leave Delhi







 

 
 

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