BEST OF RAJASTHAN WITH TAJ MAHAL TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Day 02: Delhi

Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa (257 Kms /5 Hrs)

Day 04: Mandawa – Bikaner (200 Kms/4.5 Hrs)

Day 05: Bikaner – Deshnok Rat Temple - Jaisalmer (330Kms/6 hrs)

Day 06: Jaisalmer – CAMEL RIDE AT SAM SAND DUNES (DESERT)

Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (265 Kms / 5.5 hrs)

Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (266 Kms/6 hrs)

Day 09: Udaipur

Day 10: Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur (380 Kms / 6.5 hrs)

Day 11: Jaipur - ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT

Day 12: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Kms / 5.5 hrs)

Day 13: Agra – Delhi (200 Kms/ 4.5 hrs) / Departure

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Evening arrive at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International airport.

Delhi - is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel’s vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 02: DELHI

After breakfast at hotel enjoy city tour of New Delhi & old Delhi start from Red Fort  - from outside (Closed on Monday) -  built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi.  Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar - the highest stone tower in India. India Gate& War Museum - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House.

Evening free to explore local markets at your own. Overnight at hotel.

Optional tour: Later in the evening one can visit Swami Akshardham Temple. Akshardham is a Hindu Temple complex also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu & Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The Temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna and famous for it evening fountain show. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 03: DELHI - MANDAWA (257 KMS /5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Mandawa.

Mandawa is a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis but also for its Fort Palace. The structure of the palace reminds of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings.

Upon arrival, visit “Open Art Gallery” Havelis & Frescoes paintings. The open air-art-gallery', as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. Later check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 04: MANDAWA – BIKANER (200 KMS/4.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Bikaner.

Bikaner - one of the most worth visiting cities of Rajasthan.The city of Bikaner still preserves its old charm in form of its historical monuments, stunning havelis, elegant palaces and terrific temples.

On arrival, check in at hotel. After wash and change at hotel visit massive Junagarh Fort &Museum. Junagarh Fort Revel in the architectural splendor, as you take an intimate look at this imposing fort, built by Akbar's contemporary Raja Rai Singh. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort. Also visit Lalgarh Palace - The magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truly mesmerized.

Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 05: BIKANER – DESHNOK RAT TEMPLE - JAISALMER (330KMS/6 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Jaisalmer.

Enroute visit Deshnok Rat temple. According to legend, the rat temple near Bikaner dates back to the 1400s, when Karni Mata, an incarnation of the god Durga, asked the death-god Yoma to reincarnate the son of a grieving storyteller.

Later continue drive to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer - The name Jaisalmer evokes utter magic and vibrancy of the desert. It’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The hostile terrain notwithstanding the warmth and colour of people is simply overwhelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloping sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in the Thar Desert. Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 06: JAISALMER – CAMEL RIDE AT SAM SAND DUNES (DESERT)

After breakfast at hotel, visit Jaisalmer city. The city of Jaisalmer is crowned by fantastic fort, named Sonar Kila or Golden Fort. The fort is also called Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is located atop the Trikuta Hill and surrounded by a 30 feet high wall with 99 fortresses.Jaisalmer Havelis - Jaisalmer Havelis were once the home of wealthy merchants. These havelis of Jaisalmer are well-known for their creative designs and adornments. Also visit Gadsisar Sagar Lake. The lake offers an opportunity to view hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season. During your visit to Gadsisar Sagar Lake, you will also see a breathtakingly beautiful lush green garden – Bara Baghwhich is an oasis in the desert.

Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes (Desert) &enjoy ‘Camel Ride”. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 07: JAISALMER - JODHPUR (265 KMS / 5.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Jodhpur.

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. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Lama Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15^th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

On arrival, check in at hotel.  Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 08: JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR (266 KMS/6 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada. Mehrangarh Fort - one of the largest in India, unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur - and a perfect example of desert variant of Rajput architecture also visit Jaswant Thada.

Later continue drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur Jain temple.Ranakpur is a small town and famous for Jain Temples. Ranakpur Temple is a beautiful structure carved in stone. This magnum opus of architecture possesses around 1400 intricately carved pillars. 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.

Continue drive to Udaipur. Udaipur – 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 Pichhola is an enticing sight.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities.Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 09: UDAIPUR

After breakfast at hotel visit City Palace. City Palace - Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan, See the Peacock Square and the miniature painting school inside the palace premises. Udaipur has the prestige of housing the best miniature art schools in the country under the royal patronage of the king of Udaipur. Sahelion Ki Bari - The "garden of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was designed and laid out early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir - Is home to an attractive collection of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, folk musical instruments and paintings. The museum is the best place for those interested in puppetry. Bagoreki Haveli - There is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola.

In the evening explore local markets. While passing through the markets of Udaipur, you would trace many articles that can make part of your wardrobe and lifestyle too. These markets present an assortment of items covering handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, antique items and paintings. Udaipur is particularly famous for its miniature paintings inspired by style of Rajputs& Mughals. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 10: UDAIPUR – PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (380 KMS / 6.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Jaipur.

Enroute visit Pushkar. Pushkar - A very small town, seemingly just about bigger than the lake it adjoins, Pushkar attracts Hindu devotees and Hindu dilettantes in large numbers. On arrival, visit Brahma Temple - The only temple in the world that is dedicated to Lord Brahma and Pushkar Lake.

Later continue drive to Jaipur. Jaipur - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 11: JAIPUR - ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT

After an early breakfast at hotel, visit the majestic Amber Fort and Palace, originally constructed by Raja Mansingh and one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant, up to the Fort. In the afternoon, visit the city’s Palace Complex holds several museums that contain impressive collections of miniature paintings, costumes, and armor. Sheesh Mahal built in the 17^th century in a fusion style of Hindu and Islamic art. Also see the hall of public audiences and Maharaja Man Singh's Palace who had twelve queens.

Later see the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a sanctuary of the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II. Nearby, the intriguing Palace of the Wind, the Hawa Mahal, was built in 1799 to allow ladies from the royal family to view the city and bazaar below in privacy.

In the evening one can enjoy The Amer sound & Light show - Amber holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances, their valor and strength, the rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. Through this Son-et- Lumiere spectacle, an attempt has been made to revive the pride of Amber and bring forth the traditions that coloured the lives of its people and the pomp that once existed in its fullest form.

This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore, with a myriad of music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show is a simple attempt to end the silence that had long fallen upon Amber - for the spirit of Amber is eternal. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 12: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA (250 KMS / 5.5 HRS)

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel and drive to Agra.

Enroute visit – Fatehpur Sikri- The 'City of Victory'.

Agra, situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. 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 galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 13: AGRA – DELHI (200 KMS/ 4.5 HRS) / DEPARTURE

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Later visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal audience with the ruler. the Dīwān-e-Khās is a small marble structure near the Dīwān-e-Ām. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass audience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Dīwān-e-Khās for private audience.Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.

Later transfer to Delhi airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our incredible nation.

 

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We customize holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could design a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable holiday with us.