Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Also stop over at Abhaneri near Jaipur, and visit Step Well, it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

06 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

07 Day: Jaipur – Ajmer – Pushkar (135 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pushkar, enroute visit at Dargah of Khwaja Sahib. It is India’s most significant shrine for Muslims and thousands of devotees of all religions visit the holy place through the year. After visit proceed to Pushkar, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Pushkar is well-known for the world’s largest cattle fair every year in the month of November, with glorious celebration. Take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. Witness the devotees taking dip into the holy waters and offering prayers on the banks of the lake. Also visit the Pushkar Fair site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Evening is free for relax or take a walk through to see beautiful Pushkar Lake and colorful market of Pushkar. Overnight at the hotel.

Ajmer, founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands. Ajmer owes its composite culture to the reign of many dynasties that came, ruled and left, leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions. Ajmer is situated in a valley surrounded by the Aravali hills, 131kms west of Jaipur. ‘Dargah Khwaja Sahib’ is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. The city has some splendid masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Pushkar: According to the Hindu scripture Padma Purana, Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha (Vajranash in another version) trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slew the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground at three places, creating three lakes: the Pushkar Lake or Jyeshta Pushkar (greatest or first Pushkar), the Madya Pushkar (middle Pushkar) Lake, and Kanishta Pushkar (lowest or youngest Pushkar) lake.

08 Day: Pushkar – Chittourgarh – Udaipur (280 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Udaipur, enroute visit Chittourgarh city, to visit mightiest and largest historical fort of India: Chittourgarh, this crowning historical Fort stands a jaded reminder of the characteristic and bravery of Rajpoot Clan in Rajasthan, sprawled over 700 acres, area, the fort houses historical monuments: Tower of Victory, Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and several ruins of temples of Shiva. Chittourgarh echoes with the tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition. Afterwards continue drive to Udaipur, on arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola; you may opt to have dinner (of your own) at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the lake. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Chittourgarh, the town known for its massive fort atop hill, crowned on a 6kms long hill, covering an area of 280 hectares with fortifications, temples, towers and palaces. The city can be single out for its glorious past and valor, unique to the Rajput tradition. Chittourgarh is fortified settlement, which is history witnessed a number of sieges but refused to bow before foreign invaders. Tales of Princess Padmini are told here who was known for her chivalry and beauty. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts and palaces

Udaipur: One of the most romantic and beautiful city of North India, the city was founded in 1568 AD by Rajput King Udai Singh., located on the banks of the shimmering Pichola Lake, is one of the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Udaipur is cuddle up in lush green Aravali mountain range. It is a kaleidoscope of wonderful lakes, enchanting temples, lake side gardens, amazing forts and palaces and narrow lanes of the old city with historical past, Udaipur characterize chivalry and velour of the Rajpoot clan who had ruled this city for years and valor and chivalry.

09 Day: Udaipur

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the wondrous City Palace complex – a significant landmark of the town. The palace is a splendid white marble historical home of the Rajpoot Rulers. Here you will see notable places like the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a beautiful recreation garden for queens and princes of the rulers. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is an ethnic exhibit of traditions and culture of Rajasthan, ethnic ornaments traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings, fold musical instruments. In the evening visit to Lake Bageela 22 kms, for a sightseeing tour of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

10 Day: Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (257 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Jodhpur, en route take a halt at Ranakpur, visit the ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th Century, you may opt to enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh: (on your own) an authentic heritage hotel. Afterwards proceed to Jodhpur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment if time permits take an excursion to Bishnoi Village 25 kms: 45 min one way. The villagers coming from the Bishnois caste are believed to be the guardians of animals. Bishnois are vegetarians and hence have great reverence for all living things. Then visit to the local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving watching men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph the beautiful wildlife - black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. liberally moving in plenty of care by the local villagers. After visit drive back to Jodhpur you can explore the local market, visiting various authentic restaurants. You may choose ‘On the rocks’ an open air restaurants with Rajasthani hospitality, offering authentic food and folk music and dance. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jodhpur: The home of Rajpoot, (Rathors) – The awesome significant city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest and flourishing city of Rajasthan, known as white city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was once upon a time was the capital of Marwar state (Northern Part of Rajasthan). Mehrangarh fort, the crowning old palace is major tourist attraction of Jodhpur. Another pride of Jodhpur is Umaid Bhawan Palace; this grand palace is now converted into heritage hotel and present residence of the Royal family of Jodhpur.

11 Day: Jodhpur – Manvar (110 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting massive the Clock Tower, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, magnificent Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums of the great Rajput King: Jaswant Singh), Umaid Bhawan Palace and museum – India’s one of most imposing and regal palaces, built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, designed by the famous architect Edwardian and Henry Vaughan Lanchester, who constructed this wonderful palace, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. A part of the palace has been converted into a hotel, one part is the museum and the remaining part is still occupied by the royal family. After visit drive to Manvar, in Dechu. This place falls under Shergarh Region of Thar Desert and the highest sand dunes are found in this area. On arrival transfer to the resort. Early evening transfer on the camels for a desert safari till the Manvar Camp Site, reaching the campsite by sunset. In the evening, enjoy folk dance and music under the starlit sky while enjoying theme dinner. Dinner and over night at the desert resort.

Manvar, located right in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert is an unprecedented tourist destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. The Manvar Resort is spread over 5 acres. Constructed using local materials & techniques, the resort consists of 21 well designed stone cottages with thatched roofs, thatched roof eateries, open air courtyard sit outs, book & gifts shop, reading room and a swimming pool. The interiors have been designed as clean and restful spaces. Smooth stucco plaster, patterned mosaic floors, earthy colours combine with customized elements like a woven headboard and bedside lamps, furniture and rugs - all of them being very specific to the desert region of Marwar.

12 Day: Manvar – Jaisalmer (170 kms: 4 hrs)

Early morning you may opt to take a jeep safari to explore nearby by desert village to see understand their life style, villagers craftsman, carpenters, metal smith potters, cobblers. After village safari return to the resort to check out and drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival transfer to hotel. After refreshment you can visit to Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lake and temples of Ladawara. Also take a walk along the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Jaisalmer; the desert town is located on the edge of the Thar Desert and is one of most prominent tourist places of Rajasthan. Also known as the golden city, Jaisalmer is quite popular for the crowing Golden Fort. The city is a fantasy in yellow sandstone founded in the 1156 AD by Rawla Jaisal, a Rajput King. Jaisalmer is known for its golden stretched sand dunes, splendid havelies, camel safari on the thrilling Sam dunes, Jain temples, picturesque Gadisar Lake and of course the royal heritage and culture. A tour of Rajasthan is incomplete without visiting Jaisalmer.

13 Day: Jaisalmer

Today after breakfast take city tour of Jaisalmer city, visiting most popular Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila and Jaisalmer Fort, the fort is built on the top of Trikuta hill, having 99 bastions, the most speculator feature is Megh Durbar, also many temples, near the fort there are marvelous havelies built by the wealthy traders of the past time, notably havelies are Nathmal ji Ki Havel, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki haveli, the splendid mansions with latticework and stone carving, a truly break tacking intricacy. Afterwards visit to the one of the beautiful lake known as ‘Gadisar Lake’ the entrance of the lake is quite artistic and there is past day’s story behind this lake. If time permits and you wish to cover more of places, you can visit to Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lake and temples of Ladawara. In the evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the nearest place of the Great Thar Desert, Sam Sand dunes are seems to be golden stretched sands as a gateway to Thar Desert. Enjoy camel ride to on the sand dunes. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight Stay.

Note: Optionally you can stay in Swiss tents at Sam Sand Dunes/Khuri Village enjoying camel safari in desert, dinner in camp fire and enjoying folk dance and music by local artists.

14 Day: Jaisalmer – Pokhran – Bikaner (330 kms: 7 - 8 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bikaner, en route take a halt at Pokhran: visit the massive Fort of Pokhran. The town of Pokhran came to the renown when India’s first nuclear test was conducted here in the 1970's. Pokhran Fort was Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone, though not as conspicuous as some of the others forts in Rajasthan, it has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace; visit the Pokhran Museum, housed inside the fort’s premises is fairly small and contains an hodgepodge of weapons, pottery paintings, and the costumes which the Maharajas wore. Later continue drive to Bikaner, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.

Bikaner: The city was founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488; Rao Bikaji was the son of King Jodhaji of Jodhpur, due to some personal confront with his family, he took the courage to build his own city by adopting desert and barren land and then he transformed into a charming city called Bikaner, and the city was named after the King Bikaji. The 500 years old city standing still with glorious past is located in Northern part of Rajasthan.The Rajpoot rulers here built splendid palaces, temples and forts that resonance of magnificence and images of monsoon clouds in this desert land. The city is barricaded by 7 kms long walls built in 18th sanctuary with 5 huge gates around the city.

15 Day: Bikaner – Mandawa (190 kms: 5 hrs)

Today after breakfast takes the city tour of Bikaner visiting most popular and magnificent Junagarh Fort - built by Raja Rai Singh, this had never conquered during the entire history of Bikaner. The forts is having around 37 splendid palaces within the fort complex, there is wall of 7 kilometers around the fort and 37 bastions and 2 massive gates. Later check out the hotel and drive to Mandawa, enroute halt at to Deshnok, which worldly known for the Rat Temple, this temple is 600 years old, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, the temple is built by King of Bikaner Ganga Singh, the temple is decorated with cared silver gages and marble stone work. Later continue drive to medieval city Mandawa in Rajasthan, on arrival check in to a heritage hotel. Mandawa is also called the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. In the evening you can walk around the narrow lanes of the tradition town, watching locals and shops. Afterwards enjoy the traditional music and dance, live performance by the local artist, during the gala dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Mandawa: During the mid of 18th century this town was founded, located in Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Mandawa is known for its’ speculative havelies and fort. Now days, Mandawa is known as an imposing mirage like fort now a popular heritage hotel with modern amenities. The structure of this place recalls one of the cultural and tradition this place used to be in the bygone golden era. The affluent and dominant traders and merchants built gigantic havelis, bejeweled with beautiful wall paintings, for the purpose of their residence. In the past time, painting subject was mythology dominated the themes of the frescoes, animals, dancers, religion, portraits, displaying local legends, hunting and wrestling scenes, etc.

16 Day: Mandawa – Delhi (230 kms: 5 hrs) – Hometown

After breakfast explore Mandawa town, visiting notably known havelies: Binsidhar Chokhani, Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, are famous for its inquisitive paintings. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is known for its erotic paintings and images, now mostly defaced. These havelis are like museums, numerous havelis built by the wealthy merchants as in old days. Later check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for onwards journey, on departure the tour concludes with happy memories.