Best of Rajasthan 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 – Mandawa (255 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mandawa, enroute halt at Nawalgarh, visit compact little town of Shekhavati region comprising of Forts and Havelis of beautiful frescoes. While touring this town a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Its Havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. 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. Enjoy the traditional music and dance, live performance by the local artist, during the gala dinner. Overnight stay 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.

04 Day: Mandawa – Bikaner (190 kms: 4 hrs)

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. After visit check out from the hotel and drive to Bikaner. En route 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 Bikaner, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay 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.

05 Day: Bikaner – Pokhran – Jaisalmer (330 kms: 6 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 checkout from the hotel & drive to Jaisalmer, 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. After visiting the fort, proceed to Jaisalmer. On arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

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.

06 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.

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

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and 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, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 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 overnight 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.

08 Day: Manvar – Jodhpur (110 kms: 3 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 Jodhpur, en route visit Bishnoi Village. 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. Later proceed to Jodhpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to 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.

09 Day: Jodhpur – Mount Abu (265 kms: 5 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, take the sightseeing tour of the city, visiting massive Mehrangarh Fort, wonderful Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums of the great Rajput King: Jaswant Singh), Umaid Bhawan Palace and museum – India is one of most imposing and regal palaces. After visit check out the hotel and drive to Mount Abu, on arrival check into the hotel. If time permits, visit to see beautiful Sunset, one of the most well-known spots in Mount Abu, sunset Point is located to the south-west of Nakki Lake. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India near the border with Gujarat. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 km of the mountain. In historic times, Mount Abu was leased by the The East-India Company (British empire) from the Maharajah of Sirohi, Mount Abu was used as the headquarters for the resident of Rajputana until 1947, and as a sanatorium for troops.

10 Day: Mount Abu – Udaipur (165 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and take a sightseeing tour of Mount Abu visiting Dilwara Jain temples; a complex of 5 temples, carved of white marble, ranked as India’s finest temple architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, a sacred pilgrimage place for the Jain community. The sightseeing followed visit at Achalgarh Fort, built in the 14th century by Rajpoot King Rana Kumbha of Mewar. It encloses several beautiful Jain temples, including the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412) and the Kantinath Temple, you may also opt to visit Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple; and a shrine and temple to Dattatreya built atop the Guru Shikhar peak. The world headquarters of the Brahma Kumari order of lady renunciates is also located here, as is the World Spiritual University of the same denomination. After visit continue to 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.

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.

11 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 stay at the hotel.

12 Day: Udaipur – Chittourgarh – Deogarh – Pushkar (230 kms: 7-8 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pushkar, enroute visit Chittourgarh city, to visit mightiest and largest historical fort of India: Chittourgarh echoes with the tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris' in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Also enroute visit the magnificent Deogarh Mahal and see the royal past of the glorious era of Rajasthan, now converted into a heritage hotel. You can opt for lunch at in royal heritage hotel (On your own). Later continue drive to Pushkar, on arrival at transfer to the hotel, evening is free for relax or take a walk through to see beautiful Pushkar Lake and colorful market of Pushkar. Overnight at the hotel.

Chittorgarh, 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

Deogarh Mahal Palace, is situated on the boundaries of Mewar, located around 105 kilometers from Udaipur, at the height of about 2100 ft with pleasant and cool climate compare to other towns and cities of Rajasthan. The Deogarh fort is also converted into a heritage hotel, here you can see visit Sheesh Mahal, the colorful palace with mirrors.

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.

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

After breakfast visit 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. Later checkout the hotel and drive to Jaipur, 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. 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.

14 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.

15 Day: Jaipur – Samode – Jaipur (Excursion of 1 hour one way)

Today morning take an excursion to Samode, (45 kms:1 hr) – here you can explore Samode Haveli, Samode Baugh, which were the royal palaces and forts of the kings of Rajasthan, most wonderful place to recall the majestic royal past of Rajasthan. You can also visit to the villager’s houses to see their living and life style. And enjoy camel ride, camel cart to enjoy the village atmosphere. You may opt to have lunch/dinner (of your own) at Samode Haveli, converted into a heritage hotel. Afterwards return back to Jaipur for overnight stay.

Samode, a small village, recognized for its wonderful Samode Haveli, converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. Samode Baugh (lavish garden) and Samode fort is the most interesting places to visit, surrounded by lush green hills, an implausible experience to witness Rajasthani art, décor and architecture. Samode Fort was built in 15th Century, by the Rajpoot warrior and King Prithviraj Singh, lovely gift to his adorable son. Frescoes-adorned staircases, Stained glass windows, artistically carved walls and superbly painting ceilings define the taste of the old age rulers’ love for art and culture. To amuse and entertain the tourists, camel safari, camel cart ride, elephant rides are organized. And gala dinner during the night hours with folk and cultural dances and music by local artists are performed in Samode Haveli.

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

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra. 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. 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. After visit… proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening one should 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! Return to the hotel for 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.

17 Day: Agra

Today early morning after breakfast, 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. 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. 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. Later visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noorjahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. After sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

18 Day: Agra – Sikandra – Delhi (230 kms: 5 hrs) - Hometown

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi. On the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a marvelous mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar, spectacularly designed structure of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Later proceed to Delhi airport to board the scheduled flight for onwards journey, on departure the tour concludes with happy memories.