Rajasthan is one of India’s brightest jewels, a vast desert
province where Rajput princes ruled for centuries in
extravagant pomp and splendor. The great forts and palaces of
the maharajahs bear witness to this proud and glorious past,
but Rajasthan has more than just this rich historical legacy –
it is also a land of traditional crafts, musicians and folk
dances, women wearing bright saris bedecked with bangles and
silver nose rings, festive village life and the contrasting
forms and colors of the desert. Rajasthan is, simply, India at
its best.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Free and easy tour * Fully escorted by English speaking guide with minimum 07 pax group * Comprehensive sightseeing tours * World heritage sights visits * Shopping and craft visits * Visit to the Tajmahal * Visit to magnificent forts & palaces of Rajasthan * Elephant-back excursion to Amber Fort in Jaipur * Visit to the holiest town of Pushkar * Boat cruise at Lake Pichola in Udaipur * Indian classical dance performance and farewell dinner in Delhi
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport, Met and assist upon arrival and transfer to the hotel, your room is available for immediate occupancy. (Hotel check in time is 12 noon). Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 :Delhi / Agra - (200 Km / 4 Hrs) (B)
After breakfast at hotel, check out rooms and proceed with the sightseeing tour of New Delhi. In New Delhi drive past the 12th century 230- feet high QutabMinar, a Unesco World Heritage Site gracefully handcarved for its entire height of 234ft, Humayun’s Tomb, a Unesco World Heritage Site an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, considered to be the precursor of the Taj Mahal. India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the world war I), the RashtrapatiBhavan(formerly the viceroy’s residence) and the Parliament House - The Parliament House is 173 m in diameter, has a colonadedverandah and the roof of the outer circle is supported by 247 pillars. You can wander around this awe-inspiring structure before leaping in with a prior permission from the Government of India. After lunch, depart to the home town of Taj Mahal – Agra, takes you through the beautiful countryside. Overnight in Agra.
Day 3 : Agra/Jaipur (250 Km / 5 Hrs) - (B)
Breakfast at hotel and leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), a Unesco World Heritage Site is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone – « undoubtedly the highlight of the tour ». Also visit the imposing Agra Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Post lunch drive to the royal city of Jaipur, also known as ‘The Pink City' due to the predominant colour of its buildings. Throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enroute tour FatehpurSikri - a Unesco World Heritage Site which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. Upon arrival at Jaipur transfer to the hotel.Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4 : Jaipur - (B)
After breakfast at hotel, proceed with visit of Amber Fort – (ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant) .is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. Hawa Mahal - built in 1799 by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is the most stunning sight in the city of Jaipur. The palace, part of a huge complex, overlooks one of Jaipur’s main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stoned-carved screens, from which to watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets. After lunch, proceed to visit City Palace, the principle residence of the ruling family and is known for its stunning architecture. Part of it now converted into a magnificent museum. JantarMantar, a stone observatory raised in the 18th century. Time permitting visit cottage industry specializing in hand-woven carpets & textiles. Witness how silk carpets are handmade. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5 :Jaipur / Jodhpur (350 Km / 6-7 Hrs) - (B)
After breakfast drive towards Jodhpur, through the most interesting contours of the desert landscape, the enchanting forts, temples, other royal residences and settlements retain its medieval character and comprise the town's multifaceted attractions. Early evening leave to visit the Clock Tower &Sadar Market,In the old city clock tower is a prominent land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar market. The market has kept alive the old haat bazaar culture. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 6 :/ Udaipur (280 Km / 6 Hrs) - (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, sightseeing tour includes Mehrangarh fort, one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Close to the fort complex, liesJaswantThada, this 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. UmaidBhawan Palace, The romantic looking UmaidBhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies. Afternoon drive takes you to Udaipur,There is no place in Rajasthan, which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painter, travellers and writers than Udaipur, an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. Enroute you will visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur, superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition for over 500 years. The most attractive features are the 29 halls of the temple, which have 1444 pillars of which no two are like. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 7 :Udaipur - (B)
Let the glorious sunrise dazzle you at breakfast. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and the museum, which are the testamentto the valour and chivalry of the Mewar rulers. Visit Saheliyonki Bari (the gardens the maids-of-honour), the Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola. The BhartiyaLok Kala Mandir is a treasure house of Rajasthani folk culture. Early evening we enjoy the Boat cruise at Lake Pichola. The breathtaking beauty of the Lakes – Pichola and FatehSagar truly make Udaipur an oasis in the desert. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 8 :Fly Udaipur / Delhi & Depart - (B/D)
Morning at leisure, afternoon fly to Delhi.Met on arrival and leave for farewell dinner and Indian Folk Dances Show at popular Delhi restaurant. Later transfer to the international airport to Board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.