Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, India’s bustling capital city, you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel booked for your stay. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties, as well as the British, ruled. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: In Delhi
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Start the day with a visit to the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjahanabad. Here, visit the Red Fort, which was the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Jama Masjid (one of the largest congregational mosques in India.) Also visit Raj Ghat the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla with its ancient Ashoka Pillar.
Later in the afternoon tour New Delhi that was initially laid out by the British in the Colonial Era. Here, visit Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal; the Baha’i Temple an architectural marvel constructed in the shape of the Lotus flower and the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. Drive along the spectacular Raj Path (King’s Way) from where you will see India Gate (World War I memorial), Parliament House, President’s House and other Government buildings. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Drive Delhi / Mandawa
This morning after breakfast, you will drive to Mandawa (260 kms/5 hrs) that lies in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. This region is known for its frescoed havelis (mansions) and rightly called the “Open-Air Art Gallery” of Rajasthan. On arrival in Mandawa check into your hotel. In the afternoon visit the mansions like Chokani, Ladia and Saraf. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Drive Mandawa / Bikaner
Today after breakfast, you will drive to Bikaner (164 kms / 4 hrs), which is in true desert country and was part of the ancient caravan route that came from west and central Asia. On arrival check into the hotel.
Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of this fortified city visiting the Junagarh Fort and the City Palace. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Drive Bikaner / Pokaran / Jaisalmer
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy a Tonga Ride on the Heritage Route of Bikaner’s Old City to view the spectacular stone-carved havelis (mansions) and the local life.
Later drive to Jaisalmer (300 kms/7 hrs) en route halting at Fort Pokaran for lunch. This 14th century citadel, also known as “Balagarh” stands as a paragon amidst the Thar Desert and is the premier fort of the chief of mighty Champawats (a clan of Rathores)
Drive on to Jaisalmer and check into your pre booked hotel. Jaisalmer, the 12th century inhabited Fort City built by Rawal Jaisal, is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, temples and havelis having exquisite stonework in yellow sandstone. Houses within the Fort date back to the 12th-15th centuries, hence giving Jaisalmer the name - “Museum City”.
In the evening visit the Sand Dunes at Sam, to experience a camel ride over the sand dunes and to view the sunset. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06: In Jaisalmer
Morning after breakfast embark on a Village Safari to Khuri, where you get a glimpse of typical deserted lifestyle with little thatched hutments, camels and sand dunes.
Later tour Jaisalmer City, visiting the Fort and the havelis (mansions) in the Old City. A leisurely walk through the winding labyrinth of streets within the fort is an interesting activity. Within the citadel are a couple of interesting Jain Temples. The Old City has some of the most intricately carved havelis such as the famous Patwon-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Drive Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Today you will drive to Jodhpur (298 kms/6 hrs 30 mins), the “Blue-hued City” of the Rathore Rajputs.
In the afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city visiting the imposing Mehrangarh Fort that has fine views over the city and Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Also visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08: Drive Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur (260 kms/6 hrs) en route visiting the Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, the extremely beautiful Ranakpur complex lies in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The temples are known for their grand structures and exquisite sculptures. The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha Temple or Four Faced Temple dedicated to the Jain apostle Adinath. This huge beautifully crafted marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. Other temples in the complex are Neminath, Parasnath, Amba Mata and Sun Temple. Please note shoes and all leather articles must be left at the entrance before entering the temple.
Drive on to Udaipur and check into your pre booked hotel. Romantic and serene, this capital of Mewar nestles in the scenic valley of the Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09: In Udaipur
After breakfast excursion to Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Eklingji, located about 22km north of Udaipur, is an interesting village with a number of ancient temples. The Shiva temple here was originally built in 734 AD. The walled complex includes an elaborately pillared hall under a large pyramidal roof and features a four-faced Shiva image of black marble. Nagda is known for its Jain temples and the Sas-Bahu (Mother & Daughter-in-Law); group has very fine and intricate architecture and carvings including some erotic figures.
In the afternoon tour of Udaipur City, visiting the City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas, the City Palace Museum, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maids of honour, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a folklore museum, Jagdish Temple and Pratap Smarak memorial. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Fly Udaipur / Jaipur
Morning you are transferred to the airport to board flight to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur you are met and transferred to your pre booked hotel. Built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts and is popularly known, as the “Pink City”.
Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Jaipur City wherein you will visit Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds", the City Palace complex with its museums, Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory and the colourful bazaars. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: In Jaipur
Morning excursion to the hilltop Fortress of Amber, located 11 kms outside the city. Enjoy a ride atop gaily decorated Elephants to reach the top of the Fort. This erstwhile capital of Jaipur, with its complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments, is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12: Drive Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
After breakfast this morning, you will drive to Agra (232kms/5 hrs) en route visiting the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of three sons to Emperor Akbar, this city is a masterpiece of Muslim architecture unique in India. Notable among the edifices here are Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Panch Mahal (Five Storied Palace), the Tomb of Saint Salim Chisti and the Buland Darwaza (Great Gateway).
Drive on to Agra and check into your pre booked hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: In Agra
After breakfast today, visit the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. This masterpiece in marble on a sandstone base is a monument to love and beauty. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Later visit the Agra Fort that lies across the River Yamuna. Built in red sandstone, it comprises magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his third son Aurangzeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from the little octagonal tower in the Fort. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Drive Agra / Sikandra / Delhi
Today, you will drive back to Delhi (203 kms / 4 hrs 30 mins), en route halting at Emperor Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra. The construction of this edifice was started by Akbar himself and was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. The tomb is a splendid example of the combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture and represents Akbar’s philosophy & secular outlook.
Drive on to Delhi and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15: Departure from Delhi
Today you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight for onward journey. |