LAND OF MAHARAJA’S

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Your travel documents will be handed over to you with a briefing of the tour program. After check-in process, time free at leisure for own activities and relax in the hotel to acclimatization with Indian weather conditions.

DELHI -The National Capital of India is one of the most historical cities in the world. In AD 1639, the Mughal emperor shah Jahan built a walled city named Shahjahanabad which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 till 1857. Shahjahanabad is known as Old Delhi. Later the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens built a new city during the 1920s called New Delhi or Lutyens Delhi.

Overnight at Delhi (No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing

Sightseeing -We will start our sightseeing tour visiting Raj Ghat; the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Jama Masjid; built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is one of the largest and best known mosques in India. Further, we will drive-pass through Chandni Chowk Market; Asia's largest wholesale market and Red Fort; a beautiful red sandstone fort built by the Mughals.

Afternoon visit to the Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer. Evening drive-pass through India Gate; a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. Sansad Bhavan; the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Rashtrapati Bhavan; the Presidents House built with a mix of European and Mughal/Indian styles.

Optional Activities

·         Rikshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk Market during sightseeing tour

·         Sound & light Show at Red Fort (Close on every Monday)

·         Visit to Dilli Haat; an open aircraft bazaar cum food plaza

·         Other Attractions – Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lodhi Garden, Gurudwara Bangla sahib, National Museum.

Overnight at Delhi (Breakfast)

Day 03: Delhi – Agra (220 kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

AGRA -Located at the bank of River Yamuna was known then as Akbarabād during Mughal Empire and remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the Emperors till 1689.

Sightseeing - Proceed to Agra sightseeing visiting Taj Mahal; one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Shah Jahan built this beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years and 20000 workers to complete this perfectly symmetrical monument. Later visit to Agra Fort; also known as the Red Fort is a world heritage site listed by UNESCO. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shāh Jahān's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Also visit to I'timād-Ud-Daulah's Tomb; located on the left bank of the Yamuna river, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden, criss-crossed by water courses and walkways.

Other Activities

·         Mohabbat the Taj Show at Kalakriti

·         Tonga Ride at Taj Mahal

·         Shopping – Fine Quality Marble, Textile, Handloom & Handicrafts

·         Other Attractions – Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra, Mughal Heritage Walk

Overnight at Agra (Breakfast)

Day 04: Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (240 Kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En-route visit to FATEHPUR SIKRI – Founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It is 40 kms from Agra on the Agra - Jaipur highway.

Sightseeing – Here we will visit to Buland Darwaza; 55 metre high gate was added some five years later after the completion of the mosque ca. 1576-1577. We will also visit Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas.

Further continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure for own activities or relax in the hotel.

Overnight at Jaipur (Breakfast)

Day 05: Jaipur Sightseeing

JAIPUR – Named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was established on 18 November 1727. Jaipur is considered as the first planned city in the country. In 1878AD, Jaipur was painted with Pink color to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria and since then the city is also known as “Pink City”.

Sightseeing – Early in the morning we will leave for an excursion to Amber City; the capital of Kachhwahas for six centuries before the foundation of Jaipur City. Ascend the Amber Fort with a traditional royal experience of Elephant ride. Within the Fort complex we will visit Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Dowan-e-Khas. Later drive back to Pink City. En-route a short photo-shoot in-front the Jal Mahal, a small palace set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Afternoon visit to the City Palace, situated in the heart of the old city occupies about one seventh of the Old City. Within the City Palace we will visit Mubarak Mahal, Clock Tower and City Palace Museum, Later we will visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. The enormous sun dials still provides the accurate time. Before returning to your hotel, take pictures in-front the Hawa Mahal, ‘Palace of Winds’ a five storied semi-octagonal building having 152 windows was built in 1799 AD by Maharaja Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy the processions and other royal activities on the street.

Other Activities

·         Visit to Chokhi Dhani Village (an ethnic village)

·         Shopping – Jewellery, Textiles, Handloon & Handicrafts

·         Other attractions – Birla Temple, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall

Overnight at Jaipur (Breakfast)

Day 06: Jaipur – Pushkar (185 Kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

PUSHKAR – Situated along the bank of a picturesque lake, Nag Pahaad or the snake mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar. Colorful cattle fair in October-November month attract visitors from around the globe.

Sightseeing – Proceed to a guided tour in Pushkar visiting Savitri Temple, dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma. Also visit to the Man Mahal; built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber is now converted into a hotel. Later visit to the Lord Brahma’s Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Other Activities

·         Cattle Fair of Pushkar (October-November)

·         Shopping – Handicraft and local souvenirs

·         Other attractions – Dargah Khwaja Sahib, Adhai Din Ka Jhopda, Ana Sagar, Taragarh Fort

Overnight at Pushkar (Breakfast)

Day 07: Pushkar – Udaipur via Chittaurgarh (325 kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur. En-route visit to Chittaurgarh.

CHITTAURGARH – The town is known for its massive Fort covering an area of 279 hectares. The fort witnessed some greatest battles in the history and ravaged three times.

Sightseeing – Here we will visit The Fort, the pride of Chittaur. The Fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century. The Fort has many magnificent monuments showcasing the Rajput architecture. Also visit to the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), 37 meter high structure was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. We will also visit the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), a 22 meter high tower built by Jain merchant in 12th century.

Other attractions – Rana Kumbha Palace, Nagri, Bijaipur, Bassi Village

Further continue drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure for own activities and relax in the hotel.

Overnight at Udaipur hotel (Breakfast)

Day 08: Udaipur Sightseeing

UDAIPUR - The “City of Lakes” is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in India. The city was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1559 AD on the shore of Lake Pichhola. Fairy-tale Palaces and gardens, temples and narrow lanes create a picture perfect atmosphere. Udaipur is a traditionally planned city originally having eleven gates to enter but now only five remains.

Sightseeing - After a leisurely breakfast, we will leave for a guided tour of the city visiting City Palace; a beautiful white structure building is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan state. The Palace is surrounded by crenallated walls towering over the lake. Later we will visit Saheliyon ki Bari, the Garden of Maids bordering the embankment of the Fatheh Sagar Lake. Next we will visit to the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lords Vishnu the temple was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh I in 1651 AD.

In the evening, enjoy the relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichhola, the beautiful lake amidst the hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments has two island palaces Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir.

Other Activities –

·         Sound & Light show at City Palace

·         Shopping – Paintings, Handloom and Jewellery

·         Other attractions – Jag Mandir, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Bagore ki Haveli, Pratap Memorial, Sajjan Garh, Shilpgram, Eklingji Temple, Nagla, Haldihghati, Nathdwara, Jaisamand

 Overnight at Udaipur (Breakfast)

Day 09: Udaipur – Jodhpur via Ranakpur (260 kms. drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur. En-route visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples.

RANAKPUR - One of the five holy centers of the Jain community, Ranakpur Temple is built in 15th century. Spread over 48000 sq ft, the temple is an outstanding creation with 29 halls and 1444 pillars all distinctly carved. Further continue to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure for own activities.

Overnight at Jodhpur (Breakfast)

Day 10: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (280 kms. drive)

JODHPUR -The home of Rathores, Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur in 1459AD. The city is situated at the foot of a hillock protected by the eight gates facing in various directions.

Sightseeing -Proceed for a guided tour to Jodhpur city visiting the soaring 125 mt above the plains The Mehrangarh Fort. The fort has four gates approaching by a winding road. Within the for there are few magnificent palace named Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Maahal, Sileh Mahal and Daulat Khana. Later we will visit to Jaswant Thada; a royal cenotaph in white marble built in 1899AD in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Other Activities

·         Excursion to Osian Village to witness the local villagers’ daily lifestyle by Jeep Safari

·         Shipping – Handicrafts, White metal Curios, Silverware, Quilts, Tie & Dye fabrics, Leather goods, Paintings

·         Other attractions – Umaid Bhawan Palace, Girdikot & Sardar Market, Government Museum, Balsamand Lake

Afternoon, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at Jaisalmer (Breakfast)

Day 11: Jaisalmer Sightseeing

JAISALMER -Hardly any other city can match the magnificence of this Museum City. Founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD the city is located in the heart of Thar Desert. When the sun sets every evening, Jaisalmer is transformed into a magic kingdom – the Sonar Kila.

Sightseeing -After breakfast in the hotel, proceed for a guided tour in Jaisalmer visiting The Fort, housing the entire township within it the Golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill. With the Fort, there are some beautiful Havelis, Jain Temples, and five interconnected palaces. Later we will visit Patwon-ki Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis. After the tour spend some time at Manak Chowk and Havelis, a marketplace to buy some local souviners.

In the evening, we will leave for an excursion to Sand Dunes to enjoy the beautiful sunset and camel ride in the Thar Desert.

Other Activities

·         Folk Dance & Dinner at Sand Dunes

·         Shopping – Hand-woven Blankets, Traditional Rugs, Rajasthani Shawls, Silver Jewellery, Embroidered articles

·         Other attractions – Gadisar Lake, Tazia Tower, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Jain Temples, Nathmalji ki Haveli

Overnight at Jaisalmer (Breakfast)

Day 12: Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 Kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

BIKANER -Renowned for the best riding camels in the world, Bikaner was established in 1488 AD by Rathore prince Rao Bikaji – son of Rao Jodhaji the founder of Jodhpur. Located in the north of the desert state, Bikaner is surrounded by sand dunes. The old city of Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground encircled by an embotted wall with five gates to enter. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient Caravan routes of West and Central Asia made it the prime trade center in by-gone years.

Sightseeing -Proceed for a guided tour visiting Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh is encircle by a moat and houses many outstanding palaces, pavilions and temples. Some of the beautiful palaces inside the Fort are Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Durbar Hall, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Karan Mahal and Chandra Mahal. Later we will visit to Lalgarh Palace; imposing red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. Further continue to visit Deshnok Karni Mata Temple, the unique temple where the rats are venerated and the shrine is a sanctuary for them.

Other Activities

·         Gangaur Festival (April) and Camel Festival (January), Kalayat Fair (November)

·         Shopping – Gold & Silver products, Camel and sheep wool carpets and woolen items

·      Other attractions – Prachina, Ganga Government Museum, Bhandasar Jain Temple, Camel Breeding Center, Gajner

Overnight at Bikaner (Breakfast)

Day 13: Bikaner – Mandawa (180 kms drive)

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

MANDAWA, Jhuunjhunu – A colorful fantasy also popularly called the ‘Open-air art galary’, Mandawa was founded in 18th century. This medieval fort dominates the town with a painted ached gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his caws.

Sightseeing - Guided tour in Mandawa will take you around the various beautifully painted Havelis, The Chokhani Goenka and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region.

Other Activities

·         Cycling tour in the town, Jeep Ride to the Village

·         Shopping – Paintings

·         Other attractions – Churu, Mukundgarh, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Harsh Nath Temple

Overnight at Mandawa (Breakfast)

Day 14: Mandawa – Delhi (260 ksm drive)

Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi international airport to board the flight to onward journey.

Tour concludes with many unforgettable memories