The Royal Rajasthan

Rajasthan, India

Description

The trip will give you a glimpse of the opulent heritage of Rajasthan, the Land of Rajput warrior princess. Forts, palaces, awe-inspiring monuments, simple villages and rich heritage - all make Rajasthan a vivid and evocative tourist destination.

Trip starts with visiting World Heritage Sites in Delhi. Then, move forward to the quaint town of Mandawa, in Rajasthan, famous for its fresco-painted Havelis. Next, in line, is the visit to desert cities of Bikaner and Jaisalmer.

Bikaner is surrounded by the Thar Desert and is famous for its majestic Junagarh Fort. Jaisalmer, also dubbed as ‘The Golden City’, is located in the Thar Desert. The city is famous for its Jaisalmer Fort (also known as Sonar Qila or Golden Fort) elaborately stone carved Havelis, ruins of ancient villages of Kuldhara and Camel Safari on yellow sand dunes of the Thar Desert.

Next, it is time to visit The Blue City – Jodhpur. The city comprises of a tangle of winding, scintillating, medieval streets scented by incense & roses, colorful shops & bazaars – this crowded, hectic zone of Jodhpur is the main tourist area to explore. Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest in India and is must-visit for any tourist.

Before you continue your drive to city of lakes – Udaipur, After Udaipur, visit the cities of Pushkar and Jaipur. After visiting the splendid forts & Palaces of Jaipur – steer off to the Tiger trail in Ranthambore. In the last leg of the fairy tale trip , head towards Agra – home of the magnificent Taj Mahal .

This comprehensive tour of North India ends back in Delhi.

Highlights

  •   Visit Qutub Minar, Red Fort, India Gate and Chandni Chowk in Delhi
  •   Explore Shekhawati village and be amazed at fresco painting Havelis in Mandawa
  •   Excursion to camel breeding farm, Junagarh fort in Bikaner
  •   Experience camel safari on sand dunes of Jaisalmer
  •   Discover the blue city – Jodhpur
  •   Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola
  •   Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
  •   Visit the wonderful Taj Mahal at Agra

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. You will have free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 2 – In Delhi

After breakfast, start your day with a full day Delhi Sightseeing. The tour begins in Old Delhi with Jama Masjid and then a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw. Drive pass by Red Fort before driving to New Delhi for Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb. Continue with Raj-Ghat, drive along the city landmarks of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings and stop for photo opportunity there. If time permits, visit the National Museum and Lotus temple. An ideal place for meditation, this Bahai House of worship is open to people of all religions. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 3 -Delhi to Mandawa By road 280kms / 7hrs

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa. Upon reaching Mandawa, you will be transferred to the hotel. Situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan, the fort town of Mandawa lies in the heart of the Shekhawati region. This small town attracts travelers because of its majestic fort and beautiful palaces, known as Havelis. Overnight will be at Mandawa.

Day 4 - Mandawa to Bikaner By road 200kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, enjoy the sightseeing tour of Mandawa famous for its fresco painted Havelis. Later, drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Afterwards, proceed for an excursion to Camel breeding research center where you can taste camel’s milk and you can also enjoy a camel ride. In the evening, return to the hotel and spend time at leisure. Overnight will be at Bikaner.

Day 5 - In Bikaner

Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast start your guided tour of Bikaner which includes the Junagarh Fort - an imposing citadel from 1485. The fort museum exhibits the armory, the hall of mirrors and the 16th and 17th-century paintings collection. Thereafter, visit the rat temple - Deshnoke. While dining in Bikaner, be prepared to be carried away by the taste of Bikaneri snacks and sweets served to you. Head back to the hotel and overnight will be at Bikaner.

Day 6 - Bikaner to Jaisalmer By road 330kms / 8hrs

After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. The drive will take approx 7-8hrs. On reaching Jaisalmer, you will be transferred to your hotel to relax and retire for the night. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer

Day 7 - In Jaisalmer

Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast start your guided tour of Jaisalmer with a visit to the Jain Temples located within Jaisalmer Fort. You can also visit the amazing museum in here exhibiting art pieces and long flowing robes of Jaisalmer Royals. Thereafter, you will visit the Patwaon Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake. In the evening, enjoy a camel ride in sand dunes along with traditional folk dance followed by the dinner. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

Day 8 - Jaisalmer to Jodhpur By road 285kms / 6hrs

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Reach Jodhpur and check-in to your hotel. Jodhpur is a bustling city awash with vivid blue painted houses. Later in the evening, visit Umaid Bhawan Museum and afterwards explore the winding narrow alleys of the local markets which are full of textiles, silverware and handicrafts. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 9 - In Jodhpur

After leisurely breakfast, enjoy jeep ride in Bishnoi Village in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the famous Mehrangarh Fort, a massive complex standing on the hillside with a fantastic view of the old city of Jodhpur and the imposing Jaswant Thada. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 10 - Jodhpur to Udaipur by road 240kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. Reach Udaipur and transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to a local followed by step well dinner. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 11 - In Udaipur

After breakfast, take a stroll through the bazaars, visit the Jagdish Temple and admire the royal heritage City Palace. In the evening, enjoy serene boat ride at Lake Pichola before heading for the Garden of the Maids of Honour and Folk Art Museum. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 12 - Udaipur to Pushkar By road 275kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, drive to Pushkar. Reach Pushkar and check in to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore the holy city watching pilgrims and Sadhus paying their respects at the riverside Gandhi Ghat. Also visit the only Brahma Temple in India (Brahma is the Hindu God of Creation). Overnight will be at Pushkar.

Day 13 - Pushkar to Jaipur By road 145kms / 3hrs

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. On reaching Jaipur you will be transferred to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class followed by the dinner. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 14 - Pushkar to Jaipur By road 145kms / 3hrs

After a leisurely breakfast, start your guided tour of Jaipur which includes the visit to Amber Fort (with a jeep ride or Elephant ride up to the fort entrance) and Hawa Mahal (Palace of the winds). Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar. Drive pass through the pink rose residential and business areas, followed by a visit to Choki Dhani for a Rajasthani Dinner. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 15 - Jaipur to Agra By road 241kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, leave for Agra en route visiting Bharatpur bird Sanctuary and Fatehpur Sikri. Relax and retire early for the day. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 16 - In Agra

Enjoy an early morning visit to breathtaking Taj-Mahal. Return for breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit the spectacular red sandstone Agra Fort, surrounded by a foursquare formal garden (Chahar-bagh) for the glimpse for royal Mughal existence and Baby Taj orthe ITMAD-UD-ULLAH - the interiors of which are considered better than the Taj Nur Jahan. Later in the evening, enjoy special heritage walk at Agra City Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 17 - Agra to Delhi By road 200kms / 4hrs

After breakfast, drive to Delhi and as per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!