GRAND RAJASTHAN (16N / 17D)

Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra

  • All transport using air-conditioned car as per the program.
  • English speaking professional guide throughout the tour.
  • Accommodation at selected hotels for 16 nights
  • Daily breakfast
  • All presently applicable taxes
  • Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
  • Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi
  • Overview: Attached

 

OVERVIEW

Rajasthan – literally the land of Maharajas. It is a jewel in India’s crown. From fairy tale palaces and majestic forts to colourful festivals, it represents India at its vibrant best. It is home to the brave Rajputs and its battle-scarred heritage has bestowed legacies of pride and tradition. Maharajas of Rajasthan built magnificent palaces and forts, many of which are now glorious hotels and museums. In addition stunning handicrafts and fine arts were developed and nurtured through patronage by the maharajas. Village life remains steeped in tradition but just like the rest of India, the pace of change is accelerating. Turbaned men still barter for decorated camels – they just share the news of successful deal home via a smart phone.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience the rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk – Old Delhi
  • Visit to the Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world.
  • Visit to the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan.
  • Stay in handpicked heritage palace hotels.
  • Enjoy camel ride on Thar desert.
  • Bonfire dinner with folkdance show in desert.
  • Desert Safari using non-air conditioned Jeep.
  • Boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Meal Plan

  • Bed and Breakfast
  • 01 Lunch and 01 Dinner at Desert Camp


ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 01: Arrive Delhi by flight

Arrive Delhi by flight, our representative will welcome you on arrival at Delhi airport and assist you on transfer from airport to hotel (Rooms will be provided from 1400 hrs onwards)

Delhi is the city where you can experience both modern and old-world charm. May be there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in the history as Delhi. Various rulers from Delhi Sultanate in 12th century to the Britishers, all have contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 02: In Delhi

Breakfast at hotel

Morning sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid and drive past Red fort. Take the rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni chowk. Later visit Rajghat – cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi

Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar and Humayun’s tomb. Later drive past President house, parliament building, Rajpath and India Gate.

End your tour with a visit to the Laxminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu temple

Overnight at the hotel

Day 03: Delhi / Mandawa by surface (240 Km: 06 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Mandawa, on arrival check in at hotel.

The compact and busy little market of Mandawa was established in the 18th century and was fortified by some dominant merchant families. Today, it has some of the finest painted Havelis in the region and is a perfect place for wandering at random.

Afternoon sightseeing of Mandawa visiting various Havelis and its Frescoes. The major themes found in the murals are Hindu mythology, history, folk tales, eroticism, and even foreigners and their inventions like telephones and cars.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 04: Mandawa / Bikaner by surface (190 Km: 4 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Bikaner, on arrival check in at hotel.

This desert town in northern Rajasthan was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and was once an important staging post on the great caravan routes. The old city with its exquisite merchant havelis, temples and bazaars retains a medieval air. The city is chiefly interesting for its superb large fort, but it is also known for the fine camels bred here. There is a government camel-breeding farm near the city.

Afternoon sightseeing of Bikaner. Visit to Junagarh Fort (built 1593) with its magnificent stone carving is one of the finest in Rajasthan. See the beautifully designed palaces with interiors decorated with shell-work, mirror and glass inlays, gold leaf, lacquer work etc. Highlights include Diwan-I-Khas, Phool Mahal and Chandra Mahal decorated with marble, mirror-work and carvings, Anup Mahal the coronation hall, Gaj Mandir with its mirrored Shish Mahal, and Har Mandir or the royal temple. There is also a museum containing manuscripts, weaponry, jewellery etc.

Then visit to Jain temple.

Overnight at the hotel

 

Day 05: Bikaner / Jaisalmer by surface (330 Km: 6 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Jaisalmer, en-route visiting the famous Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok. The village of Deshnok lying 33 km south of Bikaner is known mainly for the 17th century Karni Mata temple. The temple was dedicated by Maharaj Ganga Singh to the 15th century female mystic Karniji, worshipped as an incarnation of Durga. He also added massive silver gates and beautiful white marble carvings on the façade. Thousands of rats and mice inhabit this temple and are revered and offered sweets and milk by worshippers.

After visit continue drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival check in at hotel.

The captivating city of Jaislamer, founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156 AD, has been dubbed Golden City because of the honey colour imparted to its yellow sandstone walls by the setting sun. With the crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has an extraordinary medieval feel. It was a major post in the desert trade route between India and Central Asia.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 06: In Jaisalmer

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is an intricately moulded wonderland. Take a half-day sightseeing tour of this city of gilded magic. See the fort built by Rawal Jaisal atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill, where a fourth of the population still lives. Within the fort are also beautifully carved Jain temples of the 12th to the 15th centuries. See Badal Vilas Palace, the former ruler’s 20th century palace. Also visit some impressive merchant mansions (havelis) including Patwon ki Haveli (1805), a five-storey building with carved pillars and murals, Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli.

Late afternoon we will take you to beautiful sam n dunes of Jaisalmer where you can enjoy camel ride in the desert for an hour.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 07: Jaisalmer / Dechu by surface (180 Km: 03 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Dechu, on arrival check in at your Dessert Camp.

Lunch at Camp

Late afternoon we take you on a desert safari by non-air conditioned Jeep, enjoy camel ride in desert.

Evening enjoy bonfire dinner with folk dance show

Overnight at the hotel

Day 08: Dechu / Jodhpur by surface (140 Km: 03 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Jodhpur, on arrival check in at your hotel.

Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, lies at the entrance to the Thar desert in a region called Marwar. The old city, founded in 1459, is surrounded by a 10 km long wall. The massive Mehrangarh Fort overlooks the city and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also called ‘blue city’ because of the indigo-washed houses in the old town.

Afternoon sightseeing of Jodhpur  visiting Mehrangarh fort and Jaswant Thada.
Meherangarh Fort – it is situated on a low sandstone hill. The palace apartments like Sukh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal etc are beautifully decorated and house jewellery, costumes, armoury, palanquins, howdahs and other remnants of the past.

See the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899.Later the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs were also built here.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 09: Jodhpur / Udaipur by surface (140 Km: 03 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Udaipur, en-route visiting the Jain temples of Ranakpur

Ranakpur, about 90 km from Udaipur, is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and none of them are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the domes are a superb example of western Indian temple style. Surya temple and other Jain temples are side attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs and black clothing not allowed)

After visit continue drive to Udaipur, on arrival check in at your hotel.

Udaipur is one of the most charming cities of Rajasthan. It nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Old dwellings, temples and palaces speak of an aristocratic past. It is a must visit place for Honeymooners and couples.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 10: In Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel

Morning Proceed for the city tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers is today a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th century by Maharana Feteh Singh

Afternoon boatride on Lake Pichola - This lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its west bank. In the lake are several islands. On two of them the maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas (Taj Lake Palace Hotel)

Overnight at the hotel

Day 11: Udaipur / Pushkar by surface (270 Km: 06 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Pushkar, on arrival check in at your hotel.

The village of Pushkar lies 11 kms from Ajmer on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India’s most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake, and numerous temples. The Brahma temple, especially, attracts pilgrims all year round. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the month of Kartik (October/November), which attracts visitors in their thousands. You can also witness and participate in the evening prayer meetings in the temples. Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.

Late afternoon visit to The Brahma temple and walk around the local bazaar on the bank of Pushkar Lake.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 12: Pushkar / Jaipur by surface (150 Km: 03 hrs drive) Breakfast at hotel

After a leisurely breakfast proceed by road to Jaipur, on arrival check in at your hotel.

Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The architect who formalized the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honour of the visit by Prince Albert. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 13: In Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day excursion to Amber fort. While going to Amber fort take a photography stop at Hawa Mahal.

Amber fort - Visit the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, 11 km from the city. This fort-palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. See the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public audience, Kali temple, Jai Mandir or hall of victory with its inlaid panels and mirror ceiling, and Sukh Niwas. The fort provides breathtaking views of the lake below.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur visiting visiting the Maharaja’s City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Jaipur’s walled City Palace (1732 AD) occupies one-seventh of the city’s area. See the Mubarak Mahal, museums of textiles and armoury etc, and the Diwan I Khas and Diwan I Am. Jantar Mantar, literally meaning “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens” is the oldest in India. Each instrument has a specific purpose and gives an accurate reading.

Evening visit to the Birla temple and view aarti ceremony.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 14: Jaipur / Agra by surface (250 km: 05 hrs drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning proceed by road to Agra, en-route visiting the magnificent fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri - built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 as his capital and abandoned 15 years later, allegedly due to a severe scarcity of water. It is a place where Islamic architecture fuses with Hindu and Jain decorative art.

After your visit continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel.

Agra, situated on the banks of Yamuna river, came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan. In modern times, the city of Agra is a thriving carpet industry where you can also find leather workers; sandstone and marble sculptors, some of whom claim to be direct descendants of the craftsmen who had helped build the Taj Mahal.

Overnight at hotel

Day 15: In Agra

Morning sunrise visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal – a symbol of love (Taj mahal remains closed on Friday). It took around 22 years for 20,000 artisans to complete this poignant mausoleum that blends subtlety with grandeur, and a massive overall design with immaculately intricate execution.

After visiting Taj Mahal return to hotel for breakfast

Breakfast at hotel

Late morning visit to the majestic The Agra Fort. The construction of the Agra Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Its massive walls stretch for 2½ km and are surrounded by a moat over 10 metres wide. The fort is really a city within a city, which embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower, Jehangir’s Palace and many more monuments.

Afternoon is at leisure

Overnight at the hotel

Day 16: Agra / Delhi

Breakfast at hotel

After a leisurely breakfast proceed by road to Delhi, on reaching Delhi check-in at your hotel near airport.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 17: Depart Delhi by flight

Breakfast at hotel

Morning in time pick up from the hotel and transfer to international airport to board your flight for onward journey, check-in for international flight starts 03 hrs prior to departure timing of flight.

 

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