Land of Maharaja

Arrive Delhi and meet the representative at the arrival hall and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon proceed on a tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort, the historical Chandni Chowk, besides Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana. In New Delhi visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxminarayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Qutab Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; and the lotus-shaped Baha’i Temple.

Drive by minibus or jeep to the Shekhawati region, well known for its havelis decorated with murals. Visit the fort and some havelis in Mandawa, a charming town built in the 18th century. In the afternoon explore Nawalgarh, founded in 1737 by Nawal Singh: see its painted havelis; wander around the town. O/N in hotel.

Morning drive to Bikaner. Arrive Bikaner and check – in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikanerincluding The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions. Also visit the government-managed Camel Research and Breeding Farm is only one of its kinds in Asia.

Early morning start, with a visit on the way to the famous “Temple of Rats,” the Karni Temple at Deshnukh. Bewitching Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert is full of sandstone structures painted a golden hue by the sun. Stroll around the market, and enjoy the sunset from Lake Gadsisar. O/N in hotel.

 Morning sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer including Sonar Fort, housing a fourth of city’s residents. Also visit Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the most exquisite havelis with a beautifully latticed façade. Salim Singh Ki Haveli is just three centuries old, and is still lived in. Its arched roof is held up by well executed brackets in the form of peacocks, Nathmalji Ki Haveli built by two architect brothers.

En route, visit some villages and interact at firsthand with villagers. After checking in at hotel in Jodhpur and lunch, explore Jodhpur. The second most populated city in Rajasthan, it stands at the edge of the Thar Desert, and boasts possibly the most impressive of Rajasthan’s forts, Mehrangarh Fort, built of red stone in the 15th century. Visit the fort and Jaswant Thada, a white marble tomb, then stroll in Sadar Bazaar. Jodhpur is fondly referred to as the Blue City because of the old town’s indigo colored houses, a great view of which is afforded from the ramparts of Meharangarh, which looms high above the buzzing city. O/N in hotel.

Situated in a peaceful, beautiful remote valley of the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur is famous for its Choumukha (or four-faced) temple, dedicated to Adinath. Superbly crafted and well-kept, the temple is reputed to have more than 1444 pillars, each of which is distinct from the other in its carvings. From here, driving through a mountainous road, you will reach one of the most charming cities in Rajasthan: Udaipur, situated on the bank of Pichola Lake and with high hills around. Check in hotel, evening free. O/N in hotel.

Visit the massive City Palace complex, with its many beautiful palaces and rooms, Sahelion ki Bari gardens, and explore the bazaar (Optional: boating on the lake). O/N in hotel.

 After checking into hotel at Pushkar in the afternoon, visittheholy town. According to legend, the sacred lake of Pushkarsprang up at the spot where Brahma, the Lord of Creation,dropped a lotus from the sky. A very important pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Pushkar is to be visited at least once in a lifetime by a devotee, it is said. A large number of sadhus can be seen here, mainly congregating around the lake and the temples surrounding it. The lake has several ghats where pilgrims take a dip in its holy waters. Pushkar is famous for its spectacular camel fair, which occurs in Oct/Nov every year.

 Departure to the Pink City, capital of the state. After checking into hotel, visit the ornate and impressive Amber Fort, 10 km from Jaipur, situated by a lake. Evening free.

City tour to visit the Jantar Mantar (observatory), City Palace and the unique Hawa Mahal (wind palace). Evening free, O/N in hotel.

Early morning departure to Fatehpur Sikri, 4 hours drive from Jaipur. The former capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 15th century, it is a storehouse of beautiful structures to be enjoyed in tranquil surroundings. After lunch, drive to Bharatpur, one of the most important ornithological reserves in India with more than 400 species of birds! You can explore the park on foot or on cycles. O/N in Bharatpur.

On reaching Agra, visit one of the world’s most famous structures, the Taj Mahal, the sumptuous white marble tomb built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Afterwards, visit Red Fort. O/N in Agra.

After breakfast, depart for Delhi. Half day sightseeing of some of the capital city’s main attractions. Evening transfer to international airport for onward flight.

 Tours End Here.