Rajasthan is a northern Indian state bordering Pakistan. Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region. In its capital, Jaipur (the “Pink City”), are the 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal, a former cloister for royal women, fronted by a 5-story pink-sandstone screen.
Package Highlights
Meet our representative upon arrival in Delhi and check-in at the hotel. India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is contemporary and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. Overnight in Delhi.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British Raj. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi…noisy, chaotic and uniquely Indian. You will then drive past to the Red Fort, which was constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant till date, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head toward Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Thereafter, visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Mandawa. The entire Shekhawati region is well known for its painted havelis (mansions with frescoes). Mandawa in particular is central to this beautiful form of art. Some of the notable haveli’s are the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli. Not surprisingly, the entire town is referred to as an Open Art Gallery. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Mandawa.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert…a city, seeped in color and rich tradition; it was once a major centre on the trading route between India and the west. Arrive Jaisalmer and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
This morning after breakfast proceed for half day tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, which is the only living fort of India and houses the entire township within its ramparts. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, and Patwon-ki-Haveli which is the largest and most elaborate mansion of its kind in Jaisalmer, followed by a visit to Nathmal Ji ki Haveli, a grand mansion that blends Rajput and Islamic architecture. Later, drive past the beautiful Gadisar Lake and Badal Vilas, the present residence of erstwhile royal family. Later, visit Sam Sand Dunes, around 42 kms from Jaisalmer, is the closest place from where you can lose yourself in ‘The Great Thar Desert’. Enjoy Camel Safari at the dunes. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check in to your hotel. Later, in the day proceed for a half-day sightseeing trip of Jodhpur, which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and also called the ‘Sun City’. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of Jodhpur. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later, drive past the Mandore garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped cenotaphs these are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Rohet Garh. Arrive Rohet Garh and check in to your hotel. Rohet Garh is a classified Heritage Hotel. Over the course of fifteen years it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest Heritage hotels in the country. No new building has been added in the renovation process, but rather, old edifices have been skillfully redesigned to create a heritage property that has few parallels. Situated on the banks of a lake and set in the midst of rural surroundings, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. Sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis where the bird song is the only sound you will hear. Evening, experience Rohet Signature Village Safari at village. Return back to hotel for overnight stay in Rohet.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Udaipur (230 kms / 5 hrs drive approx). Enroute, visit the Ranakpur Temples, acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jain’s. Arrive Udaipur and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Udaipur.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaipur and check into your Hotel. Jaipur is the gateway to the magnificent and vibrant state of Rajasthan. Evening take a stroll in the markets of Jaipur for the traditional dresses and shoes, curio shops, blue pottery etc. Overnight in Jaipur.
Today, enjoy a full-day sightseeing trip of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’… it is famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city of Jaipur is painted pink, which gives it a magical glow. Visit the Amber Fort… a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on elephant back. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone. Post lunch, visit the City Palace… again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Overnight in Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive to Agra and enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site. Further drive to Agra and check into your Hotel. Overnight in Agra.
This morning after breakfast proceed for half day tour of Agra. Visit the Red Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome example of Mughal architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal … a mausoleum built as a symbol of Emperor Shah Jehan’s devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. Proceed for Delhi. Arrive and check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
