The Magical Rajasthan Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel (hotel check-in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check-in subject to room availability). Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities. You can opt to go out for dinner with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket or similar. (5-Star hotels are available on request.)

Day 2: Delhi (B)

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit the landmark of Old Delhi which includes Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry, and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery, and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar is a 73-meters tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion. Drive through VVIP areas passing President House, Parliament & India Gate, etc.
Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket or similar.

Day 3: Delhi – Jaisalmer (B)

Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Jaisalmer. On arrival at Jaisalmer airport assistance and transfer to hotel check-in.
Later excursion to Sam Sand Dunes for an evening jeep safari in the desert. Witness the unparalleled views of the sunset over the tall sand dunes located at a distance of 40km from the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Enjoy the music and dance performances by local artists which hold a mirror to the rich culture of Rajasthan. Satisfy your taste buds with the delicious, authentic local cuisine served at the Sam Dunes. Indulge in stargazing as a million stars shine brightly at you through the cold, clear skies above the dunes. Drive back to Jaisalmer for an overnight stay.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Desert Tulip/ Garh Jaisal or similar.

✈️ Domestic flight from Delhi to Jaisalmer is not included.

Day 4: Jaisalmer (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Jaisalmer the ‘Golden City’ founded in the 12th century. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself, and declared it his capital. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort. It houses shops, hotels, and ancient Havelis (homes) where generations continue to live. If geology interests you, then Wood Fossil Park is located about 15 kilometers away from the city. Here one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago.
Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Ji Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Bada Bagh, Kuldhara abandoned village, and Gadi Sagar Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Desert Tulip/ Garh Jaisal or similar.

Day 5: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (B)

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, check in at the hotel. Later excursion jeep safari to Guda a Bishnoi village home to a vivid range of exotic wildlife and nature. It is a habitat for thousands of migratory birds in the area. One can often catch the Demoiselle crane frolicking at the lake. Antelopes and blackbucks can also be spotted by the pond. This place is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, especially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land and make every effort to conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians. It is the perfect place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life. It is a place caught in a delightful time warp, where life still goes on like the days of the past. Evening back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place or similar.

Day 6: Jodhpur (B)

Breakfast at the hotel city tour of Jodhpur, popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, Havelis, and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year 1459 AD. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical site lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers. Unlike the original chhatri-shaped cenotaphs that are typical patterns of Rajasthan architecture, these are built along the lines of Hindu temples.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place or similar.

Day 7: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (B)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Udaipur Enroute visits Ranakpur Jain Temple.
The Ranakpur Temple complex comprises 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars here are the same! The temple structure has five spires, each of which houses a shrine underneath, and it is under the largest spire in the axis of the main entrance (Chaumukha Shrine) that one can locate the 6 feet tall statue of Lord Adinath. Another exquisite aspect that has also earned the temple its name is the carving of the four-headed image of Adinath, sheltered by a 108-headed snake with numerous tails. The four heads face four directions, suggesting the pursuit of the Tirthankaras. The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork. However, it is the carvings of the nymphs and celestial maidens playing musical instruments, at the height of nearly 45 feet that really draws the eye.
Thereafter drive to Udaipur to check-in at the hotel. Evening enjoys a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, sees the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Hotel Lakend/ Amet Haveli or similar.

Day 8: Udaipur (B)

Breakfast at the hotel city tour of Udaipur. The city of lakes is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second-largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace, Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Eklingji & Nagda Temple.
In the evening watch “Dharohar” folk dance show at Bagore-ki-Haveli. A gorgeous 18th-century haveli that has been converted into a museum showcasing Mewar art and architecture. The haveli puts on one of the best Rajasthani folk dance shows in Rajasthan. For an hour, performers dance to Rajasthani folk music wearing bright-colored ethnic dresses. The dances are varied and demonstrate the tradition and culture of Rajasthani folklore. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Hotel Lakend/ Amet Haveli or similar.

Day 9: Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur (B)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur en-route visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.
Visit Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lakes in the country, which has 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. Excursion to visit Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer. Continue to drive to Jaipur check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Holiday Inn City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier or similar.

Day 10: Jaipur (B)

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jaipur. Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly growing population and increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. The pink that colors the city makes for a marvelous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh, and Garh Ganesh Temple.
In the morning visit to Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort & Sisodia Rani Garden. Afternoon city tour visits City Palace, Observatory & Hawa Mahal. Further, explore the local market the famous bazaars of Pink City. In the evening attend Aarti Ceremony at Birla temple. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Holiday Inn City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier or similar.

Day 11: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (B)

Breakfast at hotel drives to Agra en-route visit Abhaneri a small village popular for the amazing Chand Baoris (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India’s deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes. Continue to Fatehpur Sikri founded in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar and abandoned after 15 yrs due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bais Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Further, drive to Agra check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Prime Plaza/ Crystal Sarovar Premier or similar.

Day 12: Agra – Delhi (B)

Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.
Breakfast at the hotel visits Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Afternoon drive to Delhi, direct transfer to airport to board late evening or night flight for onward destination.