Classic Rajasthan

Day 1: New Delhi

Arrival: Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi. Our representative will receive you outside the customs gate (Important: watch for a placard with your name on it) and escort you to the hotel. Hotel staff will personally greet you in Indian style with aarti and tikka-the traditional form of greeting and showing respect that has been followed since Vedic times. Delhi – A truly multi-dimensional metropolis; renowned for its effervescent spirit, captivating and historical monuments, magnificent museums, mouth-watering eateries and mindboggling, value-for-money shopping opportunities. Don’t get over awed by the aggressive approach of people and overwhelming flow of mechanical and human traffic on roads. Hidden beneath this chaos is a warmth and humane aspect that stands apart in both the New and Old Delhi. This vibrant melting pot has a lot to showcase India’s new, historical and traditional aspects.

The combined sightseeing tour of the famous historical sights in Old & New Delhi, visiting the Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past Red Fort (1639-48) built by the builder of The Taj Mahal – Shah Jehan; Jama Mosque - the largest mosque in India; Humayun’s Tomb (1565 AD), aptly called the predecessor of The Taj Mahal; the Qutab Minar (72 m high) - one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. End the tour with a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President's Residence.

Day 2: Mandawa

You will be driven from Delhi to Mandawa (280 KMS/ 7 Hours) - remote feudal principality in the centre of Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, proceed for check in at your room. The Rajput ruler of Mandawa built a fort in 1755 to protect this trading outpost that fell in the ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East. The township that grew around the fort attracted a large community of traders, who settled here. When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa build palatial mansions in their hometown.

You will explore this storybook town of Mandawa known for its colourful frescoes on a wide variety of subjects ranging from religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire rendered in the inimitable style of local artist. Every home here is adorned with gaily-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. You can take a walking tour of the painted havelis of some of the leading business families of the country. Some of the better known Havelis of Mandawa are, Chowkhani Haveli Goenka Haveli, Saraf Haveli,Ladia Haveli.

Day 3: Bikaner

You would be driven from Mandawa to Bikaner (180 KMS/ 04 HRS). Upon arrival proceed for check in at your room. Present day Bikaner owes many of its finest buildings to one remarkable man, the late Maharaja Ganga Singh [1880-1943] who single-handedly transformed his backward feudal domain into Rajasthan greenery by building the Ganga Canal, turning the surrounding deserts into lush, green fields. The flamboyant monarch also founded one of India’s most prestigious military units, the Camel Corps, and staged spectacular shoots for imperial sand grouse, complete with fleets of Rolls Royce and vast banquets. The Prince of Wales attended the shoot held in 1905.

Day 4: Jaisalmer

You will be driven from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 KMS / 7 Hours). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, proceed for check-in at your hotel following which remainder of the day is free Jaisalmer, the golden beauty etched in yellow sandstone, standing tall against miles of gleaming sand. Founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer’s location kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer. There is a fort that seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.

Day 5: Jaisalmer

Morning, sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temples, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gadisar Tank. Afternoon, visit the Sand Dunes. Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Jodhpur

You will be driven to Jodhpur enroute visit Osian. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Start with visit to the Meherangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. Following visit of the fort, proceed on an exhilarating walk through the old city of Jodhpur. The walk will take you as far as the old market from which point you will be transported by Tongas, or horse-drawn carriages, back to the hotel. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau.

Day 8: Udaipur

Leave for Udaipur (255 KMS / 6.30 hours) en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples, an exceptionally beautiful excursion through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley, to see one of the best complexes of Jain religion which is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work. Later continue your journey to Udaipur and upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rajasthan is romantic with tales of valour and chivalry, and a history that brings to life forts and palaces and court intrigues. But Udaipur is different - an interlude for the diehard romantics. A splash of colour in colourful Rajasthan that's brighter, tinged with the tones of local legends and lores. Here are lakes that come as a surprise in sandy Rajasthan, and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. And in the lakes or by their edges are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. There are rugged fortresses too -- Chittaurgarh and Kumbalgarh, where the history of Udaipur is told as if it were but a page from yesterday. For in Udaipur the past lives and breathes with the present.

You will enjoy a motorboat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake. In the evening, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewellery shops, utensil shops, jiggery shops, silver market and local meat & food shop. (Boat ride is subject to water level in Lake)

Day 10: Deogarh

Jeep safari in to the rugged countryside, nearby forest and lakes for the bird and nature lovers. Then walk through the little merchandising village where villagers buying and selling wares is an interesting sight.

Day 11: Jaipur

Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets.

Day 12: Jaipur

You will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. In the afternoon you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets.

Day 13: Agra

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted red sandstone city built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar and was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585. It is regarded as emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and Masjid satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. Here a renowned Muslim scholar will meet you and give you a lecture on the Mughal art and architecture. After your visit continue your drive to Agra. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Agra Fort - an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Then proceed to Itmad-Ud-Daulah popularly known as Baby Taj.

Day 14: New Delhi

You will proceed for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Day 15: New Delhi

You will be met by our representative at the hotel lobby, who will transfer you to airport to board your flight back home.