ROYAL RAJASTHAN TOUR

Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations : Delhi-Mandawa-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Welcome to the capital of India – Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport by our tour executive who will escort you to the pre booked hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Enquire Now

DAY 02 : DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi Old Delhi - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting - Red Fort - The red sandstone walls of Lal Qila, the Red Fort, extend for two km and vary in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 metres on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid The splendid mosque built by Muhammad Ali Shah in the typical Mughal style with two minarets and three domes, lies to the west of the Hussainabad Imambara. Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Also, visit the Swami Narayan Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Proceed for the visit of New Delhi New Delhi - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit:- Humayun's Tomb - Built in the mid 16th century by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, Humayun's Tomb is an early example of Mughal architecture built in Delhi. Lotus temple ( known as Bahai Temple), Qutub Minar - 13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 mts high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Qutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. A drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, The President's Residence, and a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. End with the visit of the Lotus temple at the sunset Overnight at Delhi.

DAY 03: DELHI– MANDAWA (280 KMS / 6HOURS)

Welcome to the capital of India – Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and straight drive to Mandawa, a remote feudal principality in the centre of Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, proceed to check-in at your hotel. 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. This afternoon, 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 rend ered in the inimitable style of local artist. Every home here is adorned with gaily-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. Overnight at the hotel.
Enquire Now

DAY 04: MANDAWA – BIKANER (BY SURFACE) (170 KMS / 4 HOURS)

After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Mandawa to Bikaner In the afternoon, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky. Late in the afternoon you will visit the National Camel Breeding Farm and see the incredible sight of a herd of camels returning back after grazing, with the spectacular desert sunset in the background. Set amid rolling sand dunes, this farm is set up to produce superior strains of camels both for domestic haulage as well as, even today, for military use. Return to the hotel after your visit. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 05: BIKANER – JAISALMER (330 KMS / 7 HOURS).

After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Bikaner to Jaisalmer. 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. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, proceed for check-in at your hotel following which remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Enquire Now

DAY 06: JAISALMER

After buffet breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Jaisalmer. You will walk up to the Fort, which dominates the town. Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are a fine group of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Walk through Jaisalmer’s narrow streets dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples. Walk around this desert city, its fort emerging from the flat dry sands, bounding in ancient palaces, temples and delicately sculpted havelis - all witness to the emergence of this Rajput state into a market centre for traders. Late afternoon drive to Khuri/Sam Sand Dunes for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand. Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Return to the hotel after your tour. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 07: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (290 KMS / 5.30 HOURS).

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale. Later visit the Mehrangarh 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. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thanda 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. Return to the hotel after your tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Enquire Now

DAY 08: JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (BY SURFACE)

After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Jodhpur to Udaipur (255 KMS / 6 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. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 09: UDAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

After buffet breakfast, later you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise Visit to the vast and exquisite City Palace, a well-fortified, majestic white monument. The main entrance, a triple-arched gate named the Tripolia, was built in 1725 and is a marvel. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is also a fascinating sight. Continue to visit Jagdish Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Drive past Fateh Sagar Lake and visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maidens, which has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants. The garden brings to the fore the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Take a cruise on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir Palace, which covers almost four acres and is noted for its marble pavilion and an imposing dome. You’ll see people doing their laundry on the shores of the lake against the backdrop of the massive City Palace and the old city. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Enquire Now

DAY 10: UDAIPUR – PUSHKAR (220 KMS/05 HOURS)

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, your will be driven from Udaipur to Pushkar. The village of Pushkar lies 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. Afternoon you will explore the city mainly visiting the Pushkar Lake Ghats and the Bramha Temple, which is one of its kind left In India today. Return to your hotel after the visits. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11: PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (150 KMS / 03 HOURS)

After a leisurely buffet breakfast, you will proceed from Pushkar to Jaipur. Upon arrival proceed for check in at your hotel. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Reminder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

Today after a leisurely breakfast, take an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort. Take an elephant or jeep ride to ascend the hill on which the fort is situated.Later visit the City Palace and the Observatory and photo stop near the Palace of Winds, also known as Hawa Mahal. Later afternoon free for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur

DAY 13: JAIPUR– DELHI AIRPORT (265 KMS / 05 HOURS).

After buffet breakfast at hotel, later in time you will be driven to Delhi. Upon arrival connect to International airport to board your flight back home.
Enquire Now