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Rajasthan on Wheels >> Palaces on Roads
Duration :- 10 Nights/11 Days
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Day 1: Arrive Delhi:
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Palace (B). (5 Star Deluxe Property)

Day 02: Arrive Delhi/Agra: (Drive 200km/4Hrs):
Delhi-As India's capital is a political and business hub, as well as one of the country's major travel gateways. It also has a throng of semi permanent foreigners who work as news correspondents, at embassies (you can identify a diplomat's car by it's blue number plate), or at other organizations that have foreign associations. Spacious and planned, New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British while Old Delhi was the capital of the Muslim India between the 17th and the 19th centuries - there is a rich legacy of mosques, and monuments and forts that testifies to this. Delhi hasn't always been India's capital, but it has played a paramount role in Indian history. Many have invaded Delhi through the ages, including the Persian emperor, Nadir Shah, who sacked the city in 1739 and carted the Kohinoor Diamond (now part of the British royal family's crown jewels) and the famous Peacock Thrown off to Iran. The British Captured Delhi in 1803, but during the Indian Uprising of 1857 it was centre of resistance against them. The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. Later We start our tour with New Delhi and visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Moghul India, Hindu India, and British India and certainly of modern independent India. We also visit a Kashmiri handicraft emporium where skillful craftsmen from Kashmir will show you how "The World famous Persian carpets" are weaved. These craftsmen have resettled down in Delhi after the uprising in Kashmir and are trying to earn their livelihood. Later we proceed to Agra- Home of the world-famous TAJ MAHAL. On arrival in Agra, we check in our hotel.
Overnight: Mughal Sheraton (B). (5 Star Deluxe Property)

Day 03: Agra/Jaipur:(Drive 250km/5 Hrs):
Today morning we visit world famous monument Taj Mahal- best described as 'poetry in marble' because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. Surely it is the greatest monument of love, and truly one of the wonders of the world. Later we come back our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we also visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, standing opposite the Taj on the banks of the Yamuna River, which contains a wealth of palaces and monuments that recall the days of Mughal splendors. Agra is famous for it's inlay work on marble, later we visit some of the local factories in Agra to see, how the inlay work on marble in done. Later we proceed to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Capital where phantoms of ancient pomp and splendour fill a deserted city, silent witnesses to a vanished dream. The capital had to be abandoned by the emperor for lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint 'Salim Chisti' and the Bulland Durwaza, the highest gateway in the world, are some of the highlights of the place. Later continue our countryside journey for Jaipur- Filled with frenetic crowds, Rajasthan's chaotic, dusky - pink capital is a place of wild contrasts, bombarding the senses at every turn. Jaipur's old city, it's rich color deepening and fading according to the light, is lined with long, twinkling bazaars. Like Wacky Races on acid, vegetable - laden camel carts thread their way through streets jam-packed with cars, cows, rickshaws & bicycles. The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693 - 1743). On arrival in Jaipur we check in our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Rambagh Palace (B). (5 Star Deluxe Property)

Day 04: Jaipur:
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colorful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. As Jaipur is famous for its jewels (gems cutting and polishing), we will take you to a Gems cutting and polishing center - which has won several awards by Japanese Government & Govt. Of India.
Overnight: Hotel Rambagh Palace (B). (5 Star Deluxe Property)

Day05: Jaipur/Bikaner: (Drive 321km/8 Hrs):
After early breakfast we leave for Bikaner. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and Aries windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Jaramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Rao Bika, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Jaramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. This sprawling desert town has a fort with some of the finest interiors in India, and a bustling old walled city encompassing darkred sandstone havelis and exquisitely painted Jain temples. The area is famous for the intricate rich gold painting work by Muslim Usta artisans. On arrival in Bikaner we check in our hotel. Later we visit Junagarh fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh-A general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Then Lalgarh palace, this redstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. It is an imposing building, with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework.
Overnight: Hotel Gajner Palace (B).

Day 06: Bikaner/ Jaisalmer: (333km/8 Hrs):
Today we leave for Jaisalmer- an architectural dream in the lonely yellow silence of the desert. What could have induced Jaisal, a Bhatti prince, to settle right in the heart of a desolate desert, that too in the 12th century. In the narrow, cobbled alleys of Jaisalmer - no wider than a stretched arm - cluster the havelis or the mansions of the rich, with stone carving and latticed work of breathtaking intricacy. Patwan ki haveli, Nathmalji ki haveli and Salimn ki haveli are some of the beautiful mansions. The fort build on the highest point of Tricutta hill is entered through the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. Jaisalmer' s strategic position on the camel train routes between India and Central Asia bought it great wealth. The merchants and townspeople built magnificent houses and mansions, all exquisitely carved from wood and golden sandstone. Jaisalmer looks as if it has grown out of the desert. On arrival in Jaisalmer we check in our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Rawat Kot (B).

Day 07: Jaisalmer:
After breakfast we leave for city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the fort built by Maharawal (Maharaja) Jaisal in 1156 AD- One of the 2nd oldest in Rajasthan situated on triangular Mound 76 meters above ground level. Like a giant sandcastle, the golden fort thrusts skywards out of the surrounding barren landscape. Dubbed the "Golden City" because of its honey color, it is the place that should exist only in the imagination. For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights' still enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight. We also visit the Jain temple of the 11th century BC, Gadisar Tank - A scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. Folk Museum, Patwan ki Haveli- the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals, Badal Vilas Palace. We come back to the hotel after sightseeing. In the late afternoon we leave for an excursion to SAM and SAND DUNES. Village SAM 45 kms west of Jaisalmer has a cluster of Sand dunes. These dunes are large extents of shifting sands, the wind heaps the sand into hills or deep hollow scopes vary in size from 3 to 15 km. Camel ride is arranged in the evening. Enjoy the sun set with changing colors in desert.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Rawat Kot (B).


Day 08: Jaisalmer/ Ossian/ Jodhpur: (Drive 298/ 8 hrs):
Today we proceed to Jodhpur en-route visiting Ossian. Ossian is famous for Jain temples. These Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex. Later we proceed to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is founded in 1450 A.D. by Rao Jadha, a King of Marwar, Jodhpur, with its impressive Fort, Royal Palaces and temples, is one of Rajasthan's important cities. On arrival in Jodhpur we check in our hotel. Later we visit the beautifully landscaped Mandore Gardens. Mehrangarh fort built in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha rises steeply from a rocky scrao winds upto the massive gateway with immense portals and enters through the Gate of victory - Jai Pole and Loha Pole Marked with palm prints of 'Sati' (Rajput Ladies immolated themselves on funeral fire of their Husband). See Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Rang Mahal with arched windows, chiseled and stone lattice work and exuberance of painted walls and ceiling with miniature paintings, inlay work and mirrors & Jaswant Thada- Richly carved white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II which preserves the genealogy of the rulers of Jodhpur along with their life size portraits.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Hari Mahal (B).

Day 09: Jodhpur/ Rohet/ Jodhpur:(Drive 40km/2Hrs):
Today we proceed to Rohet. Rohet is the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathores of the Champawat clan; Thakur Dalpat Singh I. Generations of valiant noblemen have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. Here we experience the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality. Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the neem tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within this time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom. Rohet is a warm fortified home still alive with a tradition of enviable cuisine and customs. At Rohet you'll truly feel that you are the first outsider to have arrived there. And, as Rohet draws you, linking you to its heart, it will bind you to a point of not wanting to leave. A small but quaint village, Rohet is home to several artisans, and visitors can also visit Bishnoi settlements with their scrubbed homes and flamboyantly dressed & bejeweled women. Later we come back to our hotel Jodhpur. Rest of the day is free for shopping & personal activities.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Hari Mahal (B).

Day 10: Jodhpur/ Ranakpur/Udaipur: (Drive 259km/7 Hrs):
After early breakfast we proceed to Udaipur en-route visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharma Shah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. These temples were constructed in the AD 1439. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 Kilograms whose sound echoes in the entire complex. Later we continue our countryside journey for Udaipur. If Jaipur is a study in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor. Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. On arrival in Udaipur we check in our hotel. Later we take our tour with a boat ride in lake Pichola.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Lake Palace (B).


Day 11: Udaipur/ Delhi:(By air flight # 9W 708, Departure 15:20 PM, Arrival 16:30 PM):
After early breakfast we check out from our hotel for visiting the City Palace with its intricate countryside, patios and balconies, Sahelion-Ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens of Honor, Jagdish Temple and the Gulab Niwas Garden are the highlights. Later we are transferred to airport in time to connect flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we take farewell dinner at hotel. Later we are transferred to International airport for onward destination.

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