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Rajasthan Rural Tours
Duration :- 13 Nights/14 Days
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Day 01: 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 in Delhi (B).

Day 02: Delhi:
As India's capital, Delhi 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. We start our morning 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. Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul majesty, the Jama Masjid that is India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chowk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. 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. In the evening we witness of sound & light show at Red Fort at 20:00 Hrs.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (B).

Day 03: Delhi/Agra: (Drive 200Km/ 04 Hrs):
Today morning we leave for Agra- Home of the world-famous TAJ MAHAL en-rout visit Sikandra, The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar. The greatest of the Mughal emperors, lies in the centre of a peaceful garden grazed by deer at Sikandra. Akbar started its construction himself, blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist Jain and Christian motifs and style in much the same way that he developed the syncretic religious philosophy called din-I Ilahi. When Akbar died, his son, Jehangir, who significantly modified the original plan, completed the mausoleum. After visit Sikandra we continue our journey to Agra. On arrival in Agra we check in our hotel. Later we visit to one of the most well known wonders of the world, the 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. 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. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (B).

Day 04: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/ Jaipur: (Drive 232 km/05 hrs):
Today after breakfast we proceed to Jaipur en-route visit 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. After visit Fatehpur Sikri we continue our journey to 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. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (B).

Day 05: 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 in Jaipur (B).

Day 06: Jaipur/Udaipur: (Drive 425 km/08 Hrs):
Today morning we take a long journey to 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. Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir. On arrival in Udaipur we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Udaipur (B).

Day 07: Udaipur:
Today we tour Udaipur, Our visit includes the City Palace, 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, Saheliyon Ke Bari or the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. We also visit Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir. In the evening we take a boat cruise at lake Pichola.
Overnight: Hotel in Udaipur (B).

Day 07: Udaipur/Ranakpur/Jodhpur: (Drive 285Km/ 08 Hrs):
Today we proceed to Jodhpur en-route visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, 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. After visit Ranakpur temples we continue our journey to Jodhpur, The blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles, spreads, along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Jodhpur's fort, Mehrangarh, towers over the city, perched on a sheer rocky ridge from where the view over the sea of blue buildings in mesmerizing. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days, non-Brahmins have taken on the practice too. The old city of Jodhpur is a tangle of winding, glittering streets, scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations, from snuff to saris. It's surrounded by 10 km long wall (built about a century after the city was founded) with eight gates. Jodhpur was founded bin 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores. On a vital trade route, the city was built on the profits of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. On arrival in Jodhpur we check in our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Jodhpur (B).

Day 08: Jodhpur:
Today morning we go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside. Later we explore Jodhpur city. Our visit includes Mehrangarh fort, built in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, rises steeply from a rocky scrap winds Up to the massive gateway with immense portals and enter 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). Inside the fort there is a series of courtyards and palaces, a deep -terracotta latticed network. They house a museum, with a splendid collection of the trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephants howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada This milky - white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, about 1 km from the fort. The royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby followed the Cenotaph, built in 1899. We will also visit the beautifully landscaped Mandore Gardens. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Jodhpur (B).

Day 09: Jodhpur/Jaisalmer: (Drive 298 km/8 Hrs):
Today we take a long interesting journey to 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. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaisalmer (B).

Day 10: 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 our 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. Later we come back to our hotel Jaisalmer.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaisalmer (B).

Day11: Jaisalmer/ Bikaner: (Drive 333km/ 8 Hrs):
Today we proceed to Bikaner, 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.
Overnight: Hotel in Bikaner (B).

Day 12: Bikaner/ Mandawa: (Drive 164 km/4 Hrs):
After breakfast we check out from our hotel & leave for city tour. Our visit includes Junagadh fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh-A general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Then Lalgarh palace, this red stone 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. After sightseeing we proceed to Mandawa, One of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region has royal castle and innumerable Havelis where the painted facades offer a great variety of surprises. Mandawa was founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha after whom the entire region is named. Mandawa is famously known as "The Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan". Mandawa is famous for the plethora of plain red havelis, and this rich artistic region known as Shekhawati. Mandawa is an excellent base for those seeking to discover what is known as Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. On arrival in Mandawa we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Mandawa (B).

Day 13: Mandawa/Delhi: (Drive 242 km/ 6 Hrs):
Today morning we explore Mandawa city & its Havelis. Later we proceed to Capital of India "Delhi". On arrival in Delhi we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (B).

Day 14: Delhi/ Back home: