The princely state of Rajasthan with massive forts and palaces, pristine lakes & vibrant culture has been pulling thousands of tourists each day, just for a glimpse of it. Our tour glides through all the famous cities and towns spread across Rajasthan, so that you not only glance over but engrave in its mystic charm.
With our homespun package, jaunt between the bazaars of Jaipur famous for its jewelries; relax by the lakes of Udaipur; live like royalty in grandeur fort of Jaisalmer; meet the desert souls: camels at their farms in Bikaner and engross in the open art gallery of Mandawa town.
Someone looking to get an insight to the Northern culture of India, and especially wants to taste royalty served at its best; must book this tour of ‘Rustic Rajasthan.’
| Day 1: | Arrive Delhi | |
| Day 2: | Delhi |
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| Day 3: | Delhi – Agra (Drive: 220 km/ 4 hrs) |
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| Day 4: | Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (Drive: 245 Kms/ 5 Hours) |
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| Day 5: | Jaipur |
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| Day 6: | Jaipur / Udaipur (Drive: 420 Kms/ 07 Hours) |
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| Day 7: | Udaipur |
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| Day 8: | Udaipur / Jodhpur (Drive: 290 Km/ 6 Hours) |
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| Day 9: | Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (Drive: 300 Km/ 6 Hours) |
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| Day 10: | Jaisalmer |
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| Day 11: | Jaisalmer / Bikaner (Drive: 330 Km/ 7 Hours) |
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| Day 12: | Bikaner / Mandawa (Drive: 200 km / 4 hrs) |
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| Day 13: | Mandawa / Delhi (Drive: 260 km / 6 hrs) Delhi / Onward Destination |
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We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit Birla House, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. Later we visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, built in 1570. We continue to Qutb Minar and its Monuments* Built in the early 13th century the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the Red Fort Complex*. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement and each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions. After visiting the Red fort, we embark on a captivating journey on a Rickshaw passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar, it was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his daughter Jahan Ara in 17th Century since then many changes have taken place however it still remains Old Delhi's one of the Oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. Finally end our rickshaw ride at Jama Masjid, Mughal majesty and India's largest mosque. After visiting the mosque we proceed to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Please Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Monday and Chandni Chowk is closed on Sunday
After breakfast we drive to Agra. On arrival we check in our hotel. In the afternoon we visit to one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the crown jewel of Muslim art in India and across the world. Set in a vast Mogul garden located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After our sunrise experience at this artistic masterpiece, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Later we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
A short drive gets us to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. From here we continue on a countryside drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan.
This morning we take a Jeep Ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Located in a valley formed by a range of Aravallis known as Kalikho hills. The Palace and Fort are located on top of the hill with the city on slopes, and the valley protected by fort walls with four gates in the four cardinal directions. The construction of the fort began in 1592. It shows the evolution from the purely defensive fort settlements of the early medieval period to the palace fortress type of architecture typified in the 16th century. This palace fortress was never attacked or invaded. The fort comprises of number of gardens, courtyards and palatial spaces derived from Mughal architecture and are a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. We return to Jaipur and experience the art of carpet weaving & block printing. Later we visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. We also visit the Jantar Mantar*, an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century that includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period. The evening is free to enjoy both shopping and the cultural experience in the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting.
Our yet another interesting day starts with a visit to the enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. We then visit the Jagdish Temple, to view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. We end our tour of Udaipur with a boat ride on Lake Pichhola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces and visit Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in Lake Pichhola. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and a pleasure palace for holding parties
After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, we check in our Hotel. In the afternoon we visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. We enter through the Gate of Victory (Jaipal) and explore the series of courtyards and palaces decorated with beautiful terracotta lattice work. The museum in the fort has one of the best collections of the splendid trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s 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, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II with an array of whimsical domes.
We visit Jaisalmer Fort*, one of the largest forts in the world. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the "Golden Fort". Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval times as we wander through narrow lanes filled with havelis (mansions), temples, skilled artisans and of course camels. We then explore the Jain temple dating to the 11th century BC, the Folk Museum and Patwon-Ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant belonging to powerful Oswal Jain community and banker who had over three hundred trading centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-story complex took fifty years to complete and is the largest, and most elaborate of Jaisalmer’s havelis. We also visit Gadisar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. In the late afternoon we drive to Sam village in the Thar Desert. We ride on camels to the nearby sand dunes to enjoy the beautiful desert sunset.
After breakfast we drive to Bikaner and check in our heritage hotel. In the afternoon we visit Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh. Rai Singh had conquered part of Marwari and had been granted territory in Gujarat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort. Later we visit camel breeding farm set within the sand Dunes, the only farm of its kind in whole of Asia.
After breakfast we drive to Deshnoke to visit the famous Rat Temple dedicated to the Goddess Karni Mata. This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout. But by far the most intriguing aspect of the interior are approximately 20,000 rats that call this temple home. These holy animals are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. Later we drive to Mandawa, one of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region. We explore Mandawa’s famous "The Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan", visiting havelis, where the walls have been decorated with beautiful frescos depicting different aspects of the life in Rajasthan.
* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED
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