Royal Rajasthan

1. Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
   Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival, we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.
2. Day 2 - Delhi
   The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with Old Delhi where we visit the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were “Palace Forts“ as these were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a walking tour through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
3. Day 3 - Delhi/Agra (Drive: 220 Km/ 4 Hours )
   Our exciting morning tour through New Delhi starts with a visit to Birla House, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse in 1948. Next, we explore the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.  Our next stop is Qutb Minar and its Monuments*. Built in the early 13th century, the magnificent red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. After the tour of New Delhi, we drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, we check in to our hotel.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
4. Day 4 - Agra
   We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648. Built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast. 
   Later we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques. In the afternoon, we visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water.  Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. Evening is free to wonder around this small-town housing three UNESCO World Heritage sites. 
   Note: On nights with a Full Moon the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight and is open to visitors. Bestway Tours & Safaris can arrange an optional tour to enjoy this very special occasion.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
5. Day 5 - Agra / Ranthambore (Drive: 290 Km/ 6 Hours)
   A countryside drive takes us to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the afternoon we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen.  

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
6. Day 6 - Ranthambore / Jaipur (Drive: 180 Km/ 4 Hours)
   An early morning safari in time when animals are looking out for their prey. We try and spot nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and black-faced langur. Ranthambhore was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and spotting the big cat in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. After our morning safari, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. In the evening we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show.  

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
7. Day 7 - Jaipur
   This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a journey to the Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century was never attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. Next we return to Jaipur to visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art.
   We also stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade, and the Jantar Mantar*, a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. The evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
8. Day 8 - Jaipur / Pushkar ( Drive: 140 Km / 3.5 Hours
   A leisurely drive to Pushkar the bewitching little town on the edge of the desert. Pushkar is famous for its temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk-coloured buildings clustering around its holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, (Hindu holy men). We visit the famous Lord Brahma Temple one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Evening, we walk through the town and meet local folks. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
9. Day 9 - Pushkar / Udaipur ( Drive: 280 Km / 6 Hours )
   Enjoy superb countryside views as we journey through Rajasthan to the city of lakes, Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and the region’s royal heritage is still readily apparent. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Centred around the shimmering Lake Pichhola, Udaipur offers beautifully intricate buildings set amid misty, rolling hills. It is also famous for the Lake Palace Hotel built as a palace on the lake and later turned into a deluxe hotel. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. Evening free to enjoy a walk and feel the city.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
10. Day 10 - Udaipur
    Our fascinating exploration of Udaipur starts with a visit to the enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichola. 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. At the Jagdish Temple we view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. Our tour of the romantic city of Udaipur ends with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces visiting Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in the middle of the glistening lake. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer resort. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
11. Day 11 - Udaipur / Jodhpur (Drive: 290 Km / 6 Hours )
    After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City for the blue colours that decorate many of its heritage buildings. On arrival, we check in to 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.

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
12. Day 12 - Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (Drive: 300 Km / 6 Hours )
    After breakfast, an interesting rural Rajasthan drive to Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City” for its yellowish sandstone, Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its crown is a fort that contains a palace and several finely sculptured Jain temples. On arrival, we check in at our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
13. Day 13 - Jaisalmer
    Today we visit Jaisalmer Fort*, one of the largest forts in the world. Built almost a millennium ago, the fort stands proudly on Thikuta Hill. As the sun sets, its yellow sandstone walls fade to a honey-gold, camouflaging the fort in the surrounding desert. 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 11th century B.C. and the Folk Museum. Next we visit Patwon-ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant belonging to a powerful Oswal Jain community which 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 experience Gadisar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by numerous beautiful shrines and a spectacular variety of birds. In the late afternoon, we drive to Sam village in the Thar Desert. Here we ride on camels to the nearby sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful desert sunset. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
14. Day 14 - Jaisalmer / Bikaner (Drive: 330 Km / 07 Hours )
    Continue our journey to Bikaner, where we check in to our spectacular heritage hotel. Afternoon explore Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh. The Raja travelled extensively while in the imperial service, and his appreciation of the art and architecture that he had seen was meticulously incorporated into Junagarh Fort. Later we visit a camel breeding farm set within the sand dunes, the only farm of its kind in the whole of Asia. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
15. Day 15 - Bikaner / Mandawa (Drive: 250 Km/ 6 Hours)
    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.

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
16. Day 16 - Mandawa / Delhi (Drive: 260 Km/ 6 Hours)
    After an incredible tour of the Royal Rajasthan, we are driven to Delhi where we check in at Holiday Inn Aerocity / Tauras Sarovar Portico for day room for 02 Hours. After dinner we board our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED