The massive forts rising high from the land of Rajasthan, once were home to Maharajas (Kings) and their province. With varying topography; we find Jaisalmer Fort amidst the vast desert; while Ranthambore Fort is fenced with umbrageous jungle. Where Amer Fort hangs on a cliff viewing the entire city; Khimsar Fort resides well between a small village. Making way through these massive forts and palaces, spread across the state of Rajasthan will surely leave one speechless.
The tour package should comprise of all elements that pulls hundreds of travelers; and this surely is a blend of knowing India’s ethos and culture, rich ancient history, remarkable monumental sites, camel ride over Sam sand dunes, relaxation by the lakes and an exciting elephant ride uphill.
Join us on this tour of exploring the grandeur-ness of forts and palaces across Rajasthan, living up to the energy of enigmatic city of Mumbai, reliving the British and the Mughal days in Delhi and Agra.
| Day 1: | Arrive Delhi | |
| Day 2: | Delhi |
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| Day 3: | Delhi/Agra (Drive 220 Kms / 4 Hours) |
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| Day 4: | Agra |
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| Day 5: | Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur (Drive 245 Kms / 06 Hours) |
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| Day 6: | Jaipur |
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| Day 7: | Jaipur/Khimsar (Drive 290 Kms / 05 Hours) |
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| Day 8: | Khimsar/Jaisalmer (Drive 290 Kms / 05 Hours) |
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| Day 9: | Jaisalmer |
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| Day 10: | Jaisalmer/Jodhpur (Drive 287 Kms / 05 Hours) |
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| Day 11: | Jodhpur |
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| Day 12: | Jodhpur/Udaipur Via Ranakpur (Drive 280 Kms / 06 Hours) |
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| Day 13: | Udaipur |
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| Day 14: | Udaipur/Mumbai by Flight |
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| Day 15: | Mumbai |
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| Day 16: | Mumbai / Home |
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The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We explore 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. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a well-known local restaurant.
Please Note: Red Fort Complex is closed on Monday for visitors. Chandni Chowk remains closed on Sunday.
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 Qutub Minar and its Monuments* Built in the early 13th century the red sandstone tower of Qutub 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. After the tour of New Delhi, we drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, we check in our Hotel.
Please Note: Birla House is closed on Monday for visitors.
Sunrise we visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal* (subject to weather condition). An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Mogul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visit to Taj Mahal we return to 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.
Evening enjoy Mohabbat The Taj Show at Kalakriti - a unique Musical Dance Show performed by the renowned stage actors from Mumbai.
Please Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday for visitors.
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri*, Built during the second half of the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, the City of Victory was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we check into our hotel.
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. In the evening we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show.
After breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. On arrival we check in at our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.
Today 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 havelies. 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 Jodhpur, the blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles, spreads, along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Upon arrival we check in to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free.
After breakfast 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 (Jaipol) 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.
In the afternoon we visit the clock tower, a popular landmark in the old city near the Sardar Market and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure.
We start our experience of Udaipur by visiting the City Palace. The palace has 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. From the City Palace we can see the Lake Place, shimmering like a jewel in Lake Pichola. Later we visit the Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. We end our tour of Udaipur with a boat ride at Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir, a palace built on an island in 1551. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace for holding parties
We start our day with a visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument. Here we embark on our excursion to the Elephanta Caves*, located on an island in the Sea of Oman. The caves contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. We return to Mumbai by motor launch and visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus*, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British Architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. Our Next Stop is at Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during the Freedom Struggle. The house is now converted into a Museum. From here we leave for Hanging Gardens, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the bustling Crawford Market and drive past Haji Ali, the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant. We end our tour at the Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest outdoor laundry. The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present. In the evening we enjoy farewell dinner at well known restaurant.
Please Note: Elephanta Caves are closed for visitors on Monday.
* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED
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