Cultural Rajasthan Tour
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrival Delhi & Transfer to Hotel . Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi – Mandawa (260km)
After breakfast sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar, India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House, Red fort, Raj Ghat the Memorial of Mahatama Gandhi and visit Laxmi Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Later move by your exclusive vehicle to Mandawa, upon arrival check into your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03 : Mandawa – Bikaner (180km)
In the morning see this beautiful Heritage village of Shekhawati Region that used to be an important caravanserai of the yesteryears. See the many beautiful Fresco Painted havelis of this quaint little town built by the rich and the famous merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. These havelis have been painted with activities of daily life and of deities to break the monotony of the desert life. Reach Bikaner by Evening time. Check in to the Hotel for over night stay.
Day 04 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer (333km)
After breakfast we visit Bikaner. Bikaner is named after its founder Rao Bikaji in 1488. But long before this, the city was trade center on the caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are rippling sands and abundant sunshine. The city stands on an elevation, enclosed by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gates. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. The guest will visit magnificent lallgarah Palace. We proceed to Golden City Jaisalmer. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed to visit the Rich and beautiful palaces and “Havelis” of Jaisalmer Sonar Kila, Patwon ki haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmalji Ki Haveli and afternoon excursion to Sam for short camel ride in the sand dunes of thar desert. There are two option of overnight stay. The first option is to stay in the Sand Dunes in the tents where you can enjoy the special dinner with cultural programme, Rajasthani folk dance & music. and the second one is to stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (305km)
Early Morning drive to Jodhpur the blue city en route we visit Osian. Osian is the ancient town of Thar Desert was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries. Today it is desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood ravages of time. The place is highlighted by its camel ride at the time of the sunset.
Proceed to the Jodhpur and check in to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07 : Jodhpur
After taking breakfast visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic Fort”, located at the very centre of the city. There are, in all, three gates, each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions as a hotel and museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08 : Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Udaipur en route visit Ranakpur Temples.
Ranakpur Temples – the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills and go to Khumbal Garh Fort. Kumbhalgarh, situated 65 km north of Udaipur hold a heroic past having sheltered the heir of Mewar throne in times of Danger. It was here that the baby prince of Mewar was hidden from an assassin. It is an isolated and fascinating place, built by Maharana Khumbha in the 15th century. Later drive to Udaipur. Check in to the hotel for the overnight stay.
Day 09 : Udaipur
Visit the City Palace the richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan. See the Peacock Square and the miniature painting school inside the palace premises. Udaipur has the prestige of housing the best miniature schools in the country under the royal patronage of the king of Udaipur. Later, see the Sahelion ki Bari where Maharana Sangram Singh build this garden complex with fountains and lakes for his beautiful daughter. In the evening we take a lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lived and got inspired to build the Taj Mahal later. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur
After taking breakfast we drive to Jaipur en route we visit Pushkar. Pushkar happens to be the holiest place according to the Hindus as it is considered that Lord Brahma (the Creator) and his wife Saraswati (the goddess of learning and music) performed a ritual in the lake. Here we visit the only Brahma temple of the world before intermingling with the local colours in the local bazaar. Thereafter continue drive to Jaipur Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel. In the late evening enjoy at Chokhi Dhani with cultural programme, Rajasthani folk dance & music. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11 : Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to visit Amber fort where you will have the sheer pleasure to enjoy the Elephant Ride. And then go to Jaigarh Fort. Jaigarh Fort is located on the top of the hill, by the name of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). Jaigarh Fort is also known as the ‘Victory Fort’, located at a comfortable distance of 15kms from Jaipur. The highlight of this Fort is the massive cannon by the name of Jaivan, which was made in the same production house. Jaivan, the cannon, is believed to be the largest cannon in the World and the main attraction of the Jaigarh Fort. Afternoon tour of the City – “The Pink City” is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal “Palace of the Winds”, and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur- Fatehpur Sikari- Agra (232 Kms)
After taking breakfast drive to Agra en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. It’s famous for the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Proceed to Agra. Day at Leisure check in to the Hotel and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13 : Agra – Delhi
After taking breakfast we proceed for sightseeing of the city. TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it’s stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT – Built by the famous Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JAHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Proceed to Delhi en route visiting Sikandra the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Sikandra is located at 13 K.M. far from the Agra Fort on the highway to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to the Airport for your onward destination.
