This tremendous 14-day trip takes you through the immense area of Rajasthan to explore its great past. Discover the great times of the maharajas of the area and travel back in time, discovering its magnitude of strengths and impressive forts. You will visit important cities, the desert and the illustrious Taj Mahal. This trip combines contrasts and cultural riches with all the magic of Rajasthan.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: The capital of India enjoys splendid cultural and architectural heritage such as the Jama Masjid mosque, the Qutub Minar minaret and the Rashtrapati government district Bhavan.
Mandawa: The city is famous for the artistic paintings of ancient mansions, called havelis and temples.
Bikaner: This great town possibly reminds you of being in an old border post.
Jaisalmer: This ‘Golden city' will delight your eyes with its sandstone buildings.
Jodhpur: This blue painted city will captivate you with its majestic fortress located on a hill with panoramic views over the city
Udaipur: Known for its palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur presents another perspective of India.
Jaipur: Discover the romantic 'Pink City', visiting Amber Fort and City Palace among other places.
Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, two marble monuments that are more works of art
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport with meet and greet by a representative followed by transfer to your hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis where the past and the present merge, and where the Old and the New cities define the capital’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning discovering Old Delhi, and get to know some of the most important historical and cultural attractions of the capital. View the great mosque of Jama Masjid, passing by the Red Fort on the way. The mosque, which dates back to the 17th century, is situated in Chandi Chowk, the bustling and rustic Old Delhi (enjoy Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi). Next, visit the Raj Ghat, a moving monument commemorating the life of Gandhi. In the afternoon, the tour of the most emblematic places of New Delhi, we will visit the Sikh - Bangla Sahib temple, we will pass through Connaught Place and then Qutub Minar. At 73 meters, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world and considered one of the most important examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue the tour through the Rashtrapati Bhavan district, where all the important government buildings and the national parliament are located as well as the Gateway of India, all these great examples of the political power of the zenith of the British Empire in India.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: DELHI – MANDAWA (270 km - 7 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Then pack your bags and prepare to depart Delhi and begin your Rajasthan adventure. This morning we will travel overland to Mandawa, a town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Mandawa is often referred to as an open art gallery due to its abundance of beautifully decorated forts and havelis, the traditional mansions of rich merchant families. The stunning architecture of this small city has made it a popular location for shooting Bollywood movies. Upon arrival in Mandawa, check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax after the journey in the hotel’s facilities or head out into the city to admire the ornate decoration of the havelis. There are also many local bazaars in Mandawa. These shops sell many local handicrafts, including paintings, decorated chests and metal work and offer the ideal opportunity for a spot of shopping. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Mandawa
Day 4: MANDAWA - BIKANER (180 km - 3.5 hrs)
Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and then get ready for your departure to Bikaner. The city of Bikaner is surrounded by the Thar Desert and is home to various forts, temples, and palaces. In the afternoon, join the 2-hour visit of Junagarh Fort, a vast 16th-century complex. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is one of the most impressive ones in India, with its red sandstone and marble construction, the ornate balconies and windows of differing designs and the fact that it has remained unconquered throughout its history. Enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 5: BIKANER – JAISALMER (330 km - 7 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then depart for Jaisalmer, known as the ‘Golden City’, and it certainly lives up to its name. This desert citadel is surrounded by golden sands and stunning sandstone buildings that grow more yellow in the sunlight. The fort of Jaisalmer dominates the city and is a breathtaking sight, like a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains of the Thar. En route to Jaisalmer, we will visit the Pokhran fort located in the Thar desert (entrance included). This great fortress dates back to the 14th century and stands out for its curious red tone. Upon arrival in the city, check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Rest and recuperate in the hotel or wander around the narrow streets of the old city and marvel at the magnificent havelis hidden beneath the ramparts. In the evening, be sure to watch the sunset from one of the city’s many fantastic viewpoints, including Jaisalmer Fort, Lake Gadisar or Vyas Chhatri. As the sun goes down and millions of stars twinkle over the quiet desert, Jaisalmer appears to be straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: JAISALMER
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the legendary city of Jaisalmer visiting the Gadisar cistern, knowing its fort with its Jain temples. The Jaisalmer Fort differs in that it houses more than 3,000 people within its walls, which are part of the old quarter of the city. We will walk through the streets full of hand-carved houses, all made of the local sandstone stone, which has a beautiful “golden honey” hue. In the afternoon, we go out to see the desert with an excursion to the Sam dunes where we enjoy an hour on a camel and watch the sunset over the walls of the "chatris", ancient tombs located outside the city. You will be back at the hotel in the evening for dinner.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 7: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (285 km - 5 hrs)
Wake up to an early breakfast at the hotel and then depart for Jodhpur. Founded in 1459 by a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan, the city of Jodhpur was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat, enabling a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates and other goods. The Blue City is now a popular tourist destination and it features many palaces, forts and temples, all set against the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to the hotel and prepare for an afternoon 3 hours tour of the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort, which sits on a hilltop 125 meters above the city, is one of the most impressive and formidable forts in India. Inside its boundaries are several palaces known for their intricate carvings, lattice windows, and expansive courtyards. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 8: JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (290 km - 7 hrs)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we will proceed by road to Udaipur. On the way, we will visit the famous Ranakpur temples, dating back to the 15th century (No guide service as guides are not allowed inside the temple. Audio guides will be provided instead). This example of Jainism is one of the most exceptional that exists in the country. The complex is located in a beautiful valley between the green hills of the Aravalli mountain range. The main temple is made entirely of marble, with 1,444 carved columns, each with different motifs. We continue by road to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check into the hotel.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 9: UDAIPUR
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning city tour of one of the most charming cities of Rajasthan, Udaipur. Nestled like a gem beside the tranquil Lake Pichola in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills, the setting of Udaipur is unmatched in all of Rajasthan. The narrow winding streets full of havelis, temples and palaces speak of an aristocratic past. Visit the City Palace, which sits regally on the edge of Lake Pichola. Then visit Sahelion-ki-bari, the ‘Garden of the Maids of Honour’, which was the setting for royal parties for centuries. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola (subject to water level), named after the small village of Picholi on its west bank. There are several islands on the lake and two of them are home to palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 10: UDAIPUR – JAIPUR (350 km - 7 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then begin the journey back to Jaipur. Visit the city of Pushkar on the way. Pushkar is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site and possibly one of the most religious cities in the world. The town sits next to Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by over 400 temples and features 52 ghats. The lake is considered one of the holiest places in the world for Hindus and there is a belief that a dip in the waters of the lake of Kartika Purnima is equivalent to performing yajnas for several hundred years (yajnas is oblation rituals). After visiting the sacred city of Pushkar, continue driving to Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. The city is packed full of wonders and remains one of the most popular historical destinations in the country, combining the comforts of a modern-day metropolis with the romance of the past, the city promises a deeply gratifying experience. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Make the most of the hotel’s facilities or take an evening stroll. Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 11: JAIPUR – AMBER FORT – JAIPUR (14 km - 45 min)
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a visit of Amber Fort, a honey-colored fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted by jeep. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The somber exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art- panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderness hues. On the way you will have a brief stop to take the traditional photo of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). In the afternoon enjoy a visit of the City Palace now converted into a museum, which contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory. Continue the visit to the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world. In the afternoon visit the Birla temple to attend the Aarti ceremony.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 12: JAIPUR – ABHANERI – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (236 km – 6 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Stop en route at Abhaneri, a village famous for the Chand Baori stepwell in Dausa, and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. The monumental walled city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1571. However, the city was abandoned just a few years after its completion due to a lack of water. Today, it is a remarkably well-preserved collection of red sandstone palaces, pavilions, and mosques. The complex presents a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, and it includes the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Salim Chisti. After the tour, continue on to Agra and check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 13: AGRA
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will enjoy a morning tour of the famous Taj Mahal-the greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shahjehan built her this memorial. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. Later visit Agra Fort, whose red sandstone bastions protect a dozen beautiful palaces and Mughal pavilions. Explore the Diwan-i-Am (Public Hearing hall), where the emperor served his subjects, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Private Hearing hall), where he dealt with foreign dignitaries. Rest of the Day at Leisure, perhaps you could go for your afternoon visit of the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 14: AGRA – DELHI (210 km -5 hrs)
Start the day with breakfast in your hotel in Agra. After breakfast, depart for the overland journey back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, enjoy some free time for last-minute sightseeing or take the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs to take home for your family and friends. In the evening, transfer to Delhi International Airport to take your flight to your onwards destination. Although this is the last day of your tour with us through the history, culture and magical charm of Rajasthan, we are sure that your memories of this unique region will last you a lifetime!
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay