Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Late Evening: On arrival in Delhi, meet and greet at the airport and
transfer to hotel. Overnight in Delhi
Day 02 : In Delhi
Full day guided city tour of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi
Day 03 : Delhi / Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (250 kms/06 hrs), heart of the Shekhawati region
of Rajasthan known for its frescoed havelis. Driving in a south-westerly
direction form Delhi one immediately leaves behind the urban environs of the
capital of India and gets the glimpses of the country side. Stopping midway
at Peer Mal Ki Haveli. On arrival in Mandawa check into your hotel. In the
afternoon visit the Havelis notable among them being the Chokani, Ladia and
the Saraf Havelis.
Overnight in Mandawa
Day 04 : Mandawa / Bikaner
After an early breakfast drive to Bikaner (165 kms/04 hrs), which is in
true desert country, and part of the ancient caravan route that came from
west and central Asia. After traversing this part of the Thar desert
stopping at Ratangarh for lunch, one arrives at the fortified city of
Bikaner. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon a city tour of Junagarh Fort
and the City Palace.
Overnight in Bikaner
Day 05 : Bikaner / Jaisalmer
After early breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (330 kms/08 hrs), the 12th century
inhabited fort city. This fort city built by Rawal Jaisal has exquisite
stone work in typical yellow sandstone. This drive also gives you a glimpse
of typical desertic lifestyle with little thatched hutments, camels and sand
dunes strewn from horizon to horizon. Upon arrival check into your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure or take an evening walk towards the chattris and
watch the sun set on the golden fort.
Overnight in Jaisalmer
Day 06 : In Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is well known for weaving, embroidery, silver jewelry and its
colorful bazaars. The fort has some of the most intricately carved havelis
such as the Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli
and beautiful Jain temples. In the afternoon take a drive to the sand dunes
of Sam and watch the spectacular sun set. One has the option to take a short
camel ride. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Jaisalmer
Day 07 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur (310 kms/08 hrs) stopping midway
at Pokhran you arrive at Jodhpur -the blue hued city of the Rathore Rajputs,
overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh fort. Jodhpur the former capital of
the Mewar State was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. In the late afternoon
visit the Mehrangarh fort its ramparts.
Overnight in Jodhpur
Day 08 : Jodhpur / Udaipur
An early start from Jodhpur takes you to Udaipur (260 kms/06 hrs) the
enchanting city of dawn and the lake side capital of Mewar. Enroute visit
Ranakpur Jain temples which are well preserved and in near perfect
condition. The most distinctive feature of the shrine dedicated to Adinath
are the 29 halls of the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two
are exactly alike. After lunch at Maharani Orchard, continue drive to
Udaipur. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Udaipur
Day 09 : In Udaipur
The highlights of an excursion to Udaipur city involves a visit to the City
Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari - Garden of the maids of honour, Jagdish Temple
and museum of folkart. In the evening one has the option to take a boat ride
on the Lake Pichola.
Overnight in Udaipur
Day 10 : Udaipur / Kota
Leave Udaipur for Kota (280 kms/07 hrs) via Chittorgarh the most romantic
name in Rajasthan, where the famous Rajput beauty Rani Padmini enamoured the
Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, upon seeing her reflection on a mirror.
Visit the Chittorgarh Fort believed to have been built by the Mauryan rulers
in the 7th century AD. Arrive at Kota - a fascinating mixture of medieval
grandeur and modern industrialization - an impressive fort stands like a
sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams,
while an old palace of the Hada Rajputs overlooks the turbulent Chambal
river.
Overnight in Kota
Day 11 : Kota / Jaipur
Depart Kota via Bundi to the capital city of Jaipur (245 kms/05 hrs).
Enroute visit Bundi Fortress of medieval times standing sentinel to the
city. Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings and murals. Arrive Jaipur
check into the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 12 : In Jaipur
Jaipur is part of the exciting Indian Trail. It is here that the seekers of
India experience their fantasy of a voyage of discovery. Jaipur is an
exuberance of color, dance and song with the traditional arts and crafts.
Known as the 'Pink City' is one of India's most well planned cities with
wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. In the
morning visit the impressive Amber Fort, the former capital of the Royal
Family of Jaipur, taking an elephant ride to the top of the fort. In the
afternoon visit the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal. Rest
of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 13 : Jaipur / Agra
Depart Jaipur the land of the Rajputs to the Mughal splendour of Agra (232
kms/05½ hrs), enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri the ghost city 35 kms
from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim
Chisti, who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of
robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here
represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch
Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Drive on to Agra
and check-in to the hotel. Later visit the incomparable Taj Mahal. This
monument a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles is one ofthe
wonders of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 22
years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete this poem in white marble. In
the afternoon visit the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. It was
here that Aurangzeb the third son of Shah Jahan kept his father under house
arrest. One can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little
octagonal tower in the Fort.
Overnight in Agra
Day 14 : Agra / Delhi / Depart
Morning free. Drive to Delhi and on arrival transfer to a city hotel for
wash and change (lobby use). Rest of the day free for last minute shopping /
packing. Evening: After a farewell dinner at an Indian Specialty Restaurant,
transfer to airport in time to connect your onward flight home....
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