Essence of Rajasthan

Midnight arrival in Delhi, the cosmopolitan city and capital of India. Our representative will receive and transfer you to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you head on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. You visit the Mughal era monuments Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb. You also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. A rickshaw ride through the old city is an exciting activity that you enjoy on your sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. You also visit Qutab Minar, one of the oldest monuments in Delhi, which was built between 12th and 13th century. Before proceeding to the hotel, we take you on a drive through New Delhi where you see the India Gate, Parliament House and President's House. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive to Agra. In the evening arrive in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

Start your sightseeing tour of Agra by visiting the Agra Fort, which was built by three Mughal emperors. Akbar started the construction but died before the fort was complete. His son Jehangir continued the construction of the fort, later son of Jehangir-Shah Jahan-added new structures to the massive fort. After visiting Agra fort, we head to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. After the visit of Taj Mahal, we proceed to have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work, which is still done in Agra. Overnight in the hotel.

Proceed to Bhandarej in the morning. En-route stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The wonderful city constructed by red sandstones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built, apparently for lack of water. In the evening arrive in Bhandarej. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Leave for Jaipur in the morning. Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. Upon arrival check in at the hotel, relax and later proceed to visit the City Palace in the afternoon, which is still the formal residence of the royal family. Also visit the museum in the City Palace that has the private collection of Jaipur Maharajas. We also visit Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, which is the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast we proceed to visit the Amber Fort, located 11 kilometers away from Jaipur. En-route, visit the Hawa Mahal. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachawaha dynasty before Jai Singh founded Jaipur. Ride an elephant to reach the gates of the fort. In the afternoon take a walk through the colorful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work, which is a specialty of Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit Laxmi Narayan Mandir- a Hindu temple built in white marble. Enjoy your dinner with a cultural program. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival in Mandawa check in at the hotel. Shekhawati region lies in the north east of Rajasthan and is home to Marwari community. After a refreshing break, visit the grand havelis of the Shekhawati area. The walls of the havelis are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival check in at the hotel, refresh and head to visit the Junagarh Fort built in red sandstone and marble. You visit the various mansions and palaces inside the fort. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive through the desert and proceed for Gajner via Osian. Osian, which is a centre of Hindu and Jain religions. You get to see various temples in Osian. The oldest temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. Later we head to Gajner. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havelis (grand mansions). Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and the city is one of the most exotic cities. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Jaisalmer is famous for its beautifully carved havelis. The day is marked to visit various important places in Jaisalmer, which include the Jaisalmer Fort, and the havelis. In the afternoon drive to some 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where enjoy the sunset before driving back to Jaisalmer. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive to Jodhpur in the early morning. Jodhpur is about 290 kilometers from Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall, which has 101 bastions and seven gates. On your tour of Jodhpur you visit the Mehrangarh Fort, which was built on a steep hill. The fort is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments. Later proceed to visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. You also stroll down the markets of Jodhpur. Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning drive to Ranakpur. Ranakpur is famous for beautifully carved marble Jain Temples. The basement of the temples cover 48,000 square feet. The temple complex has 1444 intricately carved columns and the important point is no two pillars are alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive to Mount Abu, which is the only hill station in Rajasthan nestling in picturesque Aravalli hills. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Take a short break and the head to visit the famous Dilwara Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th and 13th centuries. After visiting the temple, proceed to Nakki Lake. This artificial lake is ringed by hills. In the evening take a stroll down the bazaar up to Sunset Point from where you get a wonderful view of the setting sun.

After breakfast visit the famous Dilwara Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th and 13th centuries. After visiting the temple, proceed to Nakki Lake. This artificial lake is ringed by hills. In the evening take a stroll down the bazaar up to Sunset Point from where you get a wonderful view of the setting sun. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is also known as the romantic city. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

Start your sightseeing tour with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari. Then proceed to visit the Museum of folk art, which has a rich collection of folk dresses, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. Afterwards visit the City Palace, the biggest palace complex in India, where four generations of Maharajas added mansions and palaces. You also visit the museum of the palace, which includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. In the evening take a boat ride on the lake Pichola. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive to Kota, which is about 274 kilometers away. Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota proceed to visit the city fort and palace. This type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast proceed to the Ranthambore National park near Sawai Madhopur. Ranthambore National Park is a popular tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Head for a jungle safari in the morning. In the park, you come across various animals and birds. If you are lucky you may spot a tiger. Besides tiger, the park is home to various other animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Hyena. Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning drive to Bharatpur, which is famous of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Upon arrival check in at the hotel and later visit the Keoladeo National Park. The park is home to a large number of native and migratory birds. Winter is the best time to spot the migratory birds. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. Overnight in the hotel.

Transfer to airport to catch a flight back home.