Unfolding the Heritage: Rajasthan
16 Days
Best Season: Oct - March
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Rickshaw ride in the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk.
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Visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid.
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3 Days' Camel Safari in the Thar Desert.
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Visit some of the magnificent and majestic forts of Rajasthan.
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Boat ride in Lake Pichhola in Udaipur.
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Excursion to Amber Fort on Jeep.
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During the much-celebrated Pushkar Festival, get immersed in the vibrancy of music, dance and culture.
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Visit the beautiful Taj Mahal.
Route Map
With a vast and rich legacy of history, forts & palaces of erstwhile Maharajas, the state of Rajasthan is adorned by wide spread desert and Aravalli Hills. The arid landscape of Rajasthan keeps you on your toes due to its vibrant colourful folks, who are ever - ready to dance and sing to pamper you. Rajasthan is never tired and you are tempted to come again and again, be it for Pushkar Festival, Desert Festival, Elephant Polo Festival or its myriads of colourful religious fairs, or simply to enjoy the never - ending vibrancy and energy of the land. This tour offers irrestible temptation for those sensuous travellers who want to lay back and relax and relive the glorious and brave past of old Rajasthan which saw the rules of Maharajas and fought brave battles.
Also, visiting during the famous Pushkar Festival is an option.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home country.
Day 2 - Delhi
Arrival at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel. Later, we do an amusing rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of the medieval styled shopping haven of Chandni Chowk. The ride is a very interesting one. We also visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people at once. On our way back to New Delhi, we drive by India Gate, Parliament House and President's Estate. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 - Delhi / Nawalgarh
We drive 240 km / 5 hrs to Nawalgarh - famous for its old havelis and palaces. We do sightseeing of some havelis. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4 - Nawalgarh / Bikaner
Today, we drive 230 km / 4 hrs to Bikaner - the desert town. We visit the majestic Junagarh Fort. Located in the arid Thar Desert, it is one of the few forts in Rajasthan not built on hilltop. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 - Day 7 - Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Our 3 days' Camel Safari begins between Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The joyous ride goes through rural villages, and the nights are spent in open air, under the stars. At the end of the Safari, we drive 200 km / 5 hrs to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is also nicknamed as the 'Golden City' because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in the architecture gives the city a yellowish-golden tinge. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8 - Jaisalmer
Today, we do sightseeing of Jaisalmer. We visit the Jaisal Fort. It is one of the largest fortifications in the world. A World Heritage Site, the Fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the Thar Desert. We also visit the Jain Temples and famous Town Mansions of Jaisalmer. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 - Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
We drive 290 km / 5 hrs to Jodhpur. The city of Jodhpur is dubbed as the Blue City due to the blue paint applied on the walls of the old city. The hues of blue give the city a serene atmosphere and provides a pleasing and soothing effect to the eyes. On reaching Jodhpur, we visit the muscular Mehrangarh Fort. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort towers over the city and is a magnificent spectacle and an architectural masterpiece. Later, we visit the cenotaph - Jaswant Thada and the Hindu temple - Mahamandir.
Day 10 - Jodhpur / Udaipur
In the morning, we drive 260 km / 7 hrs to the city of Udaipur, which is also known as the Venice of the East. Afternoon free for independent activities.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Today, we do sightseeing of Udaipur. We visit the beautiful City Palace. The City Palace of Udaipur is considered to be the largest of its kind in Rajasthan. It provides a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. We then drive to Sahelion ki Bari, or the Garden of Maids of Honor. It was built by Maharaja Sangram Singh II for the women attendants who came as a part of the princess' dowry. Later, we do a boat ride in the romantic waters of Lake Pichhola. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12 - Udaipur / Pushkar
In the morning, we drive 280km / 5 hrs to the Holy town of Pushkar. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and has one of the few Brahma temples in the world. It has a Holy Lake around which are many Ghats. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13 - Pushkar / Jaipur
In the morning, we visit the Brahma temple and one of the 52 Ghats. Later, we walk around the local market. We then drive 145 km / 3 hrs to Jaipur, which is bathed in hues of pink. Overnight in hotel.
In case of Pushkar Festival, we spend Day 13 in enjoying the vibrant festivities.
Day 14 - Jaipur
Today, we do the sightseeing of the Pink City, which is covered with fascinating architecture and history. In the morning, we do an excursion to the breathtaking Amber Fort on Jeep. Former capital of the Jaipur state, the Fort is an ethereal example of Rajput architecture. the magnificent fort was built in the 16th century and shows a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Later, we visit other wonders of Jaipur such as the honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), the Royal Observatory - Jantar Mantar and the beautiful City Palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 - Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Today, we leave behind the colourful state of Jaipur and drive 240 km / 4 hrs to the land of Taj Mahal - Agra. En route, we stop to marvel at the majestic Fatehpur Sikri - the once capital of Mughal Empire. Later, we drive 40 km / 1 hr to Agra. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16 - Agra / Delhi / Departure
We visit the mesmerizing white beauty the Taj Mahal today. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is an eternal symbol of love. This majestic white structure still continues to awestruck many. Later, we also do the sightseeing of Agra Fort - a majestic sandstone structure. The Fort was earlier the residence of the Mughal dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the image of Taj Mahal fresh in our minds, we drive 220 km / 5 hrs to Delhi. Transfer to airport for your journey back home.
