Splendor of Rajasthan (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi):
Duration: 11 days and 10 nights
Description: The beauty and mysticism of Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra are beautifully captured in this comprehensive tour. From the sights and sounds to the cuisine and overall experience, you will have something for all your senses.
Day 01 – Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport.
Welcome to India! You are met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Transfer to your hotel for check in & overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi
Old Delhi – A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India.
New Delhi – An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi – Agra
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive (approx 04 hrs) to Agra
Later in afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra by visiting the Agra Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort – The rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms.
Taj Mahal – One of the world famous monuments, surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It’s a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone-undoubtedly the highlight of your tour.
Day 04 Agra – Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Later drive to Jaipur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri – The ghost city, the deserted, red Sandstone City that Emperor Akbar built as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It a veritable fairytale city and its “ruins” are in pristine condition… it’s not hard to imagine what court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Jaipur The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts. Enclosed by embattled walls, the city was built in the early 18th century. The Maharaja’s palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose-pink color lending enchantment to the scene and are almost magical at sunset. Jaipur is aptly called the `Pink City of India’. It takes its name from the famous Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728. A keen astronomer, he built an observatory which still exists and is equipped with quaint masonry instruments of remarkable size. Overnight at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 05 Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing.
City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 06 Jaipur – Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later check out of the hotel and drive to Jodhpur (6 hrs approx). On arrival, check in at your hotel. The city was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, shifting his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur by the advice of a holy man.
Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10 Km (6 miles) in length, with seven gates. Dominating the city is an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. In olden days, the fortress must have been highly impregnable, for the rocky base on which it is built is scraped on every side. Within the walls are royal palaces with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms.
Rest of the day at leisure and free to explore the markets on your own.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 07 Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort 125 meters above the plains, Jaswant thada and Sardar market clock tower.
Mandore: About 8 km to the north of Jodhpur is Mandore, the old capital of Marwar, abandoned for strategic reasons. The gardens at the foot of the hill have commemorative cenotaphs of the former rulers of Jodhpur. The shrine of 330 million gods is an interesting sight. In the Hall of Heroes is a group of colossal figures carved out of a single rock.
Rest of the day at leisure and free to explore the markets on your own.
Overnight stay at Jodhpur hotel.
Day 08 Jodhpur – Udaipur by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive to Udaipur en route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple. Upon arrival in Udaipur – the city of Lakes, check in at the hotel.
Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur was built in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh. The city has been described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col. James Todd.
Later in afternoon enjoy boat ride in Lake Pichola.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in at Udaipur.
Day 09 Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later proceed for city sight-seeing tour. The city of Dawn, visit the City Palace museum, the Jagdish temple, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen’s resort for their friends) Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (Folk art museum) and the Pratap Memorial.
Later in afternoon proceed for visit to Eklingiji and Nagda Temples.
Eklingji – About 23 kms from Udaipur and linked by a motor road that runs through splendid scenery and a mountain pass is Eklingji, a magnificent temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Nagda – Very close to Eklingji is Nagda, named after its founder Nagaditya, is one of the most ancient places in Mewar. There is Hindu and Jain temples, notable among which is Sas Bahu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Rest of the day at leisure, free to explore the markets. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Udaipur – Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure transfer to Udaipur airport to board your flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Depart Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Delhi International airport to board your flight for onward destination.