The Royal March (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Mandawa – Delhi)

Duration: 14 days and 13 nights

Description: From the beauty of the Taj Mahal at Agra, to the Pink City and then the Ghost City there is so much to take in on this tour. Add to that the radiance of Pushkar, the royal beauty of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Mandawa and you may consider staying back for some more.

Day 01- Arrival Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s Airport. Welcome to Delhi! You are met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all the custom formalities. Transfer to your hotel & check in. Rest of the day at leisure & overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 – In 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, and 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 by surface
After breakfast drive (5 hrs approx) to Jaipur – the fabled “pink city” of the desert enroute visiting.

Fatehpur Sikri – A perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive at Jaipur in afternoon, upon arrival in Jaipur check in at your hotel.

Jaipur – The rosepink 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 eighteenth century. The Maharaja’s palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rosepink color lending enchantment to the scene and 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.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel

Day 05 Jaipur
After a relaxed 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 – Pushkar by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive (approx 03 hrs) to Pushkar. Upon arrival check in at your hotel.

Pushkar the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms away from the city. Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th century writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts writing during the era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and for Brahma Temple. It is said that in a battle Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and around Pushkar where lakes sprang up. The bath at Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is famous in His name. So it is blessed by him in every way. In olden times the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma. According to another legend back in a legendary time Lord Brahma was flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan when some petals fell from his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers had touched the soft sands.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – Pushkar – Udaipur by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive (approx 05 hrs) to Udaipur, upon arrival in Udaipur – the city of Lakes, transfer to your hotel for check in.

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 08 – In 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 09 Udaipur – Jodhpur by surface
After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Jodhpur (5hrs approx).
On arrival in Jodhpur, 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.

Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort 125 meters above 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 10 – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later check of the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer (5 hrs approx), upon arrival in Jaisalmer check in at your hotel. Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. after shifting his capital from Ladurva. Jaisalmer was the main caravan route from Far East to the Middle East. Rest of the day at leisure and free to explore the markets on your own. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer hotel.

Day 11- In Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later depart for sightseeing of the Fort (80 meters above plains) & Jain Temples within the Fort area, built in 12th to 15th century which are very worth watching. The specialty of the Fort is that still approximately 5000 people are living inside. Visit Fort Palace & atop from Palace you can have the golden view of whole Jaisalmer city as whole city is built in yellow sand stones, when sun rays fall on the city, it give impression as golden city of India. Also visit Patwon Ki Haveli and Nath Ji Mal Ki Haveli. Later in afternoon enjoy excursion to Sam dunes. Enjoy Camel ride in Sand Dunes. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at desert Camp.

Day 12 – Jaisalmer – Bikaner by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive (05 hrs) to Bikaner, upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Bikaner is named after its founder Rao Bikaji in 1488. But long before this, the city was trade center on the caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are rippling sands and abundant sunshine. The city stands on an elevation, enclosed by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gates. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs.

Later in afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of city visiting Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, the museum, Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 13 – Bikaner – Mandawa by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.

Later drive (approx 05 hrs) to Mandawa, on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Mandawa, founded in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and still the home of his descendants, has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions. Mandawa castle one of the finest castles of Rajasthan, is now a hotel and house of collection of armories, costumes of ancestors, canons from 1820 ancient coins, numismatic collection and many other interesting items, preserved in a museum. Night stay at Mandawa hotel.

Day 14 – Mandawa – Delhi by surface
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later in day drive (approx 05 hrs) to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to Delhi International airport to board your flight for onwards destination.