RAJASTHAN TOURS

Warm welcome on arrival. Transfer to the hotel of your choice on ready occupancy basis. Warm traditional welcome at hotel as well complete with flower garlands, 'Aarti' and red 'Tikka' on your forehead. Non - alcoholic welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Delhi, the capital of India, has long been the centre of political activities ever since 13th century. Turbulent history and strategic location had left a rich legacy in the city in form of massive architectural edifices including the world famous Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House and tall and slender Government buildings and host of other attarctions. Have your lunch, and relax rest of the day. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive to Agra early morning, enroute visiting Sikandara, the richly ornamented tomb of the great Mughal Emperor - Akbar, its construction was begun by Akbar himself in 1605. Made up of red sandstone and marble, Jahangir, Akbar's son completed the building, adding his own architectural modifications to its original design. The grand portals inlayed with complex mosaics surround the tomb from all four sides. Upon arrival, warm traditional Indian welcome by the silk-clad hostess who sprays 'Itr' (hand made traditional perfume from the flowers and other herbs) on the visitors. After check in at the hotel of your choice, you get some time to relax and eat lunch.

In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Agra city includes Red Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, the tomb of Emperor Jahangir's father-in-law who earned the title that meant 'Pillar Of The State', and shopping as well. In the evening, enjoy the unique experience of 'A Magical Mughal night' in which guests are honored by cladding them with traditional turbans known as 'Pagris' (for men) and scarfs known as 'Chunnis'(for women). The rose petals and "Itr" (perfume) are showered on the guests as they feast themselves on delicious royal dishes served in silver plates known as 'Thalis' on low tables known as 'bajot' in a traditional manner. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning drive to Taj Mahal and enjoy the typical rickshaw ride to the very gates of the monument of love. Shop at local market 'Bazaar' near Taj Mahal, where you can find some exquisite marble works to take as mementos. In the evening, enjoy the Village Fair complete with rural ambience, bamboo huts, benches, stalls and simple-minded villagers who are proud to display their traditional skills for the guests. Doll and puppet making, puppetry, pottery, famous 'Pichwai' paintings along with Monkey show, traditional astrologers and palmists, snake charmers and dummy-horse dance and song performance are enough to keep the guests entertained for hours. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. It was founded by Akbar, whose buildings here are a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Akbar was endowed with the gift of a son by the blessings of a Sufi Saint - Sheikh Salim Chisti and thus, he decided to construct a new capital for his empire with elaborate palaces, courtyards, pools, harems, tombs and a great mosque. However, the lack of water supply led to its desertion soon after. A World Heritage site now, its highlights are Panch Mahal (Palace of Five Storeys), Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti Expect a regal welcome upon arrival in the hotel where the Camels and Elephants decked beautifully await you in the sprawling the lawns of the palace-hotel, there are musical strains of Shehnai (typical Indian flute) accompanying the traditional welcome meted out by the traditionally-attired Rajasthani women including garlanding, 'Aarti' and adorning your fo rehead with a 'Tikka' with vermillion and saffron paste. A complimentary welcome drink. Afternoon is free for you to roam about the city at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, an elephant ride to Amer Fort. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Jaipur, known as 'The Pink City' the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was founded by Raja Jai Singh. The beehive-structured Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its delicate screen facade, the first-ever Royal Observatory of India - Jantar Mantar that was built based on the blue prints of Raja himself who was good astronomer in his own right, Nawab Sahab - Ki - Haveli, the majestic City Palace and jewellery shopping area of Johari Bazaar are the chief attractions of this city. In the evening, regal and traditional Rajput Wedding is staged for you complete with the 'baraatis' (the wedding entourage of the bridegroom), a liberally-spread buffet feast, folk music and dances and even a few interesting rituals. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we will depart for Samode. Bedecked camels await you at the village as you ascend the carts for the drive to Samode Palace, now turned into a heritage hotel, along with the local folk musicians amidst the wobbly streets of the village. Traditional welcome will be accorded to you at the Samode Palace by the village elders complete with garlands as the traditionally attired women folk shower Rose petals on the guests. Check into the hotel. After relaxing, there is Cocktail at Sheesh Mahal and the cultural programs at Durbar hall, where sumptuous delicacies are served to enjoy along with the performances of folk dancers and musicians. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Today morning is free to enjoy at leisure and camel ride through the village. Later in the day, drive to Mandawa. Traditional welcome awaits for you at the desert Resort and check into the Mandawa Resort, where a grand Bar-be-cue feast is organized complete with camp fire and liquor pegs accompanied by the haunting folk music. Dinner and overnight stay at the Mandawa Resort.

Morning visit to Havelis as you enjoy the surreal views of Thar desert on the way. Drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check into the hotel of your choice. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After having our sumptuous breakfast, we check out of the hotel before proceeding to sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, admiring Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Gandhi Memorial and many others, and of course shopping are the highlights of the day before one proceeds to the venue for the farewell dinner. Later, we transfer you to the Delhi International Airport for flight back home.

Our representative will meet, greet and receive you at the Delhi international airport. From there, you will be escorted to the hotel of your choice for a check in. After resting and refreshing up, you will be taking a sightseeing tour of the Delhi city. Your itinerary will consist of Lal Quila (Red Fort), Rashtrapati Bhavan (Indian President's residence), Parliament house and the massive India Gate. In the evening, you will be visiting Cannaught Place and Palika Bazaar for your personal shopping. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel of your choice.

In the morning, you will leave for Jaipur. On arrival, you will check into the hotel of your choice. Thereafter, you will leave for a sightseeing tour of the Pink City, Jaipur. This will include visit to the old city of Jaipur and a drive through the Johri Bazaar to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). You will also be exploring various museums inside the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (an astrological observatory) and Govind Devji Temple (temple of the patron deity of Jaipur). In the late evening, you may do some personal shopping, etc. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel of your choice.

In the morning, you will proceed for a day trip to Ajmer and Pushkar (old historical and religious towns nestled in the Aravalis range). In the evening, you will leave for your hotel in Jaipur for dinner and overnight stay.

This day will be for exploring the rest of Jaipur city. You will visit the fascinating Amber Palace and will also get to see the largest Cannon on Wheels in the world, along with the old cannon foundry at the Jaigarh fort. Ending of the day will be with a visit to the Kanak Vrindavan Temple in the valley of flowers. You will be resting for the dinner and overnight at the hotel of your choice.

After our hearty morning breakfast, we will leave directly for the Delhi airport to catch a flight back to home or your onward destination.

Arrive by International flight, after traditional Welcome our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.

Today, we drive to we drive to Mandawa in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich & dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls & now aptly given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery. With the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm & aura of a bygone era & coming here is like stepping into a different world.

Today we explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes & now been converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants & camels on its façade. Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its façade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the Wright Brothers' plane. If time permits we may visit more Havelis of the region & observe the colourful village life in Rajasthan.

Later we drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji (1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of neighbouring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around. It is a royal city surrounded by a mammoth fortification wall, more than 5 km in circumference & about 5 to 9m high. Fort, Palaces & people with colourful traditional costumes are the chief attractions of the city. The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival.

Today in Bikaner we visit Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders).

Later we drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.

Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.

Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.

We also visit Jaswant Thada , a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Today we drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.

En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.

Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.

Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.

Today we take a flight to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We now visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).

Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.

An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.

Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.

Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.

Today we drive back to Delhi, en route visit Mathura & Vrindavan, places related with the birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. In Mathura we visit Shri Krishna Janmabhumi temple, a stone slab marks the original birth place of Krishna. In Vrindavan we visit Bankey Bihari Temple, built in the year 1864. Temple is famous for the black statue of Krishna, also called as Thakur Ji. The ISKCON Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan. Temple is devoted to Krishna, his brother Balaram & Krishna's beloved Radha.

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monument s are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• 14 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast
• A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).
• Local English speaking guide during the tour except Fatehpur Sikri
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• Boat ride in Udaipur
• Camel ride in Jaisalmer

• Any airfare or airport tax.
• Any Monument entry fee & camera fee (wherever Applicable)
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the "Package includes".