HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN TOUR

Discover the most beautiful places in Rajasthan in this 9-days Highlights of Rajasthan Package tour. Starting in Delhi, the tour takes you to Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur before finally culminating in Mumbai. Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur were royal provinces ruled by the great houses of Rajasthan. Each of these provincial cities have very distinct royal histories and landscapes. Jaipur, the pink city, is the capital city of Rajasthan, an administrative centre with majestic forts and bustling bazaars. Jodhpur, located in the Thar desert, is also called the blue city and is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur offers beautiful desert landscapes and splendid sandstone monuments. Udaipur, the city of Lakes, is counted among the most romantic cities in the world is famous for its old worldly charm, picture-perfect lakes and beautiful palatial complexes. Opt for this tour to have a mesmerising tour of Rajasthan.

DAY 01: DELHI

Arrival at Delhi airport. You will be welcomed at the IGI airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car/coach. Quickly fulfill the formalities of arrival and check–in at the hotel (at 1200 hours) and start your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi.Our first pitstop is Jama Masjid, built in 1650, it is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Enjoy rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes and alleys of the ancient bazaar of ChandniChowk. Visit the majestic Red Fort, a huge complex built of red sandstone, the capital of Mughal Empire in India for two centuries. Lets not call it a day yet as we continue our drive to Raj Ghat and pay homage to Mahatama Gandhi, the father of our nation. This completes the visit to Old Delhi and begins our tour of New Delhi. On your way to QutubMinar, you drive past the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb. QutubMinar is one of the tallest towers of the 12th century built in Persian architecture style. Before returning to hotel we take a bus tour of the India Gate, Parliament Buildings and President House and finally returns to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02: DELHI – AGRA (200 KM, 4/5 HOURS)

In the morning, depart for Agra, once Capital of Mughal Empire. After reaching Agra, we visit Sikandra, the tomb of great Akbar. This is made of red sandstone with fine inlay work of marble. After visit of Sikandra, check–in at the hotel. Later we continue tour of Agra visiting Agra Fort which had been the seat of power of the Mughal dynasty for many centuries. The huge awe–inspiring facades of the fort are a symbol of strength, power and resilience of the might empire. The view of Taj Mahal from the fort is also unforgettable. Now it is time to visit one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World, “Taj Mahal.” It is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his beloved MumtazMahal. It took no less than 22 years to build this architectural wonder and was finally completed in the year 1653. The interiors of Taj Mahal are adorned with highest quality inlay work incorporating semi–precious stones. Taj Mahal is undoubtedly a treat to your eyes and spectacle to watch. After city tour of Agra, return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 03: AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – ABHANER – JAIPUR (265 KM, 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, get ready to depart for Jaipur. Stop en–route and visit FatehpurSikri, the best preserved Mughal Palace city in India which was built by Akbar in 16th century. He used the best craftsmen in the country to build the city but unfortunately had to abandon it a few years later after the water system failed. Continue drive towards Jaipur and next stop is Abhaneri village where you will visit Chand Baori, an ancient hidden stepwell. The step wells are unique in this part of the world and were used for storage of water by rainwater harvesting. They also served as pools for ritual cleansing before entering a temple. After visit of Chand Baori, proceed to Jaipur and check–in at the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 04: JAIPUR

In the morning, we go for excursion to Amer Fort which is perched on a hill. The architecture of the fort is a unique blend of Rajput and Hindu style. Amer is the former citadel of Kachwahas of Amer who had ruled the city. It is a thrilling climb to the fort as its done sitting on an elephant’s back. The Fort is known for cobblestoned pathways with enormous fortification. There are beautiful buildings inside the fort including Sheesh Mahal (palace of glass), Jai Mandir and Sukh Niwas.

Afternoon tour of majestic Jaipur city with a visit to the City Palace, the former royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Even today, the royal family abides in a part of the palace that is cordoned off for the visitors. It is quite different from other Rajput palaces and forts as apart from the Rajput architecture you can also observe smithereens of Mughal architecture. Not far away from the city palace is JantarMantar which possesses various astrological instruments that have impressed astronomers all over the world. Here you will see the largest sundial in the world and one of the best preserved observatories. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 05: JAIPUR – JODHPUR (335 KM, 7 HOURS)

We leave for Jodhpur in the morning. Jodhpur is also known as gateway to Thar desert and the blue city as most of the houses in the old Jodhpur are painted in blue color. This crowded desert city flutters with beauty, warmth and romance. A visit to Jodhpur is a romantic journey into the past with forts, palaces, temples, culture, tradition, spices, fabric, color, and flourishing handicrafts. Arrive at Jodhpur and check–in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 06: JODHPUR

Morning, we go for city tour of Jodhpur. The city is also known as the blue city as most of the houses are painted in blue. A visit to the city is a an experience which will last a life time it takes you into the past with its fort, palaces, monuments, temples, tradition and handicrafts. We first visit Mehrangarh Fort which stands a hundred feet above a cliff and dominates skyline of Jodhpur. It is made of red sand stone and looks invincible and impressive. It is so huge that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. It is definitely one of the best preserved forts in Rajasthan. The Palaces within the fort are known for intricate carvings and courtyards. There is a good collection of musical instruments, royal costumes, royal palanquins, and cannons. We also visit JaswantThadawhich is beautifully set against the hilly background and glistening lake. The tour continues to visit beautiful Mandore gardens, located 9 Km away from the city. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 07: JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (280 KM, 6 HOURS)

In the morning, we shall leave for Udaipur and en–route stop to visitRanakpur. The Jain temples at Ranakpur are dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankara of Jains. The temples are very sacred and must visit for followers of Jain religion. The temples are known not only for religious significance but also for intricate carving on stone. The most interesting feature is that there are no less than 1400 pillars in the temple and none of the pillars are similar to each other as these are all carved in a different pattern. The domes of the temple are also richly decorated. Later proceed to Udaipur which is one of the best examples of royal grandeur and also known as Venice of the East. Udaipur city was capital in the Mewar region. It was built after the ruler of Chittorgarh retreated when almost invincible fort at Chittorgarh, former Capital of Marwar, was captured by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Arrive in Udaipur and check–in at the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08: UDAIPUR

We shall start our tour of Udaipur city in the morning with visit of City Palace which took three centuries to complete; the construction incorporates brilliant ideas of architecture. The Palace is a big complex of adjoined buildings. The rooms feature typical Rajput architecture with decorated mirrors, glassware and magnificent frescoes. There is also a Museum which displays how Udaipur city was founded by Raja Uday Singh and later developed by other Maharajas in form of paintings. We shall next visit Jagdish temple which is adjacent to City and a steep staircase takes us there. The entrance of the temple is greeted by two elephants. The stone art work and intricate carving on the walls is remarkable. We shall now drive to Saheliyon Ki Bari Gardens which is the most beautiful garden in the city. It was built for princess and her forty eight maids who come to Udaipur along with her as part of her dowry. The wonderful lay out of the garden is a treat to your eyes. In the afternoon we shall go for an excursion to Eklingi and Nagda. Eklingji is a very famous and sacred Hindu Temple. It was constructed in 9th century by Guhila dynasty of Mewar. The final visit of the day is Nagda, which was founded by Nagaditya, the fourth Mewar King, in the 6th century. Nagda is famous for 10th century Sas–Bahu Temple. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 09: UDAIPUR – MUMBAI (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning transfer to Udaipur airport to catch flight for Mumbai. After arriving at Mumbai airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Mumbai. The city of Mumbai lies on the western coast of Arabian Sea and is also known as commercial Capital of India. The city is western in our globe, but it is also eastern in ethos. The city is truly cosmopolitan as people from various faiths, religions and classes have made city their home. We start tour of Mumbai by first visiting Gateway of India which was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary of England to the city in 1911. Next stop is Prince of Wales Museum which takes you through ancient time. The architecture of the building is in Indo–Saracenic style and influenced by styles of architecture as well; the Mughal, Maratha and Jain. We shall then visit Hanging Gardens of Mumbai. These are terraced gardens located on a beautiful location on top of Malabar Hill with great view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 10: MUMBAI

Transfer to Mumbai airport to catch flight to your next destination.