Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive at Delhi International airport meet and greet with our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel be ready for the treasures ahead. A guided tour of the city takes you to the sumptuous Mughal monuments of Red fort and Jama Masjid. At Rajghat and India Gate you will be amidst the foliage. In later half of the day you  will visit the fabulous sights- Rashtrapati Bhavan, The Mughal Gardens, Qutab Minar and many more. Evening hold more excitement, as you will be viewing the sound and light show at the Red Fort. Finally, you are back in your hotel to rest for the night.

 

Day 03: Delhi – Sariska (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

After breakfast drive to Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is abode of large number of wildlife and diverse variety of birds. Sighting a tiger is not that difficult at the sanctuary that too if riding on an elephant. Night stay at wildlife resort.

 

Day 04: Sariska – Mandawa (203kms/ 4hrs approx)

Morning proceed for Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa check into hotel. The guided tour will take you to the beautiful village of Shekhawati, here; you will be totally overwhelmed by the magnificent havelis built by the rich and the famous merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. The havelis are embellished with paintings reflecting the daily life of the desert of deities whom the people worship.

 

Day 05: Mandawa – Bikaner (188kms/ 4hrs approx)

Early morning view the sunrise at the Desert Resort at Mandawa and then proceed for Bikaner. On arrival check into the hotel. Later in afternoon visit to a camel-breeding farm. The farm will update you about the breeding time of camels and how they are taken care and raised in the farm. Evenings enjoy the stroll at the bustling bazaars of the city center over brimmed with handicraft and miniature paintings. Stay in a hotel overnight.

 

Day 06: Bikaner 

Morning after breakfast proceed for the city tour of Bikaner. Your travel will be started by a visit to Junagarh Fort, an imperial museum that comprises history of Bikaner from its days of erection dating back to the 16th century. Also visit Lalgarh palace and famous Jain Temples embellished with marvelous architectural work. Another attraction of the city lies in its food, snacks and sweets- don't forget to purchase potato snacks, Bikareri Bhujia (salted snacks) and mouth-watering sweets from the city. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 07: Bikaner – Deshnok – Nagaur – Khimsar (158kms/ 3hrs approx)

Morning drive for Khimsar en-route covering the sightseeing of Deshnok the Rat Temple. Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke lying at the distance of 30km from Bikaner. Visit the 600 years ancient shrine of Goddess Karni. You will be astonished to see that besides the Goddess the other deity of the temple are rats. The people have a strong notion that these rodents will be  reincarnated as divine human. Later visit the unique town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships resounds with life during the Nagaur Fair. This cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (Jan-Feb). By afternoon you will be reaching to Khimsar, visiting Khimsar Fort. This fort architecture offers great discrepancy. Initially, the fort walls, minarets and stables were built solely for war but later on when the royal family shifted to the fort in 18th century the fort was restructured. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier classified Heritage Hotels of India. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 08: Khimsar – Ossian – Mandore – Jodhpur (98kms/ 2hrs approx)

Morning start your trip to Jodhpur en-route covering Ossian and Mandore. Ossian (58km) is also referred as an oasis in the desert. Pay a visit to beautifully carved Jain temples of 11th century dedicated to Lord Mahavira followed by a visit to Sun Temple, Kali temple and the Sachiya Mata Temple. Mandore (8 km) see the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers amidst the beautiful gardens. The walls of the cenotaphs are festooned with 15 sculptures of Hindu deities tunneled out of the hard rocks, a worth visiting sight. By evening reach to Jodhpur, overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 09: Jodhpur – Pushkar (185kms/ 4hrs approx) 

Morning you will be guided to Mehrangarh fort crowning on the hilly terrain of Aravali Ranges at a height of 125m. The beauty and the glory of many royal palaces in the fort speak epic of red sandstone Palace. Umiad bhawan a beautiful architectural splendor is still the residence of erstwhile rulers of Jodhpur, the part of the palace is converted as a heritage hotel and part is preserve as a museum. Government Museum the museum has sumptuous amassing of arms and ammunitions, royal dresses portraits of royal family.

Afternoon drive to Pushkar check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Pushkar – Jaipur (141kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, visit Brahma Temple: This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma - the creator in the vestibule. The temple has marble floors and stairs and coins have been put by the devotees to mark the birth or deaths of the loved ones. Pushkar Lake: According to the legends, the lake was dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on the same spot latter on which is considered holy. The entire lake is supposed to be surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima in November every year, devotees take holy bath in the lake and a fair is organized, known world over as the Pushkar Fair.

Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti; located at the end of a dusty alley in the main market, makes Ajmer an important pilgrim centre for Muslims from all parts of the world and Pushkar is the abode of Lord Brahma, which devout Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara, In 1193 A.D, the Afghan Mohammad Ghori conquered Ajmer and converted a Sanskrit school into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days. Ana Sagar Lake, This beautiful lake was built by King Anaji (AD 1135-1150), the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan at a picturesque site located to the north of Ajmer. Daulat Bagh Gardens, which was created by Jehangir, is located next to the lake. Baradari or the marble pavilion was added to the lake by Shahjahan.

Afternoon drive to Jaipur, check in at hotel. Rest day free for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Jaipur 

Breakfast at hotel visit Amberfort with Elephant Ride. Enjoy the sights of the Shish Mahal, built in the 17th century a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture will surely hypnotize you. Also see the hall of public audiences and Maharaja Man Singh's Palace who had 12 queens.

City tour of Jaipur The pink city got its name from the red color of its building that were painted red in 19th century when queen Victoria made her visit to this royal city of Rajasthan. You will be guided to the imposing City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amer Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Jai Garh fort. The beautiful fountains pools and sculptures of the Sisodia-Rani-Ka-Bagh will surely take your breath away. Evenings are at your leisure. Enjoy a delicious Rajasthani cuisine at famous Choki Dani where you are served food in typical Rajasthani style with non-stop servings of food items. Go for shopping at the famous government emporiums for handicrafts items or tie and dye textiles. At night you are back in your hotel after a day full of unknown experiences.

 

Day 12: Jaipur – Agra (265kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra, Enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places. Salim Chishti Dargah; (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India. Salim Chishti was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Agra – Delhi (204kms/ 4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

AItmad-ud-daulah's Tomb; Built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, boasts of marble trellis work and inlaid with-precious stones, this mausoleum on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj, exhibits a strong Persian influence. Itmad-ud-Daula often describe as Jewel Box. The Tomb of Mir Ghias Beg, Vazir (minister) of Emperor Jahangir, was built between 1622 and 1628 from red sand stone with marble decorations as Akbar?s tomb in Sikendra in Agra. Itmad-ud-daula has important place in history as well as architecture. This is actually the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble. It is most important monument in Agra after Taj Mahal and Agra fort.

Afternoon drive to Delhi check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Delhi – Departure 
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for your home country.