Rajasthan Tour

Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Alsisar, Bijaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive late evening at New Delhi International airport. Upon arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our representative, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Indian welcome consisting of Aarti-Tikka and garlands) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for two nights.Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Day 02: Delhi
Enjoy full day sightseeing of New & Old Delhi.(Including the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb and Lutyen's buildings, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk) Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan – the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering voices.

Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays

New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic 42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutub Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humanyun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).After finishing the sightseeing tour we drive back to our hotel for Overnight stay

Day 03: Delhi – Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms). Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel Afternoon visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Agra – Jaipur
Post breakfast drive to Jaipur (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri we continue drive to Jaipur Upon arrival in Jaipur, We check in at or pre-arranged horel for 02 nights.

Day 05: Jaipur S/S
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow bu t steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.

Later we drive back to hotel enroute visiting Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort located at a distance 15 km from Jaipur. Evenings at Chokhi Dhani are very special. A Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling grounds and includes entertainment by folk dancers and musicians. Guests can move around freely and enjoy the evening. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur – Alsisar
Drive from Jaipur to Alsisar (about 4- 5 hours drive) Check in at your hotel for one night . Afternoon visit the local havelis (mansions) with colourful murals and paintings

Imagine a laid back village in Northern Rajasthan, where camels strut the streets, kids walk home from school, and colorfully attired women carry home earthen pots of water from the village pond. A couple of centuries back the golden era of ancient trade routes from Central Asia flourished, unhindered by international borders. Affluent Marwari traders built exquisite havelis (mansions) and painted the exteriors and interiors in brilliant depictions of mythology and folklore.

Then the times changed. Trade routes got obliterated by border fences, the businesses along the routes faded and the rich traders migrated to establish fresh pastures. The deserted villages of Rao Shekhaji's Shekhawati were left in the hands of caretaker farmers and artisans who stayed back.

Alsisar is one of the finest, yet untouched gems of Shekhawati. This we have endeavored to polish, protect and preserve for you, the connoisseurs, who care and feel for the great inheritance bequeathed by events of history. The hundred-room haveli built by Indrachand Kejriwal in a ten-acre compound extending to ancient wells built to grand scale, welcomes guests to stay in splendor of the past with modern comforts. Walk around the village to explore the art hidden in the profusion of mansions and temples dotting every street. Sit around the

Day 07: Alsisar – Bikaner
Drive from Alsisar to Bikaner (about 6 hours drive) Check in at your hotel for one night .Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour in the afternoon. The fortified city of Bikaner is encircled by imp osing battle­ments and stands on a slight eminence. Its roads undulate through colourful bazaars and the predominant hue of the buildings is the strong reddish pink of local sandstone. Raja Rai Singh built an outstanding general of Mughal Emperor, Akbar Junagarh Fort. It is encircled by a moat and contains palaces made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke is dedicated to Karni Mata, a mystic. Legend goes that she foretold the vic­tory of success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true. Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered here. The strange mode of worship owes to the belief, that the souls of her de­votees are housed in these rats, and consequently they must be protected and well fed.

Day 08: Bikaner to Jaisalmer (320 Kms / Approx 6 hours)
Post breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer (320 kms - 6 hrs), 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.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 09: Jaisalmer
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.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 10: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 km - 7 hr)
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.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jodhpur

Day 11: Jodhpur – Ranakpur (180 Kms / 4-5hrs)
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. Drive from Jodhpur to Ranakpur (about 4- 5 hours) Check in at your hotel for one night

Day 12: Ranakpur to Udaipur (90 kms / 03 hrs approx.)
Ranakpur is situated near the village of Sadri lies the Ranakpur temple complex – one of the biggest and most important clusters of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur is a mere 90 kms from Udaipur. The Chaumukha temple, or four faced temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike.
After visiting Ranakpur Jain temples, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign o f Rana Kumbha.

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.Overnight Stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 13: Udaipur
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.Overnight Stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 14: Udaipur – Delhi
Transfer to Udaipur airport for flight to Delhi.
Dep: 07:40 hrs BY: Jet Airways (Flight # 9W-373)
Arr: 09:45 hrs
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for transit stay and later in the evening transfer to the airport. Tour concludes. T4U thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to International Airport to catch the flight back home