Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Tour

Duration: 18 Nights & 19 Days
Places to see: Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Gwalior – Agra – Jaipur – Chhatrasagar – Deogarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Day 01: Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed by our executive and transferred to your hotel (Rooms will be booked from 1200 hrs to facilitate immediate check in). New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city’s Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj. Overnight will be in Delhi.

 

Day 02: Delhi

Have a healthy breakfast at the hotel and embark on sightseeing tours of Old & New Delhi. In Old Delhi drive past Red fort, built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 Kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. Visit Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but also in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. Also visit Raj Ghat -Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial. In New Delhi, drive past Janpath, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Hindi for presidential palace) and India Gate is perhaps one of the most impressive structures built in the capital of India. This historic monument was built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed in the First World War. Visit Humayun’s Tomb: built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture. Also visit Qutab Minar. It is a one of the finest monuments in India and is 238 feet in height. Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The city tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). Overnight will be in Delhi.

 

Day 03: Delhi – Varanasi

Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Varanasi is the World’s most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi – the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. Visit Sarnath – 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Varanasi – Khajuraho

In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of “Ganga”. As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for a guided tour of Varanasi in the afternoon including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments. Transfer to airport for flight to Khajuraho. Situated in the heart of India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage, honoured by the world as India’s unique contribution to human civilization. The Chandela dynasty built eighty-five temples here. Twenty remain as embodiments of Indian architectural and sculptural art at its most evolved state. Even ten centuries after they were constructed, the temples of Khajuraho reflect an eternal philosophy relevant to all mankind. The temples of Khajuraho is a world heritage site and belong not just to India but to the world. Khajuraho is one of the few millennium destinations of the world. Overnight will be at Hotel.

 

Day 05: Khajuraho

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a full day tour of the Exotic Temples (Eastern & Western) of Khajuraho. PM – proceed to the Shilpa Gram for seeing the local artisans at work. You can also see the colorful Dances show. Overnight will be at hotel.

 

Day 06: Khajuraho – Orchha – Gwalior

After breakfast drive to Orchha. Orchha – A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa. Visit Orchha Resort Lunch will be at Orchha and then proceed to the railway station for train to Gwalior. Reach Gwalior and transfer to hotel. Gwalior’s colorful history, going back to the eight century, is a mosaic of Rajput clans of the Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars, each leaving their marks on the city’s magnificent monuments. A trip to Gwalior is incomplete without a visit to the fort, Scindia Palace and the tombs of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen. Overnight will be at hotel.

 

Day 07: Gwalior – Agra

Proceed for sight-seeing after breakfast. Visit the historic Gurjari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Sas Bahu ka Mandir, Royal Palace, the Suraj Kund in the fort and also the Scindia Palace and cenotaphs. Proceed to Agra after lunch. The city of Mughals offers you an opportunity to explore the massive monuments, majestic buildings, and the popular arts and crafts. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the capital in the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Overnight will be at hotel in Agra.

 

Day 08: Agra

Visit Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It took twenty-two years and hard toil of more than twenty thousand workers to construct Taj Mahal. The beauty of the Taj Mahal is enchanting and it reflects the marvelous beauty of architecture. Taj Mahal symbolize the richness of art and architecture of the Mughal period. After Taj Mahal visit Agra Fort; built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high, 2.4-km outer walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. Overnight will be at hotel in Agra.

 

Day 09: Agra – Jaipur

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur – Jaipur was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) and painted pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. The Royal heritage of Jaipur lives in its architecture and culture. The city in pink is symbolic of the hospitality that reigned in the Rajput culture. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is a beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The Mughals later abandoned this city for lack of water. Fatehpur Sikri had a short life of splendor. Once Akbar left it in 1585, it never regained its lost importance and has remained the most magnificent and well-preserved ghost city of India. Overnight will be at hotel in Jaipur. Overnight will be in Jaipur.

 

Day 10: Jaipur

After breakfast, have excursion trip to Amber Fort with Jeep / elephant ride. En route, make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). Hawa Mahal is a sample of the perfection of the architecture. Hawa Mahal was built with the pink & red sandstone, beautifully carved and outlined with white border and motif Amber Fort is situated on the crest of a hill seven miles north of Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. Man Singh I built it in a style to rival Mughal grandeur and opulence. In afternoon visit City Palace, a combination of conventional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. City Palace complex has more than a few palatial structures. City Palace is a huge complex, which houses many courtyards, gardens and buildings. Also visit Jantar Mantar, built between 1716. It is located within the city palace. Jantar Mantar contains a collection of instruments for observing the movements of sun, moon, planets and stars. It was built to develop the interest of the people in Astronomy. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

Day 11: Jaipur – Chhatrasagar

Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Nimaj (Chhatrasagar) – The fort of Nimaj was built in 1733 by the valiant ruler- Thakur Jagram Singh. Situated in the heart of the town, it is a massive structure built in traditional Rajput style with courtyards and separate wings for men & women. The little township is surrounded by places of historical interest, like the 9th century temple Magar Mandi, 3 kms away. Visit nearby villages to see local craftsmen at work. As a hunting preserve of the Nimaj Estate, Chhatra Sagar has witnessed many exciting shikar camps and leisure parties. Today, the campsite, situated on the dam, offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the Aravalli ranges on the horizon. The old shooting box – Aodhi has been put to good use as it provides a closer view of the water fowl and birds of prey. Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen to old folk lore – or be more adventurous and take one of the many safaris on offer. Experience the warm hospitality, and enjoy some truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables in the family kitchen. Relax in the tastefully designed and well-appointed tented accommodation. Each tent has an attached bath with running hot and cold water, and its own private sit out overlooking the lake. Overnight will be at the camp.

 

Day 12: Chhatrasagar – Deogarh – Udaipur

Drive to Deogarh after a leisurely breakfast. Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal – Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Have lunch at the Deogarh Mahal and find out more about the Princely State. Later drive to Udaipur – the lake city is an enthralling tourist destination in Rajasthan. It is an important city in Rajasthan today, attracting a large number of tourists. The medieval attractions of the city are its chief draw, but the scenic beauty of Udaipur and its surroundings is also a major attraction for the tourists. There are some beautiful lakes, man made as well as natural that give the city the sobriquet of ‘the lake city’. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest the day is free at leisure.

 

Day 13: Udaipur

After breakfast visit the City Palace towering over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. It is also now the main ticket office. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace to give a wonderful view of the lake. Visit the Jagdish Temple; built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651, the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord Bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers. Chanting, bells and music can be heard throughout the day. It is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur. In the evening enjoy boat ride on the Lake Pichola. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks. Return back to hotel for overnight.

 

Day 14: Udaipur – Jodhpur

Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Jodhpur. En route visit famous Jain Temples in Ranakpur. Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. These temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns Reach Jodhpur – the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur. The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds the city. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

 

Day 15: Jodhpur

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for morning sight-seeing tour of Jodhpur – gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Afternoon go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside. Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping. Overnight will be in Jodhpur.

 

Day 16: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer

After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer – induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and color of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort and beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. The drive passes by dry vegetation, with villages of colorfully dressed people. Plenty of camels and camel carts, sheep and goats pass you by. On arrival in Jaisalmer, check in the Hotel. Rest the day is free at leisure. Overnight in at the hotel.

 

Day 17: Jaisalmer

In the morning have half-day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, over the Trikuta hill, this fort is the biggest and the most beautiful landmark of the city. The fort is occupied by shops, stalls, and a number of other business concerns. It is also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The Jain temple, situated inside the fort, made between 12th and 15th century, bears testimony to Rajasthan unique artistry Visit the havelis; the mansions built by the wealthy merchants, which are still in very good condition. The intricate craftsmanship is beyond parallel. The havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli are remarkable for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. PM – an excursion to Sam sand dunes. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a sunset trip to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam and a camel safari. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes; the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer’s delight. Stay overnight at the Tented Camp.

 

Day 18: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Breakfast will be at the camp. Start Camel Safari winding your way back through a new route to the village. On your way see the villagers starting their day and the womenfolk setting out to fetch water from the desert. The children would be going in groups to the school. Also pass by solitary temples at times. Reach the village and your jeep would be waiting there to take you back to Jaisalmer. Start for Jodhpur and reach by evening. Relax in the evening.

 

Day 19: Jodhpur – Delhi

Breakfast will be in the hotel. Proceed to the airport to take the flight to Delhi. Reach and check in at a hotel for the day. Enjoy the day in the hotel relaxing or do some last minute shopping. Late evening check out as per flight timing and proceed to the airport for flight home.

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