Royal Rajasthan

Welcome to Delhi! The capital of India is a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples, and tombs. Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, your adventure will begin in Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. At the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly independent India on August 15^th, 1947, trade the vehicle for bicycle rickshaws. Weave through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship for which India is well known and continues to thrive. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. This afternoon you will visit the Qutb Minar, a stunning 240-foot brick minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.

Overnight in Delhi

In the morning you will travel overland to Mandawa. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Mandawa

This morning you will head on a walking tour of Mandawa, famous for its massive forts, beautiful Havelis, and ancient temples. The medieval ambiance and vintage charm of Mandawa recall the glory and splendor of yesteryears. Mandawa was the stronghold of rich merchants who built palatial mansions and forts and decorated them with exquisite paintings and murals. Afterwards, continue your journey to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Bikaner

Today after breakfast you will visit the Junagarh Fort with its sumptuously decorated interiors. The fort was built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most capable and trusted generals of Akbar, and it has forever remained unconquered. It is considered unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, this magnificent structure was built on the desert plains, with its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies silhouetted against the sky. This afternoon, spend some time with the indispensable ship of the desert at a camel research and breeding centre, the only one of its kind in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi-arid land and is managed by the Central Government. These camels are sold in the cattle fairs of Bikaner and Jaisalmer where they are decorated in all their colorful and attractive finery, complementing the brown terrain of the desert.

Overnight in Bikaner

In the morning you will drive to Jaisalmer. There is something magical about Jaisalmer, which rears out of the inhospitable Thar Desert like a mirage from the "1001 Nights". Once a staging post on the trading routes west, it is a walled citadel, formidably fortified, of a sand color that turns golden in the setting sun and is home to a fort surrounded by palaces and temples. Below the forest of intricately carved spires and turrets lies a jumble of buildings, alleys, animals, humans, shops, and cafes, wonderful golden Havelis, and plenty of fine Jain temples. Camel trains can often be seen taking visitors out into the desert on camel safaris.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

Today you will enjoy breakfast before visiting the Jaisalmer Fort, which is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city, built-in 1156. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenulated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by a few gorgeous Havelis, beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD, and 5 royal palaces. The Havelis or mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century within the complex are famous for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. The only ‘living fort’ is occupied by merchants and shop owners. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built around 300 years ago. It belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to the then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. Patwon-ki-Haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, boasting a ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiseled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight. Round off the tour with a walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the city. In the late afternoon, you will drive to the Sam Dunes (40 minutes drives approx). The village of Sam is Jaisalmer's nearest Sahara-like desert and is one of the best places to see the sunrise and the sunset among the picturesque dunes. Enjoy a Camel Safari on the dunes before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

Today you will drive to Rohet Garh with an en-route visit to Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’ and once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second-largest city in Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments, temples, and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. It is a marvelous medieval city. While the graceful palaces, forts, and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, and music, the brightly attired people create a romantic aura in the city. From there you will continue your journey to Rohet Garh

Overnight in Rohet Garh

In the morning you will drive to Udaipur with an en-route visit to Ranakpur, which boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country. The temples are famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. Nestled on the banks of the Maghai River and sequestered by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four-faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike. Afterwards continue to Udaipur, founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city. Its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes. Overnight in Udaipur

Overnight in Udaipur

After breakfast, begin your day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D., and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a few beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th-century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas, and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards, we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors, and more. Early this evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, stopping at the island of Jag Mandir, a 17th-century water palace that witnessed two significant historical events. It was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan when he was exiled by his father. Later during the uprising of 1857, the island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Néemuch.

Overnight in Udaipur

This morning you will depart for Pushkar. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Pushkar

Head on a walking tour of the holy city of the God, Brahma. Visit Pushkar Lake and the famous Brahma Temple. Afterwards continue overland to the “Pink City” of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. The origin of Jaipur’s nickname will become immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings rising at every turn. Jaipur is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled shopping opportunities and people-watching. Spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city of Johori Bazaar, a true feast for the senses. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women, and men with colorful turbans jostle through the labyrinthine streets.

Overnight in Jaipur

In the morning you will begin your tour with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. Enjoy a royal ride on an elephant (subject to availability) up the hill, like the Maharajas of past times, and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well-preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.” In the afternoon we will return to the city for a look at the grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built for the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. See the City Palace and impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name.

Overnight in Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and continue overland to Agra with an en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the eerily abandoned capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as a capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for a lack of accessible water. You will arrive in time to visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) at sunset. Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the light and colors that transform this beautiful monument in the breathtaking sunset glow.

Overnight in Agra

Today you will visit Agra Fort, built, and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace and later it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. This afternoon, cross the Yamuna River to visit Itmad ud Daula. The mausoleum was built by Queen Nur Jahan in 1622 in memory of her father. Many historians believe that this monument was Shah Jahan’s inspiration for building the Taj and is often described as the “petite Taj.” Late this afternoon, depart for Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight.