1

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi and our representatives will transfer you to the hotel.

Delhi is the capital city of India. The city can be described in three words – mystery, magic, and mayhem. The city houses ruins of Mughal forts and medieval bazaars that are spread across the city. The city has been ruled by a succession of dynasties and their identity has been imprinted into this city.

Later start with sightseeing of Old Delhi.

First, we will visit Jama Masjid, built in the year 1650 AD by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is an important Muslim pilgrimage site. It is the largest mosque of Asia and can accommodate 25,000 thousand people in one single prayer meet. The mosque is built with red sandstone and has inlaid white marble with black marble. The words of the Holy book Quran are inscribed on the walls of the mosque.

Then we will visit Red Fort, the seat of Mughal emperor for more than 250 years. Red Fort was built as a fortified palace of Shah Jahan and is famous for its massive enclosing walls made from red sandstone. The design of this massive fort is credited to the architect Ustad Ahmed Lahori. Unlike any other Mughal fort, red fort boundary walls are asymmetrical so that it can contain the old Salimgarh Fort.

Later we will drive past and visit the colonial Delhi, that was built by British India.

India Gate was built after the First World War and Afghan war. It was constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyen. Also known as India War Memorial, it is situated at one end of the royal Rajpath. It took ten years to build this monument made of sandstone that was brought from Bharatpur in Rajasthan. There is the Amar Jawan Jyoti – the flame of the immortal soldiers.

The presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhawan was built in 1931 by the British architect Edwin Lutyen for the British viceroy, Lord Irwin. After the last viceroy Mountabatten, the palace became the official residence of the President of India. The palace spread over 18 acres of land featuring 350 rooms, golf course, Mughal gardens.

Parliament house is the administrative office for government officials. This circular building features two chambers, upper house (Rajya Sabha) and a Lower House (Lok Sabha).

Return to hotel and overnight stay.

2

In the morning leave for Mandawa.

Mandawa is a small town located 160 kms from Jaipur and is renowned for its forts and havelis. The city of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Mandawa is often known as Open Art Gallery because of its forts and havelis; marvelous mansions dot the town and make it an important tourist attraction of Rajasthan.

Arrive and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon we will visit Havelis. The world comes to this beautiful place to view its colorful frescoes that is painted on almost every subject. Ranging from religious to the erotic and to the copies of Englishmen to the witty social satire has been displayed in an inevitable style by the local artists of Shekhwati Region. The Havelis are painted in the nature of the vast open art gallery.

Overnight stay.

3

In the morning we shall leave for Bikaner.

The city of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bikaji. Bikaner is an energetic, undulating sand dunes town with a marvelous fort and a revitalizing outpost composition. The city is not so much frequented by visitors as other cities in Rajasthan, in spite of having splendid fort and a unique camel breeding farm.

In the afternoon start off with city tour of Bikaner and we will first visit Junagarh Fort.

Junagarh Fort is the only fort that has not been conquered and is an ancestral property of the rulers of Bikaner. The fort was built by Maharaja Rai Singh Ji, who travelled far and wide which gave him vision and great idea about art and architecture. We can see how precisely these designs were integrated into the architectural style of his building in the Junagarh Fort. The present-day fort is an amalgamated structure which is the result of passionate constructions of many rulers through four centuries and one of the valuable treasures of Indian architecture in the center of Thar Desert.

Then proceed to Gajner to check in at Gajner Palace.

Gajner Palace is an incomparable jewel in the desert. This beautiful treasure trove was built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the banks of Lake. The palace comprises of Luxurious art Deco style with Doric pillars, ornamental staircases, and large windows, which attest an artistic intelligence of the bygone era. The Palace features a private wildlife sanctuary, which is home to endangered antelopes like the chinkara, black buck, and neelgai.

Afternoon we will visit the bird sanctuary and overnight stay at palace.

4

In the morning we will leave for Jaisalmar.

Stop en-route and visit ,Pokhran, remotely located in the Thar Desert. The city is surrounded by five salt lakes, rocks and sands in its surrounding landscape. The place is known for its majestic Pokhran Fort which was built in the 14th century and is popularly known as Balagarh.

Then proceed to Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer, the golden city has its own stories to tell since it was founded by Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in 1156 A D. The place is a World Heritage Site. The city is well famed for its close vicinity to the Thar Desert and is well known for its camel safari in the undulating sand dunes. Jaisalmer also rejoices its desert culture with the enthralling Desert Festival, held every year in January or February.

On arriving check in the hotel for night stay.

5

In the morning we shall leave for sightseeing of the city. First, we will visit Jaisalmer Fort.

Jaisalmer Fort is built in the middle of the Thar Desert atop a hill. The yellow sandstone structure glows a honey gold color with the first ray of the sun. Being the only living fort in Rajasthan, the fort is the marvel of architecture in the desert where water has been always scarce. It is not only a famous tourist attraction, but it has also inspired many legendary film makers.

Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli are two most beautiful havelis of Jaisalmer.

The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is a thought-provoking piece of Architecture and is the most magnificant Haveli in Jaisalmer. The first Haveli founded in Jaisalmer and it is a cluster of 5 small Havelis. The entire structure is made of yellow sandstone, but the main entrance to the Haveli is made in brown color.

Nathmal Ji ki Haveli was specially made to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal. It is one of the best Havelis in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. The two yellow sandstone elephants guard the entrance of the Haveli. There are various carvings that are engraved on the walls and pillars of the Haveli.

In the afternoon, set out for excursion to Sam Sand Dunes, 42 km away from Jaisalmer. It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes. The best time to be here is during sunset. Enjoy camel ride to isolated sand dunes. You can experience the beautiful sunset in the dunes.

Return to Jaisalmer for overnight stay.

6

In the morning leave for Khimsar

Cuddled at the brink of the Thar Desert, Khimsar is a village situated 100 km north of Jodhpur city. Earlier it was a self-governing kingdom. Khimsar is most famed for its fort and sand dunes.

On arrival check in at Khimsar Fort.

Khimsar Fort was constructed by Prince, Rao Karamasji in 1523. The fort is strategically located in the middle of sand dunes. The part of the fort is still inhabited by the royal family lineage and the rest of the fort is open for visitors to enjoy royal Rajput hospitality. Open spaces, stone carved exteriors, courtyards surrounding the rooms, windows and archways are some of the special features of this fort.

In the afternoon, visit the Khimsar Fort and also visit handicraft institute.

Later enjoy jeep safari to local villages and camel safari to undulating sand dunes for a spectacular view of sunset.

Return to Fort for overnight stay.

7

In the morning we shall drive to Jodhpur – the gateway to the Thar Desert. The view from the top of the cliff is totally mesmerizing. Jodhpur, the blue city as it is called because its sandstone buildings stand out in intense blue when the sun shines. Jodhpur stands as an existing evidence of the grandeur, traditions and culture of the bygone era. The celebrated past of Jodhpur is still alive in its numerous forts, palaces and other memorials of Jodhpur.

On arrival check in at hotel

Later we will start with the sightseeing of the city. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort towering high above the city of Jodhpur is chiselled out of the rock. This magnificent fort is ranked high among the most majestic forts in Rajasthan. The fort was constructed in 15th century by Rao Jodha. The incredibly imposing fort is the pride of Marwar. The stories of valor and chivalry are associated with the Fort’s history. The gates of the fort are brilliant examples of Rajput military architecture.

Jaswant Thada is a royal memorial made up of white marble. It was constructed to memorialize Maharaja Jaswant Singh. This royal marble edifice is popularly known as “Taj Mahal of Marwar”. Being an epitome of Rajputna style of architecture, the edifice boasts attractively carved marble sheets; the elegant stone radiates a warm spark when sunrays falls on it.

Overnight stay.

8

In the morning leave for Udaipur

While driving to Udaipur, we shall stop at Ranakpur.

Ranakpur is home to beautiful Jain complex in Aravalli Ranges. The temple complex was built in the 15th century by a wealthy Jain merchant. It is the biggest Jain temple in India and is dedicated to Lord Adinath. The construction of the temple took 63 years to complete and is a brilliant masterpiece of architecture. The temple is supported by 1444 pillars all distinctly carved with no two pillars being alike. The creativity and beauty of this place is worth exploring.

Then proceed to Udaipur

Often known as the City Of Lakes, Udaipur besets itself in the Aravalli hills and is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the country. The city gives great inspiration to the writers to have out of the box imagination because the city has an attractive blend of sight, sound and experience. Udaipur is the center for crafts, performing arts and is also familiar for its miniature paintings.

After arrival check in at Hotel.

Overnight stay.

9

In the morning we will start with sightseeing of the city.

We will start with a visit to City Palace which is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture. Dominated by verandas, towers and domes soaring over the lake, the impressive City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace of the state. The museum of the palace showcases different artifacts, for the tourist to see the royal lifestyle of a bygone era. The museum houses Mewar collection of paintings, weapons, artifacts and clothes.

Next to the temple, the steep stairways lead to the Jagdish Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entrance of the temple is flanked by two elephants. The still masonry on the walls of the temple is very impressive.

The Saheliyon ki Bari Garden, also called the Princess Palace is known for its well laid out parks, lotus ponds and life size still elephants. The palace was built in honor of the princess and her accompanied escorts which she brought along in her dowry.

In the afternoon we shall leave for excursion to Eklingi and Nagda.

Eklingji is a famous Hindu temple complex which was constructed by a Guhila dynasty of Mewar region in 9th century. The magnificent architecture of the temple is really remarkable. The pyramidal style of temple and its beautifully carved tower provides an awesome look to the double storied temple. The series of steps on the outer walls of temple descend into the serene waters of the lake. The prominent idol of Eklingji is made out of black marble.

Founded in the 6th century, Nagdais a small town located at the distance of 23 kms from Udaipur. The city was founded by Nagaditya, the founder of Mewar region houses numerous temples. The prime attraction of the city is Saas Bahu temple.

Overnight stay.

10

In the morning leave for Deogarh.

Deogarh is the popular tourist destination; the city boasts a complex of Heritage hotels, which are managed by the royal family.

On arrival check in at Deogarh Mahal.

Deogarh Mahal is situated over a hill overlooking Deogarh village. Built in 17th century, it stands atop a hill and offers great views of the surrounding lakes and hills. Earlier abode of the king is now a magnificent hotel, which is owned and operated by a royal family. Every corner of the palace has stories to tell. It is one of the most remote and charming heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

In the Afternoon jeep safari to nearby villages.

Overnight stay.

11

In the morning leave for Bundi.

While on our way to Bundi we shall stop at Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh, known as the Cradle Of Chivalry, has been an integral part of the proud history of Rajasthan. The Fort of Chittorgarh is reckoned amongst the most famous forts in India. Not only it is the oldest forts in Rajasthan but also for generations it has been impregnable and invincible. The fort has big rampant, gates and sharp turns.

Visit the Tower Of Victory which was erected after the conquest of Gujarat by Maharana Kumbha. The decorations on Vijay stambh, the tower of victory is formally elegant. The tower is 37 meters high and has nine storeys. The tower is covered with exquisite stone carvings that depict Hindu gods and the Goddess.

Kirti Stambh is commonly known as a tower of victory. The tower is shorter than a tower of victory, but still it matches it in its ornamentation. The structure is decorated with unclad Jain idol. The sealing too bears the Jain imprint.

Then proceed for Bundi and check in at hotel.

Bundi is famous for its Taragarh Fort, temples, Havelis and opulent palaces. The serene atmosphere and alluring landscape attract numerous tourists throughout the year.

Overnight stay.

12

In the morning visit The Fort of Bundi which is great masterpiece of Rajput architecture. The building is ornamented with step wells, arches and elaborate windows. It was one of the most curiously built forts. You can see cannons and large reservoirs which are carved out of a single rock. Bundi palace is famous for its exquisite frescoes that glorify the era of Indian Rajput’s. Bundi is also known for its alluring paintings.

Later drive to Samode which is 42 km from jaipur. Samode is a small and beautiful village and many artisans and craftsmen live here. It is mainly famous for Samode Palace which is a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Samode Palace was first constructed in the sixteenth century, but it was later restored and converted from just a fort to an exquisitely designed palace in the early 19th century. The Palace is well known for interiors which are in harmony with warm colored walls and delicate marble work with colorful patterns. It has a stunning hall which showcases enamel work of “minakari” and splendin mirror work.

Stay at Samode Palace to soak in the glorious luxury and an unforgettable ambience.

Overnight stay.

13

After breakfast drive to Amer Fort. In the midst of a rocky, arid landscape lies Amber Fort, the original residence of the Rajput Clan. Reaching the fort on back of an elephant is an amazing experience. The complex has four large inner courtyards that are located on four levels. The lower courtyard was once the domain of the palace guards, through steep stair case is the upper courtyard which is dominated by a large audience hall; the next courtyard contains a garden with water. One of the major attractions in the Fort is Sheesh Mahal which also means the Palace of Mirrors. It is designed in such a way that even if a single ray of light enters there, the light would be replicated in the mirrors and the entire hall would be enlightened.

In the afternoon we shall go for city tour of Jaipur. We shall start with a visit to City Palace.

The City palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. The Palace was built after Sawai jai Singh II decided to shift his Capital from Amer to Jaipur. The seven storey building is still inhabited by the royal family. It is perfectly blended in Rajput and Mughal architecture.

The famed Hawa Mahal, the Palace Of The Winds is the main landmark of the city. The façade boasts intricately carved windows, popularly known as Jharokas from where the women could observe the street unseen.

Jantar Mantar is an observatory which was built by Jai Singh next to his palace. It houses various scientific instruments. It is a fascinating place with surreal and precious objects to measure time and movement of stars, planets and the sun.

After city tour, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

14

In the morning leave for Abhaneri which is located at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur. The place is very famous for an enormous step well, Chand Baori which is considered to be the biggest step well in the world. Although it is a step well but it looks like anything but a well. The incredible structure is no less than 13 stories deep. There are about 3500 steps which perfectly descend to the bottom of the well. It was built in 8th and 9th century and has since been lifeline of the area for centuries providing water to people in surrounding places. The beauty of this architectural marvel lies in endlessly appearing geometric designed steps which is truly incredible.

Before reaching Agra, En- route stop again to visit Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s capital city. This huge palace was designed only as a residence. This site was founded in 1569. Akbar ordered for the construction of grand mosque as a token of appreciation to the saint who had predicted that he would be blessed with a son. When forecast of the saint came true, Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. He even constructed three palaces for his favorite wives. The city was a perfect presentation of Indo Islamic style.

Proceed to Agra and check in at hotel.

Overnight stay.

15

In the morning we will first start with a visit to Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a tribute to love and beauty. The exquisiteness of Taj is worth appreciating for its fabled past and brilliant architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built this beautiful edifice with the help of 22,000 labours. The mausoleum was built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is an enduring icon of India attracting numerous travelers from across the world.

Then we will visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar in Red Sandstone when he was through with the consolidation of his power after accession to power in 1654. The Fort worked both as a military strategic point as well as the royal residence. It contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders Akbar and later Jehangir and Shahjahan. The fort is built with red sandstone and marble.

Before returning to Delhi, we will visit Sikandra. Here lies the tomb of Emperor Akbar, who was one of the greatest Mughal rulers. Akbar himself started building his grave during his lifetime which was later completed by his son, Jahangir. This five story structure is a marvelous example of Mughal architecture.

In the afternoon leave for Delhi to catch a flight for onward destination.