Golden Sands of Rajasthan - Delhi to Jaisalmer & Udaipur Tour

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, meet & greet with Traditional Indian welcome. Transfer to the hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Old Delhi. It was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also take a Cycle Rickshaw Puller Ride through the bustling and colorful market of the old city is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. It was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. drive pass through the Raisina Hill, ceremonial avenue past the imposing India Gate, Government Buildings, President House and Parliament House. Also visit Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the worship etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After early breakfast drive to Agra through express highway. Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. Upon arrival check into the hotel.

Later visit Agra Fort built by Akbar the Great and the city. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of Her Father.

In the evening, take Horse cart (Tonga Ride) to the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The New 7 wonder of the world and Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori, what makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughal brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of Incomparable artistry.

As you drive through the city witness the local life, Shopping and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning countryside drive to Jaipur, once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs". Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India -- especially with regard to textiles, Jewellery, stones carpets, etc.

On the way you will visit Ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Later visit Sanganer village situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. Look at the Jain temple from the 17th century and visit the traditional wood block printing, tie and dye fabric, paper factory and blue pottery that make the reputation of the craftsmanship of the city rose. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the 17th century fortress of Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors
of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

In the afternoon, visit to Maharaja’s City Palace - where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art, The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.), Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires Evening time to walk in local Market. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today drive to (Shekhawati) Mandawa - The region lies the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner and includes Jhunjhuniun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan upon arrival check in to Hotel.

Afternoon visit the Mandawa -Shekhawati The semi-desert region of Shekhawati is popularly known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. Shekhawati is unique as no-where else in the world there is such a hundreds of Haveli’s, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts. Later visit to Havelies in Mandawa notably the Chokhani Saraf & Ladia Havelies, also visit Temples. See the extraordinary frescoes on the walls of the houses and medieval painting of Shekhawati. You can enjoy the countryside sitting from the cart. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning drive to Bikaner - it lies on the northern point on the triangle of desert cities. It is royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore Prince, Bika & came to be called to be Bikaner after him. It was, however, a major trade center as it stood on the ancient caravan route which link central Asia & north India with the Gujarat Sea Ports. In the afternoon, enjoy city tour of Bikaner; visit Junagarh Fort, built in 1611 AD. The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, and Bijai Phool Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Khimsar – perched on the edge of the great Thar desert in the heart of rural India, It offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind you of its glorious past as a center of much warfare, as well as commerce and trade. The initial construction began in 1523, but the family moved in during the 18th century when a new ‘zanana’ (ladies wing) was constructed. Thakur Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself in the 1940s. Today, the Khimsar Fort ranks high among the premier classified heritage hotels of India. Today we will arrange Jeep / Camel safari in the nearby villages. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakdast, drive to Jaisalmer - the ancient citadel on the Caravan route linking India with Persia, Arabia and The Mediterranean. Few cities in the world can match the Magnificence. Jaisalmer is renowned for its intricately carved & chiseled Haveli’s (Mansions), which illustrate superb craftsmanship. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, embark for the half day city tour of Jaisalmer, which includes Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake & large houses of the merchant called Havelies, some of them dating to the Premediaval are Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Shah Haveli and Nathamal Ki Haveli.

In the afternoon, proceed for Camel Safari. You will go in a Caravan through the small ethnic beautiful villages and meeting with local villagers to know about their way of living and culture & to see the Spectacular Sun Set. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning drive to Jodhpur, breakfast will be en route. Jodhpur - the Great Indian Desert, sites on sand stone hill surrounded by a strong wall, approximately 6 miles long with 7 entry gates. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later proceed for half day sightseeing of the city, which includes visit to Meharangarh Fort, drive through the old city and past the Clock Tower near the largest spice bazaar in the sub-continent, visit the Jaswant Thada Cenotaph, the royal cremation site and then proceed to see the most magnificent, modern 20th century Palace, the Umaid Bhavan Palace and its museum - a treasure trove.

In the evening, enjoy Village Safari (by Jeep)- A memorable outing in Jeeps visit various traditional villages seeing local handicrafts viz. stone makers, pottery, hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver jewellery, etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today drive to Kumbhalgarh, this beautiful region of the Aravalis mountains may be the opportunity for beautiful walks. The fortress of Kumbhalgarh, offers a superb view from the top of its massive walls. Built during the reign of the great warrior Rana Kumbha (1433-1468), in part retains its walls crenate, pierced by several doors to semi-circular bastions. A Switchback path leads to the Summit crowned by a palace built in the 19th century. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, leave for romantic city of Udaipur. En route visit the temples of Nagda and Eklingji - A Religious complex Northern region of Mewar 22 Kms from Udaipur. It houses 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marble, this temple of Eklingji was built in 734 AD. Enclosed by high walls, it is devoted to Eklingji. A form of Shiv Deity adored under the epithet of Eklinga. Also visit Ranakpur temples of the Jains, built in the 15th century in the lovely valley of Aravallis. It has grand structure & beautiful Sculptures. The 1444 pillars in the temple are different from each other. The magic of light & shade is really awe- inspiring. Later proceed to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today Sightseeing of Udaipur includes The City Palace – this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel, standing majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. This huge edifice 30.4 meters high and 244 meters long was added on to, by later rulers, but the additions are so well planned and integrated, it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as complete structure, Visit to Sahelion-ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honour” was laid out for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of dowry, Partap Smarak: A memorial to the legendary warrior Rana Pratap, Bhartiya Lok Mandal Museum – a museum of folk arts, it displays a rich collection of folk musical instruments and paintings. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, say good bye to this fascinating and memorable tour & transfer to the airport to board the flight for for onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.