Royal Rajasthan Tour

On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel. A day is at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel

Morning after breakfast visit the massive mega Akshardham Temple Complex (closed on Mondays) in Delhi and explore an amazing world of Indian culture ornate with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and exquisitely carved pillars. Later drive to the city of Taj, Agra, upon arrival in the evening check- in to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of our tour. Later we leave for tour of the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates. Evening free to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur, the fabled "pink city" of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments. En-route we stop at Fatehpur Sikri, which has been described as "the world's most perfectly preserved ghost town". Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. In the afternoon continue to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, arrive and check inn to the hotel.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel we visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber - ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. We stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal << Palace of the Winds >>; this elaborate building, now little more than a facade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. After lunch tour of the Maharajah's City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumesiH. Later we visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century. Jaipur is famous for gems, precious and semi precious stone & jewellery, textiles with embroidery and mirror works, Sanganer block printing and carpets.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Mandawa, located in the heart of Shekhawati region - often called as the "open air art gallery" of Rajasthan. The high quality of frescoes on the traditional houses of rich Marwari trader and merchant and typical Rajasthani houses made of sandstone with rich paintings and carvings are the highlight of the region. On the way stop to visit Nawalgarh, another interesting place in Shekhawati region founded in late 17th century. Its two old forts and palace with garden and fountains along with a host of temples known for their architecture and frescoes add interest to the town.Afternoon is reserved to visit Mandawa, founded in the 18th century. The Mandawa Castle - a medieval fort now dominates the town with painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani, Ladia and Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this regions haveli's. Overnight at the Hotel

Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Bikaner, tucked away in the desert region of western Rajasthan. En-route to Bikaner visit Fatehpur, founded in the mid 15th century by Fateh Khan. The town is noted for unmatched frescoes and some exquisite haveli's. Of particular note among these are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis. On arrival in Bikaner, check in to the hotel, overnight stay at Bikaner.

Morning breakfast at the hotel, followed by visit to the unusual Junagarh Fort, sumptuously decorated with its ornately lacquered walls in red & gold and panels of dazzling coloured glass inlay set over the coronation throne. Later we will journey through the vast Thar Desert to the ancient caravan city of Jaisalmer - is one of the last princely bastions in the region, founded on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes. On arrival check in to the hotel, overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Breakfast in the hotel followed by the full day sightseeing tour of the city visiting The Fort - is a splendid sight with its yellow sand stone walls and bastions that seems to rise from the golden sands. Inside the fort has an enchanting cow - web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely haveli's, three beautifully sculpture Jain temples of 12-15th century A.D and five interconnected palaces. Other interesting places are Gadsisar Lake, Tazia Tower, pagoda like structure and various havelis most important one are Nathmalji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli with exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.Evening - experience the exhilarating camel ride at Sam - the golden sand dunes outside the city to get a feel of desert life and spectacular sunset. Overnight stay at the Hotel

Morning after breakfast we leave for Jodhpur through the most interesting contours of the desert landscape, the enchanting forts, temples, other royal residences and settlements retain its medieval character and comprise the town's multifaceted attractions. En-route visit Osian - The ancient town of Thar desert an archaeologists delight surrounded by golden sand dunes, it has sixteen Brahamanical and Jain temples beautifully sculpted and designed. On arrival check in to the hotel, rest of the day free at leisure, overnight at the Hotel

Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed for the city sightseeing tour visiting massive 15th century A.D fort of Mehrangarh - the 5km long on a height of 125m hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Almost invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by winding road. With in the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels, latticed window. Also visit Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. In the late afternoon excursion tour to Mandore, the ancient capital of the Pratihara Rajputs, whose most remarkable monuments are the royal cenotaphs, particularly those of Jaswant Singh and Ajit Singh (XVII - XVIII centuries). A sanctuary dedicated to 300 million divinities shelters statues natural size local heroes. Overnight stay at the Hotel

Morning after breakfast we drive to Udaipur, there is no place in Rajasthan, which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painter, travellers and writers than Udaipur, an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. En-route we will visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in amber stone, set in seclusion in the middle of Aravali Hills. The cluster of temples made of intricately sculpted on white marble come across as a marvellous feat of architecture. These temples were built in 1460 A.D; the main temple is supported on 1444 pillars - none of which is similarly carved. Later stop to visit Kumbalgarh Fort, which is the second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, it is perched a top of hill of Aravali range of mountain. Built in 15th century it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or cloud palace offers a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. On arrival in Udaipur, check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel

Breakfast in the hotel followed by the sightseeing tour of the city: visit City Palace in all its ancient glory, the residence of the Maharaja of Udaipur. It has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars. One can get a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola from any of the pavilions. Later visit Jag Mandir and finally on to Sahelion ki Bari or the Gardens of Maids of honour famous for its spectacular lawns, fountains and shady walks. Evening - take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at the Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and later transfer to the airport to fly back to Delhi; meet and assist at Delhi airport and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward destination/journey