15 Nights/ 16 Days

"Rajasthan, the "Land of Kings", is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts some of the finest fortress - palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the land itself. In contrast to the pastel shades of the desert landscape are the brightly coloured costumes of its handsome people. With its turbaned men and richly jewelled women, its crystal lakes and island palaces, its quaint havelis and villages, its fairs and festivals, Rajasthan constantly beckons"
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
You will be met on arrival by our executive and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon our guide will take you to explore the sights of Delhi - a multi - layered city. Our first stop is the red fort built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. A short drive brings us to the great mosque - the Jama Masjid built by shah Jehan . We then walk around the lanes of Chandni Chowk the 'Silver street" imbibing an ambiance of a bygone era. Now we drive on to see the memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before continuing on to our hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 02 DELHI
Today you will explore other sights of Delhi.
Contemporary history unfolds as we see the Qutab Minar - the tallest stone tower in India built in 1191 AD. Close by are the cloisters of one of the first mosque built in India, the Quwwatul - Islam mosque. In the centre of its courtyard is an amazing 2000 year old iron pillar erected in 4 AD, cast of such pure iron that it has never rusted. We continue to Hamayun's tomb built by the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun (some say the inspiration for the Taj Mahal). A drive through Delhi's broad tree-lined avenues brings us to India Gate- a memorial to the "unknown soldier", Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the president of India), past Rajpath and leading to Connaught Circus a shoppers paradise, you can bargain and get the best price ever.

Afternoon free for leisure / shopping, overnight stay.

DAY 03 DELHI - MANDAWA …..by surface
After breakfast proceed for Mandawa - the semi-desert area of Shekhawati region is situated in the triangular mass of land between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. This region famous for its painted havelis or mansions with beautiful frescoes, it today termed as an open air gallery of Rajasthan. There is no record of a distinct school of painting in Shekhawati other than the frescoes. History took this colourless page and made Shekhawati blossom with frescoes. On arrival check-in at the hotel, afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandawa - founded in the mid 18th century, Mandawa skyline today is dominated by an imposing mirage like fort. A painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to the bazar. The terrace of castle Mandawa offers a panoramic view of the town. Overnight stay.

DAY 04 MANDAWA - BIKANER …..by surface
Today we will drive for Bikaner, on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikaner, the royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Visit Junagarh Fort - built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a General in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque Lal Garh Palace - the architectural masterpiece in red sand stone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his former Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Overnight stay.

DAY 05 BIKANER - KHIMSAR …..by surface
After breakfast proceed by surface for Khimsar, en-route visit Deshnok - Karni Mata rat temple. Legend has it that the more rats jump over you the more you will be blessed and Nagaur Fort, on arrival check-in at Khimsar Fort - its battle scarred walls and turrets remind one of its glorious past. Today the Khimsar Fort ranks high amongst the premier heritage hotels of India, day to relax and enjoy the hospitality of Khimsar Fort, overnight stay.

DAY 06 KHIMSAR - JAISALMER …..by surface
The morning takes you to Jaisalmer via Osian - an oasis in the desert, a drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets, Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples, on arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 07 JAISALMER
Day to explore Jaisalmer, rising from the Thar desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Fort - the golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak Desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Gadisar Lake Havelis - some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer - each with a different facade. Patwon-ki-haveli - the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli -this 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer.

In the evening visit Sam Sand Dunes - (42 km) no trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmes are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Overnight stay.

DAY 08 JAISALMER - JODHPUR …..by surface
In the morning transfer to Jodhpur and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort - the 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 meter high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 09 JODHPUR - ROHETGARH …..by surface
In the morning we drive to Rohetgarh on arrival check-in at hotel Rohetgarh, afternoon we get into the waiting jeeps and proceed on a safari to Bishnoi Villages - stepped in history, this 450 years old white turbaned tribe has a distinct way of life. They are the world's first environmentalists preserving the black buck, brought back from the verge of extinction. Also visit the villages of craftsmen - potters, weavers, and metal-ware. Overnight stay.

DAY 10 ROHETGARH - UDAIPUR …..by surface
After breakfast proceed for Udaipur, en-route visiting Ranakpur Jaintemples - renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community, on arrival check-in at the hotel, overnight stay.

DAY 11 UDAIPUR
Today we will explore Udaipur - the city of dawn.
Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experience - an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,

lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the lake Pichola is an enticing sight.

Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion-Ki-Bari Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum. Afternoon boat ride on lake Pichola - two island palaces , Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR …..by surface
This day we will drive towards the holy city of Pushkar, on arrival check-in at the hotel, later visit Pushkar lake, situated on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on the three sides, is separated from Ajmer by 'Nag Pahar' - the snake mountain the panchkund. A Brahma temple located here is a popular place of pilgrimage, overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13 PUSHKAR - JAIPUR …..by surface
After breakfast proceed for Jaipur, on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pink City Jaipur , visit the city Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani Architecture is now a museum, containing all the paraphernalia of Jaipur's princely past. Jaisingh, notable astronomer, built for himself the curious jantar mantar, an observatory of immense brick and mortar instruments of astonishing accuracy. Not far from the Jantar Mantar, is the beautiful Hawa Mahal (palace of winds), tall and pink, faced with delicate pierced stone, it is not really a palace. The queens of Jaipur and the royal ladies once used this decorative facade to watch, unobserved, numerous festive processions winding through the streets of their city. Overnight stay.

DAY 14 JAIPUR
In the morning excursion to Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride on the ramparts of the fort, for six centuries the capital of the state. The pavilions and courtyards of the palace ascend in successive levels up the hill the Sheesh Mahal, or pavilion of mirrors, the finest of its kind, is studded with small mirrors which reflect flame in a thousand flickering lights.

Afternoon free for leisure / shopping, overnight stay.

DAY 15 JAIPUR - AGRA …..by surface
After breakfast proceed to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating ghost town, lies a little before Agra. Emperor Akbar, wearying of Agra built a new capital here, only to abandon it a few years later for lack of water. And there it remains, its fortifications, massive gateway and palaces, in a wonderful state of preservation. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.

Arrive Agra and check-in at hotel, in the evening visit Taj Mahal - built by a grief-stricken emperor, shah jahan, as a memorial of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took twenty two years to build and the finest of skilled artisans inlaid the white marble edifice with precious stones and conjured a lacy stone screen around the cenotaphs of the emperor and his beloved. Overnight stay

DAY 16 AGRA - DELHI - ONWARD DESTINATION
Morning city tour of Agra, visit Agra fort built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD have a last view of the Taj Mahal from a little octagonal tower in the Agra fort just as its builder Shahjehan had when he was kept a prisoner here by his son, and later proceed to Delhi (203 km / 5 hrs) via Sikandra, the tomb Akbar, arrive Delhi and drop at international airport for your flight to onward destination.

TOUR ENDS
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