| Destinations : Delhi - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Depart Delhi Duration : 12 Days |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight.
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here - Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. But, combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Jaisalmer
After breakfast city tour of New Delhi & Old Delhi.
Old Delhi Visit the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Visit "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk - literally means "moonlit crossroads" and an area which best represents the "super-Oriental" - the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange aromas, the pungent odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and "rickshaw-walas" and the clatter and whirr of furious industry. New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayun’s tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar
Evening you will be transferred to railway station to board overnight train for Jaisalmer. Overnight on board.
Day 03: Arrive Jaisalmer
Arrive Jaisalmer in the afternoon.
Jaisalmer is amongst the last of the former princely kingdoms of Rajputana before the border between India and Pakistan. Jaisalmer earned great wealth and glory in its heyday, because it was strategically located on the most lucrative of trade routes between Central Asian kingdoms and the Far East. Merchants were valued citizens and their houses or havelis are legendary with ornate, intricately carved façades of sandstone. The Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer grew rich living off the rich caravans that crossed their territory till their days of glory slowly came to an end with the burgeoning of the shipping trade through the port at Mumbai
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Evening you will be given camel ride on sam sand dunes. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast you will be given city tour of Jaisalmer.
City tour of Jaisalmer. Visit this perfect Rajput walled desert city which is like a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain temples and magnificent Havelis. Also visit the Fort - built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan after Chittor. One fourth of the population lives inside the Fort. Evening you will be given camel ride on Sam Sand dunes.
In the evening transfer to the railway station to board overnight train for Jodhpur. Overnight on board.
Day 05: Arrive Jodhpur
Arrive Jodhpur.
History of Jodhpur is replete with fascinating stories that tell the tales of proud kings, brave warriors, and court intrigues with the colorful stories of valor and romance. The city of Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwaris who were known for their strength and power. The history of Jodhpur states that the city enjoyed the honor of the most powerful cities of Rajasthan. In medieval times, Jodhpur lay on the trade routes between Central Asia and the ports of Gujarat, and became a major trade center during the 16th century.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later you will be given city tour of Jodhpur.
City tour of Jodhpur includes Mehrangarh Fort - one of the most impressive & formidable in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan is situated on a high natural rock bluff and from which you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below, Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Jodhpur - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur temples enroute.
Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Continue your drive to Udaipur
Udaipur, once known as Mewar, is the land that produced a galaxy of patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the name of Rajasthan in every corner of the world. The Mewar dynasty traces its roots to the Sun God. Its history has been a continuous struggle for freedom of religion, thought and land against other Rajput groups as well as the overbearing Mughals and Muslims of bygone eras. Its act of patriotism, heroism, magnanimous behaviour and love for independence can never find any match in the annals of any country.
Upon arrival at Udaipur you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Udaipur
After breakfast you will be given sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
City tour of Udaipur - The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby lakes.
Enjoy a cruise by private boat on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Udaipur - Jaipur
Day is free till departure. Later transfer to the railway station to board overnight train for Jaipur. Overnight on board.
Day 09: Jaipur
The historic city of Jaipur or "The City of Victory" was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named after him. The monarch was not only a great builder, but also a poet and an astronomer. Under his aegis, the city was designed by his talented architect Vidyadhar, who gave shape to the creative aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in the form of the dream city of Jaipur
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Later you will be given excursion to Amber Fort alongwith Elephant ride.
Morning you will be given excursion to the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Later you will be given city tour of Jaipur.
Later you will be given city tour of Jaipur.
Afternoon tour of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colorful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur - Agra
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board train for Agra.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon you will visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri or Fathpur Sikri, historic city (1991 pop. 25,446), Uttar Pradesh state, N India. It was founded (1569) by the Mughal emperor Akbar to honor the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who had foretold the birth of Akbar's son and heir, Jahangir. The city was Akbar's capital until 1584. By 1605 it was largely deserted because of the inadequate water supply. A masterpiece of Muslim architecture, the city is unique in India as a nearly intact Mughal city. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be given city tour of Agra which includes visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal…… Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Evening you will be transferred to the railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
Today you will be transferred to the international airport in time to connect your flight for onward destination.
