Day- 1 Arrive in Delhi (in the evening)

On arrival, our local guide will meet and assist you at the airport and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay.

Delhi: As the capital of the largest democracy in the world, Delhi is the focus of the socio economic and political life of India. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. It's origins are thought to extend as far back as 1200 BC, and since then seven cities have been built and destroyed. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. All of them has left their mask, reprint and relics and those are the things that makes the capital city as well as the most popular city of India an irresistible net4journey itinerary. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the city's past.

Day- 2 Delhi-Nawalgarh/Mandawa (Shekhawati)

After breakfast, go on a half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Afternoon, leave Delhi for Nawalgarh/Mandawa. Arrive Nawalgarh/Mandawa and check in at the pre-booked hotel.

Shekhawati: Starting around 14th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the town which developed in the region became important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujrat. The merchants prospered and in later years, encouraged by the British, established themselves as traders across the country. Although the towns have long since lost any importance they may once have had, what they have not lost is the amazing painted 'havelis' (houses) built by the merchants. Most of the buildings date from the 18th century to early this century.

Day- 3 Nawalgarh/Mandawa - Bikaner

Morning trip is the visit at the 'Havelis' of Nawalgarh & Mandawa, and in the afternoon, transfer to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in at pre-booked Hotel for overnight stay.

Bikaner: Binaker’s history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, transformed a barren into impressive city, called Bikaner. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is cirucmscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars, a line of balconies, aerial windows of varying designs and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal Temple. The Royal Chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings & births were once celebrated.

Day- 4 Bikaner-Jaisalmer

After breakfast, visit the Junagadh Fort and the Camel Breeding Farm Camel Breeding Farm - 10 km away, an institute for research work on camels. The first of its kind in Asia, you can see camels of all types, sizes & ages. In the afternoon, leave Bikaner for Jaisalmer. On arrival, check in pre-booked Hotel. The Rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Jaisalmer: Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces & havelis. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.

Day- 5 Jaisalmer

Morning, take a city tour of Jaisalmer. See the citadel - the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once supplied water to the city; the temples & archways around it have been built by a courtesan. Later in the evening take an excursion to Sam - 45 km away, is known for its sand dunes & is the venue for the Desert festival. Get the actual feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes.

Day- 6 Jaisalmer-Jodhpur

After breakfast, transfer to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Jodhpur: Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions. It showcases some very fine mementoes of its glorious past - palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value. The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city .

Afternoon, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means "Majestic Fort", located at the very center of the city. There are, in all, three gates, each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts' ramparts are well preserved.
Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower - the city center.

Day- 7 Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Mount Abu

Morning, transfer to Mt. Abu, en-route visit Jain temples at Ranakpur.

Ranakpur: Renowned for some marvelous carved temples in Amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the community 96 km from Udaipur The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, comes across as a marvelous feat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved and sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which is similarly carved. After the visit, continue driving to Mt. Abu. On arrival, check in pre-booked hotel.

Day- 8 Mount Abu - Udaipur

Morning, visit Mt. Abu - the Dilwara Jain temples, one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex includes 02 temples in which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights. Afternoon, transfer to Udaipur: "The Venice of the East", Udaipur is an enchanting city. From lakes in the midst of sandy terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds, the surprises are endless. And, in the lakes, or by their edges, are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges situated on the edge of three lakes.

Day- 9 Udaipur

Witness the Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Visit Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for the maids of honor) & the City Palace

In the evening, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day- 10 Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar

After breakfast, leave Udaipur for Pushkar, en-route visit Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh: The Pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris. Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and, on each occasion, the end came in a textbook Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds.

The men dorned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort to certain death, while the women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre as honor was always more important than death. The first defeat occurred in 1303, the second in 1535 and this time the carnage was immense. It is said that 13,000 Rajput women and 33,000 Rajput warriors died following the declaration of Jauhar. The final sack came in 1568, when Mughal emperor Akbar, took the town. In 1616, Jehangir return Chittor to the Rajputs but there was no attempt at resettlement.

After the visit, continue driving to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel for overnight stay. Afternoon, visit the holy city of Pushkar.

Day- 11 Pushkar - Jaipur

Afternoon, leave Pushkar for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the pre-booked hotel.Jaipur: picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed  pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets.

Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar - the observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728; the City Palace which is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century; the fa?ade of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799.

Day- 12 Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

After breakfast, take a short excursion to Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

 

In the afternoon, leave Jaipur for Agra, en-route visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory, credit of which goes to Lord Curzon.

Continue driving to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Day- 13 Agra

Visit the Agra Fort containing the halls of Private & Public audience, Itmad-ud-Daulah followed by the visit to the highlight of the day - Taj Mahal, built by the Mogul emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, perhaps the most perfect architecture in the world.

Day- 14 Agra-Delhi

In the morning, transfer to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel and spend the afternoon with the visit to New Delhi - Drive pass Presidents House & the Parliament, witness the India Gate & visit Humayun's Tomb & Qutab Minar.

Evening, transfer to the airport to board on your onward/return flight.

Tour Ends but sweet memories remain.