Rajasthan also known as ‘The land of Kings’ comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert. Though the large parts of the region are deserted but the land has a lot of diversity in geographical terrain and has been home to very large number of kingdoms throughout the middle ages. Consequently, Rajasthan offers a range of forts and palace which is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Explore Royal Rajasthan, the land of the Maharajas, in an enchanting travel experience.

Itinerary Summary

Day	City	Programme
Day 1	Delhi	Arrive and transfer to hotel
Day 2	Delhi	Full day city tour of Delhi
Day 3	Agra	Drive to Agra, visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal
Day 4	Ranthambore	Drive to Ranthambore – en route visit Fatehpur Sikri
Day 5	Ranthambore	Explore Ranthambore in morning and afternoon game drives.
Day 6	Jaipur	After another game drive, continue to Jaipur
Day 7	Jaipur	Jaipur city tour
Day 8	Jaipur	Amber Fort, Elephant safari with dinner at Dera Amer
Day 9	Jodhpur	Drive to Jodhpur
Day 10	Jodhpur	City tour of Jodhpur
Day 11	Udaipur	Drive to Udaipur via Ranakpur
Day 12	Udaipur	Morning city tour
Day 13	Udaipur	Day at leisure
Day 14	Fly home	Fly to Delhi and connect flight to onwards destination

The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi today, you will be received and taken to your hotel.

Delhi with its Old and New parts — each with its specific charm and glory — makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval and modern cultures at the same time and space. While Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in the 17th century, still retains its medieval character to a great extent and almost indubitably reminds one of the crowded old towns of the Middle East; New Delhi is like any other modern city with tall buildings and massive shopping complex.

Accommodation: The Metropolitan – Deluxe Room

Meals: None

Day 2: Delhi

This morning you will be taken to visit the Jama Mosque followed by a walking/rickshaw ride tour of traditional businesses of Old Delhi (market closed on Sundays) – exploring centuries old arts and crafts with businessmen belonging to the 6th or 7th generation of the men who first started them.

You will visit a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You will saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. The Khari Baoli is all about spices - here, rice and dal, dry fruits, nuts and saffron dealers have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. In this experience, if you are lucky you will also be introduced to the art of pigeon flying by a kabootar baz (pigeon fancier).

Later in the afternoon you will be taken to explore New Delhi – including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and drive past Lutyens’ Delhi.

Humayun's Tomb is another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73 m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the centre of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D.), which has not rusted through the centuries. The interesting buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi are the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House) and Parliament House.

Accommodation: The Metropolitan – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi - Agra

After breakfast, you will be driven to Agra (3.5 hours). On arrival in Agra you will check into your hotel.

Built in the early 16th century and the capital of mighty Mughals for a long time, Agra is famous for its beautiful monuments of the medieval times. The city was pampered by the Mughals for more than two centuries — an evidence of which is spread all over the city in form of various structures constructed during those days. However, with the fall of the mighty Mughals, Agra became a victim of rebels' assertion of power and the city suffered a series of plunders by the unruly rebellious forces.

Later in the afternoon you will be taken for a tour of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.

Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj took place in the famous Agra Fort. Begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, additions continued to be made until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals. Made mostly of red sandstone it is strikingly similar to the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity' and as an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is blended with grandeur and its massive over-all design is matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World.

Accommodation: Trident Agra – Deluxe Garden View Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Agra - Ranthambore

This morning you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park (5 hours) – en route you will visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The city was decorated with grand courts, palaces, mosques and gardens that rivalled the splendours of Delhi and Agra. However, destiny had other things in store for the city. Shortage of water and un-rest in the north-west made Akbar abandon the city only 13 years later. Today, even after the passage of 400 years, the magnificence of this royal city has not faded and remains immaculately preserved.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri you will continue to Ranthambore where you arrive late afternoon and check into your camp.

Earlier the private hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. However, its royal heritage prevails and manifests itself in the picturesque ruins that dot the park. There are lake palaces, cenotaphs, old fortifications and a majestic thousand year old fort on a height overlooking the park.

Besides tiger, Ranthambore has large number of sambhar, chital and nilgai. Wild boar and an occasional gazelle can be seen, as also the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals.

Accommodation: Dev Vilas – Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Ranthambore

Early this morning and again in the afternoon you will go for jeep safaris inside the National Park to attempt catching a glimpse of the elusive tiger and other wildlife of the park. Riding in open jeeps with a Naturalist, each safari lasts 3 hours.

Accommodation: Dev Vilas – Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ranthambore - Jaipur

After another game drive inside the park, late this morning you would be driven to Jaipur (3.5 hours). On arrival check into your hotel and the rest of the day would be at leisure.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the 'pink city' because of the pink paint applied to the buildings in its old walled city. Jaipur is steeped in history and culture and the past comes alive here in magnificent forts and palaces, where once lived the maharajas. Jaipur has been widely regarded as the first modern planned city in the world. Even though the city was founded and built in the 18th century, the city amazes any modern town planner and architect for its brilliance of planning and beauty of architecture.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Jaipur

Start the day with a visit to the milk market where large quantities of milk is procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices.

Continue to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (medieval observatory) and drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds).

The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had a passion for astronomy which led him to build five astronomical observatories in India at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi. The observatory at Jaipur, built in 1728, is the largest and best preserved of them. The observatory has curious collection of sculptures which enable the calculation of many astronomical and astrological events like eclipses etc. Each of these structures was built after relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Even today they are put to good work.

Built in 1799 Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds is one of the landmarks of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. It is a five-storey building in pink, built to enable the women of the harem to see the activities of the outside world without being seen.

End your day with a walking tour of Old Jaipur. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colourful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharon ka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Jaipur

After a leisurely forenoon, this afternoon you will be taken to visit Amber Fort - one of the more fascinating of Indian forts. It was the ancient capital of the erstwhile Jaipur state. Its construction began in 16th century and was subsequently added on to by successive rulers. Inside the fort, the places worth visiting are the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

After visiting Amber Fort, drive a short distance to the wilderness behind the fort area to Dera Amer camp. The Camp is surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers. A local Rajput family who themselves reside in the area organise elephant safari in the nearby wilderness ending with a private dinner.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Jaipur – Jodhpur

This morning you will be driven to Jodhpur (6 hours). On arrival in Jodhpur you will check into your hotel and be at leisure for the rest of the day.

Founded in 1459, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar State and a major trade centre in the 16th century due to its location on the ancient silk route. Today, Jodhpur has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan without shedding its medieval splendour.

Accommodation: Ratan Vilas – Pool Facing Superior Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10:: Jodhpur

This morning you will visit the city in a half-day tour – visiting Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and walking around clock tower market area.

Mehrangarh fort, one of the largest forts in India, is unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Innumerable palaces in the fort, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are interspersed with sprawling courtyards and intricately carved. A collection of old weapons, arms, musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes and furniture are preserved and displayed in the Sileh Khana. Close to the fort is the 19th century royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada, a creation in white marble which displays some rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers. Those who want to feel the city are advised to visit the clock tower and the nearby colourful market featuring textiles, silver and handicrafts.

Accommodation: Ratan Vilas – Pool Facing Superior Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11:: Jodhpur – Udaipur

Today you will be driven to Udaipur (5 hours drive) – en route you may visit the stunning Ranakpur Temples.

One of the biggest and the most important Jain temples in India, the extremely beautiful Ranakpur complex is well worth a visit if you are anywhere near Jodhpur or Udaipur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are very well preserved and one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage. These temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The main temple, dating back to 1439, is called the Chaumukha Temple or the “Four-faced temple” and is dedicated to Adinath — the first of Jain teachers. Beautiful sculpture and grand structures mark the glory of this place. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which are alike. The play of light and shade on the minutely curved figures leaves a tantalizing effect. The temple was erected on the top of a hill on a raised platform and covered an area of about 4,460 metres. Within the complex are two other Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parasnath.

After visiting the temples you will continue to Udaipur where you will arrive early evening.

Accommodation: Fateh Prakash – Dove Cote Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Udaipur

This morning you will be taken for a guided city tour of Udaipur city – including City Palace, Sahelion-ki-bari and Jagdish Temple.

The huge city palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a blend of stern Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on the inside. Started by Maharana Udai Singh, the city's founder, the city palace is made up of at least four separate interconnecting palaces built over a period of nearly three centuries by successive maharanas. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum which houses interesting artefacts from the days of the royalty.

Sahelion-Ki-Bari are beautiful gardens laid out in the mid-18th century for a retinue of forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting who were sent to Udaipur as part of a princess's dowry. The gardens have beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains.

Situated close to the City Palace is Jagdish temple built in Indo-Aryan style. It enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the creator of the universe.

You end the city tour with a relaxing boat ride in Lake Pichola.

Accommodation: Fateh Prakash – Dove Cote Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Udaipur

Full-day at leisure at your hotel or explore on your own with our car and driver at your disposal.

Accommodation: Fateh Prakash – Dove Cote Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Udaipur– Delhi – Onwards Destination

Today you will be collected from your hotel (check-out before 12 Noon) and transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be received and taken to the international airport in time to board your flight back home.

 

*****End of the Arrangements*****

 

OUR PRICES FOR THE ABOVE TOUR WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:

Cost Head	Prices (In US$ on Per Person Twin Share basis)
Land Arrangements + Domestic Airfare	US$ 3377 per person on twin-share

The Prices Include:

• Accommodation on twin-share basis in the mentioned hotels and room categories.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transport in air-conditioned Toyota Innova Car.
• All meet and greet services.
• Services of local English Speaking Guides for city tours.
• Entry fee to monuments in each city.
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
• 3 game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
• Elephant ride and dinner at Dera Amer.
• Private boat ride in Udaipur.
• Soft drinks, mineral waters at all time in the vehicle.
• Udaipur-Delhi flight in Economy Class.
• All currently applicable taxes.

The Prices Do Not Include:

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc.
• Any other meals than those mentioned above.
• International airfare.
• Airport or VISA fee.
• Camera charges at monuments.
• Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED.

General:

• The prices are based on current tax structure and will change in case of revision of taxes
  The prices are generally valid from Oct 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017 (except for Christmas-New Year period from Dec 20 to Jan 5 when a supplement would be payable).