Rajasthan Exclusive Tour
Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni
- Udaipur - Deogarh - Khajrela - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra -
Delhi
Day 01: Abroad / Delhi 
On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, you would be met by our representative
and given assistance for transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for independent
activities. Overnight in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Overnight in Delhi. Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with
complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists
with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the
architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of
India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of
the river Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.
Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower
of Victory that was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its
spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates backto the 4th century
AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled
scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. The tomb of Humayun
- the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the
finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate
spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture.
Also visit India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that
leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan -the residence of the President of India
which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat
buildings.
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort
-Shah Jehan's elegant citadel in red sandstone, which was built as an octagon
measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9 meter deep moat which was at its
inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna river. The fort is entered from the
Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana
(drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosure.
A spacious lawn leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared Hall of Public Audience,
Diwan-i-Khas - the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors
and the Pearl Mosque built by Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, the last of the
"Great Mughals". Very near the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque),
India's largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan. Take an interesting rickshaw
ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both
the Fort and the Mosque. Time permitting also visit Raj Ghat - the memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Morning: Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day
visit Havelis in and around Mandawa. Overnight in Mandawa Shekhawati is a colourful
fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as
it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable
pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis
(mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural
style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the
women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis,
painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful
wall paintings that adorn their walls.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner - Gajner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival check in at Gajner Palace. Bikaner,
the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State of Rajasthan,
retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly
called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in
the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed
by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to
its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars
and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best
in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards,
carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish
Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the
Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has
a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.
Day 05 : Gajner - Jaisalmer
In the morning enjoy the surrounding of Ganjer Palace. After breakfast, drive
to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit this perfect Rajput walled desert city which is like
a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Rising from the Thar Desert like
a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow
sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel
conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with
magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert life of men women
cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the entire
township within its ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite
havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century and palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways -Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj
Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately
latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis
of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite
works of art. A camel safari through the interesting and remote desert villages
of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting.
The villages are very special, as different communities inhabit them.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni
After early breakfast, drive to Luni enroute visiting Jodhpur city. Fort Chanwa
of Luni is an exceptional example of Elegance and Symmetry in Indian architecture
of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone
of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate Jherokas
it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The Fort is composed
of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water-wheels, stables, passages
and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning
the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on
the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone
days. The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub
of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate
forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors.
The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj
Dilip singhji, the youngest son of H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his wife
Rani Madhu. Each room has been created and decorated with its own particular
charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and
ambiance set to capture your heart.
Day 08 : Luni - Udaipur
Early morning visit the surrounding villages and witness their daily lifestyle
of living and enjoy cup of tea / coffee with them. Breakfast at hotel. Later
drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur 
Morning, city tour of Udaipur - the romantic Lake City in Southern Rajasthan,
famous for the stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola.
It was the former Palace of the Maharana and now converted to one of the most
glamorous hotels in India. The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace,
the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby
lakes. Udaipur, the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by
the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour
of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection of these
building in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.
Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, a majestic architectural
marvel that is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace is
a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms
and hanging gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit
the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, which has an interesting collection of Indian
folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments
and deities. Later visit Saheliyon-ki-bari the "Ladies Garden", with
its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains.
Afternoon: Enjoy a Boat cruise on Lake Pichola on which the majestic
Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting
buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular.
Dock at the Jagmandir island where the Maharana of Udaipur once gave Shah Jehan
sanctuary
Day 10: Udaipur - Deogarh
After breakfast drive to Deoagrh enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples. Lunch
at Maharani Bagh. Upon arrival in Deogarh.
Day 11: Deogarh - Khajrela
After breakfast drive to Khajrela. Overnight at Khajrela.
Day 12 : Khajrela - Pushkar
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar(260 kms/06hrs) and on arrival check in at
hotel. Rest of the day guided visit to Lake and Bramha temple. Overnight in
Pushkar Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer, abounds
in temples. of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Once a year, during the Kartik Purnima,
the entire region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and Cattle Fair. There
is a week long celebration with an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter
with threads of religious fervour. Bedecked and festooned cattle wait in the
clouds of sand and the pious gather at the break of dawn to take a dip in the
holy Pushkar Lake to absolve themselves of all their sins.
Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Afternoon tour of "Pink City" -
Surrounded on three sides by the rugged Aravali hills, Jaipur is the picturesque
capital of Rajasthan. It takes its name from the prince, soldier and astronomer
Jai Singh II who moved his capital here in 1727.
Day 14 : Jaipur 
Tour of 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 honoured
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. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is
popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings
in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded
by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis
is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through,
Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences
- the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage
is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the
intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar
- an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar
lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace
at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from
the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 15 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri
- the impressive sandstone fortress was built in the 16th century and only
occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in
virtually perfect conditions. Upon arrival in Agra.
Day 16 : Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red Fort and Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the
memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took
22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders,
who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz,
Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India s finest; was quarried at Makrana
near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant
lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from
Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst
from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda
and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Delhi - Abroad
Morning city sightseeing tour. Afternoon
