Rajasthan Fort & Palace Tour

Rajasthan is the desert state of india. An area of great beauty and contrast , it is the home of the valorous and colorful people - the rajputs , jats, and bishnois. It is also a land, which successfully combines the dazzling burning sands with simmering lake palaces. The hard rugged backdrop of shifting sand dunes has surprisingly inspired the imaginative creation of temples, forts and palaces of stunning artistry. It has also inspired color and pageantry as never before. One is simply transported back in time by a few centuries while travelling through this wonderful area of india. The Rajasthan nostalgia is sure to stay with one for a long time.

Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi, Welcome and assistance upon arrival at the airport. Later transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
Morning free to relax and adjust to the time zone .Afternoon city tour of Old & New Delhi.

Old Delhi - Visit Jamma Masque (1650 AD). Drive through fabled Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) and visit Red Fort (1639 - 48 AD) built by builder of Taj Mahal - Emperor Shahjehan and famous for its delicately carved inlaid and marbled royal chambers. Raj Ghat where father of the nation memorial museum, Firoz Shah Kotla (1354 AD) ruins of the fortress and the Ashok Pillar (300 BC).
New Delhi - Visit Humayun's Tomb (1565 AD) aptly called predecessor of Taj Mahal. Drive past Safdarjung's Tomb (1753 AD), 72 meter high Qutub Minar (12th Century AD) - One of the most perfect towers in the world, nearby amidst the ruins of Quwate-Islam mosque stands the iron pillar which does not rust and has stood the vagaries of weather for 1500 years. Orientation drive through New Delhi viewing Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave); Government Buildings ( 1921 -30 AD), Central Secretariat, Parliament House, Visit India Gate (1921 Ad).Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Mandawa
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Mandawa (Apprx 5 hours ). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Mandawa is a beautiful town that is popular for its forts and havelis. It was once an important center of art and craft , home to wealthy merchants who built many havelis and baolis in Mandawa.
Afternoon city tour,visit Chokhani haveli, Ladia haveli and Saraf haveli. These havelis are wonderful example of beautiful Shekhawati paintings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 : Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Bikaner (Apprx. 5 hours ).Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Bikaner is yet another exciting tourist destination in Rajasthan . Rao Bhikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur, founded the city of Bikaner. Bikawner is known for its historical monuments.
Afternoon visit the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Jaisalmer ( Apprx. 7 hours ) through the Thar desert. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Jaisalmer also known as the Golden City brings images of forts, wonderful palaces and sand dunes to the mind,founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD.Afternoon free . Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast at the hotel full day city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the Fort, Havelis and Garhi Sar, Cenotopah & Sun at Sun set (optional camel safari).Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Jodhpur ( Apprx. 6 hours ). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Jodhpur is famous for beautiful monuments, temples, landscaped gardens and spices. Mehrangarh Fort is the important landmark in Jodhpur, which was built in the 15th century on the advice of a sage.
Afternoon city tour, visit the fort , Jaswant Thara, Mandore Gardens.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Jodhpur - Udaipur
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Udaipur ( Apprx 6 hours ) enroute visiting the Ranakpur Jain temples. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Udaipur also known as the City of Lakes is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 : Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the fort, Sahelion -ki -bari. Puppet museum etc. Evening boat ride on the lake Pichola. A most memorable boat ride with the reflections of the majestic lake palace at its best against the setting sun. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Udaipur - Jaipur
After Breakfast at the hotel transfer to Airport for flight to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur
This morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort - you are transported back in time today, riding like royalty a top elegantly draped and painted Elephants, up into the high mountain Fortress of Amber.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace , Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal ( palace of winds). The City Palace a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture houses a museum containing rare collection of arts manuscripts, miniature paintings, armory of guns and swords more than 400 years old, costumes of former Maharaja (King) and maharani (queen) of Jaipur. Nearby is Jantar Mantar (1728 Ad) a perfect obserbvatory built by Maharaja Jaisingh with its 90 feet high sundial. Drive past Hawa Mahal palace of wind, which is also a landmark of Jaipur. Leisurely walk around Jaipur's vibrant and colorful bazaars rubbing shoulders with brightly attired and smiling Rajasthanis. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra.( Apprx. 5 Hrs ) Via Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri popularly known as the ghost town was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Built by Emperor Akbar in honor of a Saint Salim, it is said to be replica of mosque at Mecca.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Agra.
Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal (1653 AD). For majority of tourists visit to India is incomplete without seeing the wonderful Taj Mahal. Moghul emperor Shahjehan built this white marbled monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Semi precious stones are intricately inlaid into the marbles in various patterns showing an impressive craftsmanship. Other important monument is Agra fort with its Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Dewan-e-Aam, Dewan-e-Khas, octagonal tower Jehangir Palace - famous for its Hindu Persian architectural style. (Taj Mahal closed on Friday). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Delhi ( Apprx.4 hours ), enroute visiting Mughal Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Delhi - Onward Destination
Transfer to airport for your onward destination / Optional Extension tour.