The highlights of Rajasthan with the Taj Mahal create an enchanting journey through India’s cultural tapestry. Starting in Jaipur, the Pink City, explore the intricate palaces and vibrant bazaars. Move to Jodhpur, the Blue City, with its majestic Mehrangarh Fort dominating the skyline. Udaipur, the City of Lakes, charms with its serene waters and opulent palaces. Agra beckons with the iconic Taj Mahal, a testament to eternal love. Discover the desert allure of Jaisalmer, where golden sands meet the intricate architecture of the fort. This fusion of regal Rajasthan and the timeless Taj Mahal paints a vivid portrait of India’s historical grandeur.
Detailed Itinerary
01 DAY : Arrive Delhi (Flight TBA)
Welcome to India !
Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
You are met by representative with traditional and sacred marigold flower garland.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.
Check in is at 1400 Hours. Early check in is subject to availability.
Day at leisure (No Guide/Transport foreseen).
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
02 DAY : In Delhi
American Breakfast.
Morning half day city tour of Old Delhi.
Mughal tour of Old Delhi: the once ancient walled city. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Possessing remarkable talent in architecture, he created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance.
Jama Masjid: One of Asia’s largest mosque can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. Towering over Old Delhi, the ‘Friday Mosque’ was Shah Jahan’s final architectural opus, built between 1644 and 1658.
Explore the intricate bustling lanes on a cycle rickshaw, also known as pedicab. A local form of transport. Through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk (literally, ‘Silver Street’), once the most opulent perfume market of India along with a visit to Asia’s largest wholesale Spice Market.
Drive past the Red Fort, Shah Jahans symbol of power and elegance. Also, visit Raj Ghat.
Visit Raj Ghat –memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi
The Delhi Sultanate
Humayuns Tomb visit a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Experiential Extra activities at no extra cost
Historic Gardens
Lodi-Gardens -Take a walk along with the local Delhi- Ites
Lodi Garden spans over 90 acres. Steeped in history, the gardens are home to Mughal architectural tombs and mausoleums; the most prominent being that of Sikandar Lodi An Archeological Survey of India protected zone, Lodi Gardens has an old world charm amidst New Delhi.
Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi.
The Delhi Sultanate
Qutub Minar Tomb visit a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Footsteps of Lutyens. The greatest British architect
Drive past the Imperial part of the city designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the British in the 1920s. Continue along the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate and past the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence and the Parliament Buildings.
Experiential Extra activities at no extra cost
Visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and live kitchen.
The most prominent Sikh Temple. They serve free meals known as” langar “where over 10,000 people come to eat everyday despite different religion, caste and creed.
The food is made in one of the largest live kitchens and you can have a chance to take part in the same.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
03 DAY : Delhi – Jaisalmer (By Flight SG 2984/ 1440 – 1625 Hours)
American Breakfast
In the time check out & Departure transfer to airport to board flight for Jaisalmer
On arrival at Jaisalmer airport transfer to hotel
Jaisalmer City: The citadel city built in the 12th century is an architectural dream in yellow sandstone lying in the lonely silence of the Thar Desert, would provoke wonder, at what could have induced Jaisal, a Bhatti Prince, to settle right in the heart of a desolate desert.
Check into the hotel
Overnight stay at hotel.
04 DAY : In Jaisalmer
American Breakfast
Morning visit of Jaisalmer Forts and Palaces and several superbly carved Jain temples in and around Jaisalmer are all reminiscent of a gloriously history. From the balconies jutting out from either side of the lanes, almost touch overhead. Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli are some of the notable mansions. GadiSagarLake, The Lake was once the water supply of Jaisalmer; there are so many beautiful temples around the lake.
Afternoon excursion to Sam Desert: Located 45 kms west of Jaisalmer, are the proper sand dunes and popular with camel safaris, this Jaisalmer nearest real Sahara like desert, the ripples on the wind caressed dunes create enchanting images – a photograph’s delight. The sand shimmers under the glow of hotel sun highlighting what actually a desert stands for. Various cultural program are organized again the backdrops of these fascinating dunes.
Evening Enjoy Camel Ride.
Overnight stay at hotel.
05 DAY : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (Approximately 287 kms / 06 hours drive)
American Breakfast
Later drive to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur – was formerly the seat of a princely state & the capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. The city is also known as the “Sun City” for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. It is also referred to as the “Blue City” due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
06 DAY : In Jodhpur
American Breakfast.
Later city tour of Jodhpur including Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada.
Mehrangarh Fort
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur – gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room.
After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial Cenotaphs of the Royal Family.
Continue to explore the Clock Tower area: This is one of the oldest market of Jodhpur. It is noisy, dirty yet colorful and may well have close to 7,000 match-box sized shops. Be prepared to Muscle you way through the narrow lanes, with others, brushing past you as this market is shopper’s delight.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
07 DAY : Jodhpur – Udaipur Via Ranakpur (Approximately 272 kms / 06 hours drive)
American Breakfast.
Drive to Udaipur. En-route we stop at Ranakpur to visit the famous Jain temples (opens at 12 noon onwards).
Ranakpur: situated 98 km from Udaipur, nestled in the quiet, picturesque Aravali Hills, is this famous Jain pilgrimage centre. The temples here, date back to the 15th century. The 29, exquisitely wrought halls are supported by 1,444 pillars – of which no two are alike. Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains.
Continue drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur Venice of the east and one of the most romantic cities in the world!
The picturesque city of lakes and innumerable palaces dotting the banks of Lake Palace.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
08 DAY : In Udaipur
American Breakfast
Proceed for sightseeing of Udaipur.
Royal Lakes and Palaces of Rajasthan
The picturesque city of lakes and innumerable palaces dotting the banks of Lake Pichola
Visit the Magnificent City Palace, an enormous edifice that stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single stunning façade.
Walk through the bustling colorful by-lanes of Rajasthani Bazaar with rich folk art and craft.
Jostle with the camels and the rickshaws and visit the gentle holy temples in every crook and corner.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari. Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen’s court. It is said he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period.
Sunset Hues on the Royal Palaces
At sundown, take a cruise around Lake Pichola on a Shared boat (Subject to water level). Sit back and watch the lights of the City Palace cast its reflection on the still waters of the lake.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
09 DAY : Udaipur – Jaipur (By Flight SG 8637/ 0900 – 1000 Hours)
American Breakfast
Later transfer to Udaipur airport in order to connect flight for Jaipur.
Upon arrival in Jaipur transfer to Hotel.
Check in is at 1400 Hours. Early check in is subject to availability.
Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Northern India. It was founded on 18 November 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer after whom the city is named.
Check in.
Remaining Day at leisure (No Guide foreseen).
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
10 DAY : In Jaipur
American Breakfast
Forts of Rajasthan
Sightseeing of Amber Fort on Elephant back.
This hilltop fortress was the Royal Family’s residence and is one of the most enchanting forts of India. A complex of palaces, temples, mirror inlaid public halls and beautifully manicured gardens, the fortress is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. Within the fort are enchanting palaces and chambers notable amongst them being the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).
Later visit.
City Palace & Observatory
City Palace. This beautiful palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.
Jantar Mantar Observatory
A collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh who was a Rajput king. The name is derived from jantar (“instrument”), and mantar (“formula”, or in this context “calculation”). Therefore jantar mantar means literally ‘calculation instrument’.
Experiential Extra activities at no extra cost
Evening proceed on to visit Govind Dev Ji Temple
This Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan. Housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and nearby areas. Witness the aarti ceremony where many devotees and followers gather in the courtyard to pay their respects.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
11 DAY : In Jaipur – Agra Via Sikri (Approximately 240 kms / 06 hours drive)
American Breakfast
Later drive to Agra.
Enroute Visit to ABHANERI STEP WELL En-route Jaipur (At no extra cost/No Guide)
Agra Jaipur continue your drive to visit one of the most amazing sites of this tour ‘Abhaneri’. The small village of Abhaneri has one of India’s deepest and largest step wells (or “baolis”). Step wells are unique to India. They were used as cool places of resort, as pools for ritual cleansing before a temple visit and as a water supply for dry weather.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height
Continue drive to Agra.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
12 DAY : In Agra
Sunrise visit Taj Mahal (Remains closed on Friday)
Build by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen Begum Mumtaz. This wonder of the world is said to have taken 21 years to build. It has an enormous shimmering white dome with four corner minarets and is marked by perfect symmetry and harmony, be it the shape of the minarets; the cupolas; the central arch in the façade; the perfectly arranged arched recesses or the intricate stone inlay work. It is the most extravagant monument ever built for love.
Back to hotel for Breakfast
Later visit,
Agra Fort
Construction was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made additions. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience). Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings
Itimad-Ud-Daula.
Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a Persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir’s Queen, Noorjahan, for his father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. The Craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that. “Pietra Dura”-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used. Itimad-Ud-Daulah, a Mughal mausoleum, often described as a “Jewel Box”, sometimes called as the “Baby Taj”.
Experiential Extra activities at no extra cost (If time permits)
Visit Philanthropic activity: Visit Mother Teresa’s Charity Home
Mother Teresa’s Charity home in Agra has more than 48 children who are orphaned or come from poor families who can no longer provide for them; as well as 150 infirmed adults who can no longer care for themselves. The mission is solely reliant on private donations to support their cause. Give back to this underprivileged part of society by sharing your time with them.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
13 DAY : Agra – Delhi (Approximately 210 kms / 04-5 hours drive) Departure Delhi (Flight TBA)
American Breakfast.
Later drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival drop off at Delhi International airport in order to connect flight for onward destination.