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Rajasthan Tour with Taj Mahal
Duration
14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations
Delhi – Nawalgarh – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Fatehpur sikri – Agra
Tour Overview
India is a magical country full of spirituality, history, culture, diversity, traditions, etc. In order to make your visit to India memorable, you must start exploring it by taking up the Rajasthan Tour With Taj Mahal This tour of 15 days takes you to four famous destinations which are not only rich in culture but also in history.
Iteneary
Day 1
Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel. (Hotel check-in 1400 hrs ). Overnight
Day 2
Delhi
Following breakfast at hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi including a rickshaw ride (pedi cab) in Chandni Chowk [Red Fort is closed on Mondays]
Old Delhi – Situated in a strategic position on the west bank of the Yamuna River, between the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, Delhi is the gateway to the rich alluvial soils of the Ganges plain and has, according to Indian folklore, been occupied since 2500 BC. The original city, Indraprastha was the first of nine. Shahjahanabad or Old Delhi, the 7th city, was built when the Mughal Emperor moved his capital back to Delhi from Agra in 1638. Planned out in blocks with wide roads, residential areas and bazaars, Chandi Chowk, now thought to be Asia’s busiest street, was the main artery. Literally translated as ‘Silver Street’ this bustling market area of Old Delhi is good for hunting down new and antique gold and silver jewellery from craftsmen whose forefathers served the emperor. At the 1911 Delhi Durbar, King George V announced that the capital of India was to move from Calcutta to Delhi.
Chandi Chowk, Delhi
Inaugurated in 1931, the ambitious work of British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi is an audacious statement of Imperial British control over India. Today the difference between bustling Old Delhi and the calmer, tree lined avenues of New Delhi is striking.
New Delhi – Was planned and built by the British in the 1920’s and is characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ monumental architecture. Driving through the city, with its wide tree lined avenues discover India Gate and the Diplomatic Enclave, the Central Secretariat and the President’s House. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, aptly called the predecessor of the Taj Mahal because of its ornate Mughal style of architecture, later perfected in the Taj Mahal. Finally, see the 12th century Qutab Minar, considered one of the most perfect towers in the world, measuring 72m high. Continue to Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area and central hub. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi [B].
Day 3
Delhi –Nawalgarh(260 Kms/6 hrs)
Nawalgarh – Breakfast at hotel and drive to Nawalgarh – a small town in Shekhawati region of Rajasthani, a region once on the silk route to China, whose inhabitants, rich merchants, lavishly decorated their houses with paintings on religious, historical, folk and social themes. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit Havelis,Mansions in this region. Overnight.
Day 4
Nawalgarh – Bikaner(180 Kms/4 Hrs)
Bikaner – Breakfast at hotel and drive to Bikaner. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It’s surrounded by the Thar Desert. The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits.
Afternoon visit Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace museum and Camel Breeding Farm. Overnight
Day 5
Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330 Kms/6 Hrs)
Jaisalmer – Breakfast at hotel and drive to Jaisalmer via Pokran. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the “Golden City,” it’s distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja’s Palace and intricately carved Jain temples. Overnight
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Day 6
Jaisalmer
Morning city tour of Jaisalmer and visit Jaisalmer Fort - Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 800-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer.
Also visit Patwon ki Haveli and GadisarLake .Afternoon free + Evening visit Sand dunes and enjoy Camel ride. Overnight
Day 7
Jaisalmer – Jodhpur( 288 KMS / 5 HRS)
Breakfast at Hotel and drive to Jodhpur
Jodhpur – The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar desert. The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459. Right in the middle of the Thar desert rises a fort 120 meters high overlooking the imperial city of Jodhpur. In Jodhpur, the genius of ancient craftsmen comes to life in the exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, or homes, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur of the erstwhile rulers of the state.
The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle and festivity, and the smiling people of this former princely state. En route visit Ranakpur – Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Overnight.
Jodhpur , Rajasthan
Day 8
Jodhpur
Morning city tour + Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada + Afternoon Bishnoi Village Safari. Overnight.
Day 9
Jodhpur–Ranakpur - Udaipur (259 KMS / 5-6 HRS )
Breakfast at Hotel and drive to Udaipur. En route visit Ranakpurin Aravalli hills - famous for 500 yr old Jain temples with intricate carvings. The central temple, called the Chaumukha, has 29 marble halls supported by 1444 pillars. Later drive to Udaipur and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10
Udaipur
Following breakfast at hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari and Jagdish Temple Udaipur
Udaipur – Was founded by Maharana Udai Singh, in 1567. Still very much a traditional Rajput town, it is one of the most picturesque and romantic towns in India. It has an impressive selection of world-class hotels and the city glows in the early evening as dusk falls over Lake Pichola. This is an ideal time to enjoy a boat ride to Jagmandir Island Palace. The second island on the lake is Jag Niwas Island, now more commonly known as the famous Lake Palace hotel, which featured in the James Bond movie Octopussy.
The City Palace over-looks Lake Pichola and houses an impressive museum that includes an outstanding collection of miniature paintings.
At all times of the day melodic chanting and singing can be heard, however it is at the evening prayers that the temple really comes alive.
Evening enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichhola – Situated in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD,
Udaipur , Rajasthan
named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes, and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake, and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur [B].
Day 11
Udaipur – Pushkar (280 Kms/5 hrs appx)
Morning free to witness Holi – Festival of colors celebrated with great fervor in Northern India. People enjoy throwing colors , water on each other. Afternoon drive to Pushkar and check-in at hotel. Overnight
Day 12
Pushkar – Jaipur (130 Kms/3 Hrs)
Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Pushkar visiting Brahma Temple and Ghats on Pushkar Lake
Pushkar – At the heart of the peaceful town of Pushkar is one of India’s most sacred lakes. It is believed that a lotus flower thrown by Brahma (The Creator) landed here, and subsequently the town has attracted Hindu pilgrims for centuries. The lake, with its bathing ghats is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Several of the town’s early temples were destroyed by Aurangzeb, but the Brahma Temple at the far end of the bazaar, as well as the Savitri Temple, dedicated to his first wife remain. Every year the Kartik Purnima is marked by the famous Pushkar cattle and camel fair.
A mix of spiritual and commercial enterprises, the fair attracts thousands of people. During the fair this ancient religious village is transformed into a spectacular carnival. Giant Ferris wheels and open-air theatres are set up and on the nearby dunes; the trading of cattle and camels takes place. In the town, pilgrims bathe and worship. Afternoon drive to Jaipur and check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13
Jaipur
Following breakfast at hotel, excursion to Amber to visit Amber Fort with Elephant ride uphill and jeep ride downhill
Amber Originally the ancient capital of the Kachawahas clan from 1037 the ancient town of Amber, 12km from Jaipur, is dotted with ancient temples, Havelis, and step wells. High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls sits the impressive Amber Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century it houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Amber Palace is a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and once at the top the Palace affords excellent views of the surrounding countryside and town below. The 10-minute walk though a series of five defensive gates will bring you to the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), the main entry to the Palace. As an alternative it is possible to arrive at the Palace on the back of an elephant or drive up by jeep.
Having visited the fort it is also possible to take a guided heritage walk of the often over-looked Amber village. This walk takes in seldom-visited temples, havelis, step wells and a fascinating museum of textiles.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Observatory
Pink City – Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur (City of Victory) is the state capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 and was planned according to Indian ‘Vastu Shastra’ principles. The city was divided into 9 blocks representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe; 2 blocks housed the state buildings and palaces, the other 7 allotted to various public buildings. A fortification wall was built around the city with 7 gates for entry. Originally,
the buildings were painted in a variety of colors but in 1853 when Prince Albert visited, the old city was painted pink, a traditional colour of welcome. It has remained pink ever since. The City Palace in the centre of Jaipur took 4 years to complete. Tour the Palace by passing through the main entrance and begin by visiting the Mubarak Mahal, built in 1890 it houses the Textile and Costume Museum. Visit the Armoury then proceed through the Rajendra Pol gate into the main complex. Here the Diwan-i-Khas is home to 2 giant silver urns used by Sawai Madho Singh to carry Ganges water to England when he attended Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
After visiting the Chandra Mahal and the museums proceed to the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built between 1728 and 1734 on a grand scale, the 17 astronomical instruments were built in stone and marble. The collection, built by Jai Singh includes the large Samrat, a 27.4m high sundial accurate to 2 seconds! Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 14
Jaipur – Fatehpur sikri – Agra (232 Kms/4-5 Hrs)
Morning drive to Agra via visiting Fatehpur sikrien route– abandoned city built in Red sandstone by Emperor Akbar.
Fatehpur sikri – Despite having many wives, 26-year old Akbar had no living heir as all his children had died in infancy. Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Sufi saint living in the village of Sikri predicted Akbar would have three sons, and with the birth of Salim, (named after the saint and later known as Jahangir) and in recognition of the saint’s prophecy, Akbar built a new capital at Sikri in his honour. 37km southwest of Agra, this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the Mughal capital from 1571. Due to an ever-increasing population and erratic water supply, the red sandstone city was abandoned in 1585. Fatehpur Sikri, the town of victory, was the Mughals first planned city to feature designs that amalgamated Hindu, Persian and Islamic design. Today, the complex of buildings, including the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas, the Panch Mahal and Jodha Bai’s Palace are perfectly preserved. Inside the Jama Masjid Mosque,
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
completed in 1571 is the stunningly carved white marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Today childless couples hoping for a son visit the tomb and in seeking the saints blessing tie a woolen thread to the outer Jali screens. Arrive Agra and check-in at hotel.
Late afternoon visit Agra Fort – – Massive and majestic, the red sandstone fort in Agra, built by Emperor Akbar, is perhaps the best-preserved fort in India. Construction of this crescent shaped fort 2.5km in circumference commenced in 1565. Contained within the huge double outer walls up to 20m high and broken by a series of huge gates, the fort is almost a city within a city. Initially the fort was a military structure but under the rule of Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson, many additions were added.
The fort houses the Dewan-i-Khas and Dewan-i-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience) as well as the Musammam Burj and Khas Mahal,where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Today these palatial buildings are silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and are exemplars of Islamic architecture and decoration.Overnight
Day 15
Agra – Delhi (200 Kms/3 Hrs)
Morning visit Taj Mahal – Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, the Taj Mahal is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a tear drop on the face of eternity’. Heartbroken by her death, legend has it that Shah Jahan’s hair turned grey overnight and that he turned his back on running the empire, concentrating instead on the construction of this monument to love. Construction took 22 years and the Taj was completed in 1653 at a speculated cost of 3 million rupees, equivalent to around 70 million US Dollars today.
Later drive to Delhi Airport and connect flight back home
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