Jewels of Rajasthan

Delhi-Agra

After breakfast, drive to Agra (4 ½ hours). On arrival in Agra, check-in to your hotel. Agra is well known all over the world due to the fabulous Taj Mahal and is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna. Agra is a city with a glorious past and has the distinction of being the capital of various ruling dynasties. Include late afternoon visit to the Agra Fort. This fort was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The high red stone monument stretches for around 2½ kms. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. Proceed for a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal – at sunset (closed on fridays). Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is the ultimate tribute to love ever transcribed in architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, you are off on your included sightseeing tour of the Amber Fort which is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time-ravaged walls and fascinating palaces inside. Visit the enchanting palace gardens inside the fort palace to complete your tour. On your way back you will stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds for a brief stop for photographs and as it is in the heart of Jaipur’s shopping district, so a chance to do some shopping if you wish. In the afternoon we continue with your included tour with a visit the City Palace, the former residence of the royal family, a part of which is converted into a museum. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the old city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. The remainder of the day is free to tour the Pink city on your own. The car remains at your disposal. Jaipur is a shoppers paradise especially for clothes, precious and semi precious jewels. Explore the Bargains on offer. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Pushkar-Udaipur

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur (5 hrs). On arrival in Udaipur, check in at your hotel. Udaipur was founded in 1568 as the capital of the old Mewar state; it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles from the southwest of Jaipur. The city is built around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas. Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere – taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside landings) where washerwomen congregate. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Udaipur-Jodhpur

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Enroute visit the Ranakpur Jain temples that are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies at a distance of 95kms in the north of Udaipur city. The temple is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult. Later drive to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at your hotel. Jodhpur has a history of romance and valor. With its imposing Mehrangarh Fort, visible from all parts of the city, to its broad streets, its signature blue and white houses, Jodhpur encompasses a by-gone era. Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between 1929 and 1942 at the behest of Maharaja Umaid Singh during a long famine, this palace is part museum, part royal residence, and part Heritage Hotel. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur. In the afternoon, enjoy the included Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village. Very near to Jodhpur, the villagers of Bishnoi are renowned for their efforts to conserve nature. Equally impressive are their traditions and life style. You will have the chance to observe the 'Opium' ceremony. Return to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Jaisalmer

After breakfast at hotel, start your included tour of Jaisalmer and the Jaisalmer Fort known as Sonar Quila (of rising from the sand). The mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting sun in its most colourful shade gives it a fairy tale look. Patwon Ji Ki Haveli is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by the archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. In the evening enjoy your included camel ride at Sam sand dunes, 35 away km from Jaisalmer. This is the most popular excursion from which to view the stunning desert scenery. This desert contains a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes. It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a camel safari. The standard trip lasts for 4 days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore the area in an authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in. However you can also day trip and go by car. Tourist arrive just before sun set. Camels can be hired easily and you may be able to snap a picture with a lone camel on a desert track and the setting sun in the backdrop. The desert festival held sometimes in February each year is a big draw and it is full of fun, colour and laughter, cultural events and competitions. Return to the hotel with the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Bikaner-Mandawa

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to your included visit to the Junagarh Fort, it is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat Start. Later visit the Sardul Museum popularly described as the best museum in the state, it displays a rich array of archaeological discoveries from prehistoric Harrapan and to the early Gupta period. There are separate sections showing: paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry. Later drive to Mandawa (4 ½ hrs). On arrival in Mandawa, check in at your hotel. Mandawa is small ancient city, lying in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. It is also known as Rajasthan's 'open art gallery', as the entire region is adorned with artistically painted havelis, mansions and homes. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy an organised walk through Mandawa village. Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore more. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast