Princely Rajasthan

Delhi - Agra.

After breakfast, drive to Agra (4 ½ hours), enroute visiting Sikandra. Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra reveals the splendor of the aesthetic blend of the sturdy Timurid architectural style with Hindu architectural traditions. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor began the construction of this mausoleum during his lifetime. His son and successor Emperor Jehangir completed the entire structure after his demise. The actual tomb that lies in the basement of this grand mausoleum at Sikandra, The entire monument was constructed on the basis of the "pillar and beam" principle and was built in a manner that it rises tier by tier. Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra is set in the midst of a walled garden in the char bagh style that is home to monkeys, squirrels and deer. The quiet and tranquil ambience at this attractively built mausoleum reflects a discreet reverence befitting a great emperor of Akbar's stature. Within the Mausoleum complex lies the red sandstone tomb of Mariam, Akbar's queen. On arrival in Agra, check into your hotel. Agra is well known all over the world for the fabulous Taj Mahal which 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. Evening is free to explore the markets and emporiums of Agra. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Agra - Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (5 ½ hrs). Included visit to Fatehpur Sikri on the way situated about 40 kms/1 hr from Agra. This was the erstwhile capital of the great Mughal ruler - Emperor Akbar. The magnificent fort palace had to be abandoned after just 15 years of occupation due to lack of potable water. After visit, you will continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, you will be checked into your hotel. Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south. The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a gigantic sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewelers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Jaipur - Udaipur

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur a representative will meet you holding a sign with your name on it. You will be met in the arrivals area and then transferred to 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 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. Included afternoon half day city tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, “The Preserver” in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the gardens and fountains of the Sahelion Ki Bari. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Udaipur - Delhi

After breakfast, relax at the hotel. Later that day you will be transferred to Udaipur airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to the international terminal for your onward flight.

INCLUDES : Breakfast