Rajasthan Fort, Palaces, Desert And Village Tour 16 days

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel. Rest time free to relax and personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 Delhi (B)

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flower-like shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 Delhi - Mandawa (250kms) (B)

Drive to Mandawa check in at hotel. City tour of Mandawa famous for its marvelous mansions (Havelis). The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Located in the heart of Shekhawati region Mandawa is often called as an open art gallery. Famous Havelis you can visit are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 Mandawa - Bikaner (190kms) (B)

Drive to Bikaner via visiting Karni Mata Temple, home to over 25,000 rats that inhabit and freely meander around the temple complex. These creatures can be seen emerging out crevices in the walls and floors, often passing over the feet of the visitors and devotees. People from different corners of India and abroad come to witness this astounding spectacle and also bring milk, sweets and other offerings for these sacred beings. The entire temple structure is raised in marble and its architecture evinces resemblance to the Mughal style. On arrival check in at hotel. City tour of Bikaner, one of the earlier established cities in Rajasthan. Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. It is also home to one of the world`s largest camel research and breeding farms. Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Visit Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace & Museum, Laxmi Niwas Palace & Rampuria Group of Havelis. Evening visit the Camel Breeding Farm & enjoy Desert Camel Safari at sunset. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330kms) (B)

Drive to Jaisalmer check in at hotel. Rest time to explore the colorful market with your driver. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 Jaisalmer (B)

City tour of Jaisalmer the Golden City founded in 12th century. It was in 1156 when Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital. The city most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live. If geology interests you, then The Wood Fossil Park is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Ji Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Bada Bagh, Thar Heritage Museum, Kuldhara abandoned village and Gadi Sagar Lake. Later excursion to Sam Sand Dunes for witnessing the unparalleled views of sunset, enjoying the music & dance performances, satisfying your taste buds with the delicious, authentic local cuisine & safari in the desert. Drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (265kms) (B)

Drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Pokhran Fort & Palaces built in the 14th century. The monument stands in the middle of the Thar Desert, historically situated on an old trade route through which spices, salt and silk were exported to Persia and other countries. There is a museum in the fort displaying the royal collection of weapons, clothes, paintings and handicrafts. Continue drive to jodhpur check in at hotel. Rest time free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Jodhpur (B)

City tour of Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architectures, forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD, Rao Jodha the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur`s former rulers built along the lines of Hindu temples. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Jodhpur - Rawla Narlai (130kms) (B)

Drive to Rawla Narlai a Heritage Resort in the village.The village itself is interesting to explore. You can visit the temple (dedicated to Aye Mata) where a miraculous flame is reputed to have burnt for centuries, producing saffron instead of soot. Or the cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is cool, serene and silent. Or you can decide to climb over 750 steps (30mins easy walk up) to the top of the Elephant Rock (called so as there is a 12foot elephant statue right at the top) or simple village walks with our Devasi staff so that access to local homes allows an insight into their lives. The countryside can also be explored on horseback with Marwari horses and experienced escort riders. Evening Hi-Tea by the lake where migratory birds can be sighted, or just the silence can be absorbed amidst scenic surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Rawla Narlai - Udaipur (125kms) (B)

Safari in open Jeeps into nearby countryside where Antelope, Leopards, Hyena, Jackals, Hare, Wild Boar, or a Sloth Bear (very rare) can be spotted if lucky. Wildlife and birds are in plenty, if you can just spot them.After Safari drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork. Continue drive to Udaipur check in at hotel. Enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 Udaipur (B)

City tour of Udaipur located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest Man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California.Visit City Palace & Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bada Mahal, Eklingji & Nagda Temple. Explore Hathi Pol Bazar, Bada Bazar & Shilpgram a craftsmens village. Evening watch folk dance show Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Udaipur - Pushkar (280kms) (B)

Drive to Pushkar check in at hotel. Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. The city of Pushkar is home to the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.Visit of Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country having 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. And Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Pushkar - Jaipur (145kms) (B)

Drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax and visit the local market of Pink City with your driver. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Jaipur (B)

City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 Jaipur - Agra (245km) (B)

Drive to Agra via visiting Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple. Next visit Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Continue drive to Agra check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 16 Agra - Delhi (204km) (B)

Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.Later drive to Delhi and drop off to airport to board evening/ late night flight for onward destination.