Delights of Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutub Minar. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Kesroli (185 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. The 14th century Hill-Fort, Kesroli is the oldest heritage site in India where you can stay. Sited atop the rare, dark Hornstone Breccias rocks, it commands splendid agrarian views from its ramparts, which rise to 50-65 meters. The origins of the seven-turreted Hill -Fort Kesroli are traced back to over six centuries. It subsequently changed hands, being conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was founded. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Samode (160 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Samode - the small principality of Samode lies 50 kms northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the 16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler added to the fort and the palace. Samode Palace - The comfortable palace is today full of architectural delights with stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflecting the skill of master craftsmen. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Gajner (230 km), en route visit Bikaner Bikaner - this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Thereafter continue drive to Gajner and check into the hotel. Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. During winter even now, this palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered Antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras and other animals like the Wild Boar roam freely in this area which is now a preserved sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the surrounding areas of the Palace Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Khimsar (95 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Royal Castle built as a "Thikana" or fortified home of a local ruler. This was a remote 15th Rajput stronghold in the Thar desert and is excellent for an escape into medieval Rajasthan. The battle scarred walls & turrets are a reminder of the glorious past...... Enjoy the camel safari in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jodhpur (95 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Morning visit Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Ranakpur (180 Kms). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Visit Ranakpur Temples the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Udaipur (120 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. Overnight at the hotel

Udaipur is one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan standing on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. In contrast to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens. Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari”. Afternoon at leisure for own activities. Overnight at the hotel

Morning drive to Deogarh (120 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D., the Mahal stands at a height of 2100 ft. above sea level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies offering a commanding view of the surrounding Aravalli mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes. Overnight at the hotel

Late morning drive to Jaipur (180 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Agra (221 km), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. Thereafter continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel Afternoon visit Red Fort. Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Overnight at the hotel.

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Thereafter visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival in Delhi – transfer to the International airport for flight for your onward journey.

Depart Delhi