Grand Tour 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 Samode (260 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 Bikaner (295 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. 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. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Manvar (225 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Manvar Resort is located right in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert. It’s an unprecedented tourist destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan's desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. Built in the style of a traditional desert village, the resort is spread over 5 acres. Constructed using local materials & techniques. The resort consists of 21 well designed stone cottages with thatched roofs, thatched roof eateries, open air courtyard sit outs, book & gifts shop, reading room and a swimming pool. Later leave for Desert Camp by Camel / Camel Cart. After tea-coffee the afternoon will be free for relaxation. In the evening enjoy gala dinner accompanied with live entertainment, dance and music etc. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning drive to Khichan to witness Demoseille Cranes & Red Sand Stone Havelis at the village. Return to Manvar for breakfast. Afternoon visit tribal Bisnoi village - All Bisnois believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life as laid down by the 15th century Guru Jambeshwar in the form of 29 basic tenets, hence BIS (twenty) and NOI (nine). They further believe their ancestors are reincarted as deer, so there are usually herds of deer found near Bishnoi villages. You will be welcomed by smiling Bishnoi tribeswomen, brightly clad, heavy bangles up the whole length of arms and men wearing pure white. Also see weaving and pottery making. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Deogarh (190 kms). Upon arrival, check into 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. Enjoy a rural ride on the meter gauge train, having wooden slipper, accompanying local villagers traveling to Marwar. The track passes through a breath taking scenery of Ravli sanctuary, with some 100 feet high bridges, two long tunnels, waterfalls, thick jungle, and above all an unchanged ambience of bygone era. One travels through a ghat section and descends from neighboring shrub Jungle to feed on articles given by the villagers. Coach awaits the guests at Phulad (19 kms), which brings you back to Deogarh. 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 Kota (235 kms) en route visit Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort - a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput warriors who sacrificed their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. Thereafter, continue drive to Kota and check into hotel. Along the eastern bank of the Chambal river lies the city of Kota - an amazing mix of the majestic medieval age heritage and modernization. The untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples date back over centuries. Afternoon visit City Palace & Fort - located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, the City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Within the palace complex there are some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning day excursion to Bundi for sightseeing tour. Bundi – is famous for its miniature paintings, the finest in Rajasthan. Bundi is fringed by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is surrounded by a massive wall with four gateways. The charming fort, perched on a hill has palaces and havelis with intricate carvings and murals of vegetable colour painting, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris (cenotaphs) with carved pillars. There is a picturesque lake in the heart of the town. Bundi Palace -built of locally quarried stone presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi School, hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from Lord Krishna's life are still in very good condition. The Chitra Shala, located on the outer perimeter of the palace is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals. Baolis (stepwells) - Bundi has scores of impressive baolis or step wells, many right in the centre of the town. The noteworthy Raniji-ki-Baoli is 46m deep and has some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, this is one of the largest of its kind. Continue drive to Ranthambore (220 kms) and check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Early morning and late afternoon enjoy game viewing in the sanctuary by canter/jeep. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jaipur (156 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. 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 (subject to availability) 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 city tour of Jaipur - "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 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.