Best of Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi International Airport. Note:  If you are travelling on an evisa please ensure you are carrying a hardcopy of the approval with you and you should go to the counters at the end of the Immigration hall. You will meet our travel executive after collecting your luggage & passing customs at arrival hall who will assist you with your transfer to hotel. (Check in time would be 1400hrs) Briefing of the tour by the executive On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel Depart for full day tour of Old & New Delhi  DELHI The capital of India, Delhi is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India.  The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India.  Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century. Today at 9: 00 AM meet your guide in the lobby for your full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi   Drive past at Red Fort (Monday closed) (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) RED FORT is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political Centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Today you will visit the Jama Masjid - the Great Mughal Mosque. Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. Located in Old Delhi, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees and was inaugurated by an Imam from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were occupied in the construction of the mosque. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons.There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers.   For your next escapade, special mode of transportation has been arranged – brightly colored cycle rickshaws, the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. Your ride takes you through the fabled Chandni Chowk, literally translated as ‘Silver Square’, which was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jehan's favorite daughter. It was commercial hub of the Mughal era and at that time inhabited by the well-to-do families of the city. Then visit Raj Ghat (The memorial of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi). Continue your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall tapering tower of five storeys, with a 14.3 metres base diameter, reducing to 2.7 metres at the peak. It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps.  The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. The tour would also include a drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House (You can also have a photo stop here). This evening visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib- is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru HarKrishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar." It was first built as a small temple by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II After this visit Khan Market, One of the more expensive shopping hoods in Delhi, this place has some of the best shopping and eating options in the city. After the tour return to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Agra by road, on arrival check in at hotel. AGRA This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and it is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise. Then visit AGRA FORT(sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time, and reworked extensively with marble &Pietra durainlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'Ām and Dīwān-e-Khās (halls of public and private audience), Jahagir Palace, KhāsMahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), Also visit local market and a marble factory where you can actually see the inlay work being done on marble like it was done for Taj in the past. In the evening, enjoy a walking cultural tour of Agra. Get to know Agra the local way, by exploring the city’s hidden lane-ways, bustling spice market, and religious mosques and temples, all with your feet to guide you. Sample treats at a 200-year-old sweets shop, hop on a cycle rickshaw, and learn why Hindu families dress their idols. Hear the legends that have been passed down through generations and learn how modern-day India is reshaping itself. Finish it all up with the spectacular sight of the Taj Mahal from a secret spot. Overnight stay at hotel.

This morning wake up early and visit Taj Mahal by the sunrise to avoid the crowds. Described as a most extravagant monument ever build for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most ogled icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, MumtazMahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The death of Mumtaz left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey virtually overnight. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653.  Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz. Return to hotel for Breakfast. Depart for Ranthambore en route visiting Fatehpur sikri The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpūr Sikrī about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it is visited by most tourists. The name of the place came about after the Mughal Emperor Barbar defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikrī . Then the Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpūr Sikrī his head quarters, so he built a majestic fort; due to shortage of water, however, he had to ultimately move his headquarters to Agra Fort. Later continue your drive to Jaipur and check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.  Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel Amber fort - Situated at top of the Aravali hills, it is the ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture. Also enjoy the Elephant ride at amber fort and then came back by Jeep or own vehicle. Stop at Water Palace (Jai Mahal Palace) for Photo stop. Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting and enjoy Rickshaw ride in city Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds(This five storied building which looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with it's pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honey combed and stone windows. Originally HawaMahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the daily life and processions of the city), Jantar Mantar(The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision where in each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most  striking instruments the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high) and City Palace Museum(City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur). Visit the various galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the Rajput clan. Enjoy evening aarti at Govind Deo Ji temple. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel Later in time drive to Jodhpur, on arrival check in at hotel. JODHPUR Also known as the Blue City, has one of the most beautiful fort called Mehrangarh Fort(my favourite one). I would also recommend to visit a near by Village called "Bishnoi Village". The Bishnoi’s are a eco Friendly sect of Hindu religion, it is one of the different community of Rajasthan who are famous for there rich cultural Rajasthani Life and there true love for nature and animals.  Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast Full day sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. The city of Jodhpur, with its gentle atmosphere belies a stormy yet glorious past. Its walls, seven gates and numerous bastions and towers were built in the 16th century by Rao Maldeo. 393 feet above the flat surrounding plains soars a bold bluff on which was built the massive Meherangarh (Majestic) Fort.  In the old city’s maze of old lanes lie several palaces, havelis and some temples.  The famous puppetmakers of Jodhpur are found here. Visit the Sardar Bazar with its Clock Tower of 1912. Visit the fort and palaces, some of which contain a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, a museum, Maan Vilas which houses Rathore armoury and on the ramparts stand cannons, the spoils of Gaj Singh.  On the road down from the Fort see Jaswant Thada, the blinding white marble cenotaph (chhatri) of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.  Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast depart for transfer to Narlai - marvelous heritage resort in village. In the evening enjoy a walking tour to the village and visit nearby step well & temples.   Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning breakfast at hotel. Later depart for romantic city of Udaipur en route visiting Ranakpur – famous for its beautiful Jain’s temple.  Evening is at leisure or you can explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today full day city tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, is today a museum.  It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th century by Maharana Feteh Singh and past the Puppet Museum (Lok Kala Mandal) and the statue of Maharana Pratap (Moti Magri). Boatride on Lake Pichola - This lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its west bank. In the lake are several islands.  On two of them the maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace Hotel). Jag Mandir - It is said that Maharana Karan Singh built this island retreat for the family of his friend Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor Shahjehan. Huge, seamless stone slabs of translucent thinness were used. Spacious courtyards and beautiful rooms embellished with onyx, jade, carnelian, jasper, agate - and paintings - are a few of the splendours of the palace.  Legend has it that as a youth, Prince Jagat Singh once asked his father permission to take his friends with him to Jag Mandir for a bit of fun.  The old maharana refused and told his son to go build his own palace for fun and frolic.  Stung, the prince did just that and built a magnificent pleasure palace in a fairy-tale setting on a rocky island nearby - the Jag Niwas, today the Lake Palace Hotel.  Overnight stay at hotel.

Transfer to Udaipur airport in time to connect your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi change terminal from domestic to International in time to board your onward flight to next destination