Desert Delight of Rajasthan

Duration: 16 Nights/ 17 Days

Destinations: Delhi- Mandawa – Bikaner – Khimsar – Jaislamer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Deogarh – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra - Delhi

Day 01: Delhi

Arrival at Delhi airport to a traditional Indian welcome from our representatives who shall assist & drive you to the designated hotel. Delhi is a historical capital whose history dates back to the first millennium, when it was known as Indraprastha. The Lal Kot Tomar was the first of Delhi's seven cities built by Rajputs. Today, the city serves as the epicenter of the India's politics, economy and tradition. Through its various monuments, forts and culture, Delhi makes the history come alive.

Dinner & overnight stay at Delhi hotel.

Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing

After a leisurely breakfast, set out on sightseeing trip of Delhi City covering both Old Delhi and New Delhi.

Old Delhi: An ancient walled city, Old Delhi captures the essence of Delhi’s bygone age. Red Fort, the most opulent Fort of the Mughal Empire, Jama Masjid -the sacred mosque in India and Chandni Chowk the cultural and bustling market of the old city.

New Delhi: New Delhi paints a contrasting picture as compared to Old Delhi with its ultra modern infrastructure and architecture. Several impressive Government Buildings, temples and parks dots its landscape and quite a few monuments are also found. Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Lotus temple and Qutab Minar shall constitute our trip of New Delhi.

After the eventful sightseeing, return drive to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03: Delhi-Mandawa

After a leisurely breakfast drive to Mandawa and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. The Shekhawati region lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner Part of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region which means the garden of the Sheikh, it is referred to as the Open-air art gallery. The region is famous for its painted mansions with beautiful frescos whose tour is a fascinating and enlightening experience for art lovers.

Revealing the glory of the bygone era, Shekhawati gives insight into the skill and craftsmanship of painters. In the evening take the walking tour of the town. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Mandawa-Bikaner (170 km/03 hrs)

Morning drive to Bikaner via Fatehpur that falls on the ancient spice route to Central Asia and upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Bikaner visiting the 15th century Junagarh Fort and several exquisite palaces, courts and temples within the complex. Later visit Lalgarh Palace and Camel Breeding Farm followed by return drive to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05: Bikaner-Khimsar (160 km/3 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Khimsar which is a typical Rajasthan village located in remote area in countryside. Offering an outline of desert countryside, Khimsar is one of most frequented villages of Rajasthan. Later in the day, sightseeing of Khimsar starting from the famous Khimsar fort, a historical monument converted into a heritage hotel. A walk through the busy and narrow alleys of Jaisalmer, its local bazaars, and interaction with the Bishnoi tribe comprises rest of sightseeing. Overnight stay at the hotel in Khimsar.

Day 06: Khimsar-Jaisalmer (295 km/06 hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Jaisalmer known as the desert citadel of Rajasthan. On arrival, check in at the hotel and immediately proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples, Sand dunes and Tajia Tower. After the eventful tour, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07: Jaisalmer

Morning time free for leisure activities. Afternoon set out to explore the famous Mansions and Haveli’s of Jaisalmer. Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli are some of the most frequented. Take a boat ride on Gadsisar Lake and enjoy Camel Safari in the picturesque sand dunes. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Day 08: Jaisalmer-Jodhpur (285 km/05 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur en-route visiting Mandore (9 km) for sightseeing. Upon arrival at Jodhpur check-in at hotel. The desert city is synonymous with royalty, romance and valor. Offering several historical monuments for visitors, Jaisalmer tour shall include Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jaswant Thada and Royal cenotaphs.

Dinner & overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 09: Jodhpur-Udaipur (285 km/6 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Udaipur - the city of romantic at heart famous for its lakes and palaces. En-route we shall be visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur known for their ancient architecture and unique designs. On arrival in Udaipur, check in at the hotel.

The Jewel of Mewar, Udaipur was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in 16th century. Nestled in the lap of Aravalli hills with miles of golden desert surrounding it, Udaipur is counted amongst one of the most romantic places of India. Flanked by exquisite palaces, temples and haveli, there exist a tranquil Lake Pichola at the centerThe Lake Palace hotel in Jagmandir Island is another breathtaking view.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur Sightseeing

Full day sightseeing of Udaipur City starting from City Palace Museum known for their intricate carvings and granite, marble and mosaic work displayed upon balconies, ornate arches and windows. The Jagdish Temple is our next destination. Built in 1651 AD, it presents scenic views of the lake city. We shall also be covering the spectacular garden -Sahelion Ki Bari.

Afternoon free at leisure followed by evening trip for a memorable boat ride upon Lake Pichola. The pleasant settings of the lake with the reflections of the majestic Lake Palace Hotel in the setting sun is worth savoring. After the memorable boat ride return back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 11: Udaipur- Deogarh (145 km/3 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the 17th century desert village of Deogarh. On arrival, check in at the 17th Deogarh Castle turned heritage hotel that offers a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding landscape. Overnight stay at the Castle.

Day 12: Deogarh-Pushkar (145 km/3 hrs)

Early morning drive to Pushkar which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Additionally, Pushkar is also famous for hosting the biggest cattle fair in the world. Upon arrival transfer to the Swiss tents. Later a sightseeing of the town follows which include visits to the Brahma Temple, Savitri temple, Pushkar Lake and nearly 400 odd temples surrounding the lake.

Evening drive back to the Swiss tents for overnight stay.

ay 13: Pushkar-Jaipur (145 km/3 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the pink city and capital of the Rajasthan and upon arrival check-in at a luxury hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city or to sit back and relax amidst the cozy comfort of your hotel room. Go shopping at the ancient markets and get a taste of the spicy street food. Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 14: Jaipur

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a detailed sightseeing Jaipur city

Amer Fort: Located at a distance of 11 Kms from Jaipur, Amer Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture. The dominating structure comprises of massive walls and towers, housing an exquisite marble poetry, carved glimmering with thousands of tiny mirrors, which creates a fascinating reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is equally famous as it is mostly covered atop a majestically dressed elephant.

City Palace Museum: A fine synthesis of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art, this famous museum showcases finest collection of old weapons, carpets, miniature paintings portraying court scenes , processions and battle scenes.

Janatar Mantar: Built between 1728 and 1734, this ancient astronomical instrument was used to measure the harmony of the heavens. Jai Singh, the ruler who built the project built several other similar ones, although this is the biggest one. Jai Singh used to experiment with the instrument on a daily basis with his astronomy gurus Pandit Jagannath and Kewal Ram. Compriing of 17 instruments, the function of each instrument is rather complex but serves a particular function where time plays the main theme.

Hawa Mahal: Also Known as Palace of winds, this five storied structure is famous for its pyramidal façade, latticed screens windows, spires and domes. After the eventful tour, return drive to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Day 15: Jaipur-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra

Morning drive to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri Fort

Fatehpur Sikri: A fascinating city lying beyond Agra as the deserted Red sandstone structure built by Emperor Akbar as Mughal capital. The monuments are still in remarkable condition telling its veritable fairy tale through its ruins. Overall, Fatehpur Sikri gives an insight into the luxurious lifestyles of the Mughal royals. The marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti exhibiting delicately carved marble screens rests like a jewel in the court yard. Despite its strategic location and architectural brilliance, Fateh pur sikri had to be abandoned by the Mughals due to lack of potable water.

Afterwards your drive continues to Agra and upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Agra is one of India’s most famous cities and sightseeing wise offers three prominent destinations of the World Tourism map in Agra Fort, Jama Masjid and the Taj Mahal. A historical city, Agra with its vibrant Culture, Religion and Art have enriched mankind for centuries.

Rest of the evening free at leisure followed by dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16: Agra-Delhi

After Breakfast you embark on your sightseeing tour of the Agra city including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is arguably the most perfect architectural monument of the world. Built in the 17th Century, this master piece is the most splendid of all buildings in Agra and one of India’s highest frequented monuments. The circumstances of its origin are equally enthralling as it was built by one of greatest king of Mughal Empire Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort: Built in 1565 as a military establishment by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this red sand stone fort was renovated part of it converted in to a palace during the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. Sprawling over 2.5 Kms, it was from its prison walls that Shah Jahan spent his last days staring at the Taj after being imprisoned by his son Jehangir.

Evening drive back to Delhi and upon arrival check in at the hotel for overnight stay.