CLASSICAL RAJASTHAN

Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay.

Old Delhi visit the Jama Masjid, the great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, with a courtyard capable of holding 25000 devotees. Enjoy a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk, winding through the labyrinthine lanes of the “moonlight place” glimpsing tiny shops crammed with spices and trinkets. Drive past the 17th century Red Fort, the magnificent fort symbolizes the sovereignty of India builds by Shah Jahan and finally stop at Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom;India Gate, the 42-metre-high, free-standing arch, designed by Lutyens, built in 1931, is dedicated to 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The interesting Bangla Sahib Sikh temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen.  Drive past the presidential building, the official residence of president of India.

Overnight stay.

Today morning drive to Agra. On arrival check in at hotel.

Later, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India.  Built in the 11th century, era marked by invasions and battles, this red stone-fortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857.

Late afternoon visit the Taj Mahal by sunset to see the beauty of this marble wonder in the golden colors of melting sun. Taj Mahal is living example of greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Mughal emperor Shahjehan built her this memorial.  20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone.(Taj Mahal Closed on Friday)

Overnight stay.

Morning after breakfast leave Agra by surface for Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikrienroute.

Located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

Rest of the day at leisure or explore Jaipur market on their own.

Overnight stay.

Morning breakfast, later excursion to Amber fort with elephant joy ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort not only look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

In Jaipur city visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Also, take an interesting Cycle Rickshaw Ride in the crowded bazar of Old Jaipur town.

Overnight stay.

Today morning after a leisurely breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

Arrive by late afternoon and check in at hotel.

Evening, walk through the bustling Clock tower market of Jodhpur. It is the main market for local population for their daily shopping. You can see buyers bargaining with shop keepers, street & pavement vendors selling their stuff, people enjoying spicy street food and lot more.

Overnight stay.

Morning after breakfast sightseeing of Jodhpur visiting the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125-mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or “Jarokhas” with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the SilehKhana and the DaulatKhana are noteworthy for the splendor and glamour of a bygone era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada – a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II.

Afternoon is at leisure

Overnight stay.

Today morning transfer to Udaipur visiting the beautiful Ranakpur Jain temples enroute.

RanakpurThe Jain temples of Ranakpur built in the 15th century is situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town is named after Rana Khumba the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The Ranakpur Jain temples have grand structure and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the main temple and no two of them are similar. Visit Surya Temple and other Jain temples a little distance away.Post visit take lunch break at the hotel in Ranakpur after which continue the drive to Udaipur.

On arrival check in at hotel.

Overnight stay.

Today city tour visiting City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal – studded with glittering Belgian mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated.  Later visit the Jagdish Temple.  This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods.  Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains.  Later drive around the Fateh sagar Lake. Also take a walk through the old market of Udaipur bustling with activities, an excellent opportunity to click some of the intriguing moments of a typical Indian bazaar.

Later, you will enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola.

Overnight stay.

Following a leisurely morning, you will be transferredto the airport for your flight to Delhi.

AI 472                                                 Udaipur/Delhi                                  1525/1650

On arrival transfer to hotel near airport.

Overnight stay.

Today in time transfer to international airport to board the return flight.