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RAJASTHAN FORTS AND PALACES TOURS -24days
(New Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bhandarej - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Osian - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Kota - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - New Delhi)

Day 01: Arrival in New Delhi
Around midnight arrive in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi
In the morning we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Kutab Minar". "Kutab Minar" is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through the embassy area in New Delhi where we visit the India Gate and see some impressive Government Buildings.

Day 03: New Delhi - Agra (about 200 km)
Today we drive to Agra. In the evening arrive in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 04: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.

Day 05: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bhandarej (about 170 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Bhandarej. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Bhandarej. In Bhandarej we have an overnight stay at Bhadrawati Palace. The Bhadrawati Palace is a Heritage Property with a fascinating History. Tracing back to 11th Century, when the Kachawa Chieftain Dhula Rao Saheb defeated the Badgujars and conquered Bhandarej. The Palace is splendidly restored and refurbished to the former glory.

Day 06: Bhandarej - Jaipur (about 62 km)
Today we leave Bhandarej and drive to the Pink City Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. It's complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.

Day 07: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

Day 08: Jaipur - Mandawa (about 168 km)
After having our breakfast we leave the Pink City, Jaipur and drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Arrival in Mandawa in the evening. Shekhawati lies in the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India. Later after having a small break we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology.

Day 09: Mandawa - Bikaner (about 180 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.

Day 10: Bikaner - Osian - Gajner (about 32 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Gajner via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. Very often one can see along the road to Gajner some of the antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running Chinkara are the most common among them. We arrive in Gajner in the afternoon.

Day 11: Gajner - Jaisalmer (about 298 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mansions). In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. We have rest of the day at leisure in Jaisalmer.

Day 12: Jaisalmer
Today we have sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Some of the visitors called this city “a living museum”. We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.

Day 13: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates. In the afternoon we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort is built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. In the evening we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.

Day 14: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (about 190 km)
Today morning we drive to Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. After a small break we will visit the Jain temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century.

Day 15: Ranakpur - Mount Abu (about 181 km)
Today we drive from Ranakpur to Mount Abu. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan nestling in picturesque Aravali mountains. Entire hill side in Mount Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus, date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees. Arrive in Mount Abu in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 16: Mount Abu
After having breakfast we visit the most famous Dilwara Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th and 13th centuries. After visiting the temple we will have a walk at the focal point of the town, Nakki Lake. This artificial lake is ringed by hills and overhung by the enormous Toad Rock. In the evening we will walk through the Bazaar up to Sunset Point from here one can have the best view of the mountain. We also enjoy the sunset here as the sun gradually drowns itself in the sky between the two mountain peaks.

Day 17: Mount Abu - Udaipur (about 185 km)
After having breakfast we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. Arrival in Udaipur in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 18: Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Folk art museum. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. After a break we proceed to City Palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done.

Day 19: Udaipur - Kota (about 274 km)
Today we drive to Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city fort and palace. This type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan.

Day 20: Kota - Ranthambore (about 158 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore National Park is a well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Ranthambore National park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. This national park is the home of a vast variety of animals.

Day 21: Ranthambore
In the early morning we will explore the park and have a jungle safari. Here we might have an audience with the tiger. In this park besides tiger various other animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Hyena can also be seen.

Day 22: Ranthambore - Bharatpur (about 250 km)
Today we leave the Ranthambore National Park and proceed to Bharatpur. Bharatpur has its fame due to Keoladeo Birds National Park. Bharatpur was earlier a duck shooting resort of the Maharaja. In Bharatpur we will visit the Keoladeo National Park. This park with its 375 species is one of the best water bird sanctuary in the world. In winter there are many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere including the rare Siberian crane.

Day 23: Bharatpur - New Delhi (about 184 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to New Delhi. Arrival in New Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 24: Flight to home destination
Around midnight flight to home destination.