Duration : 15 Day 14
Night
Places Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Mandawa - Bikaner
- Jaisalmer - Manvar - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Mumbai
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive in India's bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with
a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 02 : New Delhi Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath,
the capital's broadest avenue, for a view of Parliament House, the President's
House, India Gate. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Mandir, a
colorful and modern Hindu temple. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the Bistro restaurant
with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 03 : Old Delhi Sightseeing - Agra
Morning tour Old Delhi. Among your stops are the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan;
Raj Ghat - a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni
Chowk bazaar. This afternoon drive to Agra, en route stopping at Sikandra, to
visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Overnight at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Early morning experience a sunrise visit of the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument
to the memory of love. After breakfast, tour the exquisite 16th Century Agra
Fort. Proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri,
a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur,
the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City". Overnight
at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Amber Fort Excursion and Jaipur Sightseeing
Today, you are transported back in time. Experience riding royally atop elegantly
draped and painted elephants, up to the mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy
a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," City
Palace and the ancient observatory. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Mandawa
Today, you drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region known as "the open
air art gallery" of Rajasthan. The Castle Mandawa, a rugged and handsome
fort, featuring war-scarred turrets, lofty domes and ancient cannons, offers
gracious hospitality with modern comforts for your night stay. Overnight at
Mandawa.
Day 07 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Visit enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region. The many havelis (town mansions)
are covered with frescoes painted by local artists. Continue to the fascinating
city of Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized
by its beautiful sandstone architecture. Enjoy your stay at historic hotel,
carved out of red sandstone and still inhabited by the royal family. Overnight
at Bikaner.
Day 08 : Bikaner Sightseeing
Start the day by visiting the unusual and impressive Junagarh Fort, built on
the desert plain itself, instead of a usual hilltop. The palace complex with
its sumptuously decorated interiors, ornately lacquered walls and dazzling colored
glass, are perhaps the best preserved examples of their kind in India. Overnight
at Bikaner.
Day 09 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert
like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands
in awesome splendor. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10 : Jaisalmer Sightseeing
Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts.
Visit the Lovely Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Patwonki- Haveli; three beautifully
sculptured Jain Temples built between the 12th and 13th centuries; and five
interconnected palaces. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a sunset trip
to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam and a camel safari. The ripples on the
wind-caressed dunes; the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer's
delight. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11 : Jaisalmer - Manvar
Drive to the enchanting Thar Desert oasis of Manvar, where you enjoy your stay
in a luxurious tented camp and experience a night in the desert. Dine al fresco
tonight under a canopy of stars, with entertainment including folk dancing and
indigenous music. Overnight at Manvar.
Day 12 : Manvar - Jodhpur
Embark on an early morning camel safari to witness the magnificent sunrise over
the desert dunes. Later travel to Jodhpur. Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort
and the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899. Overnight at
Jodhpur.
Day 13 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
This morning depart for Udaipur. Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted
15th century Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch
at Maharani Bagh - a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharana of
Jodhpur. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 14 : Udaipur Sightseein
Tour this famous "City of Lakes," known as Udaipur, one of the most
picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace with its scalloped
arches, fretted balconies and cupolas Saheliyon ki Bari Garden and the folklore
museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this
area. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 15 : Udaipur - Mumbai
Your day is at leisure. Evening flight to Mumbai (formerly Bombay). After dinner,
bid farewell to India, and depart on your international flight filled with colorful
memories of your regal escapade in the heart of Rajasthan
.
