Splendours of Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India and transfer to hotel for overnight.

Delhi
A full day of touring awaits you in India’s capital city. This morning’s tour of Old Delhi includes the Red Fort with its imposing sandstone walls; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and the bustling marketplace. Continue on to New Delhi. Built by the British in the 1920s, New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, impressive government buildings and green parks and gardens. During this afternoon’s tour, visit Humayan’s Tomb, a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Drive by Parliament House on your way to the President’s Residence, and take a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at hotel.

Delhi / Agra
Drive to Agra. After freshening up, set out to see the Tajmahal. One of the most photographed buildings in the world, the Taj still moves all visitors with its perfect proportions and exquisitely jeweled walls. Also visit Agra Fort, which provides awesome views of the Taj. Shah Jahan was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb. The Shah spent his final years gazing at the tomb he had commissioned for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight at hotel.

Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Samode
This morning drive to Samode via the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 17th century, this Moghul city was abandoned due to severe water shortages. The buildings are perfect examples of the pinnacle of Moghul architecture.

Continue drive to Samode. the village of Samode is on a former caravan route and although not strictly in the Shekhavati region it is well worth the short detour. The village with its local artisans producing printed cloth and glass bangles, nestles within its old walls in the dry rugged hills of the northern Aravallis. The old havelis and their paintings are still full of character; at the head of the enclosed valley is the remarkable Samode Palace now converted into a hotel. The palace is fabulously decorated with 300 year' old fine Shekhavati style wall paintings (hunting scenes, floral motifs etc) which still look almost new. Overnight at hotel.

Excursion to Jaipur
This morning we make our full day excursion to Jaipur, the Pink city, famous for the exquisite buildings of rose colour terra-cotta. En route stop at Amber, once the capital of the Rajput Kingdom. The grandeur of its palace and the ramparts of its fort recall the glory of an older age. Ascend to the citadel on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant! Continue to Jaipur, one of the most picturesque cities in the World.

By afternoon we focus on other landmarks of the city including remarkable Observatory designed and built by astronomer Prince Maharajah Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1700s. Be sure to see the 90 foot-high sundial. Then on to Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a highlight of Jaipur and the City Palace. Evening return to Samode for overnight.

Samode / Kuchaman
After breakfast, drive to Kuchaman, the magnificent "Kuchaman Fort" in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Built atop a 1000 feet high rock cliff, the imposing fort is a rare masterpiece of royal heritage. Afternoon visit or can have camel cart/camel safari to visit nearby village. Overnight at hotel.

Kuchaman/ Bikaner / Gajner
After breakfast, drive to Bikaner, with five hundred years of vivid history. A major stop on trading routes that passed through this area, Bikaner accumulated wealth, which sponsored the building of many elegant havelis. After sightseeing in Bikaner we proceed to Gajner for overnight stay.

The Gajner Palace, often described as an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert 'built by maharajah Ganga Singh of Bikaner stands on the banks of a lake. The palace was used by the maharajah for his extravaganza sporting the architecture is truly out standing as manifested in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokas and screens, demonstrating a marvel of craftsmanship. Over the years, royalty, both Indian and international, viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary, providing shelter to chinkara, blackbuck, neelgai and wildboar.

Gajner / Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer today, in far western Rajasthan. If you wish, you may make a stop at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnok. The common rat is worshiped at this temple, and hoards of rodents are fed by worshipers who come to pay their respects. Carry on to Jaisalmer. After the desolation of the desert, the Jaisalmer fort rises out of the flat landscape like a mirage. The fort and the buildings inside it are made of elaborately carved yellow sandstone. Magnificent havelis attest to the success of the city’s merchants in this remote outpost. Arrive Jaisalmer and overnight at hotel.

Jaisalmer
A full day of touring includes the fort and its intricate Jain temples. The temples date back to the 12 – 15th centuries, and several of the town’s havelis are open to visitors. These extravagant mansions are based around a central courtyard. Commissioned by wealthy merchants in the 18th & 19th centuries, the stonework was carved by the silavats, or mason’s community. Visit the Folklore Museum, with carved wooden miniature temples, used for worship by travellers in the desert. Later this afternoon, drive out to the Sam Sand dunes for a camel ride in the heart of the desert. Overnight at hotel.

Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Drive to Jodphur, with its magnificent fortress towering over the city. An afternoon of touring in Jodhpur includes the Meherangarh Fort, with its overwhelming Rajput atmosphere. Now uninhabited, the fort contains the museum, with fine lattice covered walls and balconies. Be sure to see the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), with its impressive marble coronation seat upon which all rulers were crowned. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) was the Maharaja’s dancing hall, where dancers would entertain the rulers’ guests. Finally, solid silver howdahs and palanquins for riding elephants give the final taste of life for Rajputana’s rulers. Overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur / Rankpur / Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur this morning, enroute stop at the Ranakhpur Jain temple complex, one of India’s most important Jain temples. Built in 1439, this huge Jain temple complex is supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. Arrive Udaipur and overnight at hotel.

Udaipur
Visit Udaipur, this is one of the most romantic of Rajasthan’s cities. Built along the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace looks over the water, with the Lake Palace Hotel rising like a lotus out of the water. This architectural fantasia was once a Maharaja’s palace. This afternoon will be spent touring the city. Begin with the City Palace. Mirrored halls and ivory doors, and the Peacock Courtyard are all part of the delights on offer in the Palace. Continue to the Jagdish Temple and the local Folk Museum this afternoon. Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur / Delhi
Transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi. Rest of the day at leisure or last minute shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Delhi / Overseas
Transfer to the airport for your onward international flight.