Royal Rajputana Tour Package
Duration: 15 Days
Destinations Covered: Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Kota - Jaipur - Agra
Rajasthan A Land of Kings is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts of some of the finest fortress-palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the land itself. In contrast with the pastel shades of the desert landscape are the brightly colored costumes of its handsome peoples. With its turbaned men and richly jeweled women, its havelis and villages, its fairs and festivals, Rajasthan beckons you.
Day 1 Delhi to Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa, arriving Mandawa Castle in time for lunch. This area is known as Shekhavati and offers a wealth of interest to those in search of the true Rajasthan. Later explore the Castle, which was built in 1755. Also visit the bazaars where there are many havelis (traditional houses with interior courtyards) decorated with frescos. Overnight at the Castle.
Day 2 Mandawa to Bikaner
After breakfast drive onto Bikaner arriving in time for lunch at the Lalgarh Palace Hotel. Bikaner was founded in 1488 and like many Rajasthani cities is surrounded by a high battlemented wall. In the afternoon visit the fort and palace. Overnight at the Lalgarh Palace Hotel.
Day 3 Bikaner to Jaisalmer
This morning travel onto Jaisalmer. One of India's most exotic desert towns. Afternoon walk through the cobbled streets to absorb the atmosphere and view magnificent houses with their facades carved from yellow sandstone. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 4 Jaisalmer
Morning tour visiting the hilltop fort, and the ancient Jain Temples dating from the 12th century. In the afternoon visit Lodruva, one of the former ancient capitals of Rajasthan.
Day 5 Jaisalmer to Khimsar
After an early breakfast travel onto Khimsar, pausing enroute to visit Nagaur Fort which was once a strategically important point in the defence of Rajasthan. Continue onto the Royal Castle at Khimsar, a remote 15th century Rajput stronghold in the Thar Desert. Afternoon and evening in the Castle.
Day 6 Khimsar to Jodhpur
After breakfast continue onto Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert. In the afternoon visit the 15th century fort, which stands on a low range of sandstone hills, and the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 Jodhpur
Morning visit Mandore. Afternoon free to explore the narrow, bustling streets and bazaars of the old city.
Day 8 Jodhpur to Udaipur
Drive onto Udaipur, visiting enroute the Jain Temples at Ranmakpur, which are some of the most important and biggest in India. Arrive later in the afternoon at the lake city of Udaipur, ‘City of Dreams’, which of often referred to as the most romantic city in India. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 Udaipur
Udaipur was founded by Maharajah Udai Singh in 1567 and is still very much a traditional Rajput town. This morning visit the superb Jagdish Temple, which in noted for its elephant-motif carvings. Also visit the grand City Palace, which overlooks Pichola Lake. Afternoon drive to the interesting temples of Eklanji and Nagda located just outside of the city.
Day 10 Udaipur to Kota
Drive to Kota, visiting enroute the spectacular fort at Chittorgarh. After lunch continue onto Kota and to the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace. If time allows try to visit the Madho Singh Museum which houses fine collection of miniature paintings. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 Kota to Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur, visiting enroute Bundi. Founded in 1342 it lies well protected within the ranges of the Aravalli Hills. It has been said that Bundi is deliciously being the times. Visit the Chhattar Mahal, a stunning palace fort. Arrive Jaipur in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Jaipur
Drive out side the city to the rugged hills that surround Jaipur to view Amber Fort. A painted elephant will take you up to the fort with its huge gateways and pillared pavilions. In the afternoon tour Jaipur itself and see the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory.
Day 13 Jaipur to Agra
After breakfast leave for Agra, stopping enroute at Fatehpur Sikri. Build by Akbar around 1570; this is probably the most preserved Moghul city of all. Arrive Agra in the afternoon. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Agra
In the morning visit the immortal Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan, in memory of this wife Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit the fort and the tomp of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Afternoon free to re visit the Taj or to explore the bazaars near the fort.
Day 15 Agra to Delhi
Later this morning leave for Delhi, pausing enroute at Sikandra to view the tomb of Akbar completed in 1613. Arrive Delhi in the afternoon.