Rajasthan Highlights Tour
15 Days
Rajasthan Highlights
01 Day: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 -
Delhi
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. The city conceals within its bosom the remains of a civilization that flourished over the last three thousand years. Since those legendary days, many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by its rulers.
Old Delhi
tour covers the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 AD, Jama Masijd, the largest mosque in India also built by Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat and Shanti Van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and drives past Chandni Chowk, the street of silversmiths in Old Delhi.
New Delhi
visit includes Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD) Humayun's Tomb - the fine monument believed to be forerunner of the Taj Mahal, India Gate, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers who died in war, drives past Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple and Connaught Place.
Day 03 : Delhi-Mandawa drive, 260 km/5 hours
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour in Mandawa.
The land of Shekha (Rao Shekhaji 1433-1488) is known for its human and artistic enterprises. This region has been the home of the Marwari community, known for their commercial success. Hundreds of havelis, temples, cenotaphs, walls and forts in this region have intricate wall paintings or frescoes. The important ones to be seen are in Mandawa, Mukandgarh, Dundlod and Nawalgarh.
Day 04 -
Mandawa-Bikaner drive, 200 km/4 hours
Morning drive to Bikaner and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Bikaner - stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Junagadh Fort built around 1587 to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within the fort, is one of its kind. Today Junagadh houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace - the imposing red sandstone monument was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.
Day 05 -
Bikaner-Jaisalmer drive, 333 km/6 hours
Morning drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 -
Jaisalmer
Morning sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer - much has been written about this city but nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 100 m over the city with its 99 bastions, several entrances and a group of Jain Temples from the 12th to 15th century. The other places of interest include Tazia Tower with its five-tiered splendor, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony with intricately latticed and conspicuous facades.
Afternoon visit Sam Dunes and one-hour camel ride.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 -
Jaisalmer-Jodhpur drive, 287 km/5-1/2 hours
Morning drive to Jodhpur and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
Jodhpur - The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 metres, appears rugged and impenetrable from the outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal are some of the important palaces to visit. A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in while marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of rulers of Jodhpur.
Day 08 -
Jodhpur-Mount Abu drive, 250 km/5 hours
Morning drive to Mount Abu and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour.
Mount Abu, situated in the midst of towering forests, its sylvan setting is complete with the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus, date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and is also a pilgrimage as the famous Dilwara Jain temples are located here. Gaumukh, a natural spring that flows through a sculpted cow's head, Nakki Lake and Sunset point are the other places of interest.
Day 09 -
Mount Abu-Udaipur drive, 275 km/6 hours
Morning drive to Mount Abu visiting enroute Ranakpur Temples.
Ranakpur - The Jain community, had always enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions were held by the Jains. In 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a large stretch of land in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to the Jains. This area came to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is one of the five main holy places of the Jains. Although over 500 years old, these temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. The central temple is the Chaumukha temple, dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar (saint). This temple is the most complex and extensive in design. It has 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is interesting is that no two pillars are alike.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10 -
Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
One of the most beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana Udai Singh, the places of interest include City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's resort for her ladies).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 11 -
Udaipur-Pushkar drive, 280 km/5 hours
Morning drive to Pushkar and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pushkar/Ajmer.
Pushkar - this sacred town lies 11 km north east of Ajmer and 130 km from Jaipur. According to mythology, Pushkar Lake is supposed to have appeared miraculously when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and dropped into this valley. On Kartik Poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. The fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its visual impact. Colorful bazaars are set up, camels are paraded and also bought and sold. Besides colorful bazaars with shops selling sweets, snacks, handicrafts and utensils, there are also sports for children, camel races and cultural performances.
Ajmer was a stronghold of the Chauhans till 1194 AD. The legendary Prithvi Raj Chauhan was born here and died fighting against Sultan Ghori's army. Located 132 km west of Jaipur, in a valley encircled by the Aravali Hills, it is famous for the Dargah popularly known as Dargah Sharif, the shrine of the Sufi mystic Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (1142-1236AD)
Day 12 :
Pushkar-Jaipur drive, 132 km/3 hours
Morning drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 -
Jaipur
Full day tour to visit Amer Fort and Jaipur city.
Morning excursion to Amer Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Jaipur - this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city
Day 14 -
Jaipur-Agra drive, 235 km/6 hours
Drive to Agra visiting en-route Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this beautiful city is interesting. There, in a grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his renown, asked for the blessing of a son, and when a son was born, not only was the child named Salim, the site for a mighty and ambitious project - a city - was chosen near the residence of the saint erected in 1569. Theshortage of water lead to the desertion of this city. Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnightstay.
Day 15 -
Agra-Delhi drive, 204 km/4 hours
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra.
Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of the Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship from the Mughal period, including the beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by Empress Nur Jehan, in memory of her father, Ghias-id-Din Beg, is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Afternoon drive
to Delhi airport for your onward international flight, with
unforgettable memories of your Rajasthan Highlights Tour
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