The Ideal Rajasthan Tour

By Road 220 Kms./4 hr + Visit to Mathura and Vrindavan Proceed for Agra after breakfast. 
Visit Mathura and Vrindaban – It is Lord Krishna’s abode. Take a round of the Ashram and Temples. Have lunch and proceed to Agra. 
Reach Agra in the evening. 

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal (17th century), designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The Taj Mahal is often considered to be the world’s best example of Mughal architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahān built it for his favorite wife, Mumtāz Maḥal, in the mid-17th century. Agra Fort (16th century), called the Red Fort for its massive red sandstone walls, was built by the emperor Akbar it contains the Pearl Mosque(Moti Masjid; 17th century), constructed of white marble, and a palace, the Jahangiri Mahal. The fort was also designated a World Heritage site in 1983.

Check in at hotel and relax. Overnight will be at Agra. 

After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj. 
Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-daulah.

Overnight will be at Agra. 

By Road  240 Kms 5 hrs.+ Sightseeing of Fatehapur Sikri
After breakfast at the Hotel drive to beautiful Pink City, Jaipur. 

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. An epic in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1572-1585 A.D. A sonless Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and he was blessed with a son. In gratitude, he constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city

Continue your drive to Jaipur, on arrival check-in at Hotel. 

JAIPUR – The pink city was Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Enjoy elephant ride ascent to the fort palace from parking lot. 

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. 
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

CITY PALACE - Amber a distance of about 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber, until the capital was moved to the plains, the palace, located in craggy hills, is a beautiful mélange of Hindu and Mughal styles
        
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
        
HAWA MAHAL - Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh as a summer retreat for him and his family. It also served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe everyday life without being seen themselves. This unique five-storey structure is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, and the exterior, with its small latticed windows (called jharokhas), resembles the crown of Lord Krishna. The windows also serve as an air-conditioner of sorts, blowing cool air throughout the palace, making it the perfect retreat during summers
Overnight will be at Jaipur. 

By Road 140 km/3 hrS.
Breakfast at Hotel, proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at Hotel.

PUSHKAR - a town bordering the Thar Desert, in the northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. It's set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation, which has a distinctive red spire and walls inlaid with pilgrims’ silver coins.
The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon days. 

Visit the mausoleum, Visit the BRAHMA TEMPLE – The only one in the world Anasagar and Akbar’s Palace. Overnight will be at hotel. 

By Road 240 kms./5.5 hrs. After early breakfast at Hotel, proceed for Ranthambhore National Park. On arrival check-in at Hotel

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve- Ranthambore covering 392 km². Ranthambore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Ranthambore became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjacent forests were declared the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include the Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.
Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is known for its Bengal tigers, and is a popular place in India to see these animals in their natural junglehabitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. The best times for tiger sightings at Ranthambore National Park are deemed to be in November and May. The park's deciduous forests are characteristic examples of the type of jungle found in Central India. Other fauna include the Indian leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, striped hyena, sloth bear, southern plains gray langur, rhesus macaque, mugger crocodile[1][2] and chital. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, as well as one of the largest banyantrees in India.

Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore. 

Today wake up early in the morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the Hotel / lodge and have breakfast. 

Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a visit to the temple on top of the fort. 
In the afternoon have lunch and then enjoy again game view drive to the tiger reserve. The safari will be till evening 5 PM to 6 PM and then return to the Hotel / lodge. 

Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night .Overnight at Hotel in Ranthambhore. 

By Road 140 km/3 hr. Early Morning proceed for the morning SAFARI. 
After breakfast at hotel drive for Kota.

Rajasthan’s largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes. 

Visit City Palace and Fort – On the banks of the Chambal River close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, houses the Rao Madho Singh Museum containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota. 

Jagmandir – in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience. 

Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Overnight will be at Kota. 

By Road 180 km/5 hr. After breakfast at Hotel in Kota drive for Bundi which is 35 kms. From Kota a tiny picturesque town.
Bundi Bundi is a captivating town of narrow lanes of Brahmin-blue houses with a temple at every turn. There are fascinating step-wells, reflective lakes, and colourful bazaars. Dominating Bundi is a fantastical palace of faded parchment cupolas and loggias rising from the hills behind the town. Though an increasingly popular traveller hang-out, Bundi attracts nothing like the tourist crowds of places such as Jaipur or Udaipur. Few places in Rajasthan retain so much of the magical atmosphere of centuries past.
Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals. 

Chatrasagar is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story. 

Sukh Mahal is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace. 

Proceed to Chittorgarh, the pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittor Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.
After visiting the Fort, drive to Bijaipur on arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight

By Road 180 km/5 hr. Start for Udaipur after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel. 

The city of Dawn, Particularly famous is the Lake Palace, which entirely covers a small island in the Pichola Lake. Lake Palace is one of the many palaces in Rajasthan that has been converted into a luxury hotel. The City Palace, or the Palace of the then King of Mewar, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city.. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight. 
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. 

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Hotel in Udaipur. 

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.  

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. 

Proceed for late afternoon Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.  From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.  Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace  - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. 
Overnight at Hotel in Udaipur.

By Road 100 km/2 hr. After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh. Stop at Ranakpur jain temples,dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha.
Darna Shah, a local Jain businessperson, started construction of the temple in the 15th century following a divine vision. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar of the present half-cycle (avasarpiṇī) according to Jain cosmology., Rana Kumbha who supported the construction of the temple. The Ranakpur temple is one of the largest and most important temples of Jain culture. The temple is located in a village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. The campus includes various temples such as Chaumukha temple, Surya temple, Parsavanth temple and Amba temple

Reach Kumbalgarh. 

Kumbalgarh, cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur. 

The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure. 
Stay overnight at the Aodhi Hotel. 

By Road 150 kms/ 3.5 hrs. After leisurely breakfast proceed Jodhpur. On arrival check-in at Hotel.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. 

Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight.

Morning go for a village safari by jeep, experience the thrill in a 4x4 motor-beast that not only will provide a bumpy ride across the Thar Desert but it will blow your mind with the adrenaline rushing in every nerve of your body have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside. 

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.  Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. 
Overnight will be at Jodhpur. 

By Road 300 km/5.5 hr. After breakfast drive for Jaisalmer. 

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. 

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. 

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer. 

After a relaxed breakfast drive for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City – Jaisalmer, heart of the Great Indian Desert.  Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies.  Visit the Jaisalmer Fort – The oldest living Fort in the world.

See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill. 

In the afternoon, proceed to the Sam Sand Dunes for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Stay overnight at the Swiss tent or the Mud Huts. 

200 km/6 hr. Breakfast will be at the camp. 

Start for Jhamba Camps through the desert in the jeeps. Reach in the afternoon and overnight on camp. (Depending on the dates of travel, the weather and the current Government regulations the same could be changed to Osiyan or Khimsar)

By Road 200 km/6 hr. Enjoy your breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner. Check in at hotel. 

Bikaner – Bikaner plays a prominent role in the history of Rajasthan. A Rajput prince Rao Bika ji who was the descendent of Rao Jodha Ji, the founder of Jodhpur founded his kingdom in Bikaner in 1459 AD. Bika Ji chose an infertile land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an imposing city called Bikaner. Bikaner has many wonderful buildings which are made of reddish pink sandstone that transcends the adjoining barren wilderness. The Royal Family still lives in a suite in Lalgarh Palace which was now converted into a heritage hotel by them.. 

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.

By Road 140 km/3 hr. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast. 
Visit the camel-breeding farm – the only one in Asia followed by visit to the Karni Mata Temple.
 
Proceed for Mandawa. 

The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh.  The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality. 

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa. 

By Road 260 km/5 hr. Breakfast will be at hotel. 

Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes. 

Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Leave for Delhi and reach by evening. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
        
OLD DELHI  - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat   - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
        
Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
        
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. 
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Delhi. 

Breakfast will be at hotel. Day will be free to explore the city and finish last minute shopping. In time transfer to the Airport for flight for home with sweet memories of India..