Jewels of India – Rajasthan Holidays

DAY 01

Welcome to Delhi! Private transfer from the airport to the hotel of your choice.

Delhi

One of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi is a treasure trove that reveals the ultimate combination of tradition and modernity. Made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries, very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Its multi-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller to embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.

Rest of the day at leisure (car and driver can be arranged).

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02

Morning: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.

Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, built by the distinguished Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. Proceed through the streets of old Delhi, to arrive at the Red Fort (closed on Monday) – a magical monument of red sandstone, built at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire. Also visit the Raj Ghat –the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy a bicycle ride through the bustling narrow lanes of Old Delhi.

Lunch will be organized at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi.

Visit Humayun’s Tomb – the first great example of a new and distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Also visit the Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) – a masterpiece built to establish the might of Islam and the onset of the Muslim rule in India, Drive past the imposing India Gate – a War Memorial Arch, the residence of the President – the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House and other government buildings.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03

Morning: You will be driven to Agra (approx 205 kms / 5 hrs)

On arrival in Agra, check-in at hotel for 1 night’s stay.

Agra

The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. No tour to India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, the world’s most beloved monument.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Agra

Visit the Agra Fort – an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar. It has, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Also visit the world famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. Also visit the Marble Inlay Factory.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04

Morning: You will be driven to Jaipur (approx 238Kms /8 hrs), en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri Akbar’s abandoned capital. Located 40 km from Agra, it was built in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years before it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas.

On arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel for a 3 night stay.

Jaipur

Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is the capital state of Rajasthan. The pink city label applies specifically to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town, glorious palaces and temples, spanning centuries in an assortment of styles, are scattered throughout an otherwise predominantly urban area. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur’s passing street scene, making the city a tourist’s delight.

Rest of the day at leisure on own to relax after a long drive.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05

Morning: Excursion to Amber Fort.

Visit the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort (experience an Elephant / Jeep ride), situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Crowning the crest of a hill, the Amber Fort offers a view of Maota Lake and the historic old town located at the base of the hill, which formed the early seat of the Amber kings before the fort was made their capital. Several havelis, step wells and temples that can be seen below the fort, point to the existence of a self-sufficient township, where the Mughal emperor Akbar used to stop on his annual
Pilgrimage to Ajmer.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Jaipur

Visit the exquisite City Palace Museum, a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. City Palace Museum has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical wonder built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Enroute halt at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) for a photo stop, The Hawa Mahal is a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06

Full day at leisure to explore the city on your own, alternatively a car and driver can be arranged.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07

Morning: A representative will meet you and transfer you to Jaipur airport.

(The timings mentioned above are as per the current schedule, and are subject to change)

(Jet Konnect is a no-frills flight. Meals are not served on board, however food can be purchased)

On arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel of your choice for an overnight stay.

Rest of the day at leisure (car and driver can be arranged).

DAY 08

1200 noon: Check out of the hotel.

Transfer to the Airport.