Rural Rajasthan – Rajasthan Tours

DAY 01

Welcome to Delhi! We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

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 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: Transfer to the Delhi railway station to board a train to Agra.

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

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

Morning: Sightseeing tour of Agra.

Visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), referred to as one of the Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is the epitome of love, built in white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete. On to the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire over successive generations. Shah Jahan, the Taj’s creator, spent the last years of his life imprisoned at the fort, by his son Aurangzeb. It was built in the late 1560`s by their predecessor, Akbar, with later embellishments by Jehangir, his son, and Shah Jahan, his grandson.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04

Morning: You will be driven to Samode via Fatehpur Sikri, (approx 295 kms / 7 ½hrs)
Akbar’s abandoned capital. Located 40 kilometers 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 lack of water, made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture.

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

Samode

Located 42 kilometers to the northwest of Jaipur, Samode nestles among the rugged hills of the Aravallis making it an ideal place for spending time. Samode is of great interest to those who value ancient art, culture and local handicraft works.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05

Early morning: Drive to Jaipur. On arrival proceed for Excursion of Amber Fort.

Visit the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort (experience an Elephant / Jeep ride along the ramparts of the fort), 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. Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Hawa Mahal is a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Jaipur

The City Palace is a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. Visit the City Palace Museum, which 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 Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical wonder built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

Evening: Drive back to Samode.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06

Morning: Exploring the nearby village, on foot.

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

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07

Morning: You will be driven to Shahpura (approx 240 kms 5 hrs drive)

On arrival in Shahpura, check-in at hotel for 1 night stay.

Shahpura

This wonderful, 120 year old garden estate was formerly the summer home of the rulers of Shahpura and comprises 2 residences. One residence, which formerly housed state guests
such as British Regents and Maharajas, has been completely restored and houses 6 gorgeous, spacious, light, airy rooms. The main residence is where the family stay and is where you dine
on cooler evenings. Set in 30 acres of garden and pasture and surrounded by lakes, it is a very special and ultimately peaceful little oasis, situated midway between Jaipur and Udaipur. With
its’ idyllic and unspoilt rural setting, this is a place to come for at least a couple of nights as it provides a restful break in another wise hectic, city-based itinerary.

Afternoon: At leisure

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08

Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed by road to Udaipur (approx 297 kms 6-7 hrs drive) en-route visit Ranakpur Temples (approximately a 5 hrs drive).

Ranakpur

Visit the beautiful Jain temples, famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first enlightened one, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription on it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. The main shrine of Adinatha, with its intricately carved 1444 columns is the largest and the most complex Jain temple in the country. On arrival in Udaipur, check-in at hotel for 3 nights stay.

Udaipur

The capital of the kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world and was established around 1567 AD. The chequered history of Mewar is showcased in the city of Udaipur, which is akin to an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the centuries. Also called ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is set in the Aravalli ranges, surrounded by ancient mountains, on the edge of three lakes. It is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes meandering through it.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09

Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur

Visit the City Palace and Sahelion-ki-Bari. The City Palace has 4 major and several minor palaces that form a single façade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. Also visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari, Garden of Maids of Honour that comprises of ornamental fountains, a lotus pool and rose garden. It was built specially for one of the Queens of Udaipur, whose dowry included 48 maids!

Afternoon: At leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10

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

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11

Morning: You will be transferred to Udaipur airport for flight to Delhi.

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

On arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel and check in for an overnight stay.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12

Morning: You will be transferred to Delhi International airport for onward destination.