The Rajasthan Experience – Rajasthan Holidays

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.

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)

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 famous 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.

Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 04

This morning, you will be driven to Ajabgarh, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (approx 200 km / 04 hrs), Akbar’s abandoned capital. Located 40 kilometeres 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 the lack of water. Made of red sandstone it combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Continue on to the luxurious garden estate of Ajabgarh, Rajasthan.

On arrival at Ajabgarh, check in at your hotel for 3 nights stay.

Amanbagh

Amanbagh is a verdant oasis of mature palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees lying within a walled compound once the staging area for royal hunts. Evoking the palatial elegance of the Moghul era, Amanbagh’s Haveli Suites and Pool Pavilions provide a tranquil base from which to explore the rich heritage of Rajasthan, India’s dramatic frontier region. Amanbagh’s award-winning design features domed cupolas and private courtyards.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05

The day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06

The day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07

This morning, you will be driven to Jaipur (approx. 100 km / 2½ hours)

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.

On arrival in Jaipur, check-in at hotel for 2 night stay.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08

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 visit on his annual pilgrimage to Ajmer.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

Check out of the hotel and proceed on a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights. 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 armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Also visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical wonder built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09

Early morning transfer to the airport, to board a flight to Jodhpur

(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 onboard, however food items are available for direct purchase)

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is also called the “Blue City‟ located on the edge of the Thar desert, it was once the capital of former princely state of Marwar founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. The graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at hotel for 2 nights stay.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10

Morning: Sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.

Visit the magnificent Meherangarh fort, one of Rajasthan’s finest forts, looks down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this 5 kilometer long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill, is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Also visit Jaswant Thada, located a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby.

Afternoon: Enjoy a jeep safari to tour the Bishnoi Tribal Villages.

The Bishnois are passionate environmentalists and their faith bids them to protect every living being, if necessary with their lives. Experience their warm hospitality as they greet you with a traditional ceremony; learn herbal remedies and see traditional crafts like spinning and carpet making.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Udaipur.

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

Udaipur

The capital of the erstwhile 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 located in the Aravalli ranges of the royal state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by ancient mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, it is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes meandering through it.

On arrival in Udaipur, check-in at hotel for 3 nights stay.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12

Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur.

Visit the City Palace and Sahelion-ki-Bari. City Palace is composed of 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 13

Morning: Excursion to Ranakpur (approx. 98 km / 2 hours)

Visit the beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, some of the most exquisite temples in the country, famous for their intricate freizes and sculptures. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first enlightened one, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in 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.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 14

Early morning transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Delhi

(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 Delhi international airport to board your onward flight