Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour
Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Shekhawati - Khimsar - Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Day 01. Arrival in Delhi
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is
the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative
and transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Riksha
Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and
Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes also the site where Mahatma
Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of old Delhi.
Day 03. Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 km)
In the morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the
most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and
repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the late evening.
Day 04. Shekhawati - Khimsar (about 275 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. Shekhawati
is a region of NE of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris
form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India, they developed
their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between
India and Central Asia.
Day 05. Khimsar - Bikaner (about 155 km)
After the breakfast we proceed to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we
visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble
with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing
Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 06. Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer via Osian.Osian
is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed
in 1178 AD.Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes
of this region.
Day 07. Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden
sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings
makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mensions).In
medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route
linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West.
Day 08. Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely
state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan.
Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city
are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which
has 101 bastions and seven gates.Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujrat
trading route and the marwaris benefited from the passing traffic of opium,
copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort(majestic
fort).
Day 09. Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit Ranakpur.Ranakpur is known
for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple
covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared
halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved,
no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century.We
have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Udaipur. Udaipur is called
the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue
water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
Day 10. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.We start our sightseeing
with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well
laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of
Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk
dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings
on display.
Day 11. Udaipur - Deogarh (about 200 km)
Today we take leave from the city of sunrise and drive to Deogarh. In Deogarh
we enjoy the overnight stay in a Maharaja Palace which has been converted into
a Hotel. We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to
relax and have a walk in the Bazaar of this small town.
Day 12. Deogarh - Jaipur (about 280 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City Jaipur, this city owes its name, foundations
and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts
and precious and semiprecious stones.After a break in Jaipur we visit the city
palace in the afternoon which is still the formal residence of the royal family,
built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Day 13. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away
from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries
before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress
on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having
its own balcony.
Day 14. Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series
of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a
stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in
time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city
constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built.
It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply.Late
evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of
the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began
in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign,
Shahjahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque.After the visit
of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj
Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty.
Day 16. Agra - Delhi (about 200 km)
Late morning, after having our Breakfast we take leave from the city of sunrise
and Fly to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon.The rest of the day at leisure.
(opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 17. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.
Rajasthan
Tours
Rajasthan Golden Triangle Tour
| Rajasthan
Heritage Tour | Rajasthan
Cultural Tour
Camel
Safari | Rajasthan Desert
Tour | Rajasthan Village Tour
| Rajasthan Forts & Palaces
Tour