Classic -Rajasthan Tour

Tour Destination: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Travel Duration: 8 nights/9 days

DAY 1: JODHPUR

Arrive in Jodhpur. Transfer to hotel, and after freshen up, enjoy full day city tour of The Blue City of Rajasthan- Jodhpur

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE- Maharaja Umaid Singh, a perfect example of early modern period architecture, constructed Umaid Bhawan Palace. Umaid Bhawan palace forms the grandest private royal houses of the world. Some portion of this grand palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel and a museum. 

JASWANT THADA- It lies quite close to the Mehrangarh Fort complex. It was built in 1899 AD in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and houses the cenotaphs of a number of Rajput royals. The main cenotaph has rare portraits of many Rajput rulers on display. 

ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOR OF JODHPUR- Given the rough terrain it is not surprising that the architecture of the city was influenced by it. Desert architecture is noted for two distinct traits, the need to guard against the heat and to fortify itself against invasions. Fortifications tend to merge with the color of the land, providing it with a natural camouflage.

THE MEHRANGARH FORT- Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls and the sheer basalt escarpment are not distinguishable, one from the other. Huge gates at the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent elephants from bringing them down. The palaces and the mansions within the complex are more delicately designed. The chief palaces you can see in the fort are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: JODHPUR - JAISALMER

Today continue your drive to the desert town of Jaisalmer. Transfer to hotel and in the evening visit

SAM SAND DUNES- Sam Sand dunes are the major attractions of Jaislamer. It is 3 kms long and 1 km wide and is half a kilometer high. The Sam sand dunes are unreliable and they are picturesque. Sam Sand dunes are just the place to surf the golden sands of Rajasthan through a safari.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: JAISALMER

Take on a full day city tour of Jaisalmer. 

JAISALMER FORT- This fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture, especially of the stone carver's art.

HAVELIES- Evoking a vision of chivalry and valor, wealthy merchants built these havelies. Famous for their intricately- carved facades, the workmanship of Jaisalmer's Havelies present a beautiful amalgam of Rajput architecture and Islamic art. Some of the famous havelies of Jaisalmer are Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli, and Nathmal-ki-Haveli.

GADISSAR LAKE- The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: JAISALMER - BIKANER

Next morning drive to the imposing walled city of Bikaner; transfer to hotel and after lunch visit Bikaner.

JUNAGARH FORT- The fort is lavishly carved with stone corridors, pavilions, stunning royal quarters, minarets, archways and ornamented courtyards. Raja Rai Singh, a general in Emperor Akbar's army built the Junagarh Fort. 

LALGARH PALACE- The spectacular Palace is an outstanding architectural marvel that enchants you with a magical fusion Rajputana, European and Mughal building styles. Stone crafted pillars, Italian colonnades, spacious lounges, regal halls and profusely carved fire places at the imposing Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner transport you back in time to an incomparably lavish royal era.

GAJNER PALACE- This red sandstone Palace lies ensconced in the midst of wooded grounds and is a delightful palatial home that has been converted into a heritage hotel. Delicately carved columns, sculpted pillars and Jharokha windows add to the quiet class of this heritage palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Set on the banks of a serene lake the Gajner Palace is a glittering jewel on the Bikaner crown.

SHIV BARI TEMPLE- Constructed by Maharaja Doongar Singhji, the Shiv Bari Temple India is a virtual museum of miniature paintings that are delicate yet colorful representations of ethnic Bikaner traditions and patterns.

CAMEL BREEDING FARM- Popularly referred to as the Government Camel Breeding Farm, the National Research Center on Camel breeds the best camels in Bikaner and conducts research work related to "the ship of the desert.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5: BIKANER - MANDAWA

Next morning drive towards a small town in the heart of Shekhawati Region- Mandawa. Transfer to hotel. In the evening visit 

HAVELIS- The most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia known for its curious paintings, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli famous for erotic images now mostly defaced.

FORT PALACE- The structure of the palace reminds of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past. 

Overnight at Hotel. 

DAY 6: MANDAWA - JAIPUR

Today, drive towards Jaipur- the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan. Transfer to hotel and evening time to relax.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: JAIPUR

After breakfast visit the Pink City viewing

HAWA MAHAL- One of the most common and popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. This five-storey building was used as a veil by the royal women folk to watch the proceedings on the road below. 

CITY PALACE- In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

JANTAR MANTAR- A stone observatory, largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. The observatory was built to study the movement of stars. The observatory is built in stone and marble.

AMER PALACE- A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pool and the Jaleb Chowk.

Other tourist attractions are Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Govind Deoji Mandir, Rambagh Palace, Kanak Valley and Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8: JAIPUR - FATHEPUR SIKRI - AGRA

Drive towards The Land of culture and heritage- Agra enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri

FATHEPUR SIKRI- Once the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar, a deserted, red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Continue further to Agra, transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: AGRA - DELHI

After breakfast visit the Agra viewing

TAJ MAHAL- It is the most beautiful monument in Agra. The beauty and grandeur of the Taj Mahal has made it one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife-Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. A beautiful gift from a Mughal emperor to his deceased wife, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and beauty. 

AGRA FORT- Built in red sandstone, this huge fortress on the bank of the Yamuna. The fort house has many beautiful palaces and mansions, which include Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass and Diwan-i-Aam.

ITMAD-UD-DAULA TOMB- Also known as Baby Taj, this tomb is a daughter's tribute to her father. Built in 1628 by Nurjahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

SIKANDRA FORT- It is 4 kms from Agra where Akbar built his mausoleum.

Later in the evening, travel back to Delhi to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.