Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - 14 Days

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 01: Delhi
Your tour starts with a full day combined sight seeing of Old and New Delhi.  The drive past the Red Fort- a marvel in red sandstone,the Raj Ghat- memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India are the highlits of Old Delhi.  Proceed to Chandni Chowk to savour the ambiance of an oriental, crowded bazaar. Continue with New Delhi tour with pass by India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I), The Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and famous for its Amrut Garden ( earlier known as Mughal Garden) and the Parliament House.  Other places you must visit are Lakshmi Naryan Temple, 12th century Qutab Minar – gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft,and the Ashoka iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years.

Day 02: Delhi
Today is the day you will visit two different cults all together the Bahai Temple and the Akshardham Temple.

Bahai Temple

In the heart of New Delhi,the bustling capital of India,a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city’s inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fueling their curiosity,and revolutionizing the concept of worship. This is the Bahá’í Mashriqu’l-Adhkar,better known as the “Lotus Temple”.With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere.

Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur,beauty,wisdom and bliss.It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture,traditions and timeless spiritual messages.The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art,values and contributions for the progress,happiness and harmony of mankind.The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers.  The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.

Day 03: Delhi
Full day free for shopping in the Delhi market the main markets rare Lajpat Nagar, Old Delhi Market and Dindayal Nagar. Evening enjoy a dance performance at a local center.

Day 04: Delhi – Taj Mahal & Agra fort
Drive to Agra.  It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahalb the massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb,the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle,it is the close-up marble inlay work,which is really astounding. One must vist the Red fort keeping in mind the Shivaji Maharaj – while he was in Agra he was insulted and arrested, later he escaped from the house arrest and reached Raigadh.

Day 05: Agra – Jaipur (238 Kms – 4H 21Min)
Today drive to Jaipur and en route visit Fatehpur Sikri. The magnificent fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 as his capital and abandoned 15 years later, allegedly due to a severe scarcity of water. You will visit the graceful buildings within such as the Jami Masjid, the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Diwan I Khas and other palaces. Later after sightseeing, continue to drive towards Jaipur.

Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it.The architect who formalized the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra,the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honour of the visit by Prince Albert. On arrival,check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 06: Jaipur
Visit the ancient Rajput capital of Amber Fort, 11 km from the city. This fort-palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. See the Diwan-i- am or hall of public audience, Kali temple, Jai Mandir or hall of victory with its inlaid panels and mirror ceiling, and Sukh Niwas. The fort provides breathtaking views of the lake below.

Afternoon proceed for a half-day tour of the city visiting the Maharaja’s City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Jaipur’s walled City Palace (1732 AD) occupies one-seventh of the city’s area. See the Mubarak Mahal, museums of textiles and armoury etc,and the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am. Jantar Mantar, literally meaning “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens” is the oldest in India. Each instrument has a specific purpose and gives an accurate reading. Photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).  Also,drive past the rose-pink residential and business areas of Jaipur.

Day 07: Jaipur
Today visit the town Sanganer. The small town of Sanganer 16 km south of Jaipur is entered through the ruins of two triple gateways. In addition to the ruined palace, Sanganer has a group of Jain temples with fine carvings, but entry is restricted. The town is famous for handmade paper and block printing. Afternoon, free for shopping in Jaipur Market. And later in the evening you will be transfer to Jaipur Railway Station to board the onward train to next destination.

Day 08: Jaisalmer
Early morning arrive at Jaisalmer Railway Station. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. The captivating city of Jaisalmer, founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156 AD, has been dubbed Golden City because of the honey colour imparted to its yellow sandstone walls by the setting sun.With the crenelated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has an extraordinary medieval feel. It was a major post in the desert trade route between India and Central Asia. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 09: Jaisalmer
Proceed for half day sight seeing of Jaisalmer. The city is based in the centre on the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is an intricately moulded wonderland.  A half-day sightseeing tour of this city will cover  Fort Jaisalmer built by Rawal Jaisal 75% of the population of the town still lives inside the fort.    The fort has places of tourist interst like beautifully carved Jain temples ,Badal Vilas Palace ,Merchant mansions (havelis) including Patwon ki Haveli , a five-storey building with carved pillars and murals, Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli.

Evening visit to Sam Sand Dunes. Sam village is on the edge of the Desert National Park. One of the most popular excursions is to the sand dunes on the edge of the park, 42 km from Jaisalmer along a very good sealed road. .

Day 10: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (287 Kms – 4H 46Min)
A drive of about 5hrs will take you to second larges city of Rajasthan – Jodhpur – Also knownas gate to desert region and alsow known as Marwar.  The old city, founded in 1459, is surrounded by a 10 km long wall.  The massive Meherangarh Fort overlooks the city and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also called ‘blue city’ because of the indigo-washed houses in the old town. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11: Jodhpur
On a half-day city tour visit the Meherangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. The palace apartments like Sukh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal etc are beautifully decorated and house jewelry, costumes, armoury, palanquins, howdahs and other remnants of the past. See the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899. Also visit the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Afternoon, take a half day sight seeing tour of Mandore. 8 km from Jodhpur lies Mandore,the old capital of Marwar. The extensive gardens with high rock terraces contain the red sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs) of Rathore rulers. The Shrine of 33 Crore Gods is painted with figures of deities and spirits,and in the Hall of Heroes you can see figures of local heroes and Hindu deities carved out of a rock wall.

Day 12: Jodhpur – Udaipur (260 Kms – 4H 44Min)
Drive towards Udaipur. En route visit Ranakpur  the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century.The main temple is dedicated to Adinath – the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes.

( pl. check Temples open timings as they may change or call us. only at 1100 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs and black clothing not allowed). Later after sight seeing, continue drive towards Udaipur. Set amidst the Aravalli hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is a beautiful city regarded as one of the most romantic in India. Presenting an enchanting image of marble palaces, placid lakes, attractive gardens and green hills, it has been called “the Venice of the East”. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1568 as a traditionally planned, fortified city full of palaces, temples and havelis. The city also became a center for the performing arts,painting and crafts. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 13: Udaipur
Half-day sightseeing tour of Udaipur with the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also see the 17th century Jagdish temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, and visit the Sahelion ki Bari (the Garden for the Maids of Honour), an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks. Later visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir or the Folk Art Museum.

Udaipur Boatride

Evening take a boat ride on the 4 km long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular views of the city. Visit the Jag Mandir Island with its exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion.

Overnight: Udaipur.

Day 14: Udaipur
After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Udaipur airport to connect flight to onward destination.

End of the tour with unforgettable memories.

 

Inclusions :

1) Accommodation on twin sharing basis
2) Daily breakfast on set menu basis.
3) Transportation by AC vehicle
4) Driver Allowance.
5) Toll and parking for Vehicle
6) All applicable taxes.

Exclusions :
1) Compulsory- Gala Dinner supplement for Xmas and New year.
2) Train / Air fare at any point of time.
3) Guide Charges.
4) Elephant ride to go up to the fort.
5) Boat ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur
6) Monument Entrances.
7) Any meals other than specified under inclusions.
8) Any thing not specified under inclusions.