Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour – Tashi Takgye Tours & Treks

Itinerary Code : RJT-III

Duration

11 Nights & 12 Days

Destinations:

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Delhi – Home

Day 01 :

Arrival at Delhi

Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope – that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02 :

Delhi

After breakfast proceed for a half day tour of Old & New Delhi.

OLD DELHI :

A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort – once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

NEW DELHI :

An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the QutubMinar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Proceed to see the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening. Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03 :

Delhi – Agra (By Road 250 Kms/6 hr)

Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon.

AGRA

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into abefitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing.

TAJ MAHAL :

Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife MumtazMahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT – Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04 :

Agra – Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr)

After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City – Jaipur. Stop at FatehpurSikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its “ruins” are in pristine condition … it’s not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the BulundDarwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.

JAIPUR :

The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history – A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05 :

Jaipur

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

CITY PALACE: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, ShriGovindDev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR: This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL: The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 6 :

Jaipur – Udaipur (By Road 300 km/7 hr)

Start for Udaipur after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 7 :

Udaipur

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 8 :

Udaipur – Jodhpur (By Road 260 km/6 hr)

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Reach Jodhpur.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by RaoJodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastionsRelax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 9 :

Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)

Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur – gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit JaswantThada Memorial. Proceed for Jaisalmer.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when RawalJaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel. Spend night at Jaisalmer.

Day 10 :

Jaisalmer

After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City – Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT – The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour) See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.

Return to the hotel and night will be at Jaisalmer.