19 Days Colorful Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi by flight.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi

In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat – Gandhi Memorial

Jama Masjid – Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid was begun in 1650 and it took hard work of six years of more than 5000 workers to build the largest mosque in India. It was customary for the emperor and his courtiers to go to the mosque every Friday for attending ‘Jumme ki namaaz’, the congressional prayers.

Chandini Chowk – The living legacy of Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by Shahjahan, the builder of Taj Mahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying center, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon and thus is called Chandini Chowk.

Red Fort (Lal Quila) – One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

Raj Ghat – The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1950 following his assassination on 30th January 1950 by Nathu Ram Godse. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma “Hey Ram” are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat. Thus the first item on the agenda of a foreign dignitary on a state visit to India is to visit Raj Ghat. They the memorial is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is just across the road. It houses many belongings of Gandhi and photographs from his life.

In New Delhi visit Birla Temple, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Jewish Synagogue

Birla Temple (Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir) a Hindu temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

India Gate is the pride of Delhi. An imposing structure, the gate was built in memory to the of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. Situated at the at the end of Rajpath, the India Gate is 42 meters high. Photo stop at Presidential Palace and Indian Parliament House.

Baha’i Temple (Lotus Temples) in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, Baha’i Temple is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha’ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha’u’llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.

Qutab Minar, one of the most visited places in Delhi. The unique architectural structure of the monument attracts many visitors from all across the world. The construction of Qutab Minar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Mandawa

Arrive and check in at Hotel

Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Mandawa visiting Havelis of Manadawa

This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and is situated entirely within the triangle formed by Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati represents a region and not just a town or fort. The name Shekhawati derived from its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha.

The towns of Shekhawati region are known for their amazing painted havelis. So varied and architecturally rich are the havelis that this region is dubbed as the “open art gallery of Rajasthan”. The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something akin to a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes and huge animals. Some later day frescoes reflect British influence in the form of steam locomotives and trains depicted on them.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Bikaner

Arrive and check in at Hotel.

Later proceed for sightseeing tour Bikaner visiting

Junagarh Fort lies to the northeast of the walled old city of Bikaner. Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar’s army built the fort in 1593 for the Mughal Army, and its most unusual feature is that this fort was built at ground level and not on high ground. Interestingly, it is one of the few forts in India that was never conquered. Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance to the Junagarh Fort. The fort is encircled by a moat that protects the splendid complex of thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples added by different rulers, the last one, as recently as 1943. Their lavishly adorned interiors are much better preserved than those in any other palace in the region.

Lal Garh Palace is an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, typical of the area. This palace was built by the greatest of Bikaner kings, Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work in sandstone that closely resembles lacy confections in its intricacy. Well laid out gardens, sprawling lawns on which peacocks dance and play amidst a riot of colourful bougainvillea make it a delight for the eyes. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is the best amongst the many royal museums in Rajasthan. Its reputation has been enhanced by its rare collection of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings from the Bikaner School and coins. Most of the exhibits are masterpieces of Harappan civilization obtained from the archaeological excavations in the vicinity, as well as some from the Gupta and Kushan periods.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Jaisalmer en route visit Kheechan village

Village Kheechan, is a natural sanctuary for the bird called Kurjan, Karkara and Kunch in this region. This bird belongs to South West Europe, Black Sea region, Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, North and South Africa and Mongolia. It is Demoiselle Crane. It migrates to India to avoid severe cold climatic conditions prevailing in its region during October to March and returns as the summer approaches.

It is not a native of India but it gets pregnant here to deliver in its native place. Lakhs of Kurjan birds visit India but about four to six thousand come to Kheechan. The bird weighs 4 to 6 kg with a height of about three feet. It has peculiar features (but an attractive appearance).

Continue drive to Jaisalmer.

Morning after breakfast sightseeing tour visiting

The Golden Jaisalmer Fort is the very first place for most visitors to this desert outpost. The fort towering high above the sprawling city of Jaisalmer has an exciting, almost fairytale quality to it. The fort is often spoken of as a ‘living museum’ because of its many ‘havelis’ – the mansions of the rich merchants built in the 19th century. Hidden deep within a labyrinth of narrow old world lanes with shops, houses and hotels is the Main Chowk (square) dominated by the Palace of the Maharawal , several Hindu temples and exquisitely sculpted trio of Jain temples . The residential area of the fort takes visitors back in time with beautiful ‘havelis’ with breath- takingly exquisite intricately latticed golden yellow sandstone facades. The most famous homes are Nathmalji ki Haveli , whose interiors are extensively decorated with splendid miniature paintings, Salim Singh ki Haveli capped with blue cupolas and superb peacock shaped brackets, and the Patwon ki Haveli. The Patwon ki Haveli is five storied and is the largest and most elaborate of all with multiple carved pillars and colonnades, wall murals, long corridors and ornate chambers.

The Desert Culture Centre and Museum is a place which gives visitors an inside view of Jaisalmer, its people and the area around it. The museum has an extensive collection of old coins, textile, weaponry, traditional Rajasthani musical instruments and fossils found in the desert.

Late afternoon visit Sam – The Sand Dunes at Sam are 42 km away on the edge of the Desert National Park and no trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the sand dunes at Sam. The varying patterns, ripples and waves that the wind creates on the undulating, ever changing dunes is awesome to behold. The sunsets at Sam are particularly beautiful, with the desert changing into a kaleidoscope of red, orange and copper before darkness engulfs the desert in a blanket of sheer black.

Enjoy camel ride in sand dunes at sunset

Return to your hotel in Jaisalmer

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Manvar

Arrive and check in at Hotel.

Manvar is an excellent destination to have a thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Manvar is one of the perfect options for those who wish to get the true feel of deserts. It is such a fascinating place that offers the raw beauty of nature. It will let you explore the various parts of the desert to enjoy its kaleidoscopic beauty. Sightseeing Manvar provides you an opportunity to enjoy the enthusiasm of wilderness in desert. Manvar has the sprawling resort that built on 5 acres of land reflecting the true ambiance of the traditional village.

The best time to visit here is between the months of September to March. During this time, you will be able to get to see a large number of migratory demoiselle cranes. Ride on Jeep safaris gives you an enjoyable experience for the tourists. Manvar has the brilliant backdrop of the vast Thar Desert which looks amazing at its first glance.

Overnight at hotel

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for Jodhpur en route visit Osian (85 kms / 2 hrs)

Osian – Situated 65 km north of Jodhpur, Osian is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples. Surrounded by golden sand dunes and little hamlets, Osian provides a magical experience and transports one back in time. Because of the temple sculptures, some very erotic, Osian is also known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Osian is a famous pilgrimage site of the Jains of the Oswal Jain community. Famous for its temples, most of the shrines of Osian lie in ruins today.

Continue drive to Jodhpur

Arrive and check in at Hotel

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting The awe inspiring Mehrangarh Fort takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor’s list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces, with intricate carved ‘Jalis’ and panels that take your breath away. Seven heavily fortified gateways led to the palaces, armoury and royal chambers. Few of these gates remain but the palaces are impressive in their variety and ornamentation.

The Mehrangarh Fort Palace Museum and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum house a fine collection of royal memorabilia, armours and arms, bejewelled howdahs, palanquins etc.

Jaswant Thada, a few meters below the fort, is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors.

The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder, built in 1812, with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times!

The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built during the 1920s and ”30s as a famine relief project when Maharaja Umaid Singh started a food for work program. The palace took 16 years to complete- no wonder, then that with its 347 rooms, it is one of the largest private residences in the world. The present ruler converted it into a fine luxury hotel with an in house museum while retaining the use of one wing as the private residence of the erstwhile royal family.

Afternoon free

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for day trip to Luni

Luni – Luni is a charming and cloistered village which reflects the royal past of Rajasthan. In Luni many artisans are still pursuing their ancestral profession of carving metal, clay or wood into intricate forms. Luni’s Fort Chanwa is an outstanding piece of elegance and proportion in Indian Architecture of the last century. The village of Luni is situated in the shadow of fort walls. This small bustling village invites innumerable tourists to the nearby fort.

Return to Jodhpur

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Mount Abu en route visit Ranakpur Jain temples – Ranakpur is in a peaceful valley , it is one of the five main pilgrim centers for the Jains. The main shrine in the 500-year old temple complex (preserved in near perfect condition) is the huge Chaumukha Temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain saint. It is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India with 29 halls and 80 domes supported by 1444 ornately carved pillars, no two pillars alike. There are two other Jain temples in the complex and some distance away, a Sun temple.

Continue drive to Mount Abu

Arrive and check in at Hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Mount Abu visiting Dilwara Jain Temple complex which is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD. The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling. The ornamental details of marble stone carvings is phenomenal and unmatched.

Later depart by for Udaipur

Arrive and check in at Hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting

City Palace on the banks of the Lake Pichola. The magnificent and awe inspiring citadel is, in fact, a complex of several buildings that were added at different times by different rulers spanning nearly three hundred years. Happily, they harmonize beautifully with each other and maintain an overall homogeneity of design. There are terraces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens, with lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on their walls, floors and ceilings. The main part of the Palace is now a museum.

The Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, is located within easy walking distance from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum houses a very interesting collection of Rajasthani folk art – costumes, paintings, folk deities, musical instruments, masks, dolls and weapons. The puppet collection is particularly fascinating.

Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour), a small ornamental garden with fountains, once the site for royal picnics, or the impressive Gulab Bagh

Evening witness Rajasthani Folk dances at Bagore Ki haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat is the 17th century old historic mansion has its own rich cultural legacy. Once, the private mansion of Rajput royals now turned into a museum, becoming a major tourist destination in Udaipur. If you have visited Udaipur you also have been there but it is quite possible that you might have missed seeing another great attraction inside Bagore Ki Haveli.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Pushkar.

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour Pushkar visiting Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple

Pushkar Lake , Pushkar lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Pushkar. It is believed that this lake was formed as a result of a lotus falling off from Lord Brahma’s hand. A holy dip in the Pushkar lake is considered to be sacred for Hindus as it is believed to wash away all their sins. The pure waters are also said to contain medicinal and curative powers. The Pushkar lake is surrounded by many important Hindu temples and 52 Ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Brahma temple or the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir in Pushkar is known to be one of the very few temples of Hindu Lord Brahma. It is close to the Pushkar lake to which it also has an indelible link. Built mainly of marble and stone slabs, the temple holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. The temple is usually visited by pilgrims as well as holy men and sages.

Continue drive to Jaipur.

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort which lies 10 kms from from Jaipur. Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove, climb up to fort on elephant back in a Maharaja (emperor) style.

Afternoon city tour visiting the sprawling the City Palace of Sawai Jai Singh II, sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. It consists of the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The City Palace Museum houses an exquisite collection of textiles, costumes, carpets, the finest porcelain and a rare collection of arms and paintings. It is here that you can see the world’s largest silver objects – a pair of giant urns.

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy. It was built between1728-34 and consists of observer’s seat, sundial and a number of enormous instruments used to calculate altitude, locate and identify celestial bodies. These instruments are extremely accurate.

Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ is one of the most unusual structures built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Honeycombed with over 900 niches or windows, it allowed the ladies of the court to watch the activities on the streets below and yet not be seen themselves. The Hawa Mahal too is made of the famed Jaipur pink stone!

Later visit the Birla Temple and local market.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri – Situated 40 kms from Agra, this deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means ‘The City of Victory’. The audience halls, palaces and mosques are still perfectly preserved as are the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal and the Buland Darwaza.

Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in at Hotel

Evening witness for live theater show on Taj Mahal (Optional)

Mohabbat-e-Taj is a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The Drama portrays the Mughal era in 16th Century. It is series of play depicting the true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife, the lavish lifestyle of mughal era, emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

(Note : Kalakriti show closes from 01 May till 15 July for annual maintenance)

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning proceed for visiting Taj Mahal – Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. The Taj by sunrise and sunset is a breathtaking sight.

Return to hotel for breakfast and visit Agra Fort – Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects and artists.

Later depart for Delhi Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

End of the tour