Duration: 17 Days.
Focus: Forts, Palace, Taj Mahal, Birds, People,
and villages.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid March.
A journey across colourful Rajasthan, awaits a
world of haughty camels, cultural, people, palaces,
busy bazaars, dazzling silks, wildlife At Ranthamore
Tiger reserve and Shah Jehan's fabled TAJ MAHAL.
Destination: DELHI-
AGRA- RANTHAMBORE- JAIPUR- BIKANER- JAISALMER- LUNI-
JODHPUR- UDAIPUR- DELHI.
Rajasthan is one of India's brightest Jewels, a
vast desert province where Rajput princes ruled for
centuries in extravagant pomp and splendor. The forts
and palaces of the Maharajahs bear witness of this
proud and glorious past, but Rajasthan has more than
just this rich historical legacy - it is also a land
of traditional crafts, musicians and folk dance, women
wearing bright saries with bangles and silver nose
rings, festive village life and the contrasting forms
and colours of the desert. Rajasthan is, simply, India
at its best!
Day 1, Arrive Delhi: Assistance on arrival
and transfer to the hotel ( Rooms available from 1200hrs).
Overnight in hotel
Day 2, Delhi. Sightseeing: A Full day guided
tour to visit Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque ,Humayuns
tomb and India gate. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 3, Delhi/ Agra. We leave early morning
by the Shatabdi Express to Agra (2 hours), on arrival
we transfer to hotel. Later we visit India's most
celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan
as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz, and also explore
Akbar the Great's Red Fort before returning to our
hotel. Evening free, to relax by the pool .
Day 4, Agra/Ranthambore ( about 6hrs) Today
after breakfast, a beautiful drive through colourful
Rajasthan to Ranthambhore National Park. Ranthambhore
Tiger Reserve is situated in Rajasthan at the eastern
end of Aravalli range. The rolling hills; dry dhok
forest and tranquil lakes, decorated with the crumbling
ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, epitomise
all the princely splendour of this famous Rajput state.
The reserve also offers one of the best opportunities
for seeing Tiger during the day, as well as many other
mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque,
Common Langur, Nilgai, Indian Gazelle (Chinkara),
Wild Boar, Jackal, Spotted and Barking Deer, Samber
and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. The bird life here is
also superb, particularly around the lakes.
Day 5 ,Ranthambore- Jeep Safari. Morning and
evening game viewing by jeep with knowledgeable guide.
Day is spent free to visit local bazaar, wonder around
or just relax !! Our overnight stop will be just outside
the park at Ranthambhore Bagh - a perfect, modern
camp, set a midst acres of natural landscape.
Day 6, Ranthambore/ Jaipur. (3 hours drive).
Morning Jeep safari after breakfast drive to Jaipur
(pink city). Arrive Jaipur and transfer to Rajasthani
Colourful Palace hotel. Evening free.
Day 7, Jaipur. This morning we drive to nearby
Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century
hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated
apartments. In the afternoon we tour Jaipur, a city
of glowing pink sandstone buildings, visiting the
famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), the city palace
complex, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Overnight
in Hotel.
Day 8, Jaipur/ Bikaner (4 hours drive). After
breakfast drive to Bikaner in the Shekhavati region,
known for the beautiful frescoes which adorn many
of the buildings. Overnight in Palace Hotel.
Day 9, Bikaner Morning free. Afternoon sightseeing
of imposing 16th century pink - sandstone Junagarh
fort. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10, Bikaner/ Jaisalmer. (7 hours drive).
Today leave early, for a longish drive but rewarding
Enroute stop at local tea shops for cold drinks or
a hot cup of sweet milky Chai (Indian tea)!! Jaisalmer,
the most perfect of the walled cities of Rajasthan,
rising out of the desert like a mirage. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 11, Jaisalmer. Sightseeing in Jasilmer,
a medieval city of elaborately carved mansions (havelis)
in yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants at a
time when the city was a key stopping place on the
caravan routes from the Middle East. Jaisalmer has
been described as an open air museum, and to enter
its narrow cobbled lanes is to step into a bygone
age. In the evening we have arranged a desert barbecue.
Day-12, Jaisalmer ( Camel Safari) Full Day
Camel safari at Sam sand dunes in the Thar desert,
about 40 kms. Drive from Jaisalmer. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 13, Jaisalmer/ Jodhpur (8 hours). Today
we drive south to the historic Jodhpur, second city
of Rajasthan. we stay 2 nights at charming Chanwa
Fort at nearby LUNI.
Day 14, Jodhpur. After breakfast we enjoy a
sightseeing tour of the colourful streets and bazaars
of Jodhpur, including a visit to the vast 15th century
hilltop Meherangarh Fort. Afternoon we enjoy a glimpse
of traditional Rajasthani village life.
Day 15, Jodhpur/ Udaipur. After breakfast
drive through Aravali hills, and temples to the Romantic
Lake city of Udaipur. Arrive and stay in delightful
heritage hotel.
Day 16, Udaipur: A day free to enjoy this lake
city. Overnight in hotel.
Day 17, Udaipur/ Delhi After breakfast transfer
to the airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and
transfer to the airport hotel. Late Evening departure
transfer to the International airport.
