Day 1 -->
Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival into Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will be met at the aerobridge and escorted through immigrations and will be welcomed by your India Rajasthan Tours host and chauffeured to your hotel
Delhi has a long history, and has been an important political centre of India as the capital of several empires. Having witnessed the rise and fall of many empires, the city also became the home of their remnants, with everyone from the Slave dynasty of the 13th century, Tughlaqs of the 14th century, Lodi’s of the 15th century, Mughals of the 16th century and last was the British leaving their imprint on the city.
As per the legends, the city is believed to have been established some 3000 years ago and it was named Indraprastha, as per the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. The capital of the Pandavas who set up their fort on the banks of river Yamuna around the present-day Purana Qila. However, most historians recognize the first city of Delhi as Qila Rai Pithora or Lal Kot from the 11th century.
Day 2 -->
Delhi
Morning you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayun's tomb, commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Later you will embark on a drive through New Delhi's former colonial expanse, stopping by the magnificent president's Palace, known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the World War I memorial of the India Gate. Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House): The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Completed in 1929, the palace like building is an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles, the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. Prior to independence this was the viceroy’s residence.
India Gate: This 42 metres high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I the North West frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.
Afternoon proceed on a sightseeing of Old Delhi. It is an extensive tour which includes a mix of the attractions. We will cover palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colourful bazaars. You will have options to see more monuments or spend more time in the narrow bazaars or explore the spiritual aspect etc.
Chandni Chowk: Which was once the grandest of markets in India. Even though today Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character.
Spice Market: Khari Baoli is a street in Old Delhi known for its wholesale grocery and Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. The market is operating since the 17th century.
Followed by Street food tour of Delhi. India’s food is world renowned, and for good reason. Savouring the flavours of this incredible destination is best done in Delhi, the home of street food, by hopping between its vibrant markets and stalls. This foodie tour is guided so you will be taken to the best street stalls of the city, navigating between samosa stands, flatbread stalls and sweet treat stop offs. Don't forget to leave some room for more though as the tour ends with High Tea in the Dharampura Haveli, a property which oozes history, and is the perfect end to this foodie day out.
Day 3 -->
Delhi – Agra (Approx. 3 ½ Hours)
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Agra.
Agra The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan engraved his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work.On arrival you will drive straight to your hotel.
Evening proceeds for sunset visit to Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute for his favourite wife Arjumand Bano, who became known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 at the age of 38, after having given birth to their 14th child, 650km away from Agra in the central Indian town of Burhanpur. Shah Jahan was bereft, and began building the Taj Mahal the following year as a garden tomb on the banks of the River Yamuna, 1700m east of Agra Fort. It was completed in 1643.
Although it was undoubtedly a memorial to the undying love of Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal, it was also a demonstration of the power, wealth and aesthetic values of the Mughal Empire as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraph.
Day 4 -->
Agra
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal and return to hotel for breakfast.
Later embark on a tour of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal;
Agra Fort. For many years through the Mughal rule, especially during the period when Agra was the capital of the kingdom, Agra Fort was renovated and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay.
Notable buildings in the fort include the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.
Itimad-ud-Daulah: The exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg should not be missed. This was the first Mughal structure built completely from marble.
Day 5 -->Agra
– Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore
Today after breakfast you will be driven to Ranthambhore enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (5h30).
Fatehpur Sikri is a fine example of a Mughal walled city with defined private and public areas and imposing gateways. Its architecture, a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflects Akbar’s secular vision as well as his style of governance.
Ranthambhore National Park is known for its small population of tigers, who have become habituated to the proximity of jeeps. Tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, the Park also boasts a spectacular landscape filled with border-strewn highland plateaus, lakes and rivers. A hunting ground for the local maharajas until 1970, the park has since become a refuge for hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
On arrival check-in at your hotel
Day 6 -->Ranthambhore
Enjoy Morning and afternoon scheduled game safaris drive by exclusive vehicle. Park drives in Ranthambore are in open jeeps. You will be accompanied by an experienced naturalist who will explain and point out interesting flora and fauna. Ranthambore is one of India’s finest examples of dry deciduous forest interposed with grassland.
It is where geographical zones merge and it is possible to see the tigers from the overhead area. The entire forest has scattered battlements & spill overs of the Ranthambore Fort, where tigers are said to frequent the ruins
Day 7 -->Ranthambhore – Jaipur (Approx. 3 Hours)
Morning drive to Jaipur
Jaipur: Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is where modernity and tradition exist side by side. The walled city, vibrant with colours, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar where artisans fashion puppets, silver jewellery, lac bangles and other handicrafts in their workshops. At a short distance is the Amer Fort Palace at Amer.
On arrival you will drive straight to your hotel.
Taj Rambagh Palace: In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell Evening proceeds for cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family
Day 8 -->Jaipur
Morning proceeds for a visit to Amber Fort
The Amber Fort is located 11 km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breath-taking artistic mastery.
Followed by a guided tour of the City Palace, marvelling at the ancient astronomical instruments in the Observatory Tower and admiring the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds):
City Palace: A wonderful combination of Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture, it is now partly a museum housing miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weapons, giving invaluable insight into Jaipur's royal past.
Observatory Tower or the Jantar Mantar was built between 1728 and 1734 and it houses precise instruments for measuring ‘the harmony of heavens’. Each instrument serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading.
Hawa Mahal (Photo stop only): perhaps Jaipur’s most famous building; the Hawa Mahal is the pink sandstone façade of a palace built for the ladies of the harem by Sawai Pratap Singh.
The façade contains 953 small casements under a huge curve, each with a balcony and crowning arch. The windows enable cool air (Hawa) to circulate and the zenana to watch processions below without being seen. Also walk around the colourful bazaars of the Jaipur.
On this fascinating evening walk, mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the region's culinary delights from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors.
Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewellers, silversmiths as well as meenakari and kundan artists. Midway through this walk visit a local resident in his private haveli which is beautifully decorated with rich tapestries, carpets and rare artefacts, before finishing at Tripolia gate to enjoy the colourful and vibrant bazaar.
Visit Swayam Bhu Hanuman Temple. They say that the idol mysteriously appeared from under the ground many centuries ago! Walk through Hanuman Ka Rasta. A bustling alley and craft lover’s delight; from wedding card manufactures, to book binding and printing, to gold and silver casters. This lane is teaming with the skill and traditions of a bygone era.
For foodies, Ghee Walon ka Rasta is an entire street dedicated to eating and finding the best food! Sample a large variety of Indian savoury snacks including samosa, kachories and pakoras. For those with a sweeter tooth, try the ladoos.
As the walk draws to a close, see the perfume and flower sellers in front of Laksmi Narayan Baiji. The walk finishes opposite the Hawa Mahal on Bari Chaupar.
Day 9 -->Jaipur – Udaipur
This morning you will be met and transferred to the Jaipur airport for your flight to Udaipur
Udaipur: Delicate, feminine and elegant, Udaipur is known by many names – City of Sunrise, Jewel of Mewar and City of Lakes. Undoubtedly one of India’s most romantic cities, it nestles between the glassy waters of its famous lakes and the ancient Aravalli Hills. Although it is one of Rajasthan’s largest cities, modern Udaipur manages to retain a charming small town vibe.
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to hotel In the evening proceed on a private boat 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.
Day 10 -->Udaipur
This morning embark on a tour of the City Palace and Crystal Gallery. City Palace: The City Palace in Udaipur was built by the Maharana Udai Singh. It is located on the east bank of the Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex. The Palace was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Crystal Gallery: Located in Fateh Prakash Palace, these unique museum houses a collection of crystal items like ornaments fountains, vases, crockery, furniture and beds. This fascinating show can be appreciated at the Durbar Hall through a guided tour.
Jagdish Temple: Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers. Chanting, bells and music can be heard throughout the day. It is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur.
Later go on a walking tour of Udaipur.
The walking tour starts from the famous 17th century Jagdish temple and goes through the old town past the clock tower, along the way you will have the opportunity to visit the various workshops and the jewellery store and watch the goldsmiths at work. Walk through the lanes of a bygone era, lined with quaint shops selling shoes, scarves, leather items, books etc.
Evening - Visit Jagdish Temple to witness Aarti ceremony: Is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. The gateway of this temple can be sited at a distance of 150 meters.
Day 11 -->Depart Udaipur
Intime departure transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to destination onwards.
Tour Inclusions – We believe to prepare tailor made itineraries based on travellers choice
- Accommodations
- All transfers, sightseeing and overland trips by Air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Internal Regular flights (if required)
- Entrance fee and services of English-Speaking Local guide during sightseeing
- Street food tour in Delhi
- Mughal Heritage walk in Agra
- 2 Exclusive safaris
- Food and craft walk in Jaipur
- Cooking class in Jaipur
- Private boat ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Jal Sanjhi in Udaipur
- Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip
- All current taxes as on date.