Elite Rajasthan – 13 Days

Arrive Delhi airport and drive straight to Agra. Arrive Agra and check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour of Agra. Visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long housing a collection of well-preserved buildings, many completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out at the final resting place of his beloved wife.

Visit the stunning Taj Mahal. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its beautiful design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done.

Evening at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight.

Early morning check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Arrive and check in to your hotel.

This evening, you can enjoy a meal with a noble family, learning about its history and culture.

Overnight.

After breakfast, discover Jaipur. View the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the “Palace of the Winds”) designed like the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. Its 5-story frontage looks like a honeycomb with 953 small windows with intricate lattice work which enabled the court ladies living in secluded purdah to watch royal processions. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.

Continue to the Amber Fort by jeep. This magnificent palace of pale yellow and pink sandstone and white marble is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. Explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.

At 14:30 hrs, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and a World Heritage site, built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Visit the City Palace nearby, which is now a museum. See the armoury with its impressive array of weapons. The Textile and Costume Museum is another fine display, with items from all over India.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Drive to Bikaner, arrive and check-in at the hotel. Later, enjoy a half day city tour, visit Junagarh Fort and local havelis. The Junagarh Fort at 700 ft above sea level, was built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593. It has a 986m wall with 37 bastions, a moat and 2 entrances. The fort and its palaces are decorated with magnificent stone carvings.

In the evening, visit a Camel Farm to watch the camels return from a day out in the desert. Facilities like camel riding and Safari are also available at this breeding farm.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Drive to Jaisalmer, arrive and check-in at your hotel.

Overnight.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour of Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) the main attraction of this picturesque desert city. It is a World Heritage site. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, it is visible from 15 km. It is believed to be one of the very few “living forts” in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city’s population still resides within.

Visit the Maharaja’s Palace, Jain Temples and the famous Havelis – (Patwao Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli) Gadisar Museum and Mandir Palace within the fort.

Late afternoon, enjoy a camel safari on the Sam Sand Dunes on gaily caparisoned camels. Enjoy sun downers with non alcoholic drinks.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Drive to Jodhpur, arrive and check in to your hotel.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Enjoy a half day city tour visiting the impressive Mehrangarh Fort standing at about 125 m, spread over five sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has 7 gates and strategically located cannons. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. View the many courtyards and magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows.

Then visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II, who died fighting the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Visit the market.

Afternoon, enjoy a jeep ride at Bishnoi village and learn more about the lifestyle and culture of rural Rajasthan.

Overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit the 14th/15th century Ranakpur Jain temples, one of the 5 holy Jain pilgrimage centers with one of the best temple complexes. The beautiful main Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took 65 years to complete.

Arrive Udaipur and check in to the hotel.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Proceed for a half day city tour of Udaipur, famous for its palaces, lakes and museums. At the City Palace visit the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal studded with glittering Belgian mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all ornately decorated. This complex is the largest in Rajasthan. The museum houses a stunning collection of objects collected by different Maharajas.

Pichola Lake, Uday Sagar, and Pratap Sagar are some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens with its beautiful lawns and fountains.

This evening, enjoy a boat cruise on Pichola Lake, 4-km long and 3-km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace Jag Niwas which is set in the lake.

Overnight.

After breakfast, proceed for a half day tour of Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was the capital of Mewar. It sprawls over a hill 180 m in height, spread over 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains. It contains 65 historic structures, which include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water bodies, 4 memorials and a few victory towers.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi.

End of Tour.