Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Mukundgarh - Bikaner -
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day
1: Abroad - Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi - Mukundgarh
After a lunch at hotel drive to Mukundgarh enroute visiting Nawalgarh (235 kms).
Sightseeing tour of the town Nawalgarh which lies in the heart of Shekhawati.
A painted arched gateway adorned with lord Krishna and his cows leeds to the
bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants
are adorned with elaborate frescoes continue drive to Mukundgarh.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Mukundgarh - Bikaner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner (190 kms / 5 hrs).
On arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon, city sightseeing tour of Bikaner, this desert town in the north of
the state was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of
Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Also visit
Camel Breeding farm (closed on Sundays).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day
4: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Early morning drive to Gajner (30 kms / 20 minutes) Breakfast will be served
here. Drive from Gajner to Jaisalmer. (300 kms/5 and ½ hrs). Lunch at Fort
Pokran On arrival check-in at hotel.
Late in the evening witness the sunset at the Cenotaphs.
Day 5: Jaisalmer
Morning, sightseeing tour of 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.
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.
Late afternoon visit the Sand Dunes and a camel ride to view the sunset, as
the sky is set onfire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It
can be an unforgettable experience.
Dinner at Hotel Himmatgarh with the lit up Jaisalmer fortress. Overnight at
the hotel.
Day
6: Jaisalmer- Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, (280 kms/5 hrs) On arrival check-in at hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home
of the Rathorse of Marwar. Visit the Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on
the advice of a hermit, which overlooks the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Jodhpur - Jaipur
Early breakfast at hotel, thereafter transfer from hotel to the railway station
for train to Jaipur (0600/1030 hrs.)
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer railway station to hotel.
Afternoon tour of Jaipur, known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit
the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, which was built in the 1700's, still looks
futuristic or almost surrealistic. Also visit the City Palace and its Museum,
the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Jaipur - Agra
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Make your ascent to the palace fortress on
the gaily caparisoned elephant back. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace
which are famous for the excellence of their design and decoration.
Afternoon,
drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (221 kms./6 hrs.) the deserted,
red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace
in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland Darwaza the largest gateway in the
world.
Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Agra - Delhi
Morning, sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.
Agra Fort - lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the
town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest
architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a
moat. After lunch drive to Agra to Delhi (200 kms / 4 hours).
On arrival check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Delhi
Morning,
sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, the 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.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub
Minar. Drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India
Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and end the tour with a
drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Late evening transfer to airport.
Day 11: Delhi- Abroad
Leave Delhi.
