Special Rajasthan Tour

Day 01 : Delhi / Mandawa (242 Kms. 6 Hrs. Approx.)

Morning drive to Mandawa, heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known for its frescoed havelis. Driving in a south-westerly direction form Delhi one immediately leaves behind the urban environs of the capital of India and gets the glimpses of the country side. Stopping midway at Peer Mal Ki Haveli. On arrival in Mandawa check into your hotel. In the afternoon visit the Havelis notable among them being the Chokani, Ladia and the Saraf Havelis. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Mandawa / Bikaner (164 Kms. 4 Hrs. Approx.)

In the morning drive to Bikaner, which is in true desert country, and part of the ancient caravan route that came from west and central Asia. After traversing this part of the Thar desert stopping at Ratangarh for lunch, one arrives at the fortified city of Bikaner. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon a city tour of Junagarh Fort and the City Palace. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Bikaner / Jaisalmer (353 Kms. 8 Hrs. 30 Min. Approx.)

Drive to Jaisalmer the 12th century inhabited fort city. This fort city built by Rawal Jaisal has exquisite stone work in typical yellow sandstone. This drive also gives you a glimpse of typical desertic lifestyle with little thatched hutments, camels and sand dunes strewn from horizon to horizon. Upon arrival check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or take an evening walk towards the chattris and watch the sun set on the golden fort. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is well known for weaving, embroidery, silver jewelry and its colorful bazaars. The fort has some of the most intricately carved havelis such as the Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli and beautiful Jain temples. In the afternoon take a drive to the sand dunes of Sam and watch the spectacular sun set. One has the option to take a short camel ride. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (300 Kms. 8 Hrs. Approx.)

This morning after breakfast leave Jaisalmer in morning, stopping midway at Pokhran you arrive at Jodhpur -the blue hued city of the Rathore Rajputs, overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh fort. Jodhpur the former capital of the Mewar State was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. In the late afternoon visit the Mehrangarh fort its ramparts. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Jodhpur / Udaipur (260 Kms. 7 Hrs. Approx.)

An early start from Jodhpur takes you to Udaipur the enchanting city of dawn and the lake side capital of Mewar. En route visit Ranakpur Jain temples which are well preserved and in near perfect condition. The most distinctive feature of the shrine dedicated to Adinath are the 29 halls of the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike. Check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Udaipur / Kota (285 Kms. 8 Hrs. Approx.)

Leave Udaipur for Kota via Chittorgarh the most romantic name in Rajasthan, where the famous Rajput beauty Rani Padmini enamored the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, upon seeing her reflection on a mirror. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort believed to have been built by the Mauryan rulers in the 7th century AD. Arrive at Kota - a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization - an impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams, while an old palace of the Hada Rajputs overlooks the turbulent Chambal river. Overnight at your hotel in Kota.

Day 10 : Jaipur

Jaipur is part of the exciting Indian Trail. It is here that the seekers of India experience their fantasy of a voyage of discovery. Jaipur is an exuberance of color, dance and song with the traditional arts and crafts. Known as the Pink City is one of Indias most well planned cities with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. In the morning visit the impressive Amber Fort, the former capital of the Royal Family of Jaipur, taking an elephant ride to the top of the fort. In the afternoon visit the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 - Jaipur / Agra (232 Kms. 5 Hrs. 30 Mins. Approx.)

Depart Jaipur the land of the Rajputs to the Mughal splendor of Agra, en route visiting Fathepur Sikri the ghost city 35 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Drive on to Agra and check-in to the hotel. Later visit the incomparable Taj Mahal. This monument a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete this poem in white marble. In the afternoon visit the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. It was here that Aurangzeb the third son of Shah Jahan kept his father under house arrest. One can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Fort. Overnight at hotel.