Travel like a Royalty

After breakfast, proceed for a visit to Delhi including the following:

Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi on Ring Road, officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial.

Heritage Walk in Old City (Around 3-4 Hours)
We will walk you through the charming quarters of Old Delhi. Old Delhi bazaars have colorful and interesting street food and are crowned with the oldest shops offering many delicacies. You may enjoy a visual treat. The area is also home to several small temples, shrines, old mosques, and protected monument sites. Cows wander the streets, and small dharamshalas (rest-houses) and pyaus (water-stations) attest to the pious contributions of local merchants. The walk is an escorted experience in English for about 3-3.5 delightful hours as we explore the galis (bylanes) of Shahjahanabad (Old City), the city built by Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). You have an opportunity to see what life is really like in this narrow, crowded part of Old Delhi, where adjacent houses share a common wall and everyone knows everyone else.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a Sikh temple located in Delhi. The temple has been named after the 8th Sikh Guru (Teacher), Guru Harkishan Singh, and is one of the most important places of worship for the Sikh community in Delhi. The temple is well known for its Langar Hall (community kitchen), which is open to all visitors irrespective of religion. Food is served free of cost in the hall two times a day, and around 8,000 – 10,000 people come to eat every day.

Drive past the Government Buildings
New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past a few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker, which is 173m in diameter. The Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the Viceroy’s residence, is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines Western and Eastern styles.

Photo stop at India Gate

At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed on the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan War of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorates the Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is a soaring, 73m high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. The tower has five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony, and tapers from a 15m diameter at the base to just 2.5m at the top. The first three stories are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth stories are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7m high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Agra.
AGRA - The city of the inimitable “TAJ MAHAL”.
The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort, and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

On arrival in Agra, check in and rest. Later, visit the following:

Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort, although additions were made until the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D.; Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal; and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra Fort is 2.5 km long and is considered the predecessor of the Red Fort in Delhi.

The rest of the day is at leisure in Agra.
Overnight at the hotel in Agra.

After breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal as the first thing this morning.

Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, or Crown of Palaces, is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, the Taj Mahal looks the same from all four sides and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not only in its beauty but also in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum was started in 1631 and took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20,000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays.)

Later in the afternoon, visit the following:

Itimad-ud-Daulah
Sometimes called the ‘Baby Taj’ because of its resemblance to Agra’s most famous monument, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was built before the Taj Mahal. A number of its stylistic features, such as a tomb in white marble surrounded by a formal garden and the use of inlay work in the marble to create floral or geometric designs, inspired similar features of the Taj Mahal.

Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a garden complex located just on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. It is one of the best places in Agra to enjoy the sunset with a rear view of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight at the hotel in Agra.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Jaipur, with a stop at Abhaneri.

Abhaneri
On the way to Jaipur, visit the village of Abhaneri. Abhaneri is a small village with a population of approximately 2,000 people. The village is known for the Chand Baori stepwell. Stepwells were very important in the past, serving the purpose of collecting rainwater. Chand Baori is the largest stepwell in India.

Later, proceed to Jaipur.

JAIPUR
The fascinating capital of the marvelous state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City due to the color of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and followed a grid system, making it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, designed the city in accordance with Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There are innumerable sagas and stories of culture, traditions, practices, and valor. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world.

On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour in Jaipur, including the following:

Elephant/Jeep Ride at Amber Fort 

Enjoy an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort like the royalty of Rajasthan once did. Mount the animal from a raised platform and sit comfortably in a specially designed, secure seat as the majestic animal winds its way up the ramparts of the fort. The elephants look beautiful as the mahouts (the people who drive the elephants) decorate them, especially their trunks, with floral and geometric patterns using colored chalk and powders.

Amber Fort 

The Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills, is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made of red sandstone and white marble. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior walls of the palace depict expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones, and mirror settings. Built mainly for defense against warring enemies, the heavily structured walls could protect the residents within the ramparts of the fort.

Photo Stop at the Hawa Mahal Palace 

The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this Palace of Winds. This is easily the most well-known landmark of Jaipur and is also its icon. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas.' It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.

City Palace 

Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built many buildings, but some of the structures were also built by later rulers. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

Jantar Mantar 

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the one that he had built in Delhi. He constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones in Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best-preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World Heritage List as "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period."

Later in the afternoon, explore the local markets of Jaipur.

Optional: Elephant Bathing, Feeding, Painting with BBQ Dinner at Dera Amer (90 USD per person, drinks extra) 

It is a unique activity with elephants that is quite special and unlike anything you have seen before. It is the experience of owning a beautiful creature like an elephant for some time. This evening will be full of adventure with these beautiful and magnificent creatures. It is a special chance for you to get close, become friends with the elephants, and interact with them for real. Organic colors are used for the paintings at Dera Amer. All the elephants are female, which also makes them loving and gentle with no aggression towards guests who feed them, play with them, or bathe them.

Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Deogarh.

Deogarh
Deogarh is located at an altitude of about 2100 feet above sea level and is cooler than other parts of Rajasthan. Deogarh Mahal, which is the main attraction in Deogarh, was founded in the year 1670 AD by Rawal Dwarka Das Ji as a family residence. From the beginning, Deogarh Mahal has been a cultural hub for village activity and has remained an integral ambassador of the economy and heritage of the Mewar region. The Mahal highlights the rich history, art, and traditions of India throughout the property with expressive colors and intricately detailed furnishings.

Later in the evening, stroll through the local bazaar in the town.

Overnight stay at Deogarh Mahal in Deogarh.

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur.

UDAIPUR
The “City of Lakes” was founded in 1559 AD as the capital town of the former Mewar state by Maharana Udai Singh on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. The rich cultural, social, and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty, and ecological richness have been preserved through the surrounding lakes, serene and opulent hilly range of the Aravalis, lush green vegetation, pleasant gardens, and harmoniously built forms, presenting a unique condition of scenic beauty. The magical beauty of Lake Pichola allures visitors again and again.

Your overnight stay is planned on the outskirts of Udaipur in a rural village called Devigarh. **RAAS Devigarh** is an 18th-century palace strategically placed on top of a hill amidst the Aravali Ranges. The palace has recently been converted into a hotel, offering visitors the luxury and comfort of one of the finest heritage hotels in India.

Overnight at the RAAS Devigarh.

After breakfast, proceed for a visit of Udaipur including the following:

City Palace
City Palace towers over Pichola Lake. Maharana Udai Singh initiated the construction of the palace, but successive Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex while retaining remarkable uniformity in the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was a custom to weigh the Maharaja under this gate in gold and silver, which was then distributed to the populace. Balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace offer a wonderful view of the lake.

Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the Old City of Udaipur, this temple is built in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur from 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. The gateway of this temple can be seen at a distance of 150 meters from the Bara Pol of the City Palace.

Sahelion Ki Bari
Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden in the mid-18th century. The 'garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools, and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The fountains of Sahelion Ki Bari function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic.

Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis, ghats, and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic focus of Udaipur. The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city and presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake.

Overnight at the RAAS Devigarh.

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, en route visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Ranakpur
Beautifully sculpted Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered one of the five holy sites for the Jain community, these temples were created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. They are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha (four-faced temple) is dedicated to Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation of architectural splendor, featuring 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, all distinctly carved, with no two pillars alike.

Later, proceed to Jodhpur.

JODHPUR
Known as the 'Blue City', Jodhpur was founded on the edges of the Thar Desert in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and is encircled by a high 10 km long wall. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music, and brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments, temples, and gardens of Jodhpur depict multi-faceted grandeur. The beauty and imagination that have gone into the making of this monumental city proclaim a creative genius that seems incongruous with the harshness of this land and its climate.

On arrival in Jodhpur, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Jodhpur, including the following:

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is about 5 km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below and crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel over the rugged and rocky terrain, it houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and beautifully latticed windows made from red sandstone.

Jaswant Thada

Located adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Built by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh, this monument is known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The main memorial is designed like a temple, featuring intricately carved marble. Visiting this structure involves a scenic journey through rocky hills, adding to its secluded and mystical aura.

Afternoon: Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village

Enjoy a Jeep safari to the Bishnoi villages. The Bishnois are a community in Rajasthan famous for their rich cultural heritage and true love for nature and animals. This memorable outing will lead you through traditional villages where you can witness local handicrafts, such as shoemaking and pottery. You'll also see men in traditional attire and women adorned with ancestral silver jewelry. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including blackbucks, chinkaras, and peacocks, along the way.

Overnight at the Hotel in Jodhpur.

Final Day Itinerary

On-time transfer to Jodhpur Airport for the flight to Delhi, where you will board your return flight home.

Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to a hotel nearby the airport. You’ll have a hotel room for a few hours to relax before departure.

Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel, reflecting on your wonderful journey.

Later, on time transfer to Delhi International Airport to board your flight back home.

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