Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Ajmer – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra - Delhi
Straight out of fantasy, Rajasthan is an epicenter of Indian royalty fused with culture, traditions and way of life. Even though the royalty concept is abolished in this country, still the natives of this region follow their king as the leader of the clan. Such a heritage laden and authentic state presents itself in royal fervour through Royal Rajasthan Tour. This tour to real India highlights and presents the moments of cultural pride in India resting in the form of heritage palaces cum hotels, merchant havelis, forts, citadels and temples in the state of royalty. Add on to this is the visit to the three capitals of Mughals, including Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, famous more for Taj Mahal.
Day 01: Arrival DelhiUpon arrival at Delhi's International airport, meet and greet Incredible India tour representative who will assist your transfers to the Hotel Imperial, Delhi. CHECK-IN NOON. Relax in the hotel upon check in. Overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi / Mandawa (265 km / 05 hr drive)After breakfast, drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, transfer to Castle Mandawa. Mandawa is a small settlement, known for many 'Havelis' and temples. Atop the rugged fort of Mandawa, one can enjoy the panoramic view of this quaint town. Observing the extraordinary frescoes on the walls of the havelis is another attraction of visiting Mandawa. Don't miss out visiting Cenotaphs, step wells and beautifully painted Havelis, which form the highlights of this charming kingdom. Overnight stay. Day 03: Mandawa – Bikaner (200 km / 04 hr Drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bikaner and transfer to Lalgarh Palace, a heritage hotel. Bikaner city is hemmed by the imposing walls and is centered on the 16th century fort comprising old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Rao Bika, on whom the city got its name, Bikaner is also renowned for its love for snacks and desserts. Landscape wise, the destination also features rich camel safaris. After check in, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour with a visit to the 15th century Junagarh Fort. Also visit the famous Havelis or huge mansions of merchants like Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. Also visit the camel breeding farm and famous Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple). Overnight in Bikaner. Day 04: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (333 km / 07 hr drive)
Breakfast at Lalgarh Palace. Later drive to Jaisalmer and transfer to Fort Rajwada Heritage Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05: Jaisalmer (300 km / 06 hr drive)After breakfast, continue towards Gadisar Tank, a large rainwater reservoir of 14th century that prompted the prince to build a city. Later proceed to visit the Jaisalmer fort, perched on the Tricuta Hill. After this, visit the exclusive Jain temples, which boast 6,666 exquisitely carved Jain images. Next attraction in the city is dedicated to the city's prominent Havelis or merchant mansions. Visit the former kings' cenotaphs, with elaborately carved images of kings on horseback. Late evening, enjoy camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes. Overnight stay.
Day 06: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (300 km / 06 hr drive)
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur and transfer to Ajit Bhawan Hotel. Evening is free to scout through the local markets. Overnight stay.
Day 07: JodhpurAfter breakfast, begin exploring Jodhpur with the visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop the isolated hilltop. The commanding fortress dominates the blue coated landscape.
Day 08: Jodhpur – Ranakpur - Udaipur (285 km / 06 hr drive)After breakfast, drive to Udaipur via visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples situated in Aravali Valley. The Ranakpur Jain Temples have grand structures. On arrival, transfer to Sheraton Udaipur Resort & Spa. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.
Day 09: UdaipurAfter breakfast, visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple - built in 1651 AD. Sahelion Ki Bari, the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces. Optional enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Udaipur – Pushkar (300 km & 06 hr approx)After breakfast, drive to Pushkar. Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 km to the North-West of Ajmer. Evidence points to its having existed during the Fourth century B.C. Lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle. Upon arrival, transfer to Pushkar Palace Hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 11: Pushkar – Ajmer – Jaipur (145 km / 03 hr drive)After breakfast, drive to Jaipur via visiting Ajmer. Ajmer is famous for the Tomb of the Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti the Dargah Sharif. The city was founded by the Chauhan ruler, Ajaipal, during the 11th century and is dominated by the Taragarh Fort built by Prithviraj Chauhan. Also visit Ana Sagar the marble pavilions at Daulat Bagh built by Shah Jahan. On arrival, transfer to Holiday Inn. Overnight stay.
Day 12: JaipurAfter breakfast, half-day visit to Amer Fort (Car / Jeep ride) (Elephant ride will be subject to availability otherwise Jeep ride will be provided). Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Inside the Fort, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Enroute to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. Post lunch, visit Pink City including Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence part of it converted into a museum. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, situated near the gate of city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Overnight stay.
Day 13: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (240 Km / 05 hr drive)After breakfast, drive to Agra via visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honor of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power. Upon arrival, transfer to Jaypee Palace.
Afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. (Taj Mahal remains closed on all Fridays). Later visit the Agra fort containing the halls, private and public audiences and other palaces. Overnight stay.
Day 14: Agra – Delhi (203 Km / 05 hr drive)Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.
Day 15: DelhiAfter breakfast, full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat - memorial to Mahatma Gandhi & Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and drive pass Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone. In New Delhi, visit 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years and the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun. Also visit India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) and drive pass the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House. Overnight stay.
Day 16: Delhi – Departure.Breakfast at hotel. Later transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination.