Best of Rajasthan India Tour

Welcome to India. In the early morning arrive in New Delhi - capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. On arrival transfer to hotel & check in. Dinner. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, proceed on a tour of Old Delhi, with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India, built in 1650 AD. Drive past Red Fort (closed on Mondays), built in 1639-48 by Emperor Shah Jehan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Later visit to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana - the memorial of Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Experience a cycle rickshaw ride through colourful bazaars in Old Delhi. Afternoon embark on tour of New Delhi drive past through the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings - Parliament House and Presidents House and India Gate. Also visit Humayun's Tomb - this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, and the centrally-located mausoleum topped by double dome. 

Early evening drive to Mandawa - a compact little town which, was settled in the 18th century. Fortified by the dominant merchant families, Mandawa houses some of the finest painted havelis in the region and the fort, dating back to 1760. On arrival check in. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

After breakfast visit the fascinating havelis in Mandawa, all of them adorned with beautiful wall paintings. This morning visit the most famous Bansidhar Newalia Haveli built in 1910 which has some curious paintings on its walls. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, built in 1870 is also one of the finest in the region and has some of superb murals. Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli has a painting depicting Indra Dev on an elephant and Lord Shiva on his vehicle and Nandi bull. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

After breakfast drive to Bikaner - tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized by beautiful sandstone architecture. Bikaner was once frequented by the legendary caravans that strung out across the desert of West Asia and Africa. On arrival check in to your hotel. 

Visit the “Junagarh Fort” built between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh who was a general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions and 2 entrances, it is famous for the super quality of stone carvings. 

Optional: Visit the fascinating Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The huge silver gate and marble carvings donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh, lead you into the sea of swarming rodents who are considered auspicious. Devotees throng this temple to make offerings to the rats. Other places of interest include the famous camel breeding farm just outside the town. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur - this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. On arrival check in. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

In the morning proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort - the original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. It is one of the finest example of Rajput architecture. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Proceed on a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows.

Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Visit Bapu Bazar located in the heart of the city of Jaipur. The bazaar with its appeal, liveliness, and availability of variety of Rajasthani products has made itself an ultimate shopping destination. The diversity in the products that are available in the market attracts a large number of shoppers. Shoppers can buy a huge number of traditional Rajasthani products. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast drive to Agra - the ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th & 17th century, depicting a gorgeous panaorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - "The Taj Mahal". On arrival check in. Overnight stay in Agra.

This morning visit Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) - the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughul architecture - a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic tradition.

Continue your tour to Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Fort's maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D, although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. Visit Akbar's Mausoleum at Sikandra, which is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Early evening drive to New Delhi, arrival check in. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Transfer to New Delhi International airport for your onward flight.