Grand Rajasthan India tour

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 you will be met and transfered to hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast 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. 

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 etc. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

After breakfast drive to Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized by beautiful sandstone architecture. On arrival check in.

Visit 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 the stone carvings. 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.

Today you'll drive to the Golden City of Jaisalmer, awaiting you with desert fortresses whose stone ramparts glint like gold by the setting sun. A city that is unrivalled in its magic, romance and exotic beauty. Upon arrival check in. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Morning tour of Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, 80 meter high on Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference.

Also visit the havelis, built by wealthy merchants with profusely carved stone facades. The most famous ones are the Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Post lunch proceed to the Sam Sand Dunes, gaze the sunset overlooking the golden sands. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes and the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer’s delight. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, known as the blue city, this land of royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert landscape. The light that reflects the golden sands engulf a land renowned for its vibrant colours, people in the bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in a city dotted and dominated by towering forts and palaces that rise from sand like a mirage. On arrival check in.

Later proceed on a tour of Meherangarh Fort with its graceful palaces, a spectacular setting for the rich past and culture of the imperial city. Then admire Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace, made of marble and pink sandstone, the construction of which started in 1929 and it took 16 years to complete. It is believed that the palace was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population. Overnight in Jodhpur.

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 fairytale 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.

In the afternoon proceed for 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, the 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.

Transfer to Jaipur / New Delhi airport for your onward flight.