Rajasthan Family Adventure

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions - monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit the Akshardham Temple a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning, and harmony. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Early morning we leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna. Agra became the capital of the Mughal empire between 1526 and 1628 and boasts of many magnificent Mughal-era monuments, making it a major tourist destination. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel and freshen up. We head to the Agra Fort, a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal at sunset, a magnificent structure standing on the southern bank of river Yamuna. The ivory-white mausoleum was built by 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century. The allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal never ceases to captivate a first-time visitor. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Bharatpur. En-route we stop at the Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned royal city founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. For 14 years this magnificent and well-preserved citadel was Akbar's political capital. Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri in 1585 due to a shortage of water. After the visit, we continue to drive to Bharatpur, known for its famous UNESCO listed Keoladeo National Park. The national park is filled with new shallow wetlands, water marshes, and bogs, and is one of the world's richest bird habitats, known for breeding of native birds and visiting migratory birds. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon we head out on a rickshaw ride to visit the sanctuary and get a glimpse of the birds - a mix of native and migratory species. Besides the birds, the Bharatpur Sanctuary is also inhabited by wildlife such as hyenas, sambhar, chinkara and blackbuck deer, wild boar, wildcat and nilgai (blue bull) antelopes. Overnight stay in Bharatpur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After breakfast we drive to the national park situated at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges and considered to be one of the finest places to see a large variety of animals and birds. The Ranthambore National Park has the largest population of tigers in India. Other wildlife inhabiting the area includes several species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles and birds such as purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanas, waders and partridges. We arrive at Ranthambore by afternoon and check-in at the hotel. Later, we visit the majestic 1,000-year-old Ranthambore fort. The fort offers an enchanting view of the wildlife reserve and the city. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we take two game drives into the park in open jeeps (on a seat-sharing basis) to enjoy unobstructed views of the animals and birds around. We take our first safari into the park early in the morning to try our luck at spotting the elusive tiger in its natural habitat. After this unique experience we return to the hotel for breakfast and unwind. Post lunch we head for our second safari, trying to catch a glimpse of the tiger and other animals and birds. At the end of this adventurous day, we return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ranthambore. Duration of the jeep safari is 3- 3 ½ Hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Post breakfast we drive to Jaipur, the colourful capital of Rajasthan, founded in 1727. It is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant and colourful history. Also known as ‘The City of Victory’, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes, and busy markets. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. Designed in 1799, the purpose of the structure was to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations through its 953 'jharokas’, or small windows, without being seen by the public. After visiting the fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later we also meet the local female artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - After breakfast we drive to Pushkar, a small town on the edge of the desert with a tranquil lake, small hills with temples on top, and the world-famous Brahma Temple. Pushkar is frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims and lies by the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake dotted with bathing ghats and temples. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Post lunch, we take a brief orientation tour around the Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple - dedicated Lord Brahma, the founder of the earth in Hindu mythology. After the temple we have the option of enjoying a camel Cart Ride (Optional) on sharing basis, passing through the villages as the sun goes down. It’s a great opportunity to travel on this popular local transport and to interact with locals. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Early in the morning we start with a hike to the Savitri Temple. Situated on the peak of the Ratnagiri hill, the Savitri Temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s consort Savitri. Pilgrims need to trek up the hill in order to reach the shrine of the temple. The temple houses the statue of Goddess Savitri and provides breathtaking views of the surroundings, including the sand dunes, neighbouring villages and the Pushkar Lake. We descend from the hill and continue our walk through Pushkar town and its fascinating local markets clustered at the lakeside. After exploring the bazaar and its hustle and bustle, we return to the hotel for late breakfast. Then we drive to Ajmer to catch the train to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi late at night and transfer to the hotel for check- in. (Duration of Hiking: 3.5 hrs approx.) (Dinner will be served on the train)

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - It is the last day of the tour. We discover Old Delhi, crowded and still influenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. We drive pass Red Fort – the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars and historical lanes of Chandni Chowk and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform marks the spot of his cremation. Our tour of Rajasthan comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the Delhi airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends