Grand Palaces and Historic Forts of Rajasthan

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 Haus Khas Village, a wonderful blend of history and modernity. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today morning, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the 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 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 that marks the spot of his cremation. Post lunch, we head to British Delhi (New Delhi area), to visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, the Parliament House, and some other colonial buildings built during the British era and designed by a British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the first half of the 20th century. We end the tour with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the mausoleum of the second Mughal emperor Humayun and was built by his widow Haji Begum in 1564 during the reign of her son Akbar. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - We leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna, early in the morning. 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. After we 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 4 - After breakfast we drive towards Jaipur – the gateway to colourful Rajasthan. We make a brief stop en-route at 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 water shortage. After the visit we continue our journey to Jaipur. Established in 1727, Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant and colourful history. 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 5 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. We explore the Amber Fort, a magnificent sandstone fort complex overlooking the city. We can either walk or take 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 architecturally rich City Palace with its many regal courtyards, mosques, and pavilions. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring world's largest stone sundial. Our last stop for the day is the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which works to conserve the traditional Indian hand printing technique. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - 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 experience this local transport and to interact with locals. The evening is free to explore the bazaars of Pushkar. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we drive along pleasant country lanes and arid landscapes with sand dunes to arrive in Khimsar, a small Rajasthani village. We check-in at the magnificent 16th Century Khimsar Fort hotel which stands firm on the vast Thar Desert. The magnificent fort, with towers, domes, and ramparts, has been in the royal family or 21 generations and has now been transformed into a charming heritage hotel where we will stay for two nights. The evening is free to explore the hotel’s sprawling lawns, orchards and open courtyards. Overnight stay in Khimsar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - We savour the peaceful surroundings of Khimsar in the morning and take an early morning jeep safari through the nearby villages to the Black Buck Reserve. We ride through the sanctuary to catch a glimpse of three species of antelopes - Blackbuck, Chinkara, and the Blue Bull. The safari comes to an end with morning tea on the sand dunes. We return to the hotel and unwind. In the evening, we stroll through the colourful surrounding villages, including the settlements of Gujjar (shepherds) and Kalbelia (snake charmers). Overnight stay in Khimsar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - We drive today to the spectacular city of Jodhpur, founded in 1459 CE. The city is also known as “The Blue City” due to the plethora of vivid blue-painted houses in the old quarter. We arrive and check-in at the hotel and rest for a while before heading out to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and formidable structures in India. The Fort is a 5-kilometer-long architectural wonder that features a stunning palace and intricately carved latticed windows. An imposing fortress overlooking Jodhpur, it was built in 1459 and stands prominently on a 125-metre-long hill as a reminder of the royal splendour and bravery of the royal families at the time. Next, we visit Jodhpur’s architectural landmark - Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 CE in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Portraits of different Jodhpur rulers can be found within the key cenotaph. It looks stunning against the hilly backdrop and glistening lake. In the evening, we take a stroll through the clock tower bazaar and walk through narrow alleys to visit the vibrant Sardar Market selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - After breakfast we drive to our next destination, Deogarh, located in the heart of Aravalli hills, approximately 3 hours from Jodhpur. Upon arrival check-in at the magnificent 17th Century Heritage Hotel – the Deogarh Mahal. Standing atop the hill, the property offers a picturesque view of the Aravalli range along with numerous lakes. The opulent architecture, graying battlements with the majestic jharokhas and domes, makes the place perfect for a stay at night. We will be staying at the Deogarh Mahal for two nights to experience the glory of Rajasthan.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - In the morning we enjoy a train ride through the rural countryside of Rajasthan. We experience travelling with the local villagers in non-air-conditioned coaches with wooden berths. Some coaches are from the 1930s. We drive back to the hotel. In the afternoon, head for a bird watching tour at the nearby lakes to spot a large variety of local and migratory birds, an exciting experience for bird lovers. The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore the area. Overnight stay in Deogarh.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - In the morning we leave the parched desert behind and drive to Udaipur. On the way, we stopped in Ranakpur, home to one of India's most majestic and significant Jain temple complexes, as well as one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites. The main temple, Adinath or Chaumukha (the four-faced temple) dedicated to the first Jain teacher, Tirthankara Adinath, was constructed during the reign of Rana Kumbha, a liberal Rajput monarch of the 15th century. After the stop we continue through the Aravallis to one of Rajasthan’s most attractive cities - Udaipur. The city features an abundance of natural beauty, serene water of lakes, mesmerizing temples and breathtaking architecture. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. In the evening we enjoy the sunset overlooking Lake Pichola, 4 km long and 3 km wide, surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - Today we explore the City Palace, a fascinating collection of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai Singh and completed in the year 1725. The magnificence of the palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view filigreed balconies and ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit the Jagdish Temple which was built in 1651 CE by Maharana Jagat Singh and is the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur. After lunch we visit Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal Museum, exhibiting the brilliant collection of folk artefacts of Rajasthan. This rare compilation consists of rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. We take a boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset, overlooking the majestic City Palace and other historic sites and ghats of Udaipur, a truly majestic experience of royal Rajasthan. Overnight stay in Udaipur. (The boat trip is subject to the lake's water level).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 14 - Our tour of Rajasthan comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast we check out from the hotel and get a transfer to the Udaipur Airport for our flight to Delhi. At the Delhi Airport, get a transfer to the Delhi International Airport terminal to board your flights for onward travel.

Tour Ends