The Best 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, be it monuments, museums, galleries or bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today 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 - Post breakfast we drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. We reach Mandawa in the afternoon and proceed for a city tour. A classic example of the famed Rajput architectural style, the city gained importance under the rule of Thakur Nawal Singh in 1755 and has magnificent frescoes, havelis, and mansions that are still inhabited by his descendants. The Mandawa Castle, one of the finest castles in Rajasthan, is now a heritage hotel and a museum with vintage clothes, canons from 1820, furniture, numismatics and other fascinating artefacts. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is similar to a treasure hunt. During the city tour we visit the beautiful havelis and shekhawati villages, appreciating the art of the bygone era. After exploring the beauty of the region, we head to the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Today we travel deeper into the Thar desert and arrive at Bikaner, a royal fortress with a timeless charm, also known as the camel city. In the afternoon we depart for a sightseeing tour of Bikaner town, where we visit the splendid Junagarh Fort; a formidable structure that houses several richly-adorned beautiful palaces, temples, and pavilions. This Fort holds the distinction of being unconquered till date. The evening is free to take a walk through the city's narrow streets and vibrant bazaars and taste the delicious snacks and sweets that the city is famous for. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bikaner.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - In the morning we visit the famous Jain Temple, which is the oldest existing structure in Bikaner. Then we travel along a winding desert path to Jaisalmer, founded in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Surrounded by arid and sandy plains, the city is centred on the majestic Golden Fortress; the commanding fort, etched in yellow sandstone, dominating the amber-hued city with its outstanding splendour. Jaisalmer is situated on an ancient trade route and the merchants of the 19th century built havelis exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone, many of which are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes, the magnificent palace, havelis, temples, and of course, skilled artisans and the ubiquitous camels. After we check into our hotel, it’s time to visit Bada Bagh, the best place to admire the sunset and take photographs. The evening is free to relax and unwind.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Today we embark on a city exploration tour. We visit the old town of Jaisalmer and the Jaisalmer Fort - the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Perched on an 80-metre-high hill, housing an entire township within its ramparts, the golden-hued fort stands like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only ‘Living Fort’ in India and within its ramparts has meandering narrow lanes dotted with lovely havelis, palaces, and beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th and the 15th century. At the town’s heart, we also visit the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis, showcasing the city’s legendary architectural wealth. Later, we drive 50 km to Khuri and enjoy a camel ride across the sand dunes while watching the setting sun. This place has less tourist traffic as compared to Sam dunes and proves to be a serene retreat to those who love to spend their time away from crowd. An overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - We drive to the spectacular city of Jodhpur, home to one of the largest forts in India. 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 (majestic 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. We also 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. An overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - We leave the parched desert behind and head to Udaipur, driving up the Aravalli hills which separate the desert from the cultivated land of Rajasthan. On the way we stop at Ranakpur, a small town in the hills of the Pali district. Ranakpur is home to one of India's most majestic and significant Jain temple complexes and is 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 our journey and arrive at the lovely lakeside town of Udaipur. Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan' and the 'City of Sunrise', Udaipur is regarded by both Indian and foreign tourists as the most romantic city in India. Upon arrival, we check into 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 9 - 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 constructed in 1651 CE by Maharana Jagat Singh and is the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur. In the afternoon, we visit Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour), an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. The garden includes several fountains and ponds, as well as chiselled pavilions and elephants. The fountains at the garden operate using a special hydraulic technique established in 1700 CE and are still in use today. 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. An overnight stay in Udaipur. (The boat trip is subject to the lake's water level).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - We head to Bundi today, stopping at Chittorgarh along the way. Formerly known Chittoor, it was the capital of the former Rajput state of Mewar and is remembered for the bravery and valour of its rulers. The grand fort on top of a hill still stands till date. Apart from its historical importance, the fort is also known for several temples, including the Kalika Mata Temple. After exploring Chittorgarh, we continue to Bundi and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Bundi is a small sleepy town in Rajasthan's southernmost region, which has its own architectural heritage and is known for its palaces, intricately designed ‘bauris’, step-wells, and water tanks.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - In the morning, we leave for a half-day city tour of Bundi. First, visit the breathtakingly marvelous Bundi Fort, which was founded in 1354 A.D., and remains a glorious remnant of the Chauhan Dynasty, then explore the Garh Palace and finally the Rani Ji Ki Baori step-well. The architecture of the forts, palaces and step-wells is worth noticing. After the visit, 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. An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - After breakfast we travel 11 kilometres to Amer, the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Dynasty for six centuries famous for its massive Amber Fort, passing by Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone, designed in 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations without being seen by the public through its 953 'jharokas,' or small windows. We can either walk or take a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. After visiting the fort, we discover the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next, we stop at Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century, and 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 have 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. Here, we make our own handkerchief using Rajasthani woodblocks and while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - Today we are travelling down to Agra, stopping along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city constructed by Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a shortage of water. We then continue our journey to Agra and witness the architectural wonder of the golden age of the Mughals. In the afternoon, we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. Post sightseeing we check- in at hotel. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar where some descendants of artisans (who worked on the Taj) continue to create wonders with marble called fine marble-inlay work. An overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 14 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and post breakfast leave for Delhi. Upon arrival, we have the option of visiting Delhi's lively local bazaars for last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 15 - 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 airport or railway station for onward travel.

Tour Ends