Taj With Historical Rajasthan
Duration: 17 DaysDestinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrival in New Delhi
Most of the flights either land in evening or late at night. So at the point you arrive at the airport our services for you shall begin.
Upon your arrival at the New Delhi International Airport, and after all custom formalities when you will exit the arrival terminal, you will be met upon by a company representative from TNS Travels, who will receive you with warmth and you will enjoy a traditional "SWAGAT".
Further he will assist you at the airport and arrange for your transfer to the hotel where you will check-in.
After check-in, he shall brief you regarding your tour program and respectively hand you over with all the necessary documents, items & guidelines, which would be necessary for you during the tour. The documents would mainly consist of your hotel vouchers, corresponding maps etc.
Later after a tiring flight we wish that you take some rest and relax at the hotel.
Your overnight stay will be in New Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast, you will start a full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi assisted by a guide.
DELHI, a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Your sightseeing tour will comprise visits to Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Jama Masjid then you will take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk- the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar; and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
You will also enjoy a unique cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.
Later visit NEW DELHI.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. LOTUS TEMPLE, a Bahá'í Houses of Worship, Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, QUTUB MINAR, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After your sightseeing is over, you will have free time in the evening to enjoy other activities within the city. If you wish you can visit the local markets for shopping or leave back to your hotel to relax.
Your overnight stay will be in New Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra ( By surface 210 KMS - 4 Hours )
After your breakfast, you will leave for Agra by surface which will include a visit to the "Tomb of Akbar the great" in Sikandra, a Mughal architectural masterpiece.
The third Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, himself commenced its construction in around 1600. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected this site. After his death, Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613.
After sightseeing here, you will continue your journey for Agra.
AGRA, the two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. A world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Upon arrival here check-in at the hotel.
Later around mid-day, you will proceed for a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site of TAJ MAHAL, an eternal of love, built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. You will enjoy a battery van ride near Taj Mahal.
(KINDLY NOTE: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS)
After TAJ MAHAL, you will also visit Agra Fort, built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone & Itmad-Ud-Daulah, a beautiful tomb built by Noor Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in the memory of her father.
After your sightseeing is over for the day, enjoy your dinner first and later retire to your hotel.
Your overnight stay will be in Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Fathepur Sikri - Bharatpur ( By surface - 55 KMS - 1 Hour )
After your breakfast, you will leave for Pushkar by surface, with an en-route visit to Fathepur Sikri.
FATEHPUR SIKRI (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Here we visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti. The deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.
After your sightseeing here is over, you will continue your journey and arrive in Bharatpur.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. After check-in you will proceed for a sightseeing tour Keoladeo National Park.
BHARATPUR - Bharatpur is situated in the Mewat Region and just 55 kms from Agra. Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733.Bharatpur is mainly famous for its Bird Sanctuary which is popularly known as Keoladeo National Park.
There are about 364 species of birds. Officially over 300 species of avian life visit, inhabit this tiny oasis of life. This is truly a birder's paradise and a great conglomeration of vast variety of exotic migratory birds from all parts of the world.
You will enjoy a rickshaw ride here assisted by a naturalist.
After your sightseeing tour is over here, you will proceed back to your hotel and relax.
Your overnight stay will be in Bharatpur.
Day 05 : Bharatpur - Mandawa ( by surface - 275 KMS - 5 Hours )
Today after your breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for Mandawa by surface.
MANDAWA belongs to the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Once an important halt on the fabled Silk Route to China, where the rich merchants constructed their lavish havelis here and embellished them with beautiful paintings on religious, historical, folk and social theme. The unique features about these havelis are their designs.
Upon your arrival, you will be assisted during your check-in at the hotel.
Later in the day you will proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of the famous havelis of Mandawa. First you visit the Goenka Haveli, which has a monumental façade of elephants and horses, the outer walls, jutting balconies, alcoves and overhanging upper storeys are replete with patterns and paintings, ranging from traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs to Europeans wearing stylish hats and other Victorian finery. And later visit Jhunjhunwala Haveli, the haveli features a striking gold leaf painted room located to the right of main courtyard.
Evening you shall relax at your hotel. Your overnight stay will be in Mandawa.
Day 06 : Mandawa - Bikaner ( by surface - 200 KMS - 4 Hours )
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will check-out of your hotel and leave for Bikaner by surface.
BIKANER is a wonderful medieval city of Rajasthan, still retaining its medieval grandeur and charm. Bikaner is known for its strong fortification, encompassed by a 7 km long wall with five gates to enter. Situated in the vast Thar Desert, Bikaner is famous for its magnificent fort, palaces, temples, exotic sand dunes, exciting camel safaris, and a unique culture that never fails to mesmerize its visitors.
Upon your arrival here, you will check-in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy a sightseeing tour here.
First visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD, it is one of the most formidable forts in Rajasthan, constructed on the plains, contrary to other forts of Rajasthan, which are normally built on hilltops. The Lalgadh Palace, a beautiful red palace, displaying a perfect blend of Rajput and European architectural style with several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions with overhanging balconies and latticework.
Also visit Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar Jain Temples, the 14th century temples famous for their mirror work and the gold leaf paintings.
Later in the evening, you will proceed to village of Deshnok, this has the pilgrim centre of Karni Mata Temple or the "RAT TEMPLE", because of a huge presence of rat within the temple. Before the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
You will also visit the camel breeding farms, the largest and only of its kind in Asia. These farms produce the fastest riding camels in the world. If you wish, you can also enjoy a camel ride or a cup of camel's milk at the farms.
Your overnight stay will be in Bikaner.
Day 07 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer ( by surface - 333 KMS - 6 Hours )
Your breakfast will be at the hotel. After breakfast, you will Bikaner and proceed to Jaisalmer, through the majestic Thar desert.
JAISALMER, the Golden City of India, is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Jaisalmer is famous for its magnificent forts, enchanting palaces, havelis (mansions) and century's old houses. Jaisalmer is also known for its exotic sand dunes and exciting camel safaris. Jaisalmer has a number of exciting tourist attractions showcasing the royal grandeur of the bygone era.
In the afternoon upon your arrive here, you would be assisted during your check -in at the hotel.
We keep the rest of the day at leisure and you can relax at your hotel.
Your overnight stay will be in Jaisalmer.
Day 08 : Jaisalmer (a sight of the great Indian Thar)
After you complete your breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for wonderful city tour of Jaisalmer.
During your visit, you will explore the Jaisalmer Fort, the 12th century Jaisalmer Fort is one of the most formidable forts in the region, perched on Trikuta hill, this is a 250 ft tall and massive fort, offering a spectacular sight of the Thar desert.
Jaisalmer Havelis, once the residence of wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their artistic designs and decorations. Gadisisar Sagar Lake, a serene and cool place in the sandy city to enjoy, the Lake is among the most beautiful attractions in Jaisalmer. It attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.
Tazia Tower, this pagoda rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). The beautiful five-tiered tower is known for its beautifully carved balconies on each storey.
Later in the evening you will experience a session of Camel Safari" where you can explore the rugged terrain of the Great Indian Desert using camels as ones carriers. The place also offers breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
After you complete your sightseeing, you will proceed to your hotel and relax. Your overnight stay will be in Jaisalmer.
Day 09 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur ( By surface - 285 KMS - 5 Hours )
After your early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for Jodhpur by surface. The distance would be covered in a maximum time of 5 hours.
JODHPUR, the Blue City, is a fascinating city of Rajasthan, India. One of the most traveled tourist destinations in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, havelis, museums, temples and colorful bazaars. Jodhpur is also known for its unique culture, arts and crafts and colorful festivals.
Upon your arrival, our representative would make all necessary arrangements for your easy check-in at the hotel.
After check-in you can relax at your hotel, as the rest of the day shall be at leisure.
Your overnight stay will be in Jodhpur.
Day 10 : Jodhpur ( the royal grandeur )
Today after your breakfast, you will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
You will first visit the magnificent 15th century Mehrangarh Fort is the most famous tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Situated on a 125 m high sandstone hill, the 5 km long Mehrangarh Fort never fails to enchant its visitors. The Fort houses a number of beautiful palaces and museum in its compound.
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE: Located at the top of a hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is another important landmark of Jodhpur. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 as a famine relief scheme, the impressive pink sandstone and marble palace was completed in 1944 AD, providing employment for 3,000 famine-stricken people.
JASWANT THADA: The 19th century royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada is located north of the Mehrangarh Fort. The cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II (1878-95) built in 1899 is the most impressive with ornamental gardens and chattris made of white marble.
Later you can enjoy shopping as Jodhpur offers exquisite handicrafts, tie and dye fabric, and embroidered jutis (shoes) made of camel skin and many more items.
After enjoying a day long sightseeing of the place, you will have a delicious dinner to finish things off for the day.
Your overnight stay will be in Jodhpur.
Day 11 : Jodhpur - Udaipur ( By surface - 260 KMS - 5 Hours )
After you complete your breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for Udaipur by surface. The distance would be covered in a maximum time of 5 hours, with an enroute visit to Ranakpur.
RANAKPUR is a little village close to Udaipur is Rajasthan. The most important feature of Ranakpur is the splendid Jain temples, which is the biggest draw for majority of the tourists.
The temple is one of the five major sites for Jain pilgrimage India. The Sun temples were built in 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. This built of white limestone temple is elaborately adorned with intricate sculptures. The images of all 24 'Tirthankras' (Prophets) are carved on the porticoes in a corridor around the shrine.
The most outstanding feature of this temple is its infinite number of pillars. But the pillars are so ingeniously arranged that none of them obstruct the view of the pilgrim wishing to have a glimpse of the image of God.
The mighty range of the Aravalis adds to the tourist attractions in Ranakpur.
On continuing your journey, you arrive in Udaipur.
UDAIPUR, the city of shimmering lakes, offers a number of exciting tourist attractions to its visitors. Known for its exceptional scenic beauty, Udaipur is famous for its lovely lakes, beautiful lake palaces, temples, gardens and colorful festivals. Having the reputation of being amongst the most romantic places to be, Udaipur has many things to offer.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax.
Your overnight stay will be in Udaipur.
Day 12 : Udaipur - the palace retreat
After your breakfast, you have a full free day to relax and enjoy the sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
You will start an exotic day's tour with visits to City Palace, which is one of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, the Palace is situated on a promontory on the picturesque Lake Pichola. The complex has 11 beautiful Mahals (palaces) with balconies and towers, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and the city. After this you will visit Jag Mandir, a beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD.
Later you will visit Saheliyon-Ki- Bari, a splendid Garden which was built in early 18th century as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. Fateh Sagar, located in the vicinity of the famous Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden, it is a beautiful lake, built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678.
After your sightseeing tour is over, you will proceed for your lunch. After lunch we leave the rest of the day at your own interest. Either you can relax at your hotel or explore this romantic city your way.
Your overnight stay will be in Udaipur.
Day 13 : Udaipur - Pushkar ( By surface – 301 KMS – 6 Hours )
After your breakfast, you will leave for Pushkar by surface.
PUSHKAR, a sacred little town, it is famous for its scenic beauty and more than 400 temples. Pushkar has a number of exciting places including the famous Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple, the only one in the world.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Later in the day you will enjoy a sightseeing tour in Pushkar.
Your visit will include the famed PUSHKAR LAKE, one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. It's a beautiful semi-circular lake with 52 lovely ghats surrounding it. According to beliefs, a dip in the Pushkar Lake on the auspicious occasion of Karthik Poornima brings salvation to devotees. Also visit BRAHMA TEMPLE, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology. This beautiful marble temple is famous for its four-headed idol of Lord Brahma. It is decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor.
SAVITRI TEMPLE, situated just behind the Brahma Temple on a hilltop, it provides a panoramic view of the scenic Pushkar Lake and exotic sand dunes nearby.
After sightseeing is over, we leave the rest of the day at your own interest.
If you wish you can visit the fair and enjoy the moments.
Your overnight stay will be in Pushkar.
Day 14: Pushkar - Jaipur ( By surface - 150 KMS - 3 Hours )
After your breakfast, you will leave for Jaipur by surface.
JAIPUR "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.
Upon your arrival in Jaipur, you will be met upon by our representative, who will arrange for your check-in at the hotel.
After check-in, you can relax as the rest of the day shall be at leisure.
In the evening you will proceed for a visit to Chokhi - Dhani, an ethnic village resort. Enjoy the village life along with a session of dinner and traditional dance. Your dinner is included here.
Your overnight stay will be in Jaipur.
Day 15 : Jaipur ( the maharaja retreat )
After your breakfast, you enjoy a wonderful day as you proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Pink City.
First you will visit the beautiful Amber Fort Palace (also known as Amer Fort) is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Famous for Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and a Hindu style finds its ultimate expression.
You will also enjoy an excellent elephant ride here.
After your sightseeing here, you will proceed for the sightseeing of City Palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Also visit Jantar Mantar, the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
Later in the evening you will visit Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Enjoy the time while you are here.
Your overnight stay will be in Jaipur.
DAY 16 : Jaipur - Delhi ( By surface - 265 KMS - 5 Hours )
Morning shall be at leisure. Enjoy your stay at the hotel.
Later in the day you will leave for Delhi by surface. The journey shall be covered up in a maximum time of 4 hours.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day shall be at leisure. If you wish you can spend your evening in the city.
Your overnight stay will be in Delhi.
Day 17 : Delhi Departure
Morning shall be at leisure. Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel
Later in the evening you will be accompanied by our company executive, who will join you for a farewell dinner arranged specially for you.
After dinner our company executive will arrange for your in-time transfer to the International airport for your onward journey, with sweet memories of the tour with TNS Travels.
TOUR ENDS
Note : Please note that lunches & dinner in the tour cost except where mentioned in the itinerary. Monument entrance fees are not included (except where mentioned in the inclusion list) along with personal expenses, shopping, camera, etc. tips, (if any) at places where applicable. The hotel mentioned is subject to availability. The above mentioned tour price is for 2 people traveling together.
