Essesntial Rajasthan

Day 1

Welcome to India - arrive at Delhi T3 terminal. Our representative will meet you following customs and assist in providing transfer to your hotel (check in time 1400 hour).

Delhi, the capital city of India, is one of the largest and fastest growing metropolises in the world attracting people from across the country. Home to sixteen million people, its vibrant history is etched in its monuments, forts, and historical sites. Delhi is characterized by two distinct parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, the domain of the Mughals, boasts iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, alongside bustling markets. Meanwhile, New Delhi, constructed by the British as their Indian capital, offers tree-lined boulevards such as the Kartavya Path, showcasing the magnificent Raj-period architecture, along with numerous museums and modern shopping districts.

Rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel and get accustomed to Indian weather and timing.

Day 2

In the morning, you will meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel. The day has been set for you to explore the different facets of the historic city of Delhi and its finest sites.

You will depart for a tour of Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your way. To truly experience the delightful chaos of the city, hop on a cycle rickshaw for an exciting ride through its narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandni Chowk, an ancient market that continues to thrive to this day. Take in the electrifying energy around you while you expose your senses to the enticing colors and exotic scents of cardamom and allspice. Also, discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque.

In the afternoon, drive past the impressive India Gate and the Secretariat building on the way to Humayun's Tomb for an orientation with a conservationist from Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation. The 16th century Humayun's Tomb is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first garden tomb of Asia. Like the Taj Mahal it is a testament of love built by a queen for her beloved husband Humayun, the 2nd Mughal Emperor of India.

Day 3

Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Delhi airport to board flight to Udaipur.

Udaipur is the last capital of the former kingdom of Mewar of princely Rajasthan or Rajputana. The Mewar royals have never considered themselves as Kings, but custodians of the land they ruled on behalf of their clan deity, Sri Eklingji. Mewar’s history is riddled with bloody wars, defeats, victories, successions, and adoptions. British historian, Col. James Tod had compared the battles between Mewar and the Mughals with the Greeko Persian conflict.

On arrival in Udaipur, take assisted transfer to the hotel. Reach hotel and check in for your stay. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 4

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for full day sightseeing of Udaipur.

City Palace, located on the bank of Lake Pichola, the City Palace of Udaipur is home to the erstwhile royal family of Mewar. The Mewar royals have never considered themselves as Kings, but custodians of the land they ruled on behalf of their clan deity, Sri Eklingji. It is the largest Palace in Rajasthan with a façade that is 244 metre long and 30.4 metre high. There are 11 smaller palaces within the City Palace Complex. Also visit the Crystal Gallery, the City Palace houses a crystal gallery, which boasts of royal artefacts and the world’s largest private collection of crystals.

Later visit Jagdish Temple, located at the busy Jagdish Chowk, and not too far away from the City Palace, the 16th- century Jagdish temple is famous for the exquisite carvings on its outer walls.

Evening proceed for boat ride at Lake Pichola. In the James Bond Movie Octopussy, there is a scene on the Lake Pichola where the Afghan Prince and 007’s nemesis Kamal Khan travels on a large wooden boat hand-rowed by a bunch of women dressed in clinging saris and blouses adorned with jewels. The journey ends at Jag Mandir, the floating palace, where its elephant statues are prominently shown.

Day 5

This morning drive to Jaipur - the 18th century capital of Rajasthan.

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There is far more to the city than just its famous monuments and to get a complete experience of Jaipur, uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets.

Reach hotel and check-in for your stay and relax.

Day 6

This morning, drive to the outskirts of the city to visit the magnificent Amber fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maota Lake. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings, lighting up the entire room.

Your next visit is to the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. Continue to the 18th century City Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.

Rest of the day is free for individual activities.

Day 7

This morning drive for Ranthambore.

Ranthambore was once the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq. km.  The tigers of Ranthambhore are among the best documented and most photographed and filmed of any in India. It is also the park where a successful series of projects undertaken by the wildlife conservationists have benefited the surrounding villages through health projects, agricultural assistance and reforestation - all to deflect pressure from this isolated park.

On arrival, check in for your stay and relax.

Day 8

Enjoy a morning and afternoon shared game drive (in a canter) to spot wild tigers, sambar (deer), marsh crocodiles and a variety of eagles and other bird life. Ranthambore National Park has three entrances to the sanctuary.

Day 9

This morning drive to Agra.

Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. Descended from the Timurids in Central Asia, the Mughals conquered Delhi in 1526 which resulted in three centuries of dynastic rule that ended in 1857. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire. Agra today exudes the atmosphere of a provincial town engaged in trade and manufacturing, its heyday well behind it.

On arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Post brief relax, visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site- a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna River. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. The Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside the Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Day 10

Rise early to catch the first rays of light on the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal, a masterpiece that now stands as a symbol of love to the world; this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden and the monument’s interiors display an elaborate inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones.

Return to hotel for breakfast. Later check-out and drive to Delhi.

Delhi, the capital city of India, is one of the largest and fastest growing metropolises in the world attracting people from across the country. Home to sixteen million people, its vibrant history is etched in its monuments, forts, and historical sites. Delhi is characterized by two distinct parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, the domain of the Mughals, boasts iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, alongside bustling markets. Meanwhile, New Delhi, constructed by the British as their Indian capital, offers tree-lined boulevards such as the Kartavya Path, showcasing the magnificent Raj-period architecture, along with numerous museums and modern shopping districts.

On arrival, check in for your stay. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 11

You will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.