Golden Sand Tour of Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India. After completing formalities with customs and immigration, you will be received by our representative with Traditional Indian Welcome (with garlands).

Delhi is the capital of India since old times. Delhi's history dates back to the first millenium BC, when it was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It is the epicenter of the nation's politics, economy and culture. History is alive and throbbing in Delhi, the capital of India.

Afterwards transfer to your hotel for the overnight stay.

In Delhi
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing trip of Delhi City which would include the visit to Old Delhi and New Delhi

Old Delhi : An ancient walled city. Here you would see the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire, Rajghat the Samadhi of our Father of Nation, Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the old city.

New Delhi : The city designed and built by the British in the 1920’s- a city of wide boulevards impressive Government Buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit the two monuments from the Delhi’s past Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Imposing India Gate and Parliament House.

After completing the sightseeing return back to the Hotel for Overnight.

Delhi- Agra (Approx 210 Kms/05 Hours)
After breakfast you drive to Agra. On arrival you check in to the hotel.

Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries.

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx 270 Kms /06 Hours)
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing tour of the Agra City including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal : The 17th Century master piece named Taj Mahal ,which of course is the most splendid of all the buildings – perhaps the most perfect architectural monument of the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by one of greatest king of Mughal Empire Shah Jehan.

Agra Fort: Built primarily as a military establishment by Emperor Akbar in 1565,the redstone Agra Fort, was partially converted in to a palace during the tenure of Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 Kms long and is considered the predecessor of the Red Fort of New Delhi.

Later you visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri: A fascinating ghost town lies little beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life would have been like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a court yard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.

Afterwards you continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur you check in to your hotel.

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'Pink City' is surrounded by an ancient 20ft high wall and eight gates. Situated at a distance of 280 km away from Delhi, today, Jaipur is the personification of the old order influence the new. An inherent interest for colour and design penetrated over stratum of society, and jewelry, crafts and architecture became objects of fascination equally between prince and peasant. Jaipur is also the main tourist hub of Rajasthan tourist circuit. From here you can reach out to places like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Pushkar, and many more such destinations from Jaipur. Jaipur is also the third corner of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit of India along with Delhi and Agra.

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

In Jaipur
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing tour of Amer Fort and Jaipur City.

Amer Fort : 11 Kms from Jaipur- A marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and reflected in Matao lake below. The magnificent old Citadel, a labyrinth of massive walls and towers, shrouds an exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved glimmering with a million tiny mirrors, which creates tanatalising reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is on a gaily caparisoned elephants.

Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur City visit the

City Palace Museum : An imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princess, carpets an armoury of old weapons , miniature paintings portraying court scenes , battle scenes and processions.

Janatar Mantar : (Observartory): Jantar Mantar, built between 1728 and 1734, literally means the ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. Jai Singh, the brain behind the grand project, chose stone with marble facing. This was the biggest of all his observatories and the only one built of stone. He used it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each instrument is rather complex but serves a particular function where time plays the main theme.

Hawa Mahal : (Palace of Winds) : A five storeyed wonder with a spectacular pyra midal façade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

After completing the sightseeing return back to the hotel for overnight.

Jaipur – Jodhpur Via Pushkar (Approx 330 Kms/08 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur via Pushkar, an enchanting small town located exactly on the edge of the desert.

Pushkar : Is situated just 11 kms from Ajmer, but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake mountain. The town frequently visited by the devotees lies to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its multitudes of bathing ghats and temples. Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus and is thronged by plethora of sadhus and devotees.

Here you visit the Brahma Temple, said to be the only dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. This is the only temple of the god Brahma in the world. No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered complete till the pilgrim bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar. Also some near by temples

Later you continue your drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in to the hotel.

Jodhpur : Was once the capital of the strong and powerful kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state. In medieval times, Jodhpur lay on the trade routes between Central Asia and the ports of Gujarat, and became a major trade centre during the 16th century. Modern day Jodhpur with a population of over six hundred thousand, is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan and continues to be thriving centre for textiles and crafts.

Rest of the day free t leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing trip of city which would include your visit to

Mehrangarh Fort : (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels latticed window.

Fort Museum : The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.

Jaswant Thada : A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Afterwards return to the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur – Jaislamer (Approx 295 Kms/06 Hours)
After breakfast you drive to Jaislamer. Upon arrival you check in to the Hotel.

Jaislamer : The citadel city built in the 12th century is an architectural dream in yellow sandstone lying in the lonely silence of the Thar Desert. The Forts and palaces and several superbly carved Jain Temples in and around Jaisalmer are all reminiscent of a glorious history.

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

In Jaisalmer
After breakfast you embark on sightseeing trip of the city which would include the visit to Old Town, Jaislamer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli

Jaislamer Fort : built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

Patwon Ki Haveli : in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold.

Later drive to Sam which is approx 50 Kms from Jaislamer where you enjoy the Camel Ride on the sand dunes while the sun is setting down.

Return to the hotel for overnight.

Jaislamer – Bikaner (Approx 340 Kms/07 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. On arrival in Bikaner check in the hotel.
Bikaner : This city was constructed by Rawal Jaisal Singh in the year of 1156 AD. Jaisalmer district is close to the border with Pakistan and is situated in Thar Desert. The famous Havelis, temples, the lake and the sheer beauty of surrounding desert makes this place worth a visit. This is a fort lake city surrounded by a protection wall.
Afterwards start the sightseeing of the city visit Lalgarh Palace

Lalgarh Palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in the year 1902 in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. It displays a magnificent blend of Rajput martial architecture with European interiors & was designed by the Englishman Sir Swinton Jacob. The intricate filigree & latticework on the red sandstone exhibit the refinements & delicacy of craftsmanship. The lush sprawling lawns with peacocks walking around & beautiful bougainvillea adorn the palace.

Later visit Camel Breeding Farm, the only one in Asia.

Return to the hotel for overnight

Bikaner - Mandawa (Approx 170 Kms/04 Hours)
After breakfast visit the Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort : built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders)
Later drive to Mandawa. On arrival check in at Hotel.

Mandawa : The Shekhawati, which means the garden of the Sheikh, is Rajasthan’s open-air art gallery. The region is famous for its painted mansions with beautiful frescos. A tour of the city is a veritable education of India’s fascinating art. The wall art remains unmatched in the world, as it reveals the glory of the bygone era. Shekhawati, museum of fresco art, is close to Delhi, on the way to Jaipur. The unique form of wall decoration practised at Shekhawati provides an excellent reference about social influences on artists commissioned by merchants to paint their mansions.The Shekhawati region lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. In the early 14th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area thereby giving rise to a township, which developed into important trading post on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat.

Overnight at hotel.

Kumarakom – House Boat
After breakfast explore the Mandawa Fort and Havelis.
Mandawa Fort : located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes & now been converted into a heritage hotel.

Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants & camels on its façade.

Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its façade.
 
Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the Wright Brothers' plane. If time permits we may visit more Havelis of the region & observe the colourful village life in Rajasthan.

Later drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the international airport to connect your flight back home.