Delhi – Agra – Samode – Jaipur – Mandawa – Khimsar – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Ranekpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Visit the splendour of the Mughal cities of Delhi and Agra and the majesty of Rajasthan, where we experience the spectacular history and heritage of this Land of Maharajas. You get to experience the old world charm, staying in few of these Palaces, now converted into Hotels. Explore Delhi - India's capital with a legacy of its rich historical past and a vibrant present - remarkable monuments from Moghul period, colonial residences and wide boulevards. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Taj Mahal before taking a journey through Rajasthan, visiting the spectacular 475 yrs-old Samode Palace. Drive to colourful Jaipur, breathtakingly beautiful Mandawa and Khimsar Fort, Jaisalmer - the golden city and once a busy trade centre on the caravan routes to Asia. Visit Jodhpur - the blue city with its majestic forts, Udaipur - city of lakes and the most romantic city in India. The tour comes to an end in financial hub and also the home of Bollywood, Mumbai.
Highlights: Historical Delhi, Taj Mahal, stay in amazing forts, palaces, castles and Havelis in Samode, Jaipur, Mandawa, Khimsar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur…grandeur and valiant history of Rajasthan.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Stay for two nights in Hotel Taj Mahal
Day 2: Delhi (B)
Cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi, visiting Jama Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk. Then we drive past the Red Fort (1639-1648) built by Shahjehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Later visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Father of the Indian Nation – Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon, proceed on a tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutub Minar. Drive through the Embassy area, Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital. Continue to Humayun’s tomb, also known as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra (B)
Transfer this morning to Agra (205kms; 5 hours).Afternoon proceed for a Agra city visiting the wonder, Taj Mahal, the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Stroll down the ornamental gardens laid out along the classical Mughal charbagh lines. A short drive away is the Agra Fort where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Overnight in ITC Mughal
Day 4: Agra – Samode (B)
Travel to Samode (256kms, 7 hrs drive) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kms west of Agra. An epic poem in red sandstone, it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted 14 years later due to lack of water. After the tour continue drive to Samode, famous for its magnificent havelis, mansions and handicrafts and a great place to see the rural life and flavors of Rajasthan. Overnight in Samode Palace
Day 5: Samode - Jaipur (B)
This morning, go for a stroll in Samode village to have a first-hand experience of a fascinating village scene Samode is a place of great interest for people who appreciate culture and local arts. At your pace, leave for Jaipur and explore the colourful bazaars in the afternoon. Stay for two nights in Jai Mahal Palace
Day 6: Jaipur (B)
Morning excursion of Amber fort, a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills. Enjoy a jeep ride along the fortress ramparts. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. Walk into the Sheesh Mahal and admire the amazing interior décor thought of over 200 years ago. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art panels of alabaster with fine inlay work.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, driving past Hawa Mahal, an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. This is an architectural feat. Visit the City Palace now a museum exhibiting fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armoury.
Day 7: Jaipur – Mandawa (B/D)
Drive to Mandawa. Afternoon walking tour through the village to see the cenotaphs, wells, forts, temples and frescoes painted on the walls and gateways of Havelis. Overnight in Mandawa Castle
Day 8: Mandawa – Khimsar (B/D)
Drive to Khimsar. Perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets reminds one of the glorious past. Overnight in Fort Khimsar
Day 9: Khimsar – Jaisalmer (B)
Leave for Jaisalmer, India's most exotic and unusual town - a medieval looking place. This beautiful city is situated inside a huge mud fort and it still retains remnants of caravan sarais. Afternoon visit Sam sand dunes with one hour camel ride which culminates at high dune to see sunset in the desert. Stay for two nights in Fort Rajwada
Day 10: Jaisalmer (B)
This morning, visit this desert city which shines like a golden jewel above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain temples and the magnificent Havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone. Afternoon visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals; also the best place to watch the spectacular sunset in the desert.
Day 11: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (B/D)
Drive to Jodhpur (260 kms; 6 hrs). This evening, you can enjoy dinner at Pal Haveli, one of the most exclusive Restaurants of Jodhpur. Overnight in Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 12: Jodhpur - Udaipur (B)
Morning tour of Jodhpur visiting Meharangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. The awe inspiring Mehrangarh Fort takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor’s list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces with intricate carved ‘jalis’ and panels that take your breath away.
Also visit Jaswant Thada, a few meters below the fort is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors. The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder built in 1812 with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times.
Afternoon drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the famous Ranakpur Temples, an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Continue to Udaipur and stay for two nights in Fateh Prakash Palace
Day 13: Udaipur (B)
Proceed on a city tour of Udaipur visiting city Palace, Jagdish Mandir and Sahelion ki Bari. A fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture City Palace. This marble monument is situated on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Numerous balconies, towers and cupolas of the palace provide a marvelous view of the lake and the city below. Jagdish temple built in 1651, houses an image of Lord Vishnu in black stone, along with a brass image of Garuda, his carrier. Covering the exterior and the plinth are base relief of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rising in rows. It is the largest temple in Udaipur. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari, the garden of maidens was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid-18th century.
Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 14: Udaipur - Mumbai (B)
Flight to Mumbai. In the afternoon, proceed for tour of Mumbai visiting Prince of Wales Museum, built in 1904 and designed in the Indo-Saracenic style. A mere five-minute walk from this prestigious museum stands – Gateway of India; It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. It is a magnificent structure overlooking the Arabian Sea. Also visit Gandhi Museum and the bustling Dhobi ghats, the washermen’s village. Later drive through Marine Drive an esplanade in a sweeping curve, also called the Queen’s Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous pearl necklace, and is at its most beautiful when lit up in the evening.
Overnight in Taj Mahal Hotel
Day 15: Mumbai (B)
Transfer to Airport
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised. Contact us if you require more options on Hotel categories.
Included: Accommodation for 14 nights in Heritage Hotels (in most places) with breakfast, transfers, sightseeing, meals as indicated, local guides and entrances
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.