Designed to explore Camel CountryRajasthan, unearth golden treasures from under layers of sparkling sands, enjoy romantic ballads and be mesmerized with a series of palatial mansions and ancient temples. Watch with bated breath as devotees pray to thousands of rats at the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, ride an elephant to the awe generating Amber Fort in Jaipur and see the world's largest canon at the Jaigarh Fort Jaipur. Experience the magical sensation of swaying with a camel as each foot sinks into sand, at Sam and Sand Dunes. Discover Rajasthan’s cultural mosaic that reflects glittering hues of folk ballads, songs, art forms and heritage splendor. You are invited to explore with us the Rustic Rajasthan attractions…
Day 01: Arriving Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceeds for a full-day tour of Old & New Delhi. India's capital, Delhi, is a political and business hub, as well as one of the country's major travel gateways. It also has a throng of semi permanent foreigners who work and live here. Spacious and planned, New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British, while Old Delhi was the capital of the Muslim India between the 17th and the 19th centuries, and there is a rich legacy of mosques, monuments and forts that testifies to this. Delhi hasn't always been India's capital, but it has played a paramount role in Indian history. Many have invaded Delhi through the ages, including the Persian emperor, Nadir Shah, who sacked the city in 1739 and carted the Kohinoor Diamond (now part of the British royal family's crown jewels) and the famous Peacock Thrown off to Iran.
The British Captured Delhi in 1803, but during the Indian Uprising of 1857 it was centre of resistance against them. The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Moghul India, Hindu India, and British India, and certainly of modern independent India.
Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul majesty, the Jama Masjid that is India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chowk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Also visit a Kashmiri handicraft emporium where skillful craftsmen from Kashmir will show you how "The World famous Persian carpets" are weaved. These craftsmen have resettled down in Delhi after the uprising in Kashmir and are trying to earn their livelihood.
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (drive 221 km / 05 hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Agra and enjoy a city tour, culminating with Taj Mahal at Full Moon; best described as 'poetry in marble' because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Surely it is the greatest monument of love, and truly one of the wonders of the world. We also visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, standing opposite the Taj on the banks of the Yamuna River, which contains a wealth of palaces and monuments that recall the days of Mughal splendors Red Fort.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra
Day 04: Agra / Bharatpur (drive) and Bharatpur / Swaimadhopur (by train)
Early morning after breakfast we drive to Bharatpur and en route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty, who is reputed t
o have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, father of the builder of the Taj. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri we drive down to Bharatpur. Here we visit yet another World Heritage Site the Keoladeo National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Marshes packed with more than 300 species of exotically colored birds are found in this small park of 29 sq. km. More than a hundred species of migratory birds from Russia, Europe, China, Mongolia, Southwest Asia, Tibet, Afghanistan and Pakistan rest here after flying some 6000 km, making this an incredible site. Later we are transferred to Railway station in Bharatpur in time to board our First Class train to Swaimadhopur – the town which houses the world famous Ranthambore National Park – best known for its population of tigers. Surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravalis, amidst vast, arid and denuded tracts of the desert ecology of Rajasthan, lies the oasis of biomass, the Ranthambhor National Park, spread over an area of 392 sq km of dense forest with nullahs and waterfalls.
The herbivorous population includes chital, sambar, blue bull and chinkara. Sambar deer is the pride of the park. There is no other park in Asia, where the largest of all Asiatic deer can be seen so frequently during daytime. Wild boars and langurs are a common sight. Among the reptiles, crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun near the lakes. The tiger is the biggest attraction of this park. According to naturalists, Ranthambhore is one of the best parks in the country for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. Other carnivores in the park include leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, caracal, jungle cat, sloth bear and ratel. On arrival at Swaimadhopur, we are transferred to Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranthambhore
Day 05: Ranthambhore
Morning & afternoon we’ll be taken “into the Jungle” for an exciting Jungle Safari. If we are lucky, we will have the chance to even spot Tigers in their natural habitat.
Day 06: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (drive 160 km / 04 hrs)
After breakfast we leave for Jaipur. Jaipur is filled with frenetic crowds; Rajasthan's chaotic, dusky - pink capital is a place of wild contrasts, bombarding the senses at every turn. Jaipur is an old city, it's rich color deepening and fading according to the light, is lined with long, twinkling bazaars. Like Wacky Races on acid, vegetable - laden camel carts thread their way through streets jam-packed with cars, cows, rickshaws & bicycles. The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior -astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693 - 1743). On arrival in Jaipur we check in at hotel, and the rest of the day is free to relax and to visit the nearby bazaars.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur
Day 07: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and then the colorful bazaar. Jaipur is also noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. As Jaipur is famous for its jewels (gems cutting and polishing), we will take you to a Gems cutting and polishing center - which has won several awards by the Japanese Government & the Govt. of India.
Day 08: Jaipur / Udaipur (drive 405 km / 08 hrs)
After Breakfast we leave for Udaipur. If Jaipur is a city in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. On arrival in Udaipur we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and to explore the city of Udaipur on your own.
Overnight: Hotel in Udaipur
Day 09: Udaipur
Our tour of Udaipur starts with visit to the City Palace. Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics. Later we visit the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings, also Saheliyon Ke Bari or the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. In the evening we take a boat cruise at Lake Pichola and Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir. (B,D)
Day 10: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur (drive 266 km / 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast we proceed to Jodhpur, en-route visiting Ranakpur temples. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. These temples were constructed in the AD 1439. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the enchanting views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. It has a serene location, grand structure and beautiful sculptures. The intricate carvings on its 200 marble pillars are wonders of art and craftsmanship and no two pillars are alike. Later in the afternoon we visit the famous Jain temples in the lovely Aravalli range northwest of Udaipur. We continue our drive to Jodhpur.
Overnight: Hotel in Jodhpur
Day 11: Jodhpur / Fort Chunwa - Luni (drive 35 km / 01 hr)
Today morning we tour Jodhpur. The blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles spread along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Jodhpur's Fort Mehrangarh towers over the city, perched on a sheer rocky ridge from where the view over the sea of blue buildings is mesmerizing.
Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days, non-Brahmins have taken on the practice too. The old city of Jodhpur is a tangle of winding, glittering streets, scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations, from snuff to saris. The city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates (built about a century after the city was founded). Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores.
On a vital trade route, the city was built on the profits of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. Our experience of Jodhpur starts with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, and rises steeply from a rocky scrap. Wind up to the massive gateway with immense portals and enter through the Gate of Victory. Inside the fort there is a series of courtyards and palaces, a deep terracotta latticed network. They house a museum with a splendid collection of the trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephants howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada. This milky - white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, about 1 km from the Fort. Next we visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace. We will also visit the beautifully landscaped Mandore Gardens.
Later in the afternoon we drive to Luni. Fort Chunwa in Luni is one of the most spectacular heritage resorts of Jodhpur. Built of the simmering red sandstone the fort is a classic example of Rajasthani architecture and elegance. Its intricately designed and artistically carved lattice works and "Jharokas" takes one back to the royal days. The fort has towers, courtyards, water wheels, hidden marquees, staircases, secret passages, rooftops that gives a panoramic view of the village and the horizon where the fiery desert meets the cool blue sky. The art and artifacts find their place on the walls of the Fort; beautiful works on metal, wood and clay fashioned by the artisans of Luni find their place in the furnishings of the Resort. Overnight: Heritage Hotel of Fort Chunwa - Luni.
12: Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (drive 298 km / 06 hrs)
After an early breakfast we leave for the city of Jaisalmer. Once here we start our visit with the Fort built by Maharawal (Maharaja) Jaisal in 1156. One of the 2nd oldest in Rajasthan situated on a triangular Mound 76 meters above ground level. Like a giant sandcastle, the golden fort thrusts skywards out of the surrounding barren landscape. Dubbed the "Golden City" because of its honey color, it is the place that should exist only in the imagination. For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences.
The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight. We also visit the Jain temple of the 11th century BC, Gadisar Tank - A scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. Folk Museum, Patwan ki Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals, Badal Vilas Palace. We come back to the hotel after sightseeing.
In the late afternoon we leave for an excursion to SAM and SAND DUNES. Village SAM, 45 km west of Jaisalmer has a cluster of Sand dunes. These dunes are large extents of shifting sands, the wind heaps the sand into hills or deep hollow scopes that vary in size from 3 to 15 km. A Camel ride is arranged in the evening. Enjoy the sunset with changing colors in desert.
Day 13: Jaisalmer / Bikaner (drive 330 km / 05 hrs)
After breakfast we proceed to Bikaner. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aries windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Jaramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. On arrival in Bikaner we check into the hotel. We also visit Junagadh Fort, constructed between 1588 & 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Later we visit Bhand Sagar Temple & also visit the Jain Temple and Camel Breeding farm. Evening is free for personal activities .
Day 14: Bikaner / Mandawa (drive 164 km / 04 hrs)
After breakfast we proceed to Mandawa, ideal location to revisit Rajasthan's rich heritage and culture. Mandawa is an excellent base for exploring the region. It was settled in the 18th century and fulfilled by the dominant merchant families. On arrival in Mandawa we check in into Castle Mandawa. Rest of the day is free to explore the Shekhawati region. 
Overnight : Castle Mandawa Hotel (1 night) (B,D)
Day 15: Mandawa - Delhi
After breakfast we drive back to Delhi. Evening is free for “last minute” shopping & Personal activities. Late in the evening we are transferred to International airport for our onward journey.
