Starts - Delhi
Ends - Delhi
Duration – 17 Days/ 16 Nights
Places Covered - Delhi, Vrindavan, Agra, Fatehpursikri, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Jaipur, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mandawa/ Jhunjhunu, Delhi.

About Delhi: India a land of snake charmers and magicians and the capital of this land of mysteries is Delhi. Delhi is just not a city but a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poors equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' that is for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true color when one goes around the lanes of Delhi. Delhi-- a window to the kaleidoscope that is India.

Day 01:- Arrive Delhi, meet & assist at the airport & transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone. Overnight in Delhi hotel.

Day 02:- After breakfast visit the ancient capital city, with its magnificent Red Fort the pageant of Indian History, from its origin around 1200 BC, through the periods under the Sultans in the 10th century and Mughals from the 14th Century. Visit the famous Gandhi Memorial, Raj Ghat, Jama Mosque, Gauri Shankar Temple & Chandni Chowk. Then in afternoon visit New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was jewel in the crown of the British Empire. Visit Qutab Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, The President’s House, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Lotus Temple & Laxmi Narayan Temple. Overnight in Delhi hotel.

About Mathura & Vrindavan:  The land where the Hindu lord- Shri Krishna was born and spent his youth, has today little towns and hamlets that are still alive with the Krishna legend and still redolent with the music of his flute. Mathura, a little town on the River Yamuna was transformed into a place of faith after Lord Krishna was born here. Vrindavan, a village - once noted for its fragrant groves, is where he spent an eventful youth. There are numerous other little spots in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment of Lord Krishna.

About Agra:  Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the Muslims, the fort and the palaces are vivid reminders of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Though its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by the emperor at that time - Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 03:- After breakfast, drive to Agra (220 Kms approx.)  En route visit the famous temples of Mathura (The Lord Krishna’s birth Place) & Vrindavan (ISKON Hare RAMA Hare KRISHNA temple). Arrive Agra, transfer to the reserved hotel. Freshen up to witness a whole new city of traditions.  Afternoon visit the Red Fort – The rusty Majestic Red sand stone fort of Agra standing on the banks of river Yamuna. The construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. Then visit the famous Sikandra fort and the Tomb of Itmad – Ud – Daulah. Overnight in Agra hotel.

About Fatehpursikri:  Also known as the Ghost city or the haunted city – which was estranged capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar build in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairytale. When all else had failed, the Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard, and soon a son was born. In honor of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city. So Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

About Ranthambore – National Park:  is positioned at the convergence of the Vindhyan plateau and Aravali hill, in the Eastern region of Rajasthan. Two rivers, namely Banas in the North and Chambal in the South, flow through this National Park. You can also find six artificial lakes and quite a few perennial streams passing through the Ranthambore National Park. In the year of 1955, this Park got declared as a game sanctuary. However, its status of a national park came in the year of 1980. The year 1972 marks the commencement of Project Tiger. It was at this point of time when this park was conferred the status of a tiger reserve in the country. Ranthambore National Park is spread on an area of 1,334 sq kms together with its neighboring sanctuaries - the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. In this park, there are some areas earmarked for the tourists where they can wander at their heart’s will and explore the fauna and flora housed here.

Day 04:- Early morning at the sunrise, visit the Magnificent TAJ MAHAL- One of the 7 wonders of the world & surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. It was built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore - (Ranthambore contains the Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat as well as other animals such as Leopards, Elephants and many smaller animals. Safaris by jeep/ canter & Elephants are accompanied by an expert ranger), via Fatehpursikri (Also known as the Ghost city or the haunted city) – which was estranged capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar build in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Ranthambore by road from Agra. Check in the reserved hut/ room of the resort. Visit the 1000 years old Ranthambore fort & in evening walk around the surrounding areas of the National Park. Overnight in the resort.

Day 05:- After breakfast spot the tigers while you are driven in the dense jungles of Ranthambore on a Safari with the reserved Canter / Jeep for tiger tracking & bird watching, take some memorable pictures. Overnight in the resort.

About Jaipur:  The capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. It was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, this capital of Rajasthan – Jaipu, is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas (The Kings). The bustling markets of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Day 06:- After breakfast drive to Jaipur – the fabled Pink City of the desert. Arrive Jaipur and transfer to the reserved hotel. In evening, visit the Pink city & its famous Pink Markets, locally known as Badi Chopar and Choti Chopar. Visit the Jaigarh fort and the Observatory. Overnight in Jaipur hotel.

Day 07:- After breakfast visit the famous Amber fort. Ride up on the elephant back to the former capital of the Royals set against the back drop of the wooded hills see the luxurious and decorated rooms of the kings and queens also called as Sheesh Mahal. Later visit the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) an architectural gem which is having hundreds of big & small windows which were used by the queens to greet and see their kings in older days of Purdah system (The women were not allowed to step out in  public). Then visit the Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the stone observatory. Overnight in Jaipur hotel.

About Pushkar:  Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site. Since many of them were destroyed by Aurangzeb (A Mogul king), but subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Day 08:- After breakfast depart for the famous Pushkar city. En route also visit the famous Muslim shrine The Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer. Arrive Pushkar, check in the hotel. Then visit the temples of Pushkar (Lord Brahma Temple- one & only in the world) & in evening enjoy the sunset at the Pushkar lake. Overnight in Pushkar hotel.

About Kumbhalgarh:  Located to the south of Jaipur and about 105Km from Udaipur is Kumbhalgarh. The city is cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges and the formidable medieval citadel-Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Kumbhalgarh is famous for the Kumbhalgarh Fort which was built and designed by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century AD and is the second principal fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh.

About Udaipur: Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble. This city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.

Day 09:- After breakfast drive to Udaipur (The city of Lakes & Palaces). Via Kumbhalgarh. Visit the beautiful city of Kumbalgarh, situated in the chain of the mountains of Aravalis, the famous Kumbalgarh Fort.  Arrive Udaipur, check in your hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 10:- After breakfast morning city tour covering The Lake Palace, City Palace museum, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari (Queen’s resort for their friends), Bhartiya lok Kala Mandir & the Pratap Memorial. Overnight in Hotel.

About Ranakpur:  The location of Ranakpur, in the tranquil valley of the Aravalli range, 90 km from Udaipur, has also been responsible in attracting a whole lot of visitors to the city. The Ranakpur Jain Temples command huge respect from the Jain community worldwide. Built during the rule of Rana Kumbha, these temples have included Ranakpur in the list of five main pilgrim destinations of Jains in India. History has it that Rana Kumbha donated a vast stretch of land to Dhanna Shah so as to enable him to realize his dream of building a great temple. Today, these temples attract thousands of visitors every year from across the country and abroad.

About Jodhpur:  Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.

Day 11:- After Breakfast drive to Jodhpur, famously known as the “Blue City” via Ranakpur. Visit the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur and then proceed to Jodhpur.  On arrival check in the hotel & evening free at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12:- After breakfast morning tour of the city covering the Mehrangarh Fort situated on a low sandstone hill. Within the fort visit Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace). Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II around 1899 & Umaid public gardens. Overnight in Hotel.

About Jaisalmer: Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indian as well as foreign tourists. Who would have dreamt in such a vast sand oasis a castle worthy of an ancient throne, such an art in carven work of stone? It is like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain notwithstanding the warmth and color of people is simply over whelming.

Day 13:- After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer, famously known as the “Desert City”. Arrive Jaisalmer and check in a mud hut/ tent in the deserts. Enjoy the traditional folk dances and the Rajasthani meals (Traditional Rajasthani Dinner) in the hut camp in sand dunes. Overnight in hut with cultural programs & bonfire.

Day 14:- After breakfast go on a camel Safari. In Afternoon drive to the city, check in your reserved hotel and then visit the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki haveli (Heritage Home) & Salim Singh Ki Haveli with its carved balconies & brackets which are supreme examples of art.  Overnight in Jaisalmer city hotel.

About Bikaner:  If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in North West part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's the lust for "dessert” or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.

Day 15:-   After breakfast Drive to Bikaner, arrive there & transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Bikaner covering Lalgarh Palace, The Museum, Bhanda Sagar Jain Temple and the famous Deshnok Rat Temple (Where people pray & feed rats). Overnight in Bikaner hotel.<

About Jhunjhunu:  Stories of valor abound in the region. Innumerable monuments are connected with lives and tales of warriors of Jhunjhunu. The Havelis (Traditional Royal Houses) of the rich and famous attract the tourists with the fresco paintings in different colors and shades. The culture and history of Jhunjhunu is very well depicted in these paintings. However, these Havelis now either lie vacant or have been converted to hotels.

Day 16:- After breakfast drive to Mandawa/ Jhunjhunu & transfer to the reserved hotel. Afternoon visit the beautiful frescoes, Havelis & Mansions. Mandawa witness one of the finest castles of Rajasthan, is now a hotel and house of collection of armories, costumes of ancestors, canons from 1820, ancient coins, numismatic collection of many other interesting items preserved in a museum. Overnight in Mandawa hotel.

Day 17:- After breakfast drive to Delhi and transfer to the Airport for onward journey/ Journey back home. ***THE TOUR ENDS***

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