Fort and Palaces Tour Rajasthan

Destination Covered : DELHI - JAIPUR – PUSHKAR – RANAKPUR – RAWLA NARLAI – KUMBALGARH - UDAIPUR – JODHPUR– DELHI.

Duration : 16 nights 17 Days

RAJASTHAN - ‘The Land of Kings’ - is one of India’s most traditional states, with a history of always fiercely resisting conquest by the various waves of invaders who have swept over the sub-continent from earliest times. As a result it has preserved a unique cultural integrity. A wild and beautiful desert land, it rejoices in a romantic past of often warring princely states whose deeds are embellished by tales of chivalry and romance. Yet it is also celebrated for its ancient and vibrant spiritual tradition, a living heritage passed down through saints and shrines of the Hindu, Jain and Islamic faiths, and for its vibrant artistic creativity – its miniature art, fabrics, furniture, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. RAJASTHAN is a place of brilliant colours, its clear light giving an added vibrancy to the materials and paintings for which it is famed, and lending great drama to its hilltop palaces and forts with their finely carved buildings. A visit to this unique area makes an ideal introduction to the magic that is India, and gives a glimpse of the fascinating variety of a country that is like nowhere else on earth.

DAY 00 : PASSAGE TO INDIA

When you arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport, you will be met and transferred to our hotel,

DAY 01 : DELHI

The tour begins officially with a rendezvous in the hotel lobby at 12 noon today, followed by a gourmet South Indian lunch in a local restaurant. An afternoon of gentle sightseeing of the imperial buildings of Mughal and Raj Delhi, followed by evening visit to Bangla Sahib Sikh temple with its beautiful chanting. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 02 : DELHI TO JAIPUR

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur, known as the Pink City, with many buildings still washed pink, the traditional colour of welcome, originally introduced to honor the visit of the Prince Albert in 1856. Jaipur is particularly interesting as it is one of the few cities left in India where the original vastu - design according to Vedic principles of sacred architecture is still clearly visible. We check into the hotel, with rest of the day free to relax or local sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 03 : JAIPUR
After breakfast, we start our day by ascending on elephant to the 16th century fortress at Amber, the citadel that was the capital before Jaipur was built in the early 18th century. Amber was the site of a Hindu temple built by the Mina tribes, and there is a beautiful and powerful Kali temple still active within the walls of the fort. On the way back to our hotel we shall visit Mangalam Arts, one of the best galleries in Jaipur for antiques and traditional stone-coloured paintings. In the afternoon we shall visit the home of Jaipur’s Royal family – the City Palace – around which the city was originally laid out, and the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Vedic astrological observatory. Still in use today by astronomers and astrologers, the observatory, originally built in 1730, is a place of futuristic beauty. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 04 : JAIPUR TO PUSHKAR

After breakfast we continue to Pushkar (about 145kms), check into our hotel located on the Lake. Pushkar lies in a narrow dry valley overshadowed by impressive rocky hills, which offer spectacular views of the desert at sunset. After lunch we shall visit the ghats around the lake , see some of the temples, especially the particularly holy Brahma Temple, one of only two known temples dedicated to this deity, the God of Creation, in the whole of the sub-continent. overnight in Hotel

DAY 05 : PUSHKAR TO RANAKPUR

After an early breakfast we take a beautiful drive to Ranakpur (about 210kms), check into the delightfully appointed hotel, with its Ayurveda clinic. Rest of the day free to relax; we shall attend the evening ceremony at the local temple. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 06 : RANAKPUR

After breakfast we shall visit the marvelously carved 15th century temple complex of Ranakpur. This is one of the five holy places of the Jain community – perhaps the oldest religious group in the sub-continent - and one of the wonders of Indian architecture. The most important temple here covers some 48000 sq.ft. and has 29 halls and 1444 pillars, all minutely carved out of pure white marble. Back to our hotel for lunch and then an afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 07 : RANAKPUR TO RAWLA NARLAI

Today we continue to Rawla Narlai (about 55kms), check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 08 : RAWLA NARLAI

After breakfast a relaxed visit to the local temples and markets; afternoon camel cart ride to nearby villages. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 09 : RAWLA NARLAI TO KUMBALGARH

Today drive to Kumbalgarh [3 hrs] a wild area with an ancient fort. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 10 : KUMBALGARH

Morning free to relax and enjoy. Afternoon visit to the Fort on horseback. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 11 : KUMBALGARH TO UDAIPUR

After breakfast we continue to Udaipur (about 45kms), romantically set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, a Royal Hunting Lodge set in a beautiful wooded area, with the rest of the day free to relax and explore. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 12 : UDAIPUR

After breakfast, we shall drive to nearby Eklingji, one of the most important Shiva temples in India, set in a delightful and unspoiled market area. Afternoon, visit to the City Palace – familial home of the Udaipur Maharanas and the largest palace complex in Rajasthan – and the surrounding bazaar. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 13 : UDAIPUR TO JODHPUR

We make an early start for a dramatic sunrise drive to Jodhpur (about 275kms), with lunch en route. Check into our hotel with rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 14 : JODHPUR

Morning after breakfast we visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort that looms over the city and the red sandstone palaces within the fort. Together they form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Lunch at hotel Afternoon sightseeing around the lake and ghats. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 15 : JODHPUR

All day sightseeing and relaxing. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 16 : JODHPUR / DELHI fly

Morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and transfer to our hotel, set in lovely gardens. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 17 : DELHI

Morning free to relax, or enjoy last-minute shopping. In the afternoon we make a short drive to the tomb of Nizamuddin, a renowned Sufi saint. Here we shall see the famous quawali devotional singing of the local dervishes- an unforgettable experience with which to finish our tour. Farewell Dinner and overnight in Hotel. Onward Journey.

Golden Triangle Cities : Delhi | Agra | Jaipur