Forts and Palaces Tour
THE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Places to be covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Nalagarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur-Bundi - Udaipur- Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra
- Accommodation: Double Rooms
- Transport: Air-Conditioned at Disposal.
- Personal Driver: At Disposal
- Air-conditioned Chair Class Shatabdi Express train tickets Delhi - Jaipur sector
- Pick and Drop Facility from Airport
- Sightseeing
- Rickshaw ride in the old city of Delhi
- Visit to the Taj Mahal.
- Visit to the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
- Excursion to Amber fort on the Elephant Back
- Visit to the Rat Temple, Bikaner
- Camel Safari at Jaisalmer
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Special Features
- English / German/ French / Spanish / Italian Speaking Guide.
- Daily American Buffet.
Travel to Rajasthan, India on the Forts and Palaces Tour.
Forts and Palaces Tour of India
Rajasthan, India, has long been regarded as the home of traditional Maharaja's, besides a land packed with Forts and Palaces. Stay in a Palace hotel, enjoy a ride on a camel's back, and dine and dance on sand dunes in the desert.
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
The company representative will meet you in the arrival visitor's hall of the airport in Delhi, India, with a paging board. He will help you transfer to your hotel and complete the check in formalities.
Relax at the hotel. Later you can explore the sights of Delhi - a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope that is India
Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
In the morning have your breakfast and be ready to travel around Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires.
Delhi is no fairytale city but a city where dreams come to reality. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power.
Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger joints and upmarket shopping malls.
Old Delhi owes its origins to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The old city area has monuments, and narrow crowded streets within its granite walls and bustling bazaars.. The main structure is the Red fort built of red sandstone; it houses the famous Diwan-e-khas, the beautiful audience chamber where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan held court, seated on the peacock throne.
Board the Rickshaw Ride, for a unique experience through Chandni Chowk or the silver street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this busy avenue heading west from the Red fort. Opposite the fort is the largest mosque in India - the Jama Masjid and as you walk down its steps, you walk into the teeming market place famous for brocades, braids, silver, manuscripts etc.
Continuing the tour of Old delhi, visit Raj Ghat - where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
Post lunch, commence the city tour of New Delhi. Drive past the stately Government buildings designed by Lutyens, visit Rajpath, leading up from the war memorial arch of India Gate, up to the imposing presidential palace - the Rashtrapati Bhawan - built on Raisina hill and flanked by the secretariat buildings.
Landscaped parks and formal gardens surround old monuments all over the city such as the mausoleum of Humayun.
End the tour at the tower Minaret of Qutab Minar. Also see an amazing 2000 yrs old pure iron pillar erected in 4 A.D., which has never rusted.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Post breakfast, travel to Rajasthan, India to the compact little town of Mandawa in the Shekhavati region. Arrive and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit havelis - old mansions with beautiful frescoes. The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar.
Stay overnight at Mandawa.
Day 04: Mandawa - Nalagarh - Bikaner 
In the morning drive to Nawalgarh - the town where the finest of the Shekhavati's frescoes can be seen. Its havelis still bear witness to the rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli.
Continue your drive to Bikaner - Vale of Serenity, in Rajasthan, India. Upon arrival check into the hotel.
Evening free to relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Bikaner
Bikaner - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle in Rajasthan, India, and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.
Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Today travel on a city tour covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, the fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important of this temple complex; Camel Breeding Farm - a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have perhaps the first taste of camel's milk.
Relax in the evening. Stay overnight at Bikaner.
Day 06: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Depart after breakfast by road to the ancient caravan city of Jaisalmer.
The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would expect barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic, experienced by all who travel to Rajasthan, India and visit Jaisalmer.
Reach and check in at the hotel. Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, dominating the amber-hued city.
Jaisalmer has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer - The Golden City of Rajasthan, India. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of golden sandstone.
Its attractions include: The Jaisalmer Fort: The golden-hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' can be seen for miles before reaching the town; Manak Chowk and Havelis: - A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis". Gadsisar Sagar Tank: - A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings, Jain Temples: - The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji.
Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Jaisalmer
In the afternoon, proceed to the Sam Sand Dunes for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Adventure freaks can go out on a camel safari- getting the real feel of the desert on camel back, when they travel to Rajasthan, India. Stay overnight at the Swiss Tent Camp.
Day 09: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur through the most interesting contours of the desert landscape. Arrive at Jodhpur and transfer to the hotel.
Evening at leisure. Relax in the hotel. Stay overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur
Full day guided tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert, home of the Rathors of Marwar, in Rajasthan, India.
Full day city tour covering Mehrangarh fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved. Jaswanthada - the 19th century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble, Clock tower - the timely treasure of Jodhpur. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Jodhpur - Bundi
In the morning travel to Bundi - A dream remembered, on arrival check into the hotel.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous in Rajasthan, India, for its intricate carvings and murals.
Afternoon you will be free to explore the surroundings. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Bundi - Udaipur ( the city of Lakes)
Drive through the desert to the city of Lakes. En-route, visit the Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century; 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Visit two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
On arrival, check in at the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Many tourists travel to Rajasthan, India to see the beautiful Lake Palaces of Udaipur.
Relax in the evening. Stay overnight at Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur 
Breakfast at the hotel. There is no other place in India which appeals more to the poets and painters, travellers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar.
Udaipur today is one of the most picturesque cities in India, set as it is on three beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall visitors.
Udaipur is the key city of Rajasthan's southern region of Mewar. Mewar is a hilly, forested region, in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of Marwar (Jodhpur).
The City Palace is a blend of stern Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on the inside. Set on a hill overlooking the Pichola Lake it is a sprawling edifice made up of at least four separate inter-connecting palaces, built over a period of nearly 3 centuries. The Palace museum contains a wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry. One of the more unusual moments in the colorful history of Udaipur was when it was used as a location for shooting the James Bond film, Octopussy.
Visit City Palace, the largest Palace complex Museum of Rajasthan. Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. Towards sunset proceed on a cruise on Lake Pichola, and visit the Jag Mandir Palace.
Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Udaipur - Pushkar / Ajmer
Travel to Pushkar - the city of Brahma, on arrival check into the hotel. 11 km from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies the town of Pushkar next to Pushkar Lake, which is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Continue the journey towards Jaipur not missing the Dargah of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, entered through a high gateway with silver doors. The grave of the saint is surrounded by a silver railing. Arrive and check into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur - Known to many as the Pink City, its buildings were painted on the instruction of the Maharajah - rosy pink being the color associated with hospitality in Rajasthan, India.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
In the evening enjoy your dinner at Chokhi Dhani (an ethnic village resort) where you will see the village life of Rajasthan. Enjoy traditional Rajasthani dances, puppet show and other cultural activities. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: Jaipur 
The Soul of Splendid Rajasthan - Full day guided tour of the Pink City
Morning at 0800 hrs the guide will meet you at the hotel to take you on a city tour of the Pink city. Visit the impressive Amber Fort (12 Kms. from Jaipur). At the foot of the hill, mount on to an Elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate.
Afternoon: sightseeing, tour of the city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. Your tour includes the imposing Maharajah's City palace, still home to the maharaja, although several of the rooms are open to public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here.
Visit the Hawa Mahal (the ornamental facade of this "palace of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur and one of the best known monuments in Rajasthan, India. Its five-storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trellis work and balconies has 953 niches and windows). Open air Jantar Mantar - Royal observatory (built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft. High; Albert museum (the museum amidst the Ram Niwas palace gardens founded in 1876 with a large collection of antiques).
Enjoy a stroll through the colourful Johari bazaar (the main bazaar in the old city, for jewellery and saris).
Overnight at the hotel
Day 17: Jaipur - Agra
Enjoy the buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey to the next destination - The land of the Taj Mahal - Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted city of Emperor Akbar.
Reach Agra and check in at the hotel.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 18: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast we will drive to Taj Ganges parking place. From there we will take the battery operated bus to the world famous TAJ MAHAL , one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Shah Jahan in 1631 A.D. and was completed in 1651 A.D. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love, was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan's wife. Many tourists travel to India to see this beautiful mausoleum. Also visit the Agra Fort, which was built by Akbar in 1525 A.D.
Depart for Delhi by road (4 hours) to arrive in time to connect to the flight to your onward destination at the end of your Forts and Palaces Tour of Rajasthan, India.
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