Overview
Here is India’s quintessential land of maharajas and medieval forts, palaces and tigers, and kaleidoscopic festivals. Rajasthan really is the jewel in India’s crown.
Trip Highlights
- Jungle Safari at Ranthambore
- Amber Fort City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Jaipur, proceed to hotel. 3 Jaipur is a gateway to the magnificent and . vibrant state of Rajasthan. Evening take a stroll in the markets of Jaipur for the traditional dresses and shoes, curio shops, blue pottery etc. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
The city of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City,’ is the capital of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Visit the Amber Fort, best explored on an elephant back. Prominent structures inside the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam, the Ganesh Pol, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors. Later, photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” You will also visit the City Palace, again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, where the museums showcase rare and ancient manuscripts, arms dating back to the 15th century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty. Lastly, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, which comprises geometric devices for measuring time and tracking stars in their orbits. Overnight in Jaipur.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Bikaner and check in to your hotel. Later, proceed for a half-day tour to Junagadh Fort, an unassailable fortress. Inside the fort are some magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, and Rang Mahal. The Har Mandir is the majestic temple for the royal family. Later, visit a camel breeding farm, where professional camel breeders research how to breed the best camels! Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bikaner.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. A city, seeped in color and rich tradition. Arrive at Jaisalmer and check in to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
After breakfast, proceed for a half day tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer fort, which is the only living fort of India. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, and Patwon-ki-Haveli which is the largest and most elaborate mansion of its kind in Jaisalmer, followed by a visit to Nathmal Ji ka Haveli, a grand mansion that blends Rajput and Islamic architecture. Later, drive past the beautiful Gadisar Lake and visit Badal Villas, the present residence of erstwhile royal family. Later, visit Sam Sand Dunes around 42 Kms from Jaisalmer, the closest place from where you can lose yourself in the Great Thar Desert.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jodhpur. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in to your hotel. Later proceed for a half-day sightseeing of Jodhpur, which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and also called the 'Sun City'. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of Jodhpur. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later, drive past the Mandore garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped cenotaphs these are built along the lines of a Hindu temple.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.
After breakfast proceed to Udaipur. Enroute, visit the Ranakpur Temples, acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jain's. Arrive at Udaipur and check in to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola. The complex is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved 'chhatris' and the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute to making your visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience. Thereafter, visit a picturesque garden, Sahelion Ki Bari. You will also visit Jagdish Temple, which is raised on a tall terrace and was completed in 1651. It attaches a double-storey hall to a double-storey saandhara sanctum. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (depending upon the water level of lake), which is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport or your return flight home.