PLACES: DELHI | AGRA | JAIPUR | PUSHKAR | UDAIPUR | JODHPUR | JAISALMER | BIKANER | MANDAWA | DELHI Explore North India’s charm with our ‘Classic India Journez’ package. From the vibrant streets of Delhi to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, regal Jaipur, and spiritual Pushkar. Continue to Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Mandawa, crafting a tapestry of culture and history. Each destination unfolds a unique chapter, promising unforgettable moments. Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is home to many historical monuments, museums, temples, and gardens that reflect the rich heritage and diversity of the country. Delhi is also home to a variety of theaters and concert halls that offer a variety of cultural performances. If you are looking for a culinary experience, Delhi is the place to be. The city has a variety of restaurants that serve Indian cuisine from all over the country. Delhi is also known for its street food, which is a great way to sample a variety of Indian dishes at affordable prices. Delhi is a city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or shopping, you are sure to find something to your liking in Delhi. You are free for the day, to explore the city on your own. Breakfast at hotel. The day is for sightseeing Tour of Old and New Delhi Morning: Start your day with a visit to Old Delhi, the 7th city of Delhi, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Drive past the Red Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress that is one of the most iconic landmarks in India. Inside the fort, you will find exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. This majestic mosque is made of red sandstone and white marble and can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers. Finally, visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial on the banks of the river Yamuna. This simple memorial is a place to pay your respects to one of the most important figures in Indian history. Afternoon: After lunch, head to New Delhi, the modern capital of India. Start your visit with a visit to the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter-tall tower of victory that is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world. Next, visit Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. This impressive building was designed by Lutyens in a combination of Western and Eastern styles. Finally, visit the Government Buildings, which are also designed by Lutyens. These buildings are known for their baroque domes, lotus motifs, and elephants. Before heading back to your hotel, be sure to visit India Gate, a 42-meter-tall war memorial that commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. Overnight at Hotel / Resort. After breakfast, you will drive to Agra and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. You will visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in 1560 to honor his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This stunning monument is a masterpiece of Persian, Turkish, French and Italian architecture, and took 17 years and 20,000 artisans to complete. It is a symbol of eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. (Closed on Fridays). Later, you will explore the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fort that was the residence and stronghold of the Mughal emperors. You will see the halls of private and public audiences, the royal chambers, and the beautiful gardens. You will also learn about the tragic story of Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb and spent his last days gazing at the Taj Mahal from a window. Return to hotel for overnight stay. After having breakfast, you will head towards Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. On the way, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 to honor the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of his three sons. Fatehpur Sikri is a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture, with elegant palaces, courtyards, mosques and tombs. However, the city was abandoned after 14 years due to water scarcity and political unrest. You will get to see the magnificent Jama Masjid, the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal Palace and other structures that reflect the glory and grandeur of the Mughals at their peak. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, you will resume your journey to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City for its distinctive color of buildings. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel. In the morning, you will visit the Amber Fort, a romantic and majestic fort palace that was once the residence of the Rajput rulers. You will experience the royal lifestyle of the Maharajas as you ride an elephant or a jeep up to the entrance of the fort. You will admire the intricate paintings, precious stones and mirrors that adorn the walls and ceilings of the palace. You will also see the Jag Mandir, the Hall of Victory, and the Sheesh Mahal, a dazzling room with thousands of mirrors imported from Belgium. On your way to the Amber Fort, you will stop for a photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, a five-story structure with hundreds of windows that allowed the royal ladies to observe the street life without being seen. In the afternoon, you will explore the City Palace, the former royal residence that is now partly a museum and partly a royal residence. The palace covers a large area of the city and showcases the blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. You will see the Armoury Museum, where you will find an impressive collection of weapons used by the royal families of Jaipur, such as pistols, swords, rifles and daggers. You will also visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble observatory in the world. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features 17 astronomical instruments, some of which are still functional. You will learn about the ancient science of astronomy and how it was used to measure time, predict eclipses and track celestial bodies. Overnight at Hotel. After having breakfast, you will drive to Pushkar, a holy town that is famous for having the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, in the world. Pushkar is also known for its scenic lake, which is considered sacred by the Hindus. Every year, during the month of Kartik (October/November), thousands of pilgrims flock to Pushkar to take a dip in the lake and seek blessings. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and spend the night there. In the afternoon, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ajmer, a historic city that lies south-west of Jaipur. Ajmer was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. and was a major centre of the Chauhan dynasty until 1193 A.D., when it was conquered by Mohammed Ghori. Since then, Ajmer has been ruled by various dynasties and has become a cultural and educational hub. Ajmer is also a popular pilgrimage centre for both Muslims and Hindus, as it is home to the Dargah Sharif, the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who is revered by people of both faiths. In the evening, you will return to Pushkar and visit the Brahma Temple, one of the most important temples in India. You will also explore the local bazaar of Pushkar, where you can shop for handicrafts, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs. You will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and culture of Pushkar. Overnight at Hotel. After breakfast check out from hotel and drive towards Udaipur. Arriving Udaipur, described as the “City of Sunrise”. In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola with its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast at hotel. Half day city tour of Udaipur, a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal – studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Barigardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake. This morning you will be driven through valleys in the remote and peaceful Aravalli Range to Ranakpur to visit one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike. Continue your drive towards Jodhpur. Located on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, the city of Jodhpur exudes the languid charm of a frontier outpost. The monumental Mehrangarh fort; the Art Deco marvel called Umaid Bhawan; serene Bishnoi villages dotting the city’s outskirts; craft trading centre of the desert region; home to the poofy horse-riding pants called ‘Jodhpurs’ made famous globally by Jacqueline Kennedy; a distinct miniature school of painting… Jodhpur’s distinct character works slowly on your senses, and leaves a lingering impression over time. Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure or visit the local shops for traditional Rajasthani handicraft, clothes etc. Overnight at Hotel. After breakfast, go for city tour visiting the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125 metres high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or “Jarokhas” with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Machala, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour of a bygone era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada – a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 CE in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. The tour culminates with a visit to the Museum housed in the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at Hotel. Today drive to Jaisalmer – a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the ‘golden city’. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 meter high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthan mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert. Afternoon visit the Fort. Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala, the Fort stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill and is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals and the Rathors of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel. Today there is a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer, built in burnished sandstone is an intricately moulded wonderland which takes you through this city of gilded magic. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. Also visit Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries Patwon ki Haveli, a five-story mansion with carved pillars and murals; Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli. Late afternoon excursion to the Sand Dunes combined with a short visit to Lodurva, which allows the visitors the opportunity to see some unique ancient Jain temples at Lodurva village and watch the sunset. Enjoy a camel ride and the views of the desert landscape. Overnight at hotel. Morning leave for Bikaner, which was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Stay in beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace. During the afternoon tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. Overnight at hotel. This morning we will drive to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan’s open art gallery. On arrival check-in at hotel. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthan town which is deep rooted with culture. Stay here in your heritage hotel, Castle Mandawa. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandwa. The Mandawa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes. Overnight at hotel. This morning we will drive to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan’s open art gallery. On arrival check-in at hotel. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthan town which is deep rooted with culture. Stay here in your heritage hotel, Castle Mandawa. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandwa. The Mandawa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes. Overnight at hotel. After breakfast, drive to Delhi. Afternoon for shopping/ leisure. Overnight at Delhi. Drop at Delhi airport.
Itinerary
