DELHI - AGRA - RANTHAMLORE - PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR - JODHPUR - JAIPUR - DELHI

This trip presents a great combination of Rajasthan's most significant monuments, its beautiful cities, its romantic getaways, its holy places, its fantastic wildlife destinations.  From the busy streets of Delhi to the wilderness of Ranthamblore National Park, and from the traditional Rajasthani charm of the desert to the stunning splendour of the Taj Mahal, this tour is sure to set Rajasthan ablaze with fabulous colours, lodging it firmly in your heart and mind forever more.  A short trip, it fits easily into a longer stay in India and Nepal, and is sure to give you an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  DELHI
You are met upon your arrival in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.  The day is free for you to settle in before heading out in the evening for shopping and viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

DAY 02  DELHI - FATEPHUR SIKRI - AGRA
We set off in the early morning by car for Agra, 230 kms away, stopping en route at Fatephur Sikri.  Fatepur Sikri was abandoned when the town’s water supply dried up, and taking a wander through its deserted streets is a surreal yet valuable experience.  On arrival at Agra, we visit the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the seven wonders of the world and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created.  We spend several hours exploring this sacred sight and learning its history before exploring Agra’s Red Fort set high above the city.  We spend the night at your hotel in Agra.

DAY 03  AGRA - RANTHAMBHORE
In the morning we set off for Ranthambhore.  After reaching Ranthambhore, we keep the day at leisure to enjoy these beautiful surroundings of outstanding natural splendour.  Your accommodation is in the forest rest-houses of Ranthahmbhore National Park.

DAY 04  RANTHAMBHORE
We head out early in the morning for a jungle safari, in search of the rare Indian Tiger. Dawn is one of the best times to spot the animals, who tend to rest through the heat of the day. Ranthambhore National Park is home to the endangered Indian Tiger species, as well as many other species of mammals and birds.  After lunch you are free to explore the dense forest before another exciting jeep safari in the Park.

DAY 05  RANTHAMBHORE - PUSHKAR
We make an early start on our drive to Pushkar and check into our hotel on arrival. At this, holiest city of Rajasthan, you may take a walk right around the sacred pond and the ghats that lead up to the much revered Brahma temple.  We take a tour of this charming city in the heart of Rajasthan, not failing to be touched by its calming, friendly character.  Overnight is spent at your hotel in Pushkar.

DAY 06  PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR
We start our drive to Udaipur, the city of lakes and palaces, stopping on the way for lunch at the fantastically lavish Deogarh Mahal, a legacy of Rajasthan's royal past.  After reaching Udaipur we take a boat trip on the beautifully serene Lake Pichola at sunset.  Optional dinner at the opulent Shiv Niwas Palace is pure indulgence.

DAY 07  UDAIPUR

Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East'.  We head out in the morning for a sightseeing tour of the City Palace and Saheliyon Ki Bari. In the afternoon, we make an excursion to nearby Eklingji and Nagda, just over 20 kms away.  Built in 734 AD, Eklingji is a complex of 108 Hindu temples leading down to a water course.  Exquisitely carved out of sandstone and marble, the inner sanctum contains a four-faced image of Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated.   Nagda is an ancient settlement that is home to the tenth century Sas Bahu Temples, dedicated to the mother-in law (Sas) and the daughter-in-law (Bahu), and considered some of the finest temples in India. We return to the city in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the interesting labyrinths around the Jagdish temple on your own, shop in the bustling markets, or simply relax on the lake at dusk.

DAY 08  UDAIPUR - JODHPUR
In the morning we head for the blue-hued fortress city of Jodhpur, right on the edge of the Thar Desert.  On arrival we check into your hotel and the afternoon is spent visiting the massive Meharnagarth Fort and exploring its fascinating museum, before exploring the busy bazaars clustered around the Clock Tower in the old town.  Overnight is spent at your hotel.

DAY 09  JODHPUR
Today we take a half-day jeep safari around the surrounding Bishnoi villages, getting to know Rajasthani tribal culture that has remained unchanged through the ages.  Back at Jodhpur, the afternoon tour includes the Umaid Bhawan and stunning Mandore Gardens.

DAY 10  JODHPUR - JAIPUR
After having a leisurely breakfast, we drive to the Pink City of Jaipur. We check into your hotel and the remainder of the day is free to relax.

DAY 11  JAIPUR
We take a sightseeing tour of this colourful city, the capital of Rajasthan.  Jaipur was constructed in 1727 out of local pink sandstone that glows gloriously in the setting sun, providing a spectacular backdrop to the typical Rajasthani cultural sights that continue to thrive here in their traditional manner.  We take time to absorb the charms of this wonderful city, visiting the elaborate City Palace and the Juntar Muntar Royal Observatory, the Palace of the Winds and the Maharaja's Palace.  In the afternoon, we drive outside the city walls to the Amber Fort, perched high on the hill outside the city walls.  Ride up to the fort in style on the broad back of an elephant, and taste the life once lived by reigning Maharajahs. 

DAY 12  JAIPUR - DELHI
We drive just over 200 kms back to Delhi.  On arrival you are transferred to the starting point of your onward journey, or to your onward hotel.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Accommodation on a room-only basis.
All transfers by car including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.
All sight-seeing tours as specified.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $  676