MUGHALS AND MAHARAJAS TOUR
Rajasthan, India
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with the arrival transfer and check in formalities at the hotel.
Day 2: DELHI CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed for Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi explore the Qutab complex which houses India's biggest single tower Qutab Minar and the 4th century rust free Iron Pillar; drive past the Mughal citadel named Lal Qila (Red Fort); and Lutyens Delhi with its tree lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroy's Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the secretariat, India gate and Parliament House. Also visit the grand Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb– the only monument ever built by a queen in memory of her beloved king husband ,which was an inspiration for several other monuments, such as the incomparable Taj Mahal. Overnight stay at the
hotel.
Day 3: DELHI - MANDAWA (265 Kms/ 06 Hrs)
After leisurely breakfast you will be driven to Mandawa- In the heart of the Shekhawati region this town has been referred to as the "open art gallery" of Rajasthan because the entire Shekhawati region and not just Mandawa is dotted with fascinating mansions (havelis) that have lavishly painted walls. The town is replete with an array of old castles and Havelis and it is exactly the reason for its ancient and mystique aura.
Upon arrival in Mandawa, transfer and check in at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon proceed for a walking tour of havelis decked up with beautiful frescoes.
After exploring the havelis and places nearby, return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: MANDAWA- KUCHAMAN (100 Kms/ 03 Hrs)
After breakfast you will be driven to Kuchaman Fort, Kuchaman is known for its well-preserved Shekhawati style havelis that still display beautiful artwork. Picturesque locations and historical backdrops of Kuchaman have been attracting tourists from all over the country. The city offers some of the most amazing frieze and murals. The fresco painting are not limited to a particular God or subject and express a wide range of topics ranging from nature to human conquests and behavior.
Upon arrival in Kuchaman, transfer and check in at the hotel.
Rest of the day is to explore the fort and surroundings on your own. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel
Day 5: KUCHAMAN- KHIMSAR (210 Kms/ 05 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven towards Khimsar, upon arrival check in at hotel Khimsar Fort. This magnificent fort is literally off the beaten track. Set in the midst of sand dunes, this amazing fort stands as securely as it did over many centuries of battle and strife. The construction of the fort was begun in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, 8th son of the founder of Jodhpur Rao Jodha, who chose the spot of Khimsar, 90 km from Jodhpur where one brother resided and 150 km away from Bikaner, kingdom of another brother. Twenty one generations later, a part of this fort is still residence to the Karamsot Rathor direct lineage while the rest has been opened out to royal Rajput hospitality, personally overseen by the family, on a grand and elegant scale.
Afternoon Jeep safari to Sand dunes, later return back to the hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: KHIMSAR- ROHETGARH (140 Kms/ 03 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Rohetgarh and upon arrival check in at hotel Rohetgarh Fort- once the desert home of the Rathores, the Rohetgarh Fort is now a heritage hotel in Rohet. This
375 year fort is one of the lesser known forts in Rajasthan and lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with bird life. The royal family still lives in a part of the fort and supervises the workings of the hotel. Restored in the traditional Rajput style, and decorated with historic trophies and artifacts, the Rohetgarh Fort is seeped in family history.
Evening proceed for a Jeep safari to Bishnoi tribal Village. The Thar Desert in India is full of ironies—one of them being the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan. Here, peace is maintained with aggression and robust health rubs shoulders with regular famine. Here penniless women flaunt heavy gold jewelery and wild animals leave the supposed security of jungles to stroll around village huts and farmlands.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: ROHETGARH- NARLAI (180 Kms/ 05 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Naralai. Rawla Narlai is situated Midway between Udaipur and Jodhpur and Offers a peek into the rural Rajasthan. Rawlas are basically heritage homes of the Village chieftan. Maharaj and Rani Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses. It is surrounded by Aravali hills, It is situated in an ancient dwelling, at the foot of a hill, dotted with caves and temples.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel, later in the evening walk along the villages of Narlai to explore the rural life of this area.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8: NARLAI- UDAIPUR (140 Kms/ 04 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven towards Udaipur. Udaipur- Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. It is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City". Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel, later in the evening proceed for common boat ride at Lake Pichola where you will also be visiting Jag Mandir Island.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: UDAIPUR
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of City palace, Sahelion Ki Bari and Jagdish Temple.
The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and was built on a hill top that gives a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding, including several historic monuments such as the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola, the Jag Mandir on another island in the lake, the Jagdish Temple close to the palace, the Monsoon Palace on top of an overlooking hillock nearby.
Saheliyon Ki Bari is one the most beautiful gardens and a major tourist destination in Udaipur. The garden is famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains. English translation of Saheliyon Ki Bari means "Garden of maids". This renowned garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, presenting a green retreat in the dry lands of Rajasthan. Garden of maids was built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies.
Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur.
Rest of the day is free to explore the romantic city of Udaipur and overnight at the hotel
Day 10: UDAIPUR- DEOGARH (120 Kms/ 03 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Deogarh. Upon arrival check in at hotel Deogarh Mahal- as soon as you glimpse the Deogarh Mahal, you can see that its rulers must have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy, their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen “umraos” - the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur.
Rest of the day at leisure, overnight at hotel in Deogarh
Day 11: DEOGARH- JAIPUR (295 Kms/ 06- 07 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Jaipur- the capital of the North Indian State of Rajasthan also called as “PINK CITY”, is named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). The city is surrounded by hills and dotted with forts. Houses with pink latticed windows line the streets, and look almost magical at sunset. An extremely well planned city, Jaipur was designed by an engineer and scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, in accordance with ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shasta (Vastu).
Upon arrival transfer and check in at hotel, rest of the day is at leisure for own independent activities and to shop at the colorful bazaars of city. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 12: JAIPUR
After early breakfast proceed for excursion to Amber Fort including an elephant ride [subject to availability], The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and
Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh
the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking vista.
Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort. Afterwards proceed for the sightseeing of City palace and museum- located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace. Visit to Jantar Mantar [Observatory] The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 13: JAIPUR- AGRA (265 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs)
After breakfast, you will be driven for Agra Enroute you will be visiting Fatehpur Sikri- built near the much older Sikri, the historical city of Fatehabad, as it was first named, was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar beginning in 1570. It was built in honor of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri, and foretold the birth of his son, who was named Prince Salim after the saint. Fatehabad later acquired the name Fatehpur, and gave rise to present name Fatehpur Sikri. It was the first planned city of the Mughals and also the first one designed in Mughal architecture, an amalgamation of Indian architecture, Persian and Islamic architecture. It served as the Mughal Empire's capital from 1571 until 1585. Though the court took 15 years to build, it was abandoned after only 14 years because the water supply was unable to sustain the growing population and unrest in the North-West. Today, the complex of buildings, including the extant royal palaces, courts and the Jama Masjid is
a popular tourist attraction and was declared a UESCO world heritage site in 1986.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel, rest of the day is free for independent activities.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 14: AGRA- DELHI (265 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs)
Morning after the breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
The Taj Mahal is a white Marble mausoleum located in Agra. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.
Later visit Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra. It is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains of an ancient site known as Badalgarh. The fort, semi-circular on plan, is surrounded by a 21.4 m high fortification wall. Double ramparts have been provided here with broad massive circular bastions at regular intervals. There are four gates on its four sides, one of the gates was called “khizri-gate” (the water gate) which opens to the river front, where ghats (quays) were provided .The fort has survived through the onslaught of time, nature and men. The fort spreads over an area of about 94 acres of land. At present, there exist more than two dozens of monuments in the Fort.
After completing the sightseeing you will be driven towards Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer and check in at hotel, overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 15: DELHI- DEPARTURE
In time you will be transferred to the airport to board flight for your onward destination.
** TOUR END**