Rajasthan Forts and Palaces | Rajasthan Tours | Rajasthan Travel

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Later visit to New Delhi - Lateens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. Visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar, Drive pass through the Raisina Hill, past the imposing India Gate, President House and Parliament House. Old Delhi - Here you will view Red Fort, the most Opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the Largest mosque in India.

Evening return to the Red Fort to watch the “Son et Lumire” show which is an Interplay of colorful lights and sound tracing the history of monument till date.

After early breakfast drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check in hotel.

Afternoon visit to Agra Fort built by Akbar the Great and the city. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of Her Father. As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.

Enjoy the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631.

Drive to Jaipur via visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569 by the Great Emperor Akbar. Today, it is deserted and left in solitude to reminisce over its past glory. On today’s drive to Jaipur through the Rajasthani countryside we see villages, woman dressed in the brilliantly colored saris of the region, Camels, Elephants & scenes of rural lives.

Afternoon visit to Maharaja’s city palace - where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.), Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

After breakfast visit the 17th century fortress of Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. Later proceed to Mandawa - The region lays the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner and includes Jhunjhuniun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan.

Today morning visit the Mandawa (Shekhawati). The semi-desert region of Shekhawati is popularly known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. The region lies the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner and includes Jhunjhuniun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan, Shekhawati, is unique as no-where else in the world there is such a hundreds of haveli's, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts. Later visit to Havelies in Mandawa notably the Chokhani Saraf & Ladia Havelies, also visit Temples. The terrace of the rugged Fort provides a panoramic view of the town. See the extraordinary frescoes on the walls of the houses and medieval painting of Shekhawati.

Afternoon drive to Bikaner - it lies on the northern point on the triangle of desert cities. It is royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore Prince, Bika & came to be called to be Bikaner after him. It was, however, a major trade center as it stood on the ancient caravan route which link central Asia & north India with the Gujurat Sea Ports.

Morning embark on a tour of Bikaner city; visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1611 AD. The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, and Bijai Phool Mahal. Later proceed to Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer, the ancient citadel on the Caravan route linking India With Persia, Arabia and The Mediterranean. Few cities in the world can match the Magnificence. Jaisalmer is renowned for its intricately carved & chiseled Haveli’s (Mansions), which illustrate superb craftsmanship.

Morning embark half day tour of Jaisalmer fort. Afterwards visit to the Gadisar Tank & large houses of the merchant called havelies, some of them dating to the Premediaval Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Shah Haveli and Nathamal Ki Haveli with their intricately carved screens on the facades and the typical traditional architecture.

Afternoon Desert Camel Safari - start for Sam Sand Dunes on edge of desert national park. Located in the midst of Thar Desert this camp recreates the magical atmosphere of a traditional Mediaeval Desert Camp on a trade route. The Camp provides for all the comforts. The accommodation consists of Swiss Cottage Type tents with attached baths having running hot & cold water.

Morning countryside drive to Khimsar – perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India. “Khimsar Dunes Village” is newly developed Desert resort is situated in outskirts of Khimsar. This resort lies in the heart of seven Dunes measuring 8 kms in circumantnce and a reservoir in the center makes it a perfect Oasis of Peace. Village Hutments known as Dhanis- the interiors of the Cottages are truly ethnic mud plastered walls with an earthen color palette. Khimsar fort – it offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind you of its glorious past as a center of much warfare, as well as commerce and trade. The initial construction began in 1523, but the family moved in during the 18th century when a new ‘zanana’ (ladies wing) was constructed. Thakur Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself in the 1940s. Today enjoy the silence and tranquility of the Thar Desert.

Morning drive to Jodhpur – the Great Indian Desert, sites on sand stone hill surrounded by a strong wall, approximately 6 miles long with 7 entry gates upon arrival check in hotel. Half day sightseeing of the city includes visit to Meherangarh Fort, drive through the old city and past the Clock Tower near the largest spice bazaar in the sub-continent, visit the Jaswant Thada Cenotaph, the royal cremation site and then proceed to see the most magnificent, modern 20th century Palace, the Umaid Bhavan Palace and its museum – a treasure trove.

Village Safari (By Jeep)- A memorable outing in Jeeps visit various traditional villages seeing local handicrafts viz. stone makers, pottery, hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver jewellery, etc.

Morning drive to Kumbalgarh – The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. Close by is the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

After breakfast leave for Udaipur. Enroute visit to Ranakpur temples of the Jains, built in the 15th century in the lovely valley of Aravallis. It has grand structure & beautiful Sculptures. The 1444 pillars in the temple are different from each other. The magic of light & shade is really awe- inspiring. Later proceed to Udaipur – the “City of Lakes” is perhaps the most romantic and beautiful cities of India. In contrast to its desert neighborhood it stands out with an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, gardens and temples surrounded by hills and mountains. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 A.D. on the shored of Lake Pichola. upon arrival check in Hotel. Afternoon is free to explore colorful Bazaar & Shopping.

Today sightseeing of Udaipur includes The City Palace – this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel, standing majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. This huge edifice 30.4 meters high and 244 meters long was added on to, by later rulers, but the additions are so well planned and integrated, it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as complete structure, drive around Fateh Sagar lake – this fine lake, lying to the north of and connected by a small canal with Lake Pichola, was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh, in 1678 AD, Sahelion-ki-Bari or “ Garden of the Maids of Honour” was laid out for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of dowry, Partap Smarak: A memorial to the legendary warrior Rana Pratap, Bhartiya Lok Mandal Museum – a museum of folk arts, it displays a rich collection of folk musical instruments and paintings. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

After a leisurely morning fly to Delhi to connecting your flight for onward destination. After taking a lot of memories say good-bye to this fascinating land.