Mughals and Rajputs - Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA109
This Mughals and Rajput's - Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan tour covers many of the finest forts, palaces, gardens and cities built by the Mughals in Delhi and Agra and the Rajput's in Rajasthan. Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri dominated with Mughals monuments while Jaipur, Udaipur Jodhpur and Jaisalmer have Rajput's build Forts and Palaces. Rajput maharajas served as imperial commanders and as regional governors, while at home, in the fortified cities of Rajasthan. They built some of Indias greatest temples, established a sophisticated court culture.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel (Standard hotel check in time 12pm, early check in subject to room availability). Later city tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi - Agra (210kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra check in at hotel.
Later visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next stop to visit Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple.
Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.
In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur (405kms)
Drive to Udaipur enroute visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. The city of Pushkar is home to the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Visit Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country having 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. In nearby city Ajmer visit Nasiyan Jain Temple an architecturally rich Jain temple built between 1864-95. Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, tomb of the revered Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda one of the oldest mosques in India, and the oldest surviving monument in Ajmer and Anasagar Lake built by Arnoraja, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1135 -1150 AD. Arrive Udaipur check in at hotel. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Udaipur located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace & Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bada Mahal, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Ahar Cenotaphs & Bharatiya Lok kala Museum. Explore Hathi Pol Bazar, Bada Bazar, Chetak Circle & Shilpgram a craftsmens village. Evening watch folk dance show Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Udaipur - Jodhpur (265kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork.
Continue drive to Jodhpur check in & overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architectures, forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD, Rao Jodha the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur`s former rulers built along the lines of Hindu temples. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Mahamandir fantastically carved 84 pillars big temple, Rai ka Baag Palace, Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (265kms)
Drive to Jaisalmer enroute visit Pokhran Fort & Palaces built in the 14th century. The monument stands in the middle of the Thar Desert, historically situated on an old trade route through which spices, salt and silk were exported to Persia and other countries. There is a museum in the fort displaying the royal collection of weapons, clothes, paintings and handicrafts. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jaisalmer the Golden City founded in 12th century. It was in 1156 when Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital. The city most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live. If geology interests you, then The Wood Fossil Park is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Ji Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Bada Bagh, Thar Heritage Museum, Kuldhara abandoned village and Gadi Sagar Lake.
Later excursion to Sam Sand Dunes for witnessing the unparalleled views of sunset, enjoying the music & dance performances, satisfying your taste buds with the delicious, authentic local cuisine & safari in the desert. Drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Jaisalmer - Delhi (flight)
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival at Delhi airport transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax and last minute activities. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Delhi - Departure
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. (Standard hotel check out time 11 AM).
Assistance on arrival at airport.
11 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
Daily breakfast at hotels.
Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Camel safari with dinner in Sam Dunes Village Jaisalmer
Bottled drinking water in car.
Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation
Delhi x 1 night
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Prime Plaza/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Mansion Grand/ Courtyard by Marriott
Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur
Udaipur x 2 nights
3* - Lake Pichola Hotel/ Jaiwana Haveli
4* - Shikarbadi Hotel/ Hotel Lakend
5* - Shiv Niwas Palace/ Trident Udaipur
Jodhpur x 2 nights
3* - Devi Bhawan/ Pal Haveli
4* - The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place
5* - Welcome Hotel/ Ajit Bhawan
Jaisalmer x 2 nights
3* - Killa Bhawan Lodge/ The Royale Jaisalmer
4* - Gorbandh Palace/ Brys Fort
5* - Suryagarh/ Marriott Resort & Spa
Jaisalmer - Delhi flight fare approx INR 7,500 per person in economy class.
Camera charges at monuments.
Meals other than mentioned in day plan.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
Gratuities & optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in inclusions.