Rajasthan, the Land of the Kings, is where countless Rajput warriors once ruled tiny kingdoms in the desert. The palaces and fortresses that stand unto this day reflect a rich legacy of history, romance and legend. In fact, Rajasthan is India at her colourful and exotic best. Men sporting turbans and soup strainer moustaches. Women in their bright skirts with mirror-work and chunky silver jewellery. And a way of life that passionately holds on to its rich traditions. Now, imagine combining such an experience with a viewing of the Taj, and you know what the ‘Royal Rajasthan and the Taj’ tour has in store for you.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Delhi - The capital city of modern India has behind it centuries of history, which has enriched its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in Delhi, where age-old monuments stand along with ultra modern hi-rise buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries. Today, old and new city combine to present a harmonious whole offering the traveler, elegant shops, broad avenues, sun warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and the not be missed ‘ delightful vibrant bazaars’.
arrive Delhi
• Our representative will be holding a placard in clients name on arrival at the airport.
• Special welcome at the airport with company banner and flower garlands
• Meet & Assist and transfer to the hotel by Air-conditioned Coach.
• On arrival at the hotel, experience Indian warmth and hospitality as you are greeted with a ‘Traditional Welcome with aarti’ and your forehead is anointed with the auspicious red ‘Tika’
• Exclusive check in counter at the hotel
• Welcome kit (Post cards, city maps, information etc) and room keys distribution.
• Direct delivery of luggage to the rooms.
• Check in on arrival at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 :In Delhi

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by luxury bus with driver and English Speaking Guide. Visit to New Delhi passing through the main tourist points.
New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar - Qutab Minar, the 239ft sandstone tower is an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. Lastly drive through Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
After lunch, visit Old Delhi.
Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Also visit Raj Ghat ~ memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Special Cycle rickshaw ride (Optional - Drivers can use T-shirt and cap with the company logo).
The rickshaw wala awaits you with his decorated Cycle rickshaw to take you on a ride so wonderful and colourful...... Take an interesting RICKSHAW RIDE through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. Stroll through the bustling markets and bazaars and get a feel for life in India's capital city. It is an exhilarating experience to visit the narrow by-lanes on a tri-cycle which presents infinite opportunities for taking candid photographs of the bustling market life. Chandni Chowk meaning the ‘Moonlight Square’ was designed and laid by Jahanara Begum, Mughal emperor Shahajahan's daughter between the Red Fort and Fateh Puri Masjid. In a way the street reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India as it houses many important places of worship of major religions of the world.

OR

Group activity : Shop / Bargin & Win game ~ SPICE MARKET OF OLD DELHI
Concept is to give Fix amount of Indian money to each couple or team together with specific target & Time to Bargain to the most and buy number of products. Winner will be given special incentive. In the Indian metropolis of Delhi, visit the largest spice market in all of Asia, the bustling Khari Baoli bazaar. Open air shops on both sides of the road display sackcloth bags filled with pungent spices, bushels of fragrant flowers, nuts and sticky dried fruits, mountains of bright orange turmeric, mouth-watering sweets, gallons of gooey ghee and enough tea
Return to the hotel for refresh.
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi – Mandawa (280kms – 7hrs)

After breakfast drive to Mandawa. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Lunch at Indian restaurant.
Mandawa ~ lies in the heart of Shekhawati region. The small town has many Havelies and temples. The terrace of the rugged fort provides a panoramic view of the town. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled in the 18th century, and was fortified by the dominant merchant families. Today it has some of the finest painted havelies in the region, and is a perfect place for wandering at random.
Later, drive to all the places of this region to look at the painted mansions. Visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar.
Visit the painted havelies of the Dhundlodh town and surrounding areas of Mandawa and Nawalgarh. The painted havelis of the region are called The Open Air Art Galleries.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 : Mandawa – Bikaner (185kms – 3hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Bikaner. On arrival, checkin at the hotel.
BIKANER- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north-west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.
After lunch, visit Junagarh Fort - The impregnable fort, which has the distinction of remaining unconquered. It is encircled by moat and houses, many outstanding palaces, pavilions and temples made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies. Also visit Lallgarh Palace – Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The intricate dexterous carving on the red stone is a hallmark of great craftsmanship. The palace treasures a marvelous collection of old photographs and hunting trophies, well preserved and exhibited.
Bikaner Cultural Center and Museum was established by Siddhi Kumari daughter of Late Maharaja Narendra Singhji of Bikaner in 2000, at the beginning of the new millennium with a vision to preserve Bikaner's rich cultural diversity and to showcase monolithic identity of Bikaner in form of a Museum. Siddhi Kumari's endavour is in line with the Bikaner Royal Family's rich and glorious tradition of establishing institutions for public benifits
Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer (334kms – 6 ½ hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at the hotel.
JAISALMER: 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 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 : In Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing of Jaisalmer, built in burnished sandstone is an intricately moulded wonderland. 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.
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Visit the Gadsisar Lake. A water conservation tank made around 1400 A.D. by the then maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh.
Also enjoy camel ride at Sam Dunes.
Excursion to Sam which is 45 km away. Known for its sand dunes and is the venue for the Desert festival. You will get the actual feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes and witness a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes. .
Evening enjoy dinner with folk dances in Sam Dunes.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (320kms / 6 ½ hrs)

Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Jodhpur. Lunch. On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at hotel.
Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India is also known as "Sun City". Is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert.
Later, visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, Umaid Bhawan Palace and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Also visit the Clock tower and Sardar Bazaar.
Afternoon, experience a village safari to Bishnoi’s to see their living style and their love for nature and animals. The Bishnoi’s are passionate environmentalists and followers of a 15th century sage, Jambeshwar, whose creed is contained in 29 ( bis is 20 & noi is 9) principles. Most of these focus on environmental protection, and the Bisnois faith bids them to protect every living being , if necessary with their lives. An otherwise timid Blackbuck can be seen roaming freely near the villages confident that it will be unharmed. Bishnois believe they will be born as deer. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur. Return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08 : Jodhpur – Udaipur (280kms / 06hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur with an en-route stop-over to Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Ranakpur Temple: Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15 the century. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved and no two being alike is a amazing evidence of the genius sense of architecture that enhances the charm of the place. Every temple has this conceivable surface carved with equal delicacy. Overall Ranakpur is known as ' The tranquil pilgrimage town'.
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
On arrival, check in at the hotel for checkin. Rest of the time on your own.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09 : Udaipur

After breakfast, proceed for a tour of Udaipur City which includes the visit of Palace Museum ~ made of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala museum, which has an excellent collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instrument and deities.
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Also, visit Sahelion ki Bari the “Ladies Garden”, with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains.
Evening, enjoy a Boat cruise in Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir Island where Maharana of Udaipur once gave Shah Jehan sanctuary.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Optional Cost : Dinner at ‘Darikhana restaurant’ at Jagmandir Island
The Darikhana restaurant is an exclusive venue for stylish dining. It’s a colonnaded restaurant, specially air-conditioned for guests, and offers an select international cuisine. A varied a la carte menu is offered for evening dining. Guests will be taken by boat to the Jagmandir island.

Day 10 : Udaipur – Pushkar (260kms / 05hrs)

After breakfast, drive from Udaipur towards Pushkar and check in at the hotel.
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Later visit Lord Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake.

Pushkar ~ is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. It derives its name from pushpa(flower) and kar (hand) after a legend that claims its lakes were created from petals that fell from divine hands of Brahma – the Creator. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas,that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle. Pushkar is famous worldwide for its largest cattle fair held in Oct/Nov.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11 : Pushkar – Jaipur (170kms / 03hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
JAIPUR: popularly referred to as the ‘Pink City’. The town of Jaipur is in fact, built in the form of a nine-part Mandala known as the 'Pithapada'. Nine in-facts signify the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac. The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern India.
Lunch & Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 : Jaipur

After early breakfast, proceed to Milk market and see how the local people from the surrounding villages negotiate the price with the milk wholesalers.
Leave for the sightseeing of Jaipur.
Steeped in history and culture, this city is known for its magnificent Palaces and forts; broad avenues and spacious gardens. Jaipur with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Proceed to visit AMBER FORT, the ancient capital of the Rajput rulers, perched atop the hill overlooking a lake.
Enroute, stop for photography, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" which was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows and balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is.
Upon arrival at Amber, ascend to this hilltop fort in Maharaja style by decorated Elephant.
By seeing the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, one can imagine the power of the character. Visit the beautiful complex of palaces including inlaid mirror palace, halls, pavilions, gardens and the famors Kali temple.
Possibility of attending Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the prayers according to Hindu rites'. One can enter in the temple only bare feet and without leather articles on oneself
Decend down from the fort and return back to the city.
Visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur.
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
In the afternoon leave for sightseeing of Jaipur.
The Pink City of Jaipur is a charming place, which dazzles the eye of a tourist with several architectural landmarks, stylish monuments, palaces, museums, wide avenues and colourful bazaars. Though less than 300 years old, the city is already full of mysteries and legends.
Visit THE CITY PALACE - the Royal residence of Maharajaha built in Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, Hawa Mahal" the Palace of Wind & the Observatory of the 18th century.
Visit the visit the OBSERVATORY, begun by Jai Singh.
The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 27m high gnomon. The shadow that casts moves up to 4m an hour.

Optional Cost: Later, take a rickshaw ride to the hotel through the bustling bazaars of Jaipur, well known for their beautiful carpets, enamelled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13 : Jaipur – Delhi (257kms / 5 ½ hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Check out from the hotel after lunch and drive to Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, transfer for a farewell dinner. Few rooms for wash and change.
After dinner, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight back home