The Best of Rajasthan

After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once ruled over the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. We take a rickshaw ride. We visit Jama Masjid Delhi - the largest 17th century mosque in India -, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity -, and Rajghat - the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (also called the "Father of the Nation").

In the afternoon, we head to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. This city is known for its brightly colored "havelis" with rich architectural heritage, thus giving the region the name "open-air art gallery of Rajasthan". The multitude of these fascinating havelis, steeped in rich artistic tradition, date from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Today, we visit the Shekhawati region which is home to numerous havelis whose visit could resemble a treasure hunt. Various forms of this art adorn the walls and ceilings of these structures.

After admiring them, we head to Bikaner.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The evening is free to explore the local bazaar.

In the morning, we visit the famous Jain Temple which is the oldest existing structure in Bikaner, then we visit the Junagarh Fort. This fort is a formidable structure housing numerous palaces, temples, as well as richly decorated pavilions. This fort has the distinction of never having been conquered.

Later, we head towards Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often depicted as the golden city or a golden mirage that rises in the heart of the Thar desert, the fort carved in yellow sandstone dominates the city in amber color, offering it impressive splendor. Nineteenth-century merchants built these havelis (mansions), magnificently carved in golden-yellow sandstone. Life in the heart of the fortified city evokes images from the medieval period, visible in its narrow streets, the magnificent palace, the havelis, the temples, and of course, the skilled artisans and camels. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The evening is free to explore the local bazaar.

Today, we head towards Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The powerful Rajput chief Rao Jodha built this beautiful city which is located near the Thar Desert. Built in the year 1459, this city is also known as "the blue city" because all its houses are painted blue in order to keep them cool and keep away these detestable mosquitoes.

After some rest at the hotel, we visit Fort Mehrangarh (Fort Majestic), one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Inde. An architectural marvel that boasts of being a splendid palace with latticed windows, wonderfully carved. The fort extends over an area of approximately 5 km. An imposing structure that dominates the city of Jodhpur, the Fort was built in 1459 and stands proudly on a 125 m long hill to remind of the bravery of royal families. We also visit Jaswant Thada, a group of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899, in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Inside the main cenotaph are portraits of various rulers of Jodhpur.

In the morning, we leave the arid desert to reach Udaipur, via the Aravalli hills, a transition between the desert and the fields of Rajasthan. Along the way, we visit Ranakpur, a small town located on the hills of Pali district. It houses the very beautiful, and surely one of the largest and most important complexes of Jain temple in Inde. It is also one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. The main temple which was built under the reign of Rana Kumbha, one of the liberal Rajput monarchs of the 15th century, is the Adinath temple or Chaumukha (the four-faced temple) dedicated to the first Jain teacher, Tirthankar Adinath.

As we continue our journey, we arrive in the beautiful city of Udaipur on the shores of the lake. Known as "The Pearl of Rajasthan", the "City of Sunrise" and the "Venice of the East", Udaipur is a magnificent place considered by both Indians and foreign tourists as the most romantic city in India. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.
(Optional) In the evening, we attend the cultural show "DHAROHAR": this cultural performance offers us a fascination with the vibrations of Rajasthan. There are various forms of dances ranging from Chari Dance to Puppet Show. The duration of this show is one hour and the time is from 19:00hrs to 20:00hrs. Overnight at the hotel.

Today, we are heading to Bundi, to visit Chittorgarh. An ancient fortified city known as Chittorgarh or Chittor. Once the capital of the ancient Rajput state of Mewar, Bundi is known for the bravery and valor of its rulers.

Perched atop the hill, the fort has managed to withstand the passage of time. Beyond its historical significance, it is also known for its several temples, including the Kalika Mata temple which reflects the importance that the rulers of that era attached to their religion.

We continue our journey towards Bundi, a small sleepy town located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan.

In the afternoon, we visit the Bundi Palace. Bundi is renowned for its palaces designed in a very complex manner, with step wells and water reservoirs. The history of Bundi dates back to 1193, when Sultan Mohammed Ghauri defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, forcing the nobles of Chauhan to seek shelter in the neighboring state of Mewar. Bundi has its own legends that must be discovered.

After breakfast, we head to Ranthambore which is located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hills. It is one of the best places to see large animal species. It is home to the largest population of tigers among all national parks in Inde. Wildlife also includes several species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles and birds, including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, Jacanas, wading birds and partridges. Former hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is now one of the most important tiger reserves in Inde under the "Tiger Project". By integrating this project, the reserve has been restored to regain its natural beauty.

Arrival at Ranthambore and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we relax at the lodge or we can visit nearby villages to acclimatize to rural life.

In the morning, we take the road to Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich cultural heritage and colorful past, it is one of the most important cities in Inde with a rich heritage. The city was established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the sovereign of Amer. Also known as "The City of Victory", Jaipur was the first urbanized city of its time with impressive forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets.

After settling into the hotel, the rest of the evening is free. Go explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur.

Visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful city near Agra founded in 1569 by Emperor Akbar. The city hosts several historic buildings such as the Buland Darwaza.

We continue our journey towards Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631.
In the evening, we will attend the 'Taj Mohabbat Show' (Optional), we will join the show titled 'Mohabbat Taj Show' starting at 6:30 PM and it is a live theatrical performance of the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz for approximately 80 minutes.

Today, visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise. We wake up early to admire this architectural marvel made of white marble. The Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, is located on the south bank of the Yamuna River. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. The charm of the amazing Taj Mahal continues to fascinate visitors, especially those seeing it for the first time.

Subsequently, we visit the Agra Fort, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This original work belonging to the Rajputs was renovated from time to time by different Mughal emperors with red sandstone, bricks and beautiful Makrana marble.

After the visit, we return to Delhi. Upon arrival, we have the opportunity to visit local bazaars in Delhi for last-minute shopping before flying to our next destination.