Classic Forts And Palaces Tour

After breakfast you will proceed for full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshipers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi- a bit noisy, chaotic but uniquely Indian. You will then visit the Red Fort (closed every Monday), which was constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant even today, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. 

Later, drive past President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. 

After breakfast, you will drive to Mandawa. It is a small town situated in the heart of Shekhawati region. It is well-known for its Havelies, fort palaces and fresco paintings. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel & later enjoy a village walk and see how the clay potteries are made by Indian potters. The most important places to see are Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. Evening is at leisure. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Bikaner. En route visit the famous Karni Mata Temple or Rat temple at Deshnok, where rats are worshiped; it is believed to be auspicious if you see a white rate which is quite rare. Once we arrive in Bikaner you will visit the Junagarh Fort and Camel Breeding farm- Asia's largest Camel Breeding farm. Thereafter check in at the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Jaisalmer. En route visit the famous Jain temple at Osiyan. Once we arrive in Jaisalmer you will check in at the hotel and relax. In evening you will enjoy a sunset view at the city's sunset view point; you also have the opportunity to stroll around the local market areas near the Fort and enjoy dinner at a roof top restaurant.

Today, enjoy a full day tour of Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. A city seeped in color and rich tradition; it was once a major center for the trading route between India and the west. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, which is the only living fort of India and houses the entire township within its ramparts. There are three beautifully sculpted Jain temples from the 12th-15th century A.D., and five interconnected palaces which you can explore during your visit. At the center of the fort is Raj-Mahal, now known as Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum & Heritage Centre. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli and Patwon-ki-Haveli, which is the largest and most elaborate mansion of its kind in Jaisalmer, followed by a visit to Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. Later, visit Gadisar Lake, surrounded by numerous beautiful shrines. Rare migratory birds stop for a drink at the lustrous lake. In the evening, visit the Vyas Chhatri; this is the cenotaph of the sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharat. The Vyas Chhatri is also known as sunset point as it allows fantastic views of Jaisalmer, particularly at dusk.

Later in evening visit the Sam Sand Dunes, around 42 kms from Jaisalmer. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. The best way to get here, of course, is on a camel back. The dunes are 3kms long, 1km wide and almost half a kilometer high. Fascinatingly, the dunes keep shifting on a permanent basis and are truly a visual treat. Enjoy the romance of solitude as your camel safari takes you deep in the heart of the Thar Desert.

After breakfast you will proceed to Jodhpur. On arrival, check in to the hotel and then proceed for Jodhpur city sightseeing. It is the second largest city in Rajasthan and also called the ‘Sun City’. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of Jodhpur. The foundations of this fort were laid in 1459; today it houses a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes, paintings and even a collection of palanquins. You will also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Later, drive past the Mandore garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped cenotaphs these are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. Later check in at the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Udaipur. En route you will visit the famous and beautiful Jain temple at Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. 

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola. The complex is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the Lake Palace Hotel and Jag Mandir on one side, and the city of Udaipur on the other. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved 'chhatris' and the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute to making your visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience. Thereafter, visit a picturesque garden, Sahelion ki Bari. You will also visit Jagat Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ambika- a form of Goddess Durga. Built in 961 A.D, this temple is renowned for its intricate carvings in the exteriors. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, which is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD. 

After breakfast you will drive to Pushkar. En route, visit the famous Dargah in Ajmer. Upon arrival in Pushkar, check in at the hotel and relax. a

After breakfast, check out and proceed for the sightseeing which includes Brahma Temple – dedicated to Lord Brahma , the creator of World and is flocked by tourists on the occasion of Kartika Purnima (the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of October – November).

Next, you will proceed to Pushkar Lake dating back to 4th century. It is a sacred lake whose water is said to have healing and medicinal properties. Post sightseeing, drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. 

This morning after breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress - the Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on an elephant’s back. 

Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravalli Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, the five storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and fortified walls, built for protection from invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomy site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments. 

After breakfast you will drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. Drive continues to Jaipur.Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. 

The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Early morning, pay a visit to this beautiful edifice, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife, is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Post this head back to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed for a visit of the Agra Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant building reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers.

Post this we continue our drive back to Delhi. On arrival we will check-in at the hotel.

Post leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel and get transferred to the airport according to the timing of your flight for your onward journey. Hope you had a wonderful time exploring North India with us. Have a pleasant flight.