Rajasthan - 12 Days

Day 1 ARRIVAL DELHI

Day 2 DELHI

Red Fort- SIGHTSEEING

The Red Fort is a historical fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Constructed in 1639 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The imperial apartments consist of a row of pavilions, connected by a water channel known as the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihisht). 

Jama Masjid- SIGHTSEEING

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā (World-reflecting Mosque), commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees, and was inaugurated by an imam from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons. There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers. The architectural plan of Badshahi Masjid, built by Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb at Lahore, Pakistan, is similar to the Jama Masjid, Delhi. The mosque has been the site of two attacks, one in 2006 and another in 2010. During the first, two explosions occurred in the mosque, injuring thirteen people. In the second, two Taiwanese students were injured as two gunmen opened fire upon them.  

Chandni Chowk- SIGHTSEEING

Chandni Chowk is the perfect place to shop in. This densely populated market has been around for more than three centuries and was once visited by merchants from Turkey, China and even Holland. You may buy curios and souvenirs from here. Dariba Kalan is known for its pearl, gold and silver jewellery and attar (natural perfumes). Gulab Singh Johri Mal, established in 1819, are well-known manufacturers and exporters of attar. A visit to Khari Baoli is a must for the spice-lover — don't forget spices are what connected India to the West. Kinari Bazaar is the best place to look for zari and zardozi trimmings and tinsel. The cloth bazaar of Katra Neel offers all kinds of fabrics such as silks, satin, crepe, cotton and muslin. Bhagirath Palace is Asia's largest market for electrical goods and also offers medical equipment and allopathic medicines.  

Raj Ghat- SIGHTSEEING

Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) on the banks of Yamuna river. Close to it, and east of Daryaganj was Raj Ghat Gate of the walled city, opening at Raj Ghat on Yamuna River. Later the memorial area was also called Raj ghat. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, Antyesti (Antim Sanskar) on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi in India on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. All guests must remove their footwear before entering the Raj Ghat walls. 

India Gate- SIGHTSEEING

The India Gate, (originally called the All India War Memorial), is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway. India Gate is a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. 13,300 servicemen's names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate.The India Gate, even though a war memorial, evokes the architectural style of the triumphal arch like the Arch of Constantine, outside the Colosseum in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. In 1971, following the Bangladesh Liberation war, a small simple structure, consisting of a black marble plinth, with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet, bounded by four eternal flames, was built beneath the soaring Memorial Archway. This structure, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier, since 1971 has served as India's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Presidential Palace- SIGHTSEEING

The Rashtrapati Bhavan: Presidential Residence" previously "Viceroy's House") is the official home of the president located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. It may refer to only the mansion (the 340-room main building) that has the president's official residence, halls, guest rooms and offices; it may also refer to the entire 130-hectare (320 acre) President Estate that additionally includes huge presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. In terms of area, it is one of the largest residences of a head of state in the world.  

Parliament House- SIGHTSEEING

Parliament House is also known as Sansad Bhawan. It is a magnificent circular colonnaded structure where the representatives of Indian democracy meet. Parliament House is the office of the world’s largest democracy where the future course of the country is discussed and debated. Parliament House was built for the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Today it is the chambers of the Lok Sabha (House of the people), Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and the Library. This mesmerizing circular structure was designed by the two famous architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. The Foundation Stone of Parliament House was laid by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught on 12th February, 1921. It took around six years to complete this building. After its completion in 1927, it was inaugurated by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin on 18th January.  

Birla Mandir- SIGHTSEEING

The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Mandir, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family. 

Day 3 DELHI – AGRA (210km – 4.5 hrs)

Taj Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

The Taj Mahal, meaning “Crown of the Palace” is one of the marvels of architecture, Seven Wonders of the World and recognized as UNESCO world Heritage site. It is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete and by more than 20000 workers. The main mausoleum has two buildings constructed with red sandstone, where one is a guesthouse and other is a mosque. There are 4 pillars of white marble to protect the main mausoleum. It has Persian and Mughal style of architecture. It has three entrances, East, West and South gates. It is the most visited tourist attraction of India.

Agra Fort- SIGHTSEEING

Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra, can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort was built in 1573 by Akbar in Red Sandstone. Some 1,444,000 builders worked on it for eight years. Some of the exquisite structures that deserve a mention are: Sheesh Mahal, Deewan-e-Khaas, Deewan-e-Aam,etc. 

Day 4 AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR (5.5 hrs total by road)

Fatehpur Sikri- SIGHTSEEING

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the mostly visited spots in India, listed among the World Heritage sites. It is an important specimen of the Mughal dynasty, situated at an easy distance from the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri was made the political capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar from the period of 1571 to 1585. There are majestic buildings built by Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri. These buildings are blend of Mughal and Persian architecture. Fatehpur Sikri consists of beautiful monuments includes, Buland Darwaza (largest gateway in the world), Diwan-i-Khas- Hall, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Diwan-i-Aam and Karawan Serai.

Day 5 JAIPUR

Amber Fort- SIGHTSEEING

Amber Fort is also known as Amber fort. Amer Fort is one of the tourist attractions of Rajasthan as well as one of the famous Historical Place of India. Today in this article i will tell you a brief history of Amer Fort , what to see in Amer fort and places to see around Amer Fort. Amer Fort Is located in small town Amer of Rajasthan which is just 11kilometers away from Jaipur.Every year Too many tourists came in Amer fort to see awesome architecture of Amer fort and beauty of Jaipur. Amer Fort is Built in 16th century by Raja Man singh. Actually before 16th century Amer was known as Dhundar and ruled by Kachhwahas. Before 16th century Amer was the capital of Rajasthan. In 16th century capital of Rajasthan is moved from Amer to Jaipur and Raja Man singh has built a fort which became famous as Amer Fort. Later on Raja Jai Singh has renovated this Amer Fort.

City Palace- SIGHTSEEING

City Palace Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. The palace is located towards the northeast side of central Jaipur and has many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled in Amer and planned and built the outer walls of the palace and later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace. 

Johari Bazaar- SIGHTSEEING

Jaipur is home to India’s largest and the most fabulous collection of jewelry of all types. There are many markets in Jaipur selling precious stones & gems, semi-precious stones, and jewelry with a limited warranty. And Johari Bazaar is one of the earliest Jaipur shopping places where you can buy all these. The plethora of choices and amazing designs will leave you spellbound, especially the wonderful handmade, delicate jewelry. Specialty: Shop for jewelry with precious gemstones and handmade necklaces which are just beautiful and available at reasonable prices at this Jaipur market. Open: All 7 days open Johari Bazaar Jaipur Timings – 11 am to 10 pm .

Elephant Ride- SIGHTSEEING

This is the most attractive thing in jaipur tour. Ones tour cannot be completed unless one has this. The elephants are decorated and painted really well and offer a very enjoyable ride to the fort top.

Day 6 JAIPUR – JODHPUR (310km – 6 hrs)

Mehrangarh Fort- SIGHTSEEING

It is one of the largest forts in the country. It is situated at the top of a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by massive walls. The intricate carvings on the walls of the fort, the sprawling courtyards, its impressive history, striking palaces, museums and galleries allures tourists from all over the world.

Day 7 JODHPUR

Moti Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

Moti Mahal is the largest and brightest room of the five historic rooms present in the Mehrangarh Fort. Also known as the palace of pearls, it has earned this title through the use of finely crushed seashells and lime plaster brilliantly combined together to give a pearly, polished look to its magnificent surface. This exquisite room is an aesthetic dream come true, adorned with complementary design elements of gold leaves, seashells, mirrors, and the colourful windows, all coming together to please the eye. 

Phool Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

The Phool Mahal, or palace of flowers, is the most lavish hall present in the Mehrangarh Fort.

Sheesh Mahal, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India- SIGHTSEEING

This marvellous piece of historic architecture is decked from ceiling to floor with fanciful mirror work. These decorative ornaments are complemented well with the brightly coloured paintings of various religious figures made in plaster.

Jaswant Thada- SIGHTSEEING

It is a cenotaph or an empty commemorative tomb built in the honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. This cenotaph was constructed in the year 1899 and is decorated with precious white marbles. Jaswant Thada is embedded with beautiful outlook and picturesque view of the mighty majestic Mehrangarh Fort.

Balsamand Lake- SIGHTSEEING

Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake. Balsamand Palace is an architectural marvel which overlooks the lake. All in all, this humanmade creation with exceptional scenic beauty is a place of great tranquillity. It is more famously known for its idealistic setting, scenic beauty, and peaceful environment.

Clock Tower- SIGHTSEEING

The tall colossal tower was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. At night the Clock Tower is lit up with beautiful lights and looks even more amazing and enthrals tourists with its charm.

Day 8 JODHPUR – UDAIPUR (285km – 6.5 hrs)

Day 9 UDAIPUR

Udaipur City Tour- SIGHTSEEING

A magnificent compositional wonder towering over the lake on a slope encompassed by crenallated dividers, it is an aggregation of yards, structures, porches, halls, rooms and hanging gardens. The fundamental passage is through the triple curved entryway, the "Tripolia" with eight marble patios. The maharanas were weighed under the entryway in gold, the equal measure of which was circulated among the masses. The Suraj Gokhada, the overhang of the sun, is the place the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar introduced themselves to the general population in a bad position to reestablish their certainty. The 'Mor Chowk' known for its perfect peacock mosaics in glass and the 'Chini Chitrashala' noted for its blue and white earthenware production are different attractions in the Palace.  

Jagdish Temple- SIGHTSEEING

Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan. A big tourist attraction, the temple was originally called the temple of Jagannath Rai but is now called Jagdish-ji. It is a major monument in Udaipur. The Jagdish Temple is raised on a tall terrace and was completed in 1651. It attaches a double-storey Mandapa (hall) to a double-storey saandhara (with a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bellroof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, nonfunctional stories.Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. It is an example of Māru-Gurjara Architecture. 

Shakambari Devi Mandir- SIGHTSEEING

Sri Shakambari Temple is situated in Sakarai Dham, which is near Udaipur Wati in Rajasthan. The idols here are of Brahmani and Rudrani. Both the idols are lion riding goddesses inthe posture of killing Mahishasura. They both are eight armed. Their faces are Vermillion pasted. The only difference between the two is of the stone. That of Brahmani is made of marble while that of Rudrani is made of locally available medstone. Sadhus of Nath cult have been the priests of this temple.The Shikhar of the temple bear highly artistic statuettes of gods and goddesses. On aplatform of the elegantly hewn stones is placed a silver throne with drawn patterns thereon. This is the seat for the deities. Mandapa or the prayer portico was initially built inthe Vikram Samvat 699 (647 A.D.). Afterwards in 11th and 12th centuries it was repairedand renovated. The present edifice came is this shape in the Vikram Samvat 1970 (1913 A.D.). The work was accomplished on the 7th day of bright half of Vaisakha in Samvat1980 (1923 A.D.). The huge temple in its present form was built by Seth Ram GopalDangayach and his family.  

Fateh Sagar Lake- SIGHTSEEING

The blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of the green mountains has given the soubriquet of ‘the second Kashmir’ to Udaipur .

City Palace- SIGHTSEEING

This magnificent palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh, the beauty of which can’t be described in words. An accumulation of several buildings with balconies, towers, and dome built all over, the City Palace also have a crystal gallery, which showcases royal artifacts and the world’s largest private collection of crystals. It is one of Rajasthan’s royal palaces which offer splendid views of Lake Pichola. Mewar Sound and Light Show is the must watch show which gives you a great experience.  

Pichola Lake- SIGHTSEEING

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur, he enlarged this lake. He also constructed a dam made in stone that falls under the 'Badipol' region on the shore of this lake.Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola .

Boat Ride- SIGHTSEEING

The 3 splendid lakes add to the beauty of udaipur and offer tourists to enjoy a great boat ride and have fun .

Day 10 UDAIPUR – PUSHKAR (300km – 6.5 hrs)

Pushkar Lake- SIGHTSEEING

This lake is surrounded by more than fifty bathing ghats. It is a sacred water body for Hindus and is where the Pushkar Fair is held. The lake is generally full through the year and has different varieties of fish. The surrounding regions are home to exotic flora and fauna. Numerous migratory birds visit the water body during certain seasons. 

Day 11 PUSHKAR – AJMER (35Kms -20Mins)

Pushkar City Tour- SIGHTSEEING

Pushkar is a must visit place as it has got a different charm in itself and serves as the most mesmerising view giver. All the areas in Pushkar are a worth seeing

Brahma Temple- SIGHTSEEING

Also called the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. Constructed of marble and stone, it has a unique architecture along with the majestic red pinnacle. The bird motif of the sacred structure gives it a distinctive identity. Inside the place of worship, images of Brahma adorn the sanctum sanctorum. Married men are not allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum as this place is reserved only for ascetics or sanyasis.

Pushkar Lake- SIGHTSEEING

This lake is surrounded by more than fifty bathing ghats. It is a sacred water body for Hindus and is where the Pushkar Fair is held. The lake is generally full through the year and has different varieties of fish. The surrounding regions are home to exotic flora and fauna. Numerous migratory birds visit the water body during certain seasons. 

Day 12 AJMER - DELHI (400Kms - 7.5Hrs)

Clock Tower- SIGHTSEEING

Clock Tower, situated at Church Road, Alwar, is a royal facade of the ancient Rajput reign which gives commanding view of the near by locality.

Dargah Ajmer Sharif- SIGHTSEEING

The shrine has the grave (Maqbara) of the revered saint, Moinuddin Chisti. The dargah of Moinuddin Chishti , is an international waqf.

Taragarh Fort- SIGHTSEEING

It is believed to be the first hill fort of Asia. The Miran Saheb ka Dargah was made inside the fort after Miran Saheb sacrificed his life protecting the fort.

Day 13 DEPARTURE DELHI