Taj Mahal with Gems of Rajasthan

Sightseeing in Delhi

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British Raj. 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 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi…noisy, chaotic and uniquely Indian. You will then drive past to the Red Fort, 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 till date, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past to India Gate, President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head toward Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Thereafter, visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. 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. Overnight in Delhi.

Agra – Jaipur (230 km/approx. 5 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur and enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site. Further drive to Jaipur and check into your Hotel. Jaipur is the gateway to the magnificent and vibrant state of Rajasthan. Evening take a stroll in the markets of Jaipur for the traditional dresses and shoes, curio shops, blue pottery etc. Overnight in Jaipur.

Jaipur – Jodhpur (340 kms / approx. 6.5 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check-in to your hotel. Proceed for half-day sightseeing trip of Jodhpur, which 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. 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. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Jaisalmer

This morning after breakfast proceed for half day tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, which is the only living fort of India and houses the entire township within its ramparts. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, 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, a grand mansion that blends Rajput and Islamic architecture. Later, drive past the beautiful Gadisar Lake and Badal Vilas, the present residence of erstwhile royal family. Later, visit Sam Sand Dunes, around 42 kms from Jaisalmer, is the closest place from where you can lose yourself in ‘The Great Thar Desert'. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Jodhpur – Udaipur (270 kms / approx. 6 hours)

After breakfast, proceed to Udaipur. Enroute, visit the Ranakpur Temples, acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jain’s. Arrive Udaipur and check in to your hotel and relax. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur.

Departure from Udaipur

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport for return flight back home.