Rajasthan Tour Itinerary

Overnight at Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Udaipur (AI 471 – 1325 / 1445 Hrs)

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur

Welcome to Udaipur, the famed “City of sunrise” Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of romance in the warrior state of Rajasthan

Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Udaipur, check into Kankarwa Haveli

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. We will explore the bustling bylanes of Udaipur which have artisans practicing their traditional crafts handed down to them by their elders. Khari printers do decorative floral patterns in gold and silver on plain or printed fabric. Block printers print various designs and patterns in different colours with the help of wooden blocks. You’ll also find artisans carving furniture, making puppets and traditional wooden toys. Along with engraving and embossing on brass, silver, jewellery, copper and even pottery, Meenakari is a specialty of this region. Udaipur also specializes in stone carving, especially in marble and sandstone, with artisans working hard at chiseling their finest filigree work. Colour as usual plays an important role in the life of Udaipur as in Rajasthan. It is wonderfully evident in ghagharas (long flowing skirts), cholis (blouses), and odhnis (long scarves) of the women as well as the turbans of the men.

Overnight at Kankarwa Haveli (Deluxe Suite)
Day 04: Udaipur

After breakfast we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Evening we enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty.

Overnight at Kankarwa Haveli (Deluxe Suite)
Day 05: Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bhainsrorgarh (240 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast we will drive to Bhainsrorgarh enroute we will visit Chittorgarh. The main tourist attraction of the town of Chittorgarh is its fort, which is located on a steep hill beside the modern township. A zigzag ascent of about 1 km through seven gates leads the tourist to its main western gate or Rampol. On the way, one can see two chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla marking the spots where they fell while defending the fort during the siege of 1568. The main gate on the eastern side of the fort is known as the Surajpol. Though most of the monuments in the fort are in ruins, yet they reflect the glory of its great rulers. Then we visit Rana Kumbha Palace, which is an important spot and it is believed that Queen Padmini had performed jauhar in one of its cellars. From here we will continue our drive to Bhainsrorgarh

Upon arrival check into Bhaisorgarh Fort hotel. Perched on the edge of a cliff rising above translucent green waters of the Chambal on its east and the river Bamni to its west, stands the fort. Its battlements, turrets and cupolas are dramatically silhouetted against the sky. Bhainsrorgarh was never a pleasure palace and it was built as a rugged fighting fort. It boasts of no sheesh mahals, marble halls, or, delicate jaali screens but solid granite pillars framing deep verandahs, airy, light-filled rooms and a profusion of jharokhas that give magical vistas of the surrounding countryside. With a broad, deep river in front, a vertical cliff below and rocky hills of Mewar behind, you can immediately see why this fort remained impregnable throughout its history. Few tourists come to this part of Rajasthan at the moment, meaning that you can get off the tourist trail and see an unspoilt and peaceful side of India.

Late Afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the Chambal River in a spacious and comfortable old styled boat. Keep your eyes open for mugger crocodiles. You may also see alligators or marsh crocodiles, if you are lucky. Besides there is the endless charm of exploring on your own in the well tended gardens and surrounding ruins of the fort complex.

Overnight at Bhainsrorgarh Fort (Suite)
Day 06: Bhainsrorgarh

Following Breakfast, we will visit the architecturally brilliant 8th century Baroli Temples a 15-minute drive away from the Bhainsorgarh Fort . British Historian Col. James Tod, was so impressed by these temples that he devoted 11pages to describe them in detail in his book Annals & Antiquities of Rajasthan. He writes - “To describe its stupendous and diversified architecture is impossible. It is the office of the pencil alone but the labour would be endless.” The carvings of gods and goddesses, dancers, attendants, animals and beautifully carved doorways and torana will surely enthaill you with its architectural brilliance and power

Later, we drive back to our hotel

Bhainsrorgarh’s proximity to the Chambal River has resulted in a picturesque landscape dotted with small villages during our time at the fort, we would also encourage you to walk and explore traditional villages in the vicinity, and, those that are housed in Bhaisorgarh Fort itself. The experience would be akin thorugh a living museum. As you witness stark ethnicity at its colourful and vibrant best.

Optional Cooking Activity: Afternoon or Evening (the session will be arranged in accordance with your schedule) you may also go for a cooking session and discover the family culinary secrets held in confidence. Join in to obtain the secrets and also learn a few dishes from a member of the family - this is also an hands on experience, either make or break your lunch/dinner ?.

Later in the afternoon we will drive through the country side in an open 4WD. The ride takes you through farms of wheat and mustard, typical villages under local governance and a tribal village which continues to live without electricity. The drive ends near the village of Balapura that rests by the edge of a reservoir. Ideally timed before sunset, tea and snacks are served as you take in the beauty and tranquility of a sunset happening beyond the countryside. You will get to feel and hear the different sounds coming from far and wide - as birds settling down to the end of the day, village sounds of temple bells, and, the hustle of evening chores. All in all you will experience the romance and the spirituality of being a part of the world that is long lost to our times.

Overnight at Bhainsrorgarh Fort (Suite)
Day 07: Bhainsrorgarh / Jaipur (300 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur

Upon arrival in Jaipur check into Shahpura House, the Traditional Rajput architect, a mixture of Mughal and Indian, a facade with domes and frescoes. The House is a very fine example of Shekhawati frescos and architecture. Conceived as a traditional Indian palace, The Shahpura House showcases the rich heritage of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan with its rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflecting pools and gardens. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artifacts create an ambience of regal splendour, the family portraits, which add to the charm of this family hotel where tradition still runs strong.

After rest and relaxation, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.

We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.

Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 08: Jaipur

Morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.

We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.

We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens

Later in the afternoon, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.

We also visit the temple of Govind Dev Ji. It is one of the most sacred and famous tourist destinations in India. The temple is located in the City Palace complex, of Jaipur.  The idol of Govind Dev Ji is strikingly beautiful for its complete resemblance with Lord Krishna, and the temple is placed between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal in the City Palace complex. Every day, various 'Aartis' and 'Prasad' or 'Bhogs' are offered at the temple, at seven different times

Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 09: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri /Agra (245 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra, check into hotel Radisson

In the evening we will visit Mahtab Bagh. The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden - on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to 'the blessed tomb' and commenting that 'the Mahtab Garden was completely inundated and has lost its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy. The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition.' The Mahtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river.

Overnight at Hotel Radisson – a 5* Hotel (Superior Room)
Day 10: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays) Delhi / Departure

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire

Later, we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest freeways

Upon arrival, Transfer to the International airport to board your onward flight

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