Royal Rajasthan – 08nts/09days

Meet our representative upon arrival in Jaipur and proceed to hotel. Jaipur is a 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 stay in Jaipur.

Proceed for full-day sightseeing trip of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’. The city of Jaipur is capital to the state of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Jaipur owes its name to the founder of the city, warrior king Sawai Jai Singh II. Visit the Amber Fort. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on Elephant back. Prominent structures inside the fort are the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with latticed galleries, the Ganesh Pol, with a beautiful painted image of Lord Ganesh, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows was designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Later you will visit the City Palace… again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The museums here showcase rare and ancient manuscripts, arms dating back to the 15th century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty. Later, visit the JantarMantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring time, and tracking stars in their orbits. Overnight in Jaipur.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Bikaner. If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner it comprises imposing palaces and beautiful, richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sandstone. Arrive Bikaner and check in to your hotel. Later proceed for a half day tour. Visit Junagadh Fort… an unassailable fortress, it never been conquered. Inside the fort are some magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic temple for the royal family. Later, visit a camel breeding farm…here; professional camel breeders research how to breed the best camels. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bikaner.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert…a city, seeped in color and rich tradition; it was once a major centre on the trading route between India and the west. Arrive Jaisalmer and check in to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in 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.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check in to your hotel. Later, proceed for a 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. Also visit JaswantThada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. 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.

This morning 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. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, proceed for 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, Sahelionki Bari. You will visit 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 (depending upon the water level of lake), which is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur.

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