As well as the less-regularly visited regions of Shekhawati, famous for its painted havelis, Jojawar where a ride on the hill railway is an unforgettable experience and Karauli, a town oozing atmosphere and history but virtually free of tourists. This route also includes a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Delhi Sightseeing
Your first full day in India will be one of guided sightseeing covering all the major highlights of Old Delhi- Red Fort (From outside), Jama Masjid, the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat and then in the afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb, QUTAB MINAR, a Tower of Victory, Also visit INDIA GATE-the memorial of the First World War and the grand colonial buildings of New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Delhi – Shekhawati
Depart Delhi and drive west into Rajasthan, reaching Mandawa by mid-afternoon. Mandawa is one of the famous villages of Shekhawati region. The villages of this region of Rajasthan are famous for their brightly painted Havelis which were built by successful merchants and traders over several centuries. Mandawa is the main town, but we recommend staying in one of the smaller places which are better for on-foot exploration. Overnight in Shekhawati.
Shekhawati- Bikaner
Morning have a guided sightseeing of Mandawa where one can witness the beautiful painted havelis. Later drive to Bikaner, a true desert outpost boasting one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Tour the Fort and Camel Breeding Centre in the afternoon.Overnight in Bikaner.
Bikaner – Jaisalmer
Optional morning visit to the (in)famous Karnimata temple at Deshnok. This truly unique place is universally known as the ‘Rat Temple’ due to the feeding of rodents which live here and are revered as sacred deities. While it is without doubt an unforgettable place to visit, it is not an experience for everyone. Later in the day drive to Jaisalmer in the far west of Rajasthan and in the evening visit Khuri Dunes where you can ride a camel up the dunes to view the spectacular desert sunset. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer
The ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer is dominated by its eponymous Fort, a fairytale structure which seems to rise directly from the endless expanse of desert surrounding the city. Tour this most storied site with a Guide and spend time in the afternoon exploring the Old City area and sandstone havelis on foot. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer – Osiyan - Jodhpur
Drive to Osiyan and visit the impressive Hindu and Jain temples here. Then continue your drive to the ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur. This ancient trading post is dominated by its famous fort - Meherangarh - which sits high atop a ridge above the bustling markets and bazaars of the Old City. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur – Jojawar
In the morning drive to Jojawar which is small town with a unique ambience, with just one restored palace (this one over 300 years old) operating as a hotel. It is in the south of Rajasthan, roughly half-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur. This is the one part of Rajasthan which could be considered scenic in the standard sense of the word- the picturesque Aravali Hills are close by and are densely forested. On arrival check in to the hotel and relax rest of the day. Overnight stay at Jojawar.
Jojawar
Today morning have an unusual excursion from Jojawar to have ride in a local train through the hills- a great way to experience short-haul train travel in a truly local fashion. And also explore the country around the Bagh in style in our Chevy 1934 or a vintage Land Rover. There are other great possibilities from Jojawar- village visits, small temples in the forest to visit, wildlife sanctuaries, walks in the hills and some truly wonderful hospitality from the host family. A walk around their 150 acre farm which has now returned to a natural state with a range of birds and wildlife. In the afternoon, you can choose to take a jeep safari to visit villages of the Bishnoi people who inhabit much of the western desert of Rajasthan. They are a semi-nomadic people with a strong ethos of protecting the fragile environment which supports them. This jeep safari will help you to gain an appreciation of their lifestyle as well as the natural beauty of this region. Overnight at Rawla Jojawar.
Jojawar – Ranakpur - Udaipur
Drive to Ranakpur which is the most sacred site in Jainism. The drive from Ranakpur to Udaipur is truly beautiful as the road traverses lush valleys dotted with streams and tumbling waterfalls. On reaching Udaipur, check in at your hotel and enjoy time in the late afternoon enjoying a cool drink on a roof terrace overlooking picturesque Lake Pichola. Overnight in Udaipur.
Udaipur
Dubbed ‘the most romantic city in India’, Udaipur is a truly unique place with major sites including the City Palace, Jagannath Temple and the island of Jag Mandir (which can be visited during your afternoon boat cruise on the Lake). While each major city in Rajasthan boasts markets which are unique and enthralling, those in Udaipur are particularly noteworthy, with major areas of interest including the many silversmiths and painters who still produce miniature works in the centuries - old Udaipur - school tradition. Overnight in Udaipur.
Udaipur - Pushkar
Morning drive to Pushkar, a small and very sacred town clustered around the shores of a lake. Explore the town on foot in the afternoon. Overnight in Pushkar.
Pushkar - Jaipur
Depart Pushkar and head to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of modern-day Rajasthan. Afternoon you are free to explore the bazaars of the walled city area and perhaps take in a Bollywood blockbuster at Raj Mandir, perhaps the most ornate cinema in India if you wish the same. Overnight in Jaipur
Jaipur
The historic city of Jaipur has many great sights which will be included in your Guided sightseeing today - these include Amber Fort on the city’s outskirts, the vast and sumptuous City Palace, the much-photographed Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar and more. We also strongly recommend exploring the old, walled city or another of Jaipur’s historic neighborhoods by means of a walking tour this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning. Overnight in Jaipur.
Jaipur -Karauli
Drive to Karauli, a small town mid - way between Jaipur and Agra. Here you can walk in the markets, view local craftsmen at work and tour the spectacular City Palace which is still owned by the descendents of its founders. Overnight in Karauli.
Karauli
Spend a day in and around Karauli where you will have an option to visit nearby Kalai Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a part of the same forest system as nearby Ranthambore National Park. But the contrast between the two is marked, with many tourists visiting the latter daily, while Kalai Devi is well outside any major tourist route. This is low-key park is home to all the same animals as Ranthambore, except tigers, meaning you can walk in the Sanctuary, something not possible in many places in India. Karauli is also a great place to relax in the surroundings of your hotel, engage in conversation with your hosts whose family historic is a rich trove of enthralling stories or shop for bargains in the genuinely local markets nearby. Overnight in Karauli.
Karauli –Fatehpur Sikri- Agra
Depart Karauli and drive via Fatehpur Sikri to Agra. The abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur is one of the world’s ultimate ‘ghost towns’ having been occupied for only a very short time in the late 17th century and despite 300 years of exposure to the elements it remains in a remarkable state of preservation. Tour the area with a guide and later proceed to Agra and relax rest of the day. Overnight in Agra.
Agra - Delhi
Morning spend your complete time in visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, what is generally regarded as the most beautiful manmade structure in India, the Taj Mahal. It’s important to allow ample time at this wonderful place from 6:00am onwards. Later refresh yourself and checkout the hotel and then visit Agra Fort which is also an UNESCO monument. After Lunch, depart Agra and drive 4 hours to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Delhi Departure
According to your international departure time, you will have free time in Delhi prior to transferring to the airport.
Rajasthan Packages
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