BEST OF RAJASTHAN WITH AJANTA ELLORA

Namaste and welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day/evening is at leisure.

Delhi - India's capital and major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold, the ancient and the modern. Delhi unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and the New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Delhi is a bliss for history lovers.

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing with the first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk – oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th-century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

After breakfast, you will head to Agra, which is a beautiful city situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, visit the Agra Fort that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) are must-see attractions here. Later in the evening, we will visit the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching the sunset over this iconic monument is truly a sight to behold.

Post breakfast and check out, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era, which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to the extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort, falling on the Maota Lake, is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, head to Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-story palace built-in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, the afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs.

After breakfast, drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, explore Pushkar city, visit the ghats of the sacred Pushkar Lake dotted with various Hindu temples. This lake is said to be of huge significance as it is said to have medicinal and curative properties. Visit the renowned Brahma Temple - the only temple primarily dedicated to Lord Brahma in India located on a bank of the Pushkar Lake. Spend time exploring the bustling markets of Pushkar.

After leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.

After early breakfast, check out and proceed for Jodhpur city sightseeing. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort perched on a 150 m high hill, built-in 1459. The fort also houses well-preserved old cannon overlooking the city, which is a sight to behold. The Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jharokhas" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana, and the Daulat Khana speak volumes of the splendor and glamor of the bygone era.
Next, visit the Jaswant Thada - a graceful marble cenotaph built in the loving memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (Maharaja of Jodhpur from 1873-1895). A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills that gives it a secluded and a mystic aura.
Post sightseeing, drive to Jaisalmer and check in to the hotel after arrival.

After breakfast, head for Jaisalmer sightseeing with a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan. This fort got its name from the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD, who build this fort. It’s massive yellow sandstone walls are tawny lion color during the day and fades to honey-gold as the sunsets. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. Outstanding features within the fort are Megh Durbar (Palace of Clouds), Hindu and Jain temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy. It is said to be the 2nd oldest fort of Rajasthan. No visit to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the picturesque sand dunes.

In the evening, go for an excursion to the famous Sam Sand Dunes located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer for a solitary desert experience. Go on a Camel Safari and soak in the mesmerizing sunset views at the sand dunes and interact with the locals on the go. It is the best way to witness the rural and rustic desert life of Rajasthan. After a spectacular camel safari, enjoy a cultural program in the evening.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Rohetgarh.

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or maybe a stroll around the narrow little streets. The quaint little shops are indeed the place to find something unique to take home.

In the morning after breakfast, get ready for a city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Built-in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh, the city has been described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col. James Todd. The day will begin with a visit to the exquisite City Palace, a 1559 built palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan; with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, and Palace Museum.

Later, visit Jagdish Temple- a three-storied temple made in honor of Lord Vishnu. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I, this temple built with white marble stone features beautiful carvings of different gods, goddesses, elephant, alligator and mythological characters on its pillars and walls. Also, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari - a small ornamental garden built in honor of Royal Ladies for recreational purposes. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichola.

After breakfast, check out and get transferred to Udaipur Airport to board the flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival in Mumbai, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, proceed for the excursion to the Elephanta Caves. It is a complex of rock-cut caves inspired from Brahmic architecture displaying vibrant sculptures. It is famous for the life-sized three-headed rock-cut sculpture of Lord Shiva. Board your ferry back to the Gateway of India. Spend time clicking photographs at the 20th century Gateway of India built in honor of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.

Later, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, inspired from Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is said to have more than 60,000 objects on display for visitors. Head to the Hanging Gardens built in 1881. It is located atop the Malabar Hills and is popularly known for its mesmerizing sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The flower clock is one of its must-see attractions. Later in evening, spend time at the Marine Drive. At night, it is lighted up with a string of lights that resembles a necklace. This is why, it’s called the Queen’s Necklace. Return to hotel to rest for the day.

After breakfast, check out hotel and transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.

Later, you will proceed for sightseeing of Ellora caves (30kms from city). They were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves (100km northeast) were abandoned. At the time, Buddhism was declining in India and Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. There are 34 caves in all: 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves. The coexistence of structures from three different religions serves as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance in India. The Kailash Temple in cave 16 is a stupendous piece of architecture, with interesting spatial effects and varied sculpture. Its construction was a feat of human genius – it entailed the removal of 250,000 tons of rock, and took 100 years to complete. The Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort, falling on the Maota Lake, is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, head to Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-story palace built-in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, the afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs.