Classical Forts and Palaces Tour

Namaste and welcome to Delhi. Our representative will welcome you upon arrival at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi. You’ll first explore Old Delhi, starting with Jama Masjid, the country’s largest mosque, built in 1656. The mosque’s courtyard is capable of holding 25,000 devotees at once. Next, visit Old Delhi’s oldest and biggest market Chandni Chowk. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride from Fatehpuri Masjid to the impressive red sandstone monument of Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi – Father of the Nation. Afterwards, proceed to Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an example of fine Mughal architecture in India, built in 1565. Humayun’s Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Later, take a tour of New Delhi and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), Parliament House, and India Gate – a war memorial constructed in memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who fought in WW-I. Lastly, visit Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a soaring tower of victory. Its construction commenced in 1193 under the supervision of the Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top.

After breakfast you will drive to Mandawa. It is a small town situated in the heart of Shekhawati region. It is well-known for its Havelies, fort palaces and fresco paintings. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel & later enjoy a village walk and see how the clay potteries are made by Indian potters. The most important places to see are Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Mandawa.

After breakfast you will proceed to Bikaner. En route visit the famous Rat temple at Deshnok- Karni Mata Temple, where rats are worshiped; it is believed to be auspicious if you see a white rate which is quite rare.
Once we arrive in Bikaner you will visit the Junagarh Fort and Camel Breeding farm- Asia’s largest Camel Breeding farm. Thereafter check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Bikaner.

After breakfast you will proceed to Jaisalmer. En route visit the famous Jain temple at Osiyan. Once we arrive in Jaisalmer you will check in at the hotel and relax. In evening you will enjoy a sunset view at the city’s sunset view point; you also have the opportunity to stroll around the local market areas near the Fort and enjoy dinner at a roof top restaurant. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Today, enjoy a full day tour of Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. A city seeped in color and rich tradition; it was once a major center for the trading route between India and the west. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, which is the only living fort of India and houses the entire township within its ramparts. There are three beautifully sculpted Jain temples from the 12th-15th century A.D., and five interconnected palaces which you can explore during your visit. At the center of the fort is Raj-Mahal, now known as Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum & Heritage Centre. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli 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. Later, visit Gadisar Lake, surrounded by numerous beautiful shrines. Rare migratory birds stop for a drink at the lustrous lake. In the evening, visit the Vyas Chhatri; this is the cenotaph of the sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharat. The Vyas Chhatri is also known as sunset point as it allows fantastic views of Jaisalmer, particularly at dusk. Later in evening visit the Sam Sand Dunes, around 42 kms from Jaisalmer. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. The best way to get here, of course, is on a camel back. The dunes are 3kms long, 1km wide and almost half a kilometer high. Fascinatingly, the dunes keep shifting on a permanent basis and are truly a visual treat. Enjoy the romance of solitude as your camel safari takes you deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast you will proceed to Jodhpur. On arrival you will tour Jodhpur for the remaining day. It 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. You will 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. Later check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast you will proceed to Udaipur. En route you will visit the famous and beautiful Jain temple at Ranakpur. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Udaipur.

Today, enjoy a 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, Sahelion ki Bari. You will 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, which is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD. Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast you will drive to Pushkar. En route you will visit the famous Dargah in Ajmer. Upon arrival in Pushkar you will visit the famous Pushkar Lake and the one and only Brahma temple. Later check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Pushkar.

After breakfast you will drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Jaipur with Rajasthani style. Overnight in Jaipur.

This morning after breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress – the Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravalli Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, the five storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and fortified walls, built for protection from invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomy site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast you will drive to Agra. En route you will visit Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Agra.

The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Early morning, pay a visit to this beautiful edifice, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife, is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Post this head back to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed for a visit of the Agra Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant building reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers. Post this we continue our drive back to Delhi. On arrival we will check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board your homebound flight with happy memories of your tour conducted by Travel Across Oceans.