Best of Rajasthan Tour - 10 Days

Highlights

• Experience culture, history, and architecture in old and New Delhi
• See the world-famous Agra Red Fort and Taj Mahal
• Stop by the romantic pilgrimage town of Pushkar
• Visit the temples and sites of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur left behind by the Mughals and Rajputs

Overview

This tour spans multiple locations throughout Northern India, with a special focus on Rajasthan, “Land of Kings”. You will first experience both “old” and New Delhi, then continue to Agra, located in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh. The rest of the itinerary then focuses on stops Rajasthan including Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, before returning to Delhi.

Rajasthan is characterized by the vast expanse of the Thar Desert, as well as various hilly and mountainous parts. Throughout millennia of history, Rajasthan has seen the rise and fall of many states and civilizations, from the Indus Valley people up to the Rajputs. As a result, the region has become an eclectic cultural hub of Hindu, Islamic, Jain, and folk customs. Together with the surrounding areas of Northern India, Rajasthan had previously fallen under Vedic and Mughal influence, making it one of India’s most culturally vibrant regions.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arriving at the international airport of Delhi in the morning, you well be greeted with a traditional welcome. Then, you will be escorted to your vehicle and taken to your pre-booked hotel for the night. Check in, take your first day off, and relax.

Day 2: Delhi Full Day Sightseeing

In the morning, our sightseeing begins. We will visit the walled city of Old Delhi, where every street is buzzing with activity. The influence of the Mughals, who once ruled from the ramparts of the Red Fort, can be seen extensively. First, we will visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. Later, we will drive past the New Delhi Area to visit Raj Ghat, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the Parliament House, and other colonial buildings. The early 20th-century work of Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, prominently features in the colonial districts. Finally, visit the famous Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, a marvelous example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture.

First, we will visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. Later, we will drive past the New Delhi Area to visit Raj Ghat, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the Parliament House, and other colonial buildings. The early 20th-century work of Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, prominently features in the colonial districts. Finally, visit the famous Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, a marvelous example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

Today, we drive down to Agra to witness the architectural wonder of the Mughal golden age. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and take a quick break. Then, visit the Agra Fort – featuring a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Over time, Rajput and Mughal architects embellished the fort with red sandstone, bricks, and beautiful marble from Makarana, giving it the appearance of a city palace.

After visiting Agra Fort, we will continue to India’s most iconic site, encased in white marble. Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, stands on the Southern bank of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the 16th century. The view of the Taj Mahal at sunset never fails to enchant first-time visitors and leave them speechless. We then spend the evening visiting the bazaars, where the tradition of the Taj Mahal’s marblework survives today as artisans offer fine marble- inlay work for sale.

After visiting Agra Fort, we will continue to India’s most iconic site, encased in white marble. Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, stands on the Southern bank of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the 16th century. The view of the Taj Mahal at sunset never fails to enchant first-time visitors and leave them speechless. We then spend the evening visiting the bazaars, where the tradition of the Taj Mahal’s marblework survives today as artisans offer fine marble- inlay work for sale.

Day 4: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

Today, we leave for Jaipur – the colorful capital of Rajasthan known as the “Pink City”. En-route, we will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, a grand, deserted, Mughal royal city. The impressive and well-preserved citadel served as Akbar’s political capital for 14 years until he abandoned it in 1585 following a drought. Also known as ‘The City of Victory’, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, and lush gardens. Today, Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan and still remains one of India’s most important heritage cities, full of historic charm. We will finish off the day by exploring the colorful evening bazaars, before getting some rest for a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur tomorrow.

Day 5: Jaipur Full Day Sightseeing

After breakfast, we drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Famous for its massive Amber Fort, Amer was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty more than half a millennium. We then proceed to City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 18th century. Its solar devices can measure the day’s progression with an error of just 2 seconds, making it an astronomical treasure that can still accurately make predictions today. We will also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade made of pink sandstone. Built in the year 1799, Hawa Mahal and its discreet windows (Jharokas) allowed royal ladies to watch street processions and festivities.

Day 6: Jaipur to Pushkar

After breakfast, we drive to Pushkar – a small town located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus, boasting a plethora of temples. After checking into the hotel, we will visit the Brahma Temple, one of the only temples in India devoted to Lord Brahma, as well as the Sacred Lake. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world in Hindu mythology. In the evening, you are free to explore the local bazaar of Pushkar.

Day 7: Pushkar to Jodhpur

In the morning, we depart for Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Known as ‘The Blue City’, Jodhpur is remarkable for its blue houses, which deflects heat and deters mosquitoes. After check-in and a break, we will see Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), an architectural marvel spanning 5km that includes a splendid palace with intricately carved latticed windows. An imposing structure perching on a hill that overlooks Jodhpur, the fort is over 500 years old and serves as a reminder of past royal splendor.

Afterward, we will also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Day 8: Jodhpur to Udaipur

Today, we journey to Udaipur. Along the way, we visit Ranakpur, a small town situated in the hills of Pali district home to one of the most important Jain temple complexes. Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple), dedicated to the first Tirthankara, is the main temple of the complex. Adinath was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, a 15th-century Rajput monarch. Until this very day, Ranakpur remains one of the five essential pilgrimage sites for Jains.

Continuing our drive, we finally arrive in the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur. Known as ‘The Pearl of Rajasthan’, the ‘City of Sunrise’, and ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is deemed by both locals and tourists as the most romantic city in India. Upon arrival, we first transfer to the hotel. Then, we enjoy a beautiful sunset view on Lake Pichola surrounded by hills, palaces, and temples.

Day 9: Udaipur (Guided Tour Full Day)

We start the day off by visiting the City Palace – a fascinating complex of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai Singh, completed in the year 1725. We enter through the entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate into the central courtyard, the perfect spot to view filigreed balconies and ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit Jagdish temple, built in the year 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. It is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour), an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen’s court. Stroll through the several foundations, pools, and chiseled pavilions. At sunset, you have the option of going on a cruise upon tranquil Lake Pichola.

Day 10: Udaipur to Delhi (Flight & evening departure Home)

After breakfast, we fly back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, refresh yourself at a hotel before your evening transfer flight, Then, you will be on your way home, having discovered Rajasthan in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.