Rajasthan Family Tour

Welcome to India. On arrival at New Delhi, capital of India, get greeted by our courteous representative. India has beautiful landscapes, magnificent places, historical sites, kind people and rich culture. And Rajasthan, the desert state and “Land of Maharajas”, with great ancient palaces, mighty forts, museums of weapons and exotic cultural legacy holds special charm for the tourists. You will be transferred to pre-booked Delhi hotel. Overnight stay has been planned in Delhi hotel.

City tour of Delhi will commence after scrumptious breakfast in the hotel. At pre-scheduled time, Delhi tour guide will meet in hotel’s lobby and take on sightseeing of Delhi. Delhi showcases British and Mughal legacies more prominently as the traditional Hindu architectural gems had been looted, pillaged and destroyed by barbaric Islamic invaders. This can easily be noticed in Iron Pillar and engraved walls in the Qutub Minar complex. From touristic point of view, Delhi sightseeing is segmented into two parts- Old Delhi & New Delhi. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Mughal respectively. Major tourist attractions to be visited are Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Red Fort (built by Shah Jahan in 1648), Chandani Chowk and Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi), India Gate (A World War II memorial), Presidents House , Parliament & Qutub Minar. During the course of visiting monuments of Delhi, explore buzzing market as well. Overnight stay has been planned in Delhi hotel.

Having relished scrumptious breakfast in the morning in Delhi hotel, depart for Agra. About 215 kms from Delhi, statistically, Agra is the most visited city of India. If you imagine India as an eternal flow of contrasts, Agra is the clearest example. At first glance, Agra is a tremendously, noisy, cramped and often deviating from civic orders. However, its legendry attractions, including the stunning Taj Mahal, make it unique and wonderful. Agra is one of the most artistic cities of India, with folk arts of great interest. Magic and mystery, mysticism, monuments to be visited at least once in life, tradition, Agra is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India.

On arrival at Agra, you will be directly transferred to Agra hotel. After relaxing a bit, move for sightseeing of famous monuments, market and artisans’ locality along with Agra tour guide who will be introduced with you in the lobby of the hotel. Among famous monuments visited today are Agra Fort, Baby Taj (tomb of It Mad ud Daula) and Mehtab Bagh.

Agra Fort, locally called as Laal Qila, was built between 1566 and 1573. Mughal ruler constructed initially this citadel. Three Mughal rulers- Akbar, Jahangir & Shah Jahan- contributed to bring the fort into its present form. The fort is made of red sandstone (hence its name) and its walls are 2.5 kms long and 20 meters high. The rear of the Fort is protected by the river Yamuna, while the rest is raised in an arc that is protected by a 9 meters deep moat. The spectacular entrance gate on the southern side of the fort is Amar Singh Rathore Gate. It is an impressive arched entrance that leads to three successive arches, sandwiched between the high walls and high posts. Once inside the palace, visit Jahangiri Mahal, built in 1570, although many of its buildings from the time of Akbar were remade or furnished by Shah Jahan, to put in more of marble.

Mausoleum of It-Mad- ud -Daula was built on the left bank of river Yamuna. Noor Jahan, the most powerful woman of the Mughal empire and the favorite wife of Jahangir, ordered the construction of this tomb in honor of his parents, Ghiyas Mirza Beg and his wife. It-Mad- ud Daula, meaning State Pillar, was the title given to Mirza Ghias Beg. The building is precursor to Taj Mahal as it was erected between 1622 and 1628. The gateway is made of red sandstone and white marble, a work of art in itself. The building is rather of small proportions if compared to other mausoleums of the time. This mausoleum, on the other hand, is flanked by a lovely garden of canals crossed by numerous streams and footpaths. It is known for its square structure and its magnificent 13 meters high hexagonal minarets, topping each of its four corners. At the center, a square-shaped pavilion with an angled dome completes the package. The walls of the mausoleum were covered with white marble and inlaid with precious and semiprecious stones, chosen for their dark and ocher colors that glow in floral and geometric patterns (the latter of Persian appearance) that decorate the building.

Mehtab Bagh, on the other side of River Yamuna and opposite Taj Mahal, offers great view of the mausoleum of Mumtaj Mahal & Shah Jahan during sunset. Sunset view of Taj Mahal is a photographer’s is a chosen sight.

Having seen fabulous monuments of Agra, explore local market and later on return to hotel for overnight stay.

You will be visiting Taj Mahal today in the morning at the time of sunrise when the marble monument looks amazingly beautiful. Your tour guide will accompany during the visit. Taj Mahal, built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan between 1632 to 1648, in honour of his favourite wife Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to 14th child, is possibly one of the most beautiful monuments of the world. The best time to visit Taj Mahal is early morning. The walls are studded with semi-precious stones and embossed with verses of Koran. After visiting Taj Mahal, return to hotel to refresh, have breakfast and check out to depart for Jaipur. Today the journey to Jaipur leads you to Rajasthan. But on the way to Jaipur, you will be visiting deserted city, sometimes called ‘ghost city’, of Fatehpur Sikri, only 38 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a fortified city perched on a cliff, about 38 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri earlier was located on the banks of a lake which dried out due to neglect and over-utilization. It resulted in lack of drinking water and hence demise of a well-planned township. The story goes back in 1567. Mughal ruler Akbar wanted to find a new location for his imperial court and thus chose the town of Sikri. People relate the construction of town with birth of a son to Akbar due to boon of Salim Chishti. The current name Fatehpur, meaning City of Victory, was put in 1573, after victory in Gujarat battle. However, the city had to be abandoned in just 17 years after, as the architects did not take into account the severe drought in the area, and found no way to get water to a city. The entrance to the city, Buland Darwaja, is an impressive and huge archway, 40 meters high with 70 steps to be climbed up to cross it. This massive entrance must have been, at times, a demonstration of real power. The Imperial Palace and the Grand Mosque are two most striking features of this site. Imperial Palace has several stories and consists of several pavilions linked by courtyards.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, you will be transferred to Jaipur hotel. Our representative will assist in quick and hassle-free check in. Spend the evening in leisure. Overnight stay is scheduled in Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan, the desert state of India & ‘Land of Maharajas’. If you look at the magnificent stucco buildings that line the wide avenues of Jaipur, you will understand why it is called "The Pink City". Jaipur is a historical and cultural destination. Mammoth forts, majestic palaces, magnanimous temples and marvelous cultural legacies and traditions epitomize Jaipur. Exploration and viewing of Jaipur starts in the morning with a visit to Amber Fort. Amber Fort, among the tourists, is very popular. Reaching the main precinct of the fort by riding elephant in ‘maharaja’ style is a hallmark of Jaipur experience. Amber Fort is known for its sturdy and mammoth architecture and artistically decorated rooms and courtyards. Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is one of them. It is definitely one of the most impressive parts of the fort. The whole gallery with embedded mirrors is really beautiful. You will find different patterns ceilings and walls. You can easily imagine its beauty in full-moon night when the moon illuminated mirrors reflect different colors. Do see exceptionally implemented water conservation and harvesting system.

Other than Amber Fort, see City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory, still in working condition), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Albert Hall (a museum), Birla Temple and local buzzing market.

But if you wish to experience Peace, satisfaction and happiness, you must visit Govind Dev ji temple, home to guardian deity of Jaipur. The presiding deity of this beautiful and unique temple is Lord Krishna playing flute, also called Govind Dev. Architecturally the temple is very nice. You will be charged spiritually having experienced joyous welcome, colorful & enchanting devotees, the sweet scent of jasmine and a quiet contemplative space. If you want to get submersed into surge of religiosity and spiritualism, then it is a mandatory place for unforgettable experience.

Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. Handicraft articles, jewellery and marble products are hallmarks of colourful and lively market of Jaipur. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, head to one of the bazaars, where you can choose a pair of camel leather slippers. Shopping in Jaipur is a pleasant experience. Overnight stay has been planned in Jaipur hotel.

Enjoy delicious breakfast before departing for Mandawa, a tourist destination in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Known for its beautiful castles and magnificent havelis (mansions), Mandawa gives an impression of living in a bygone era. On arrival at Mandawa, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Mandawa hotel. Late afternoon, move on a guided sightseeing tour to explore rural landscape of Mandawa.

Shekhawati region was famous for wealthy merchants and their lavish lifestyle within prescribed religious strictures. The havelis built in 18th & 19th centuries, though abandoned by the merchants in 19th century, are still there, more or less preserved, and have emerged as major tourist attractions. The frescoed and painted walls of the havelis are their unique features. No room within the havelis is alike. The beautiful arches and intricate handicrafts are rarely found elsewhere in Rajasthan. Decorated with beautiful paintings and great antique murals, the designs were once adorned with precious jewels. The medieval fort of Mandawa is in the center of activity of Mandawa. Founded in the 18th century, the Castle Manadawa dominates the skyline of Mandawa with beautiful arched doors and intricate carvings. Some of the famous havelis of Mandawa are the Saraf haveli, Chokhani haveli and Ladia haveli. The haveli of Newatia Binsidhar has curious paintings on the walls- a child using phone, and a European woman in car with driver. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some erotic images.

Spend evening in leisure either in hotel or humming village and have overnight stay in Mandawa hotel.

Today, journey to desert city of Bikaner is scheduled. After scrumptious breakfast, depart for Bikaner, a historic city of Rajasthan. Bikaner, known for its desert and dessert, was once a major trade centre due to being on the ancient caravan route which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. On arrival at Bikaner, you will be assisted by our representative in checking at the hotel and introduced with Bikaner tour guide. Post lunch, proceed for exploration of Bikaner. Bikaner was founded in 1488. First we visit Junagarh Fort & Museum, a fantastic medieval castle. Then we visit Prachina Museum, made in 2000 AD to preserve the rich cultural diversity of Bikaner. Then we go to Camel Farm & Research Centre where researches are conducted regarding camel breeding and training. It is the only institute of its kind in Asia. Overnight stay has been planned in Bikaner hotel.

Khimsar is amidst Thar desert. Having taken scrumptious breakfast, depart for Khimsar. On arrival at Khimsar, check in at the hotel. The day has been kept for leisure. The things to be seen and experience are desert landscape, small hamlets and sand dunes. The nearby exploration can be done either by jeep or camel or horse. Overnight stay has been planned in Khimsar Fort hotel.

Relishing scrumptious breakfast in Khimsar hotel, depart for Jaisalmer, also known as Golden City, located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer, the city of golden fort, is a fantasy in yellow stone in the heart of Thar. The golden beauty, engraved in yellow stone. Perched on the hill Trikuta, it stands large on thousands of grains of sand. Jaisalmer personifies the desolate but an incredible beauty of the desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput king Rawal Jaisal. Jaisalmer is famous for its beautiful sunset. It is also famous for its cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house here is exquisitely carved with fine works of architecture. The houses date from the 12th and 15th centuries. And therefore Jaisalmer is called the City Museum. On arrival at Jaisalmer, you will be accosted by our representative to ensure smooth check in at hotel. The evening is meant for leisure and overnight stay has been planned in hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Jaisalmer along with tour guide. The first destination and prime most tourist attraction of Jaisalmer is Golden Fort (Sonar Qila or Jaisalmer Fort) which houses a part of the population of Jaisalmer. Visit the temples of Jain religion within the walls of the fort. Then proceed for visiting Gadi Sagar Lake, a man-made lake that used to be source of water supply of the city. The lake has many small temples and shrines around it. Thereafter, visit some of the havelis or mansions. Wealthy merchants commissioned local craftsmen to build these mansions. These are built delicately of sandstone with beautiful facades & sculptures and carved windows and balconies. Among the famous havelis are Salim Singh ki Haveli , Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli .

Late in the afternoon, an excursion to the sand dunes of Sam will take place. If you like, you can optionally enjoy camel ride and witness the beautiful sunset. Overnight stay can be provided either in hotel or a desert camp.

Jodhpur, the second biggest city of Rajasthan is the next destination in Rajasthan Family Tour. On the way to Jodhpur, visit Osian, a historical village known for its desert lifestyle & ancient temples. The temples of Osian are famous for their architectural beauty. Sachiya Mata Temple, Harihara Temple, Sun temple and Mahavir Temple are famous and worth watching temples. Continue drive towards Jodhpur. Jodhpur , popularly known as the Blue City of Rajasthan, is the city that shines with a mixture of modern and traditional buildings of the fifteenth century. It is a flourishing trade center for wool, cattle, camels, salt and crops since the sixteenth century. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be transferred to pre-booked hotel, assisted by our representative. Overnight stay has been planned in Jodhpur hotel.

Have leisurely breakfast and, along with Jodhpur tour guide, depart for visiting famous historical monuments & tourist attractions of Jodhpur. The most visited one is Mehrangarh Fort. Within the walls are royal palaces with an impressive collection of weapons. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the sturdiest and till date nicely preserved forts of Rajasthan. While returning from the fort and passing through alleys of the city, you will be watching turban making and wearing practices; and a sample of ‘henna’ painting (traditional tattoos) made on the hands and feet of women folks. Then we continue to visit Jaswant Thada, the white marble monument of King Jaswant Singh II, which was built in 1899. Also visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum that exhibits the priceless collection of King of Jodhpur.

Post-lunch session is reserved for exploring the rural life of India, visiting some villages. Bishnoi village safari is specially designed for foreign visitors so that they can have a firsthand feel of nature-friendly and completely vegetarian tribe. Bishnois are excellent craftsmen through several generations. Their love for animal is legendary and exceptional. Having seen Bishnoi villages, return to Jodhpur city centre to spend evening in leisure. Visit the adjoining area of the Clock Tower, in the center of the city, to see the market of vegetables, spices, colorful textiles and kitchen appliances etc. A large variety of ethic goods and handicraft articles can be seen. Overnight stay is scheduled in Jodhpur hotel.

Deogarh is a sleepy village of Rajasthan. It lies between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It used to be one of the ‘thikanas’ of Mewar kingdom. The main attractions of Deogarh are its quiet and quaint village life, Deogarh Palace (perched on a 2100 ft high Aravalis hilltop) and Deogarh School of paintings. On arrival at Deogarh, you will be transferred to Deogarh hotel. On your own explore rural life and village landscape, nestled amidst the hilly terrain of the Aravalis. You can take a bicycle ride also. Deogarh Palace is a must see and if could manage to stay is a worth experiencing place. The evening is for leisure and overnight stay will be in the hotel.

After breakfast depart for Udaipur. En route Udaipur, visit Ranakpur temple . Ranakpur is famous for exquisite Jain temple. Built of white marble, the temple’s walls and statues are intricately carved. Having lunch at any nice restaurant of Ranakpur, continue your drive to Udaipur. The city of Udaipur lies in a valley surrounded by green hills on the shores of Lake Pichola . Udaipur is embedded in incredible legacy of a bygone era. Explore contours of the landscape of Udaipur. Saheliyon Ki Bari , Maharana Pratap Memorial, Shilpgram or craft bazaars , City Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Gulab Niwas Gardens, Palace Jag Mahal, Sajjangarh, Eklingji Temple, Government Museum, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Jaisamand are some attractions of this place. Udaipur is a dream destination in the desert. The Kingdom of Mewar was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty of Chittorgarh for over 1200 years. Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur as capital of Mewar in 1568.

On arrival at Udaipur, you will be received by our representative and transferred to pre-booked hotel.

The last destination to be explored is Udaipur. Having scrumptious breakfast in Udaipur hotel, along with Udaipur tour guide, proceed for full day sightseeing. Udaipur, known as ‘City of Lakes’, ‘Venice of East’ and ‘Romantic City of Rajasthan’, has a lot to show the tourists. Prominent among them are City Palace , probably the largest palace complex of India, Saheliyon KI Bari, Jag Mandir Palace, Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & lakes etc. Beautifully sculptured Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest temple of Udaipur. Sculptures of alligators, elephants, horses and celestial musicians can be seen on the outside. It is a giant construction equal to a Hindu gurukul (school). Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum is a glass gallery, located in the Fateh Prakash Palace (part of the City Palace). It was opened to the public in 1994. Overlooking the Durbar Hall, the glass gallery has a large collection of over 600 rare objects from around the world. Lok Kala Mandal is the folk art museum which exhibits the collection of traditional costumes, ornaments, pets, dolls, musical instruments and paintings. There is a tribal art section.

Among the gardens of Udaipur, Gulab Bag & Saheliyon ki Bari are most popular. Gulab Bagh is a spectacular rose garden built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Garden Library houses ancient manuscripts and books. There is also a small zoo in the garden. Saheliyon Ki Bari was built for maids and sisters of the royal ladies. The garden has several sources of water and is embellished with marble elephants.

Lake Pichola is a picturesque lake which entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. He enlarged it later. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples and bathing ghats. Two island palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas (the famous lake palace) are of breathtaking magnificence. Aptly called the city of lakes, Udaipur is adorned with five lakes- Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar & Lake Badi. Jaisamand, Asia's largest artificial lake, Rajasmand and Lake Bagdada are other nearby lakes. Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake and has mountains on three sides and the Pratap memorial built by Maharana Fateh Singh on the fourth side. A garden island is accessible by boat.

In the evening, a boat cruise in Lake Pichola is also planned. After full day sightseeing and sunset boat ride on the romantic Lake Pichola, return to Udaipur hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, relax leisurely in the morning. Afternoon, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport for to board flight for Delhi. On arrival, board flight for your onward destination.