Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Khajuraho Varanasi Tour

Day 1

Delhi arrival

On arrival at New Delhi airport, you will be greeted & assisted by Optima Travels’ representative. You will be transferred to Delhi hotel.

Delhi is enriched with long historical past, glorious culture, an enviable treasure of monuments and modern infrastructure. Delhi, currently the capital of Indian Republic, has passed through several upheavals during its thousands of years of existence and has witnessed many ups and downs of history with many dynasties flourishing and diminishing with the passage of time.

Delhi has been built nine times over the years and accordingly named in the scriptures. Indraprastha, known as first Delhi, was founded by Pandavas of Mahabharata in around 1500 BC. Qila Rai Pithora, termed as second Delhi, was built by Raja Anang Pal and later re-christened by Prithviraj Chauhan as Lal Kot. Siri, the third Delhi, was founded by Ala-ud-din Khilji. Siri Fort, a major tourist attraction, is a famous monument of that time. Tughlaqabad, called as fourth Delhi, had been founded by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. Tughlaqabad Fort is a testimony to that. Jahan Panah, the fifth Delhi and a walled city, was constructed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to address the constant threat of Mongols. The sixth Delhi, Ferozabad, was founded by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and its testimonial evidence can be seen in the form of 13-metre high tapering quadrangular pillar adjacent to Ashokan pillar. Din Panah, the seventh Delhi, was rebuilt afresh by Humayun and later razed and constructed by Sher Shah Suri. Earlier this Old Fort or Purana Qila was seat of legendary ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. The walled city of Shahjahanabad, known as eighth Delhi, had been founded by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal as well in Agra. Modern and present day Delhi, the ninth Delhi and known as Lutyens' Delhi or New Delhi has been laid down by the British.

Our representative will ensure smooth check in at the hotel. As most of the international flights land in India at late night, so have sound sleep in Delhi hotel to get relaxed for the sightseeing tour of Delhi next day.

Day 2

Old & New Delhi sightseeing tour.

Have delicious breakfast in Delhi hotel and proceed on for Old & New Delhi sightseeing tour along with Delhi tour guide. The Old & New Delhi tour encompasses visit of Red Fort (remains closed on Monday), Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Akshardham Temple (remains closed on Monday), India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Qutub Minar, Sansad Bhavan (Parliament of India). It will be relaxed and leisurely tour and help you understand ‘exoticism’ of India. After visiting famous monuments of Delhi, later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 3

Delhi- Mandawa

Have a very hearty breakfast in Delhi hotel and then drive to the town of stunning havelis – Mandawa – located in the heart of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India.

Mandawa, a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, is 190 kms from Jaipur. Jhunjhunu is part of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is the land of multi-hued frescoes and known as "The Open Air Art Gallery". It is world renowned for its painted havelis and paintings, noted for their frescos depicting mythological and historical themes. Mandawa was founded in 18th century and mostly inhabited by rich merchants. The mansions of these wealthy and influential merchants were decorated with beautiful fresco paintings with themes varying from time to time from mythologies displaying local legends, animals, portraits, hunting, wrestling scenes to prominent impressions of British Raj like cars, trains, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the haveli owners immaculately dressed, etc.

Visit the famous painted archways decorated with murals depicting Lord Krishna herding his cows towards the bazaar. After exploring Mandawa, in time return back to the hotel for overnight stay in Mandawa.

Day 4

Mandawa- Bikaner

Having enjoyed succulent breakfast at Mandawa hotel, drive to the Camel City of Rajasthan – Bikaner, predominantly famous for its stunning havelis, camel breeding farm, Lalgarh Palace, Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Dotted with scores of sand dunes and called as the camel country, Bikaner is among the three prominent desert circuits of Rajasthan. Bikaner houses a large Camel Research & Breeding Farms and is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner was founded by Rao Bhikaji in 1488 AD by transforming barren wilderness of Jangaladesh with the help of 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers. Bikaner, being on the medieval great carvan trade route, has been very prosperous. In order to save the town from the marauding Mughals, Bikaner is surrounded by high fortifications comprising a seven-kilometer long wall which encircles the old city. The Karni Mata Temple (or Rat Temple) at Deshnok has been patronized by the ruling family of Bikaner. A salted snack made of lentils originated from Bikaner and hence is popularly known as 'Bikaneri Bhujia'. Well preserved forts, palaces, havelis and museum will showcase Bikaner's prosperous past. Bikaner is known for its desert and dessert.

After relaxing for some time in Bikaner hotel, you will be taken on sightseeing tour of Bikaner which primarily includes magnificent Junagarh Fort, splendid Lalgarh Palace and the Camel Breeding Farm & Research Centre. Spend rest of the day at leisure and have night stay in Bikaner hotel.

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Day 5

Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Bikaner to Jaisalmer road travel is the longest stretch. After early morning breakfast in Bikaner hotel, proceed to Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan, India. On arrival at Jaisalmer, you will be transferred to hotel.

Jaisalmer, known as ‘Golden City of Rajasthan’, is the westernmost city of India, adjoining the border of Pakistan. The city of Jaisalmer, earlier ruled by brave Bhatti Rajputs, had been a prominent trade centre being located on ancient Silk Route. Jaisalmer has facts to declare, tales to impress, uniqueness to wonder and spirit to live. With historical legacy, rich cultural heritage, ethnicity, palaces, fortresses, temples, golden sand dunes and intricately sculptured havelis, Jaisalmer offers facts about the courageous rulers and citizens of the bygone era, tales of unequalled valor, unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking. For a tourist, there are eight places/ monuments in Jaisalmer to be seen. Built in 1156 AD, the prime attraction of Jaisalmer is obviously Jaisalmer Fort, known as Golden Fort or Sonar Qila. Cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, located in isolation, offer a stunning view during sunrise and sunset. Massive five-storied Patwon-Ki-Haveli, constructed of yellow sandstone, has five intricately decorated huge suites, large corridors and decorated walls representing the then prevailing art form. Out of the five havelis, one is converted into a museum. The third haveli houses the works of local craftsmen of the bygone era. Watch sunset from Sam Sand Dunes, after reaching there by having a ride on a camel. Thar Heritage Museum, established by Laxmi Narayan Khatri to preserve historical and cultural art & architecture of Thar region, showcases Sea fossils aging over million years, unique ornaments of camels and horses, documents and coins of Jaisalmer, ancient manuscripts and weapons . Artistically carved entrance made of yellow sandstone and temples, holy shrines and chhattris around Gadsisar Lake, reconstructed by Maharawal Garsi in 1367 AD, offer a breathtaking view. Desert National Park is a unique concept and effort to showcase flora and fauna of Thar Desert. The collection in Silk Route Art Gallery of Jaisalmer includes clothes, patchworks, bags, shawls, belts, antiques and accessories. All the items available here is handmade.

After being relaxed for some time, move on a half day leisurely sightseeing tour of havelis of Jaisalmer. The prominent havelis are Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon -ki-Haveli and Manak Chowk and Havelis. Manak Chowk is a main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis. After enjoying relaxed but vivid sightseeing of Jaisalmer, return to Jaisalmer hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6

Jaisalmer sightseeing tour

After having delicious breakfast in Jaisalmer hotel, move on for visiting Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as Sonar Qila or Golden Fort. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temples, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour. After lunch, in afternoon, excursion to Sam dunes will take place. The excursion will be a camel ride/ safari in the sand dunes of Thar Desert. Ride a camel and sway with your camel's gait as you trek towards enthralling sand dunes steeped in honey -colored mist. As you near the desert expanse, the sun begins to set behind the dunes and the molten-gold desert changes hues. The camel rider cum guide, accompanying you on your Jaisalmer camel safari, sports colorful tunics and bright turbans and enchants you with desert tales as you ride deeper into the mammoth Thar. Discover desert traditions, folk culture and desert ways during your Jaisalmer camel safari with Optima Travels. Your over-night stay has been scheduled in a desert camp.

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Day 7

Jaisalmer- Jodhpur

You will be picked up by the car from your tent in the morning. Depart for Jodhpur after having delicious breakfast in Jaisalmer. Upon arrival inJodhpur , the Blue City of Rajasthan, you will be transferred to the designated hotel.

Jodhpur, situated on the edge of Thar Desert & known as ‘Blue City of Rajasthan’, is the second largest city of Rajasthan. The quintessence of Jodhpur has been its valor and equestrian skill. Jodhpur is also known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1549 AD, Jodhpur was an old capital of Royal Marwar. The impressions of rich past, valor and flourishing trade can be seen in the existing monuments and bustling market. Mehrangarh Fort tops the repertoire of magnificent tourist attractions of Jodhpur. One of the largest forts of India, the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort is well preserved till date and houses excellent museum along with the only professional museum shop of India. Tourists interested in adventure may opt for six circuits of ropeways (zip-linings) at the back side of Mehrangarh Fort. Known as ‘Taj Mahal of Rajasthan’, Jaswant Thada is an ornately carved cenotaph. Built of white marble, Jaswant Thada is a must-see monument of Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan Palace is another tourist attraction of Jodhpur.

Have sumptuous lunch in a nice restaurant and proceed for visiting famous monuments of Jodhpur with Jodhpur tour guide who will meet you in the lobby of Jodhpur hotel. Visit the mammoth Mehrangarh Fort and explore beautiful palaces and temples within the fort complex. Also visit the Clock Tower, the Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, the Jaswant Thada – the royal cenotaph memorial, and other tourist spots. Also explore the famous Sardar Market. After exploring local market, return to Jodhpur hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8

Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur

Drive towards Udaipur after enjoying breakfast in Jodhpur. To keep you rejuvenated, the 08th day of Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Khajuraho Varanasi Tour is reserved for leisurely travel into oasis like destination of Ranakpur. Ranakpur is famous for sublime and serene Jain Temple, a masterpiece of engravings and architectural intricacy.

Constructed in an area of 60X62 metres, Ranakpur Temple in Pali district of Rajasthan is one of the five most auspicious places of Jain community. Ranakpur is known as 'the tranquil pilgrimage town'. Ranakpur is a village is on Jodhpur- Udaipur route, about 95 kms from Udaipur and 165 kms from Jodhpur. As ancient Sanskrit text Soma-Saubhagya Kavya suggests, construction of Ranakpur Temple, built on ‘chaumukha’ style, had commenced in 1437 and continued till 1458. Intricately sculptured and equipped with 29 halls and 1444 pillars, Ranakpur Temple was built under the supervision of architect Deepaka during the regime of Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Nearby Ranakpur Jain Temple is a ‘Sun Temple’. Sun temple is gracefully sculptured and endowed with elegantly carved polygonal walls and images of warriors, horses and celestial. The Sun God has been shown riding its vehicle, the chariot. For the tourism buffs a ride to the outskirts like Sadari, Desuri, Ghanerao, Narlai etc will be found to be exciting.

After Ranakpur sightseeing and lunch in a nice restaurant, depart for Udaipur, 95 kms from Ranakpur. Continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check in at the designated hotel. Evening here has been kept free to relax leisurely. Overnight stay has been planned in Udaipur hotel.

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Day 9

Udaipur sightseeing

Having delicious breakfast in Udaipur hotel, meet Udaipur tour guide in the lobby of the hotel. Embark on Udaipur tour. Udaipur is called the "City of Lakes" and "Venice of East". Tourism inUdaipur is known for its distinctive architecture, mammoth monuments, various lakes and chivalry.

Previous capital of erstwhile princely state of Mewar, Udaipur showcases pristine Rajput architecture, traditional Rajasthani culture, colourful market, ancient and highly auspicious temples and several beautiful lakes. Owing to its beautiful locale, Udaipur is known as ‘City of Lakes’ and ‘Venice of East’. Udaipur is also called as the most romantic city of India. The foundation stone of Udaipur was laid by Maharana Udai Singh on 16th March 1559. The old city had initially had 11 gates, out of which only 5 gates in the city walls remained. Main gate and hence the main entrance to Udaipur city id Suraj Pole. Udaipur is famous for Lehariya, the delicate striped sarees and turbans in various shades, colors and designs. Udaipur offers a lot to the tourists. The Lake Palace of Udaipur in Lake Pichola, now converted into a heritage palace hotel being run by India’s premier industrial group TATA under the brand Taj Hotels, is a treat to eyes.

Though major tourist attractions are shown by Indian tour operators and local tour guides of Udaipur, but there are many interesting places and monuments in Udaipur to be explored. Bagore Ki Haveli is one of them. The large mansion of erstwhile Prime Minister of Mewar kingdom Amir Chand Badwa, Bagore ki Haveli, having more than 100 rooms and built in 18th century, has been converted into a museum showcasing various aspects of Mewar royalty’s lifestyle. Ambrai Ghat at Lake Pichola is the best place to capture photographs of Lake Pichola and Lake Palace at the time of sunset. For seekers of old world charm, Monsoon Palace, previously a favorite retreat of Mewar royalty, is a popular sunset spot owing to unparalleled view over Udaipur. During 10 days of December, Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Fair is organized every year. Shilpgram, meaning ‘Village of Craftsmen’, had been established to showcase rural life and traditions from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. This attempt by the government though has not elicited the expected results but its objectives to protect Indian craftsmanship and provide the craftsmen a better and organized marketplace have been achieved to some extent.

Visit the City Palace Complex , the Jagdish Temple , the Jag Mandir , Saheliyon-k-Bari and other picturesque spots of tourist interests.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola to watch Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) and old Udaipur. Late in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10

Udaipur- Pushkar

Have delicious breakfast in Udaipur, check out from Udaipur hotel and move for Pushkar, one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Hindus. On arrival at Pushkar, check in at the designated hotel. Relax and refresh a bit and proceed for Pushkar tour which includes Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Ghats and rustic way of life. Pushkar is also famous for world's largest camel fair known as Pushkar Fair- a major tourist attraction of Rajasthan. Return to Pushkar hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 11

Pushkar – Jaipur

Having taken delicious and royal breakfast in Pushkar hotel, depart for Jaipur. Being only 150 kms away from Pushkar, it hardly takes three hours to reach Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the hotel.

Jaipur, present day capital city of India’s largest state Rajasthan, is representative of typical Rajasthani culture, art, architecture and lifestyles. Known as ‘Pink City’ or ‘Gulabi Nagar’ of Rajasthan, Jaipur attracts tourists towards its gargantuan forts, marvelously built palaces, lively market of handicraft products and intricately carved out temples. The sprinkling beauty, the edifices, big havelis and stupendous sky-touching forts of Jaipur attract the tourists immensely. Jaipur is the only city in the world which has been built as per India’s Vaastu Shastra and segmented as per astrology. Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Its nine rectangular sectors represent nine levels of universe. A boundary wall with eight gates surrounds the city.

Jaipur tour guide, who will meet you in the hotel, will take you to city centre of Jaipur, home to iconic & royal monuments of Jaipur like City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. The Jaipur tour guide will accompany you throughout Jaipur sightseeing tour. After visiting famous monuments of Jaipur, explore colorful local market.

Late afternoon, proceed for visiting Albert Museum(a museum that houses marvelous pieces of sculptures, paintings with a specialty of collections from natural history), Birla Temple (built in pure white marble and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi) and Chokhi Dhani. At Chokhi Dhani, relish delicious Rajasthani food. Later in the night, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12

Jaipur sightseeing

The second day of Jaipur sightseeing tour is earmarked to take you to into the lanes of royal grandeur of the yore. After breakfast at the hotel, proceed on Jaipur city tour with Jaipur tour guide. The sightseeing tour will commence with visiting Amber Fort, 13 kms away. Excursion to Amber Fort, the biggest fort of Rajasthan, is special as you will be enjoying an elephant ride like a king from bottom to hilltop where the main gate of Amber Fort is built. Thereafter visit Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal.

Return to Jaipur hotel during late afternoon. Take rest and relax to move again to see an exotic worship ceremony in Govind Dev Ji temple of Jaipur. Hereinafter, return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 13

Jaipur -Fatehpur Sikri- Agra

On 13th day of Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Khajuraho Varanasi Tour, have delicious breakfast in Jaipur hotel and drive for Agra, an historical city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. On the way to Agra, a short detour leads you to Fatehpur Sikri, a village town with isolated cluster of grand buildings. Built by Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the first attempt of any Mughal Emperor to construct a planned township. There are several palaces, courtyards, religious places, gardens and towering gateways but all these couldn't help the town to its fullest capacity with uninterrupted continuum. The reason was the paucity of drinking water. But to your amazement, most of the architectural monuments are still in a very good state of preservation. Prime tourist attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodhabai Palace, Jama Masjid, Shrine of Salim Chishti etc.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, proceed on for Agra. On arrival at Agra, representative of Optima Travels will receive and take you to the pre-booked Agra hotel. Relax in the evening and have overnight stay in Agra hotel.

Day 14

Agra sightseeing tour

The 14th day of Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Khajuraho Varanasi Tour is special and destined to be memorable, as you will visit globally famous and one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Majority of visitors claim that Taj Mahal looks most beautiful at the time of sunrise. So, India Tour Packages has planned your visit to Taj Mahal in dawn hours. Agra tour guide will collect you from Agra hotel's lobby. A 'tonga' ride has been planned for you to take you to Taj Mahal and impart you exotic India travel experience.

In accompaniment of Agra tour guide, the sightseeing of Taj Mahal is bound to be an exhilarating experience as the subtle beauty of Taj Mahal satiates soul with enriching information about Taj Mahal. Built of white Makrana marble, Taj Mahal is often termed as an epitome of love. Taj Mahal is perhaps the most beautiful expression of love that resulted out of the anguish of death of Mumtaj Mahal, beloved wife of Shah Jahan.

After visiting Taj Mahal, return to Agra hotel for getting refreshed and relaxed. Have breakfast in Agra hotel and move for sightseeing tour of Agra which includes Agra Fort, Baby Taj (Tomb of It-Mad-Ud-Daula) and Sikandara (mausoleum of Akbar).

After sightseeing of Agra, explore local market which is famous for marble and handicraft products. Later on, return to Agra hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 15

Agra – Orchha (by train)- Khajuraho (by car)

Have delicious breakfast early in the morning in Agra hotel and drive for Agra railway station to board train for Jhansi. On arrival at Jhansi railway station, you will be received by representative of Optima Travels. You will be then driven to Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho, only about 15 kms from Jhansi is a medieval era village town of Orchha, erstwhile capital of Bundela kingdom. You will be taken to visit Orchha-Fort-Palace-Temple-Complex . After visiting Orchha, have lunch in a nice restaurant on the banks of river Betwa. Post-lunch, proceed for Khajuraho. On arrival at Khajuraho, you will be transferred to Khajuraho hotel. After relaxing a bit, in the evening, watch a cultural show which will showcase traditional folk dances and folklores of Baghelkhand region. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 16

Khajuraho sightseeing –Varanasi (by air)

Have relaxed breakfast in Khajuraho hotel and move for sightseeing of Khajuraho along with Khajuraho tour guide. The guided tour of the famous temples of Khajuraho will mesmerize you, literally. Refined carving, grand temple architecture, explicitly erotic and sexually postured sculpture, historical past and rural ambience take you into the realm of glorious, lively and celebrated past.

There are three prominent clusters of temples in Khajuraho- Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples and Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Out of these three clusters, Western Group of Khajuraho Temples is most representative of Khajuraho temples.

Having seen Khajuraho temples, drive for Khajuraho airport to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, you will be received & transferred to Varanasi hotel. You will be introduced with Varanasi tour guide in Varanasi hotel. After having relaxed for some time, you will be taken for sightseeing tour of Sarnath.

Sarnath is a famous ancient Buddhist site. It was in Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and started 'Sangh'. From here, a soft socio-religious revolution took place and the whole world started chanting 'Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami, Dhammam Sharanam Gachchhami. Here, you will happen to see ancient Buddhist monastery in ravaged form, Dhamek & Dharmarajika stupas, Asokan Pillar and a great museum.

Having visited Sarnath, you will be driven to Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi where grand and auspicious Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony) takes place every evening. Be witness to cultural and traditional rituals of Hindu religion which worships river Ganga as mother. Later in the evening, come back to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 17

Agra – Orchha (by train)- Khajuraho (by car)

The 17th day of Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Khajuraho Varanasi Tour is special as you will happen to see various aspects of Varanasi. Early in the morning, Varanasi tour guide will accompany you for boat cruise along the ghats of the sacred river the Ganges to see the cremation ghats (Manikarnika Ghat & Harishchandra Ghat) and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions.

After having enjoyed boat cruise, return to Varanasi hotel to relax and have breakfast. Thereafter check out from Varanasi hotel and proceed for Varanasi city and temple tour. After Varanasi city tour, move for Varanasi airport at Babatpur to board flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, change the terminal within and board flight for your onward destination.