Real Rajasthan Tour

On arrival at New Delhi airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and taken to the hotel. He will assist you in ensuring smooth check in. Have sound sleep to be refreshed and relaxed to begin sightseeing tour of India.

Having taken breakfast in the hotel, the sightseeing of Delhi will commence along with the guide. It starts with a dive in the heart of the Indian capital, visiting Old Delhi. Visit the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid , opposite the Red Fort in the heart of the popular neighborhood of Chandni Chowk. One may have possibility to climb to the top of the minaret by a steep and dark stairs (better not be claustrophobic!), but the view from the top is spectacular.

Then join on foot or on a manually pulled rickshaw to explore the oldest and most famous market of Delhi, located in the famous street Chawari Bazaar and known for lively thoroughfare, crowded with workers carrying loads on their backs, cars, scooters and battling pedestrians to break through during the hours when the market is in full swing.

After visiting Old Delhi, proceed to New Delhi to see the colonial buildings, the India gate (India gate) and Rajghat, so named in memory of Gandhi.

After lunch, move to South Delhi to visit the tomb of Humayun , the first example of the monumental scale that characterizes the imperial Mughal architecture. Conceived and built, it is believed, by Humayun's widow Hamida Banu Begum. The tomb is the first to bear the imprint of a Mughal emperor. Humayun's Tomb is one of the best preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Hereinafter, visit Qutub Minar. Return to the hotel late in the evening to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart by road to Agra. It takes about four hours to arrive at Agra. On arrival, you shall directly be transferred to Agra hotel. Having relaxed a bit, the exploration of Agra will commence. Agra tour guide will be introduced with you in the hotel’s lobby.

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, north of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is home to the most famous monument of the India: the majestic Taj Mahal. Agra reached its peak as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its beautiful buildings of the Mughal era, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is in the morning, at sunrise, before the arrival of cars of Indian tourists.

Your sightseeing will start by visiting the imposing Red Fort, second largest monument of Agra. Built by Akbar, third Mughal Emperor, its sandstone walls surround the beautiful Moti Masjid, Pearl Mosque, all white marble, but also palaces, courtyards and fountains built under his son and successor, Jahangir and Shah Jahan . The latter spent the end of his life imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort.

In the evening, you will watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden): you cross the Yamuna River, which flows behind the Taj Mahal and take a short but pleasant walk towards Mehtab Bagh. From there, you can admire the Taj Mahal in all its glory, during sunset.

Return to the hotel late in the evening to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Visit the Taj Mahal, whose sublime mausoleum of white marble changes color depending on the sunlight. 300 years have elapsed since its construction but weather could not alter its beauty and symmetry. Built by Shah Jahan in honor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal (who had already given him fourteen children before dying during childbirth!), and built in twenty-two years (1630-1652) by 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers, it raises its domes in perfect symmetry in landscaped gardens. Having seen Taj Mahal, return to hotel to refresh and enjoy breakfast.

Thereafter, in the afternoon, short transfer to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city of Emperor Akbar. This impressive citadel, well preserved, was the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1571. Its red sandstone mosque could accommodate 10,000 worshipers. But this magnificence lasted only fourteen years since the city was abandoned in 1584 due to lack of water.

Now proceed for Jaipur. Jaipur, the pink city, capital of Rajasthan, built in the eighteenth century, is known for its pink sandstone palace and wide avenues.

You shall directly be transferred to Jaipur hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

The day is dedicated to the visit of Jaipur, one of the most attractive cities in India and the most colorful. The sightseeing will commence with visiting Amber Fort, erstwhile fortified capital located 13 kms from Jaipur city centre. Located on a hill, this magnificent fortification houses beautiful and large palaces & courtyards. The buildings inside have rich and fine decorations, inlaid panels of alabaster and bedroom ice. The main gate of Amber Fort can be approached either on foot or by car or elephant ride. Elephant ride from foothill to hilltop is a pleasant and exotic experience, not to be missed.

Having explored Amber Fort, return to the heart of Jaipur city. In the center of the city, the City Palace, residence of the Maharaja, is now converted into museum with rare manuscripts, paintings, royal ornaments and weapons. Not far from the palace is one of the most fascinating sites of India, Yantra Mandir, also called Jantar Mantar. Observatory built by order and under supervision of King Jai Singh II, it presents a set of astronomical instruments of marble and copper arranged in a pleasant garden. Thereafter, stop in front of the historic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, whose facade is famous worldwide. Now, you have ample time to explore colourful buzzing market of Jaipur.

Late afternoon, you shall be taken to Birla Temple where you shall attend evening aarti- the deity worship ceremony.

After fulfilling experience of Jaipur, you shall be transferred to Jaipur hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

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 -coloured 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 colourful 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 India Tourism. Your over-night stay has been scheduled in a desert camp.

Having delicious breakfast in the hotel, depart from Pushkar to Udaipur. On the way to Udaipur, have a halt at Chittorgarh to have lunch and visit Rajasthan’s most respected and historical fort-palace and temple complex at Chittorgarh. Though in a dilapidated state, glorious past peeps out the remaining monuments. Chittaur Fort is more famous for its antiquity dating back to Mauryan Empire and three “johars’ when women and children sacrificed themselves on a huge funeral pyre.

After visiting Chittaurgarh, proceed for Udaipur which is almost 100 kms away from here. You will be received by our representative on arrival at Udaipur and ensured smooth check in at the pre-booked hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure or relax. Return to Udaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Having delicious breakfast in Udaipur hotel, move for Udaipur sightseeing accompanied with Udaipur tour guide. City of Lakes or Venice of East, as Udaipur is known as, is studded with many elegant monuments and picturesque places. While visiting famous monuments of Udaipur like City Palace Complex, Jag Mandir and Saheliyon Ki Bari, enjoy serene beauty of Udaipur as well. Later in the afternoon, view Lake Palace and traditional Udaipur city while having boat ride in Lake Pichola. Lake Palace or Jag Niwas, presently converted into a luxury heritage hotel being managed by Taj Group of Hotels, is regarded as one of the most beautiful palace of the world. Jag Niwas, the Lake Palace in Udaipur, can be easily termed as the best example of the Rajasthani architecture. After having enjoyed leisurely sightseeing of Udaipur, spend rest of the day at leisure or relax. Return to Udaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Real Rajasthan Tour will take you today the ‘Blue City of Rajasthan’- Jodhpur. Having taken delicious breakfast, check out from Udaipur hotel and proceed for Jodhpur. On the way to Jodhpur, stop at Ranakpur, a renowned Jain pilgrimage. Ranakpur is one of the most famous Jain temple towns of Rajasthan, India. Visit Ranakpur temple, located in pleasant idyllic set up. Built of light coloured marble, Ranakpur temple of the Jain is constructed in ‘chaumukha’ style on an area of 60X62 metres with more than 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars.

After visiting Ranakpur temple, proceed for Jodhpur which is almost 190 kms away from here. Our representative will receive you on arrival at Jodhpur and ensure your fuss-free check in at pre-booked Jodhpur hotel for overnight stay.

On 10th day of Real Rajasthan Tour, you will be taken to craftsmen villages of Bishnoi tribe. Having enjoyed delicious breakfast in Jodhpur hotel, move on an excursion to Bishnoi village to have a look of real rural life in a Rajasthani village and villagers’ skill sets and value systems. Enjoy mingling with rural folks, participate in religious rituals & experience real Rajasthan. The Bishnois, a non-violent and nature loving sect of Hindu religion, are known for their harmonious co-existence with the nature and the animals. The Bishnoi community is known for its craftsmanship.

After Bishnoi village excursion, return to Jodhpur city to have lunch in a city restaurant and visit famous monuments of Jodhpur like rugged Mehrangarh Fort (one of best preserved forts of Rajasthan), Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum (part of it a luxury heritage hotel, royal residence and museum), Jaswant Thada (known as Taj Mahal of Rajasthan- a royal cenotaph memorial) and Clock Tower. Also explore the famous Sardar Market. After exploring local market, return to Jodhpur hotel for overnight stay.

The next stoppage on your Real Rajasthan Tour is Jaisalmer. Having taken succulent breakfast in Jodhpur hotel, depart for Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City of Rajasthan’. Our representative will receive you on arrival at Jodhpur and ensure your smooth check in at pre-booked Jodhpur hotel. Relax a bit and have lunch in Jaisalmer restaurant. Hereinafter, move on a half day leisurely sightseeing tour of havelis of Jaisalmer. The half-day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer will include prominent havelis like Nathmalji-ki-Haveli & Patwon -ki-Haveli along with Manak Chowk. Manak Chowk is the 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.

After having delicious breakfast in Jaisalmer hotel, move on for visiting Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as “Sonar Qila (Golden Fort)”. The Jaisalmer Fort is a live fort with a whole city built inside and being inhabited by local people. Built of golden sandstone in 12th century on Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is fortified with 30 ft high walls with 99 bastions. Jaisalmer Fort is home to several archaeological and historical masterpieces like Hindu and Jain Temples, palaces, havelis, mansions, libraries etc. Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan.

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. The camel safari, night-stay in tented accommodation in Thar Desert and dinner on sand dunes while folk dance and music being performed will be incredible aspects of real Rajasthan. Explore and enjoy desert traditions, folk culture and desert ways during your Jaisalmer camel safari with Optima India Tourism. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer tent/hut.

The distance between Jaisalmer and Bikaner is the longest stretch between two destinations in Real Rajasthan Tour itinerary. As a significant chunk of day will get consumed in travelling, you are required to move from Jaisalmer at the earliest so that you have enough time to visit maximum number of monuments in Bikaner. Have breakfast in tent in Jaisalmer and proceed for Bikaner. You will be received by a representative of Optima India Tourism on arrival in Bikaner and transferred to Bikaner hotel.

Get relaxed for a while and proceed along with Bikaner tour guide to visit famous monuments and tourist attractions of Bikaner which primarily include 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.

Many a times, when a visitor finds oneself too tired to visit all the monuments of Bikaner at the time of arrival, he visits the leftovers today in Bikaner and then departs for Mandawa, after taking sumptuous breakfast in Bikaner hotel. It takes approximately four hours to reach Mandawa, a village town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. On arrival at Mandawa, representative of Optima India Tourism will assist you check in at Mandawa hotel. Mandawa tour guide will be introduced with you in the hotel lobby. After relaxing a bit move out to visit Mandawa, known as ‘open Art Gallery’ due to large number of mansions (havelis) beautified by fresco paintings depicting mythological and historical themes. Famous havelis are Gulab Bai Wadia Haveli, Ganeriwala Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Kanoria Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Nandlal Murmuriya Haveli, Thakurji Dedraj Tarmal Haveli, Ladiya Haveli, Neowatia Haveli, Laduram Haveli and Chokhani Haveli. You have ample time to for exploration of culture, handicrafts market & rural lifestyle. After exploring Mandawa, in time return back to the hotel for overnight stay in Mandawa.

Having taken delicious breakfast and spending morning leisurely, proceed from Mandawa to New Delhi around 11 am. Midway Delhi, have lunch and drive for New Delhi. You will be arriving Delhi around 5-6 pm. Explore any nearby market and have dinner in New Delhi restaurant around 8 pm and proceed for New Delhi International airport to board flight for your onward destination. Hence you will be around 4 hours prior to flight at the airport.