Experience the past and living cultures of the Rajasthan desert, India's most colourful region
where sandstone and marbled temples, forts, monuments and palaces showcase the splendour of the Mughal dynasty. Highlights include old and new Delhi, Agra's Taj Mahal and Red Fort, and the royal Mughal cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodphur. We experience tranquil lakes, vast sand dunes and the unique desert anmials found here. We also travel into the hidden heartland, the pilgrim centres of Mandawa, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jamba where tribal heritage thrives. During some of the many Rajasthan fairs and festivals we set up special tented camps to enjoy the festivities.
2012 Departure Dates & Costs
Daily based on 2 or more persons
* Rajasthan is the centre for many colourful Indian festivals - Ask for festival dates that might occur during your visit!
Tour cost: $ 2,520 USD per person based on twin sharing
Single Supplement $ 920 USD
Domestic airfare Udaipur/Delhi included
Customized programs available on request to suit your timeline and interests
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI 
Upon arrival meet and assisted with transfer to the Hotel for two nights at the Ashok Country Resort.
DAY 2: DELHI (B,L)
Morning to explore Old Delhi, wandering amongst a myriad of people and sites. We visit the inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Our first stop is Raj Ghat, Mahatma Ghandi's cremation site. Driving past the Red Fort (we will visit the much grander Red Fort of Agra), we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which will take us into the heart of Chandini Chowke (the Silver Square, so named because of its lively silver trade). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower, we end up at the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Lunch included. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 3: DELHI/AGRA (B)
Morning express train to Agra. Check in at the Holiday Inn. Some time to rest. Afternoon to visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It is an almost perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty. Three great Mughals - Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jehan, each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex, successively occupied the fort, approachable through its two lofty main portals on the west and south. Shah Jahan died here, imprisoned by his son, gazing at the Taj Mahal he had built in memory of his wife. 
Watching the sun set over the Taj Mahal is a spectacular start to this day. Rays of the sun cast a pink hue on the white marble of the Taj. The Taj Mahal, the most famous Mughal monument, constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, is the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Construction of the Taj began in 1632 and was not completed until 1653. A total of 20,000 people worked on this building. As you tread the marble paths and steps, as millions have done for centuries before you, you can only marvel at the architectural brilliance of this structure and the commitment that caused it to be built.
DAY 4: AGRA/FATEHPUR SIKRI/JAIPUR (B,L)
Morning depart for Fateh-pur-Sikri. In the late 16th century the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great built this fort and palace, to relocate his capital from Agra. After 14 years there was not enough water to support the population, so Fatepur was abandoned and the Red Fort in Agra was once again the Mughal Capital. Akbar built the city to celebrate the birth of an heir (the future Emperor Jehangir). It is a perfectly preserved moment of Mughal history and an exquisite memorial to the genius of Akbar. The dryness that plagued Akbar and forced him to abandon his dream city has remarkably preserved the graceful buildings within the city, including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chiste, Panch Mahal and other palaces. Drive to Jaipur. Overnight Alsisar Haveli for 2 nights.
DAY 5: JAIPUR (B,L)
Morning city tour. Jaipur "The Pink City" is the capital of Rajasthan State. In the afternoon depart for a city tour. Maharaja Jai Singh II, the celebrated ruler, statesman and astronomer, founded the pink city in the early 18th century. Jaipur is a walled city with seven gates. Spacious market squares at all cross roads are replete with goods of diverse kinds. This city is made of local red sandstone. Important sights to visit are Hawa Mahal known as the Palace of Winds. Its delicate honeycomb design glows in the evening light like some fantastic nuptial cake. Maharaja Jai Singh's observatory, Jantar-Mantar is the most famous of the five observatories he built in different cities. Located in the spacious Ram Niwas Garden is the Central Museum containing vast collection of metal ware, ivory carvings, jewelry, textiles and pottery. A fine collection of paintings and sculptures can also be found here. Jaipur is famous for silk, handicrafts, precious stones and traditional jewelry. 
Afternoon drive to Amber Fort, situated 11 kms. from Jaipur on Jaipur-Delhi highway. Visit the fort on elephant back. The palace of the local rulers, known as the Amber fort, was built in the 17th century on a hilltop overlooking a lake. The towers and the domes of the Amber Palace are reminiscent of scenes from some fairy tales. Its walls of victory are richly decorated with panels of alabaster with fine tendered hues, together with every kind of workmanship for which Jaipur is known.
DAY 6: JAIPUR/MANDAWA (B)
Drive to Mandawa overnight Castle Mandawa. Visit the Shekhawati area. Mandawa lies in the heart of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India and is basically a municipal town of the Jhunjhunu district. Mandawa is also known as Rajasthan's ''open art gallery", as the entire region is adorned with artistically painted havelis, mansions and homes. Some of the popular havelis that have become important tourist destinations are the Ladia haveli, the Chokhan haveli, the Binsidhar haveli, the Gulab Rai haveli and the Newatia haveli.
DAY 7: JAIPUR/ JAMBA (B,L,D)
Experience the desert cultures and wildlife enroute to Jamba. 2 nights at Dera Sand dune Resort, one of India's best kept secrets. Set amid the timeless desert landscape of Rajasthan, it is situated atop a 130 feet high sand dune.
DAY 8: JAMBA (B,L,D)
Day to experience the magic of the desert.
DAY 9: JAMBA/JAISALMER (B)
Drive to Jaisalmer overnight 2 nights at the Jawahar Niwas.
The name JAISALMER evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer. There is a fort that seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.
DAY 10: JAISALMER (B,L)
Drive into the desert for a day of nature & cultural enjoyment.
DAY 11: JAISALMER/JODHPUR (B,L)
Drive to Jodhpur situated on the edge of the great Thar desert. This is one of the most fascinating cities in India. Immense walls six miles in circumference encircle the city, an exotic jumble of narrow streets and colourful bazaars. 1 night Ranbanka. 
DAY 12: JODHPUR/UDAIPUR (B,L)
Drive to Udaipur. Stop enroute at the Jain temple in Ranakpur. Afternoon sightseeing of the capital of Mewar to see the City Palace, the Museum, Sahelion-Ki-Bari Garden and an evening cruise on Lake Pachola. Overnight Udai Kothi or similar 2 nights.
DAY 13: UDAIPUR (B)
Day tour to explore the fabulous city of Udaipur. The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice of East. It has five beautiful lakes, stunning royal palaces, forts, garden, temples, mountains, gardens, mansions, window-shopping streets. It has always been a lovely place for Film Shoots, Royal Parties and Special Events.
DAY 14: UDAIPUR/DELHI (B)
At leisure until your flight to Delhi. Overnight Ashok Country Resort.
DAY 15: DELHI DEPARTURE (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight out.
EXTENSIONS ARRANGED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS
