Jewels of Rajasthan with Indian Capital & Taj Mahal – 14 Days

As per your flight time, the TravelAstu company representative will receive you from the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. He will be in the airport with a paging board of your name along with the logo of TravelAstu. In the hotel, he will give you a print copy of all travel documents like travel itinerary, hotel vouchers (if you are booking with us), train and flight tickets (if any).

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

If you are arriving Delhi in the morning or noon, we will give you Tour of Delhi.

Visit –

• LOTUS TEMPLE,
• AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE,
• INDIA GATE,
• PRESIDENT HOUSE,
• PARLIAMENT BULIDING.

Then, we invite you to have Indian cooking demo experience in the local Hindu family home. Learn Indian food cooking and also have family sharing special Thali dinner with them. If you are women travellers, they will design Henna Mehandi Tattoo on your hands and also show you how to dress Sari. Overnight will be at Delhi.

After breakfast drive to Mandawa. Arrive and check in at hotel. The 18th century princely state, Mandawa, in Rajasthan, is also known as an ‘open art gallery’ for its beautifully painted havelis (mansions).

Visit

• GOENKA HAVELI,
• MURMURIA HAVELI,
• HAVELIS OF MANDAWA,
• MOHAN LAL SARAF HAVELI,
• GULAB RAI LADIA HAVELI OR NAWALGARH / DUNLOD,
• FATEHPUR MANDAWA.

Overnight at Mandawa.

After breakfast proceed to Bikaner.

Reach Bikaner, hotel check-in.

Then visit –

• Junagarh Fort: Built on plains unlike all major Forts of Rajasthan.
• Camel Breeding Farm and The famous Rat Temple at Deshnok.
• Lalgarh Palace: Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902 in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji.
• Gajner Fort: Gajner Palace is located on the banks of a lake. Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji constructed the Palace.  

Night in Bikaner.

After breakfast, relax. Later proceed for Jaisalmer.

JAISALMER: It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert.  Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. 

Reach and check into the camp/resort.

Evening visit will be in sand & dunes village. Have Camel Ride experience in desert & dunes. Have your dinner in desert with cultural Rajasthani dance and music.

Overnight will be in Jaisalmer Desert Camp.

After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer.

Visit the JAISALMER FORT – The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

Enjoy the sightseeing of the following places out of which the JAIN TEMPLES are inside the fort.

NATHMAL KI HAVELI: Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolies the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.

SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI: This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.

PATWON JI KI HAVELI: This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

TAZIA TOWER: The delicate pagoda like TaziaTower rises from BadalMahal (CloudPalace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron

GODI SAGAR LAKE: This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon. When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he was away, she built the gate, adding a Krishna temple on top so that king could not tear it down.

JAIN TEMPLES: These fine Jain temples were built in the 12^th to 15^th century, within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rikhab Devji and Sambhavnath Ji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex.

Night in Jaisalmer.

Start drive for Jodhpur after breakfast.

On the way visit miracles Bullet Baba temple: The temple is dedicated to a folk deity named Om Singh Rathore, also known as Bullet Baba, and his 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.

According to local folklore, Om Singh Rathore died in a motorcycle accident in 1988. The police took the bike into custody, but it mysteriously disappeared and reappeared at the accident site the next day. This happened multiple times, and villagers eventually built a shrine at the site and began worshipping the bike as a deity. Devotees believe that Om Banna's spirit protects travelers on the road and helps lost people. They offer flowers, coconuts, prasad, and miniature liquor bottles at the temple

The reach Joshpur. Hotel check-in.

JODHPUR: Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15^th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains.

If time available, evening will be free to explore local market and Clock Tower. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.

After completing Jodhpur city tour, drive to Udaipur.

One the way visit RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLES.

Then drive to Udaipur and hotel check-in. Night stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, start Udaipur sightseeing tour. Visit -

• City Palace
• Lake Pichola (Highlight of Udaipur. Must do Boat cruise ride to go Jagmandir Iseland Palace)
• Shaheliyon Ki Bari
• Jagdish Temple
• If you interested we will also take you to Bagore ki Haveli for Dharohar Live puppet and cultural dance show which is highlight of Udaipur.

Night in Udaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Chittorgarh and sightseeing of Chittorgarh Fort.

Then drive to Pushkar.

PUSHKAR: Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. The place is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of India. Pushkar is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 km from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar – the snake mountain.

Night in Pushkar.

After breakfast, proceed for the city sightseeing of Pushkar.

The town clings to the side of the Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search).

Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.

Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. It is also often referred to as the rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Savitri Temple: A temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma the Savitri temple is located on the hill behind the BrahmaTemple which can be reached by a flight of steps. The temple offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding desertscape.  Reach Savitri Temple by CABLE CAR.

The Brahma Temple: It is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple is marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway us a beautiful statue carrier of Lord Brahma. Night in Pushkar.

Relax breakfast and enjoy nearby there and then check-out and drive to Jaipur (The Pink City).

Reach Jaipur, check-in hotel.

JAIPUR: Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

This evening, visit Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji Temple - The word Moti Doongri translates into a hill made of pearl because of its striking resemblance to a pearl drop. It is famous for the beautiful shrine of Lord Ganesh that was made by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal in the 18th century. This is one of the most significant temples in Jaipur.

Then the Laxmi Narayan Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Night in Jaipur.

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Reach Amber Fort.

You can experience Elephant ride from parking of Amber to Amber Fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Click pictures near Jal Mahal (Water Place). Continue sightseeing….

CITY PALACE – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

You can also visit ALBERT HALL MUSEUM – One of the biggest and finest museum of Asia where you will not only see historical things of India also from other countries and you will see their Mummy from Egypt.

If time available, we will take you to PATRIKA GATE which is beautiful by its design and very famous between instagrammer and photo video lovers.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

After breakfast drive to Agra.

En-route we will visitGalta Ji Monkey temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman (The Monkey God). This is one of the beautiful sightseeing spots as this temple is on Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills and you will go through beautiful hilly jungle and can see dancing peacocks, deer’s, wild boars, chirruping birds, apes and leopards (if you are lucky). In GaltaJi temple you will see more than hundreds of monkeys and they all are very familiar; they will come to your lap or shoulders without harming you and you can click pictures with them. You will also see a beautiful mountain waters pond in the premises of the Galta Ji temple.

After Galta Ji, drive to Agra and one more en-route sightseeing Abhaneri Village to see world famous Chand Baori Step well: ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS OF RAJASTHAN.

One of the largest step wells in the world, Chand Baori was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat. It was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals.

After finish, drive to Agra. Reach hotel and check-in. Overnight will be at Agra.

Wake up early and proceed for the sunrise view of the Taj Mahal at 5:30 AM (If weather is clean). If not than after breakfast start Taj Tour.

TAJ MAHAL - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Back to hotel and have breakfast. Little relax and later proceed for the city sightseeing of Agra.

AGRA FORT – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ or the ITMAD-UD-ULLAH – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. One of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb was built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jahangir for her father in 1628. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.

After completing Agra trip, drive to Delhi. As per your flight time transfer to hotel or airport. Go back home with incredible memories of north part of India with Team TravelAstu.

TOUR ENDS