ROYAL RAJASTHAN - 8N9D

Day 1 : Arrival at Jaipur - Jaipur Half Day Sightseeing

Arrive at Sanganer International Airport in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is also popularly known as "The Pink City" dotted with grand palaces, hilltop forts, lively bazaars and a host of eateries. Check into your hotel and relax. Later embark on a half day city tour covering City Palace & Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal & Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Proceed for half day local sightseeing city tour. Visit City Palace & Museum. There are two parts of the palace, one which is opened for the public and also has a museum, and the other for the residence of the royal family, the descendants who live here even now. The magnetic beauty of the City Palace attracts many tourists throughout the year. The palace has impressive palaces like Chandra Palace and Mubarak Palace, museum, beautiful frescos, mirror works, colored stone inlays and the astonishing peacock gate. Other prime attractions are Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Bhaggi Khana, Maharani Palace and the Govind Dev Ji Temple, an 18th century structure.

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) - one of the five astronomical complexes constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The advanced instruments in Jantar Mantar were useful in predicting eclipses, location of stars and the exact orbiting movements of the earth around the sun.

Take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. A unique feature about Hawa Mahal is that it does not stand on a foundation, the tallest such building in the world. Since there is no foundation, the structure stands at a leaning position at 87 degrees. Its best view is from outside because that is how you get to admire its magnitude and imperialism.

Visit Laxmi Narayan temple or Birla temple devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Birla Mandir is considered as one of the finest temples in India. The 3 domes of the temple signify the 3 religions that originated in this country.

Evening free for leisure to explore the local markets of Pink City well known for handicrafts, apparels, bags, footwear, jewellery etc. and enjoy the sumptuous Rajasthani cuisine. Overnight stay at Jaipur. less

 One of the famous items in the City Palace are two silver jars which have found place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver vessels in the world.

Day 2 : Full Day Jaipur Forts

We spend the day visiting the bazaars and the monuments in the Pinkcity and after lunch at the Amber Fort with elephant ride. We keep our evening engaged with stunning view of the Pinkcity from the hills of Nahargarh Fort and a breathtaking sunset and then sound & light show at Amber Fort. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 3 : Transfer from Jaipur to Bikaner Via Ajmer & Pushkar

After breakfast, Transfer to Jodhpur (330 Km /6 hrs). Enroute visit Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah, Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara, Ana Sagar Lake & drive to Pushkar, visit various temples and Ghats and holy Pushkar Lake. There are more than 400 hundred temples in Pushkar but the main attraction being the temple of Lord Brahma, the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. Later drive to Bikaner. Check into your hotel and relax. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4 : Bikaner Half Day Sightseeing - Transfer from Bikaner to Jaisalmer

After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Junagarh Fort, the only fort built on plain unlike other forts built on hilly terrain and remained almost unconquered throughout its history. Inside the fort there are 37 palaces, temples and pavilions. All these structures are marvels in red sandstone. Each palace in the Junagarh fort complex was built by a different ruler over the centuries. Popular architectural attractions in the fort are - Anup Mahal, Rang Mahal, Gaj Mandir, Durga Niwas and Prachina Museum. This museum has the best collection of Armory belonging to the Middle age. Later visit Lallgarh Palace & Asia's biggest Camel breeding farm to watch different breeds of Camels. Later proceed to Jaisalmer (330Kms/5hrs). Its also known as Golden City because of the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture ogiving a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area. Upon arrival check into your hotel. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Day 5 : Full Day Jaisalmer Local Sightseeing

Post breakfast proceed for full day local sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon-ki-haveli, Nathmal-ki-haveli, Salim singh-ki-Haveli & Gadisar lake.

Jaisalmer Fort is considered as the glory of Jaisalmer and it is located in the center of the city. It is also known as 'Sonar Kila' or 'Golden Fort' because this yellow sandstone fort shines like gold at sunset. Inside the fort complex, tourists can find several architectural buildings which include palaces, houses and temples all made up of soft yellow sandstone. The most visited places of this fort are the Raj Mahal, The Jain temple, Laxmikanth Temples, Tazia tower, Jawahar Palace etc. The Jain Temple is a must see as these are distinctive architectural style, beautifully carved and completely made up of yellow sandstone.

Patwon Ki Haveli-: The Haveli of Patwon is situated near the Patwa campus and is Jaisalmer's first mansion. There are five havelis in the entire complex, which was built by Guman Chand Patwa in 1805 for their five sons. It took 50 years to build this yellow sandstone building. The Havelis are dipped in an enchanting shade of gold and famous for its exquisite carvings, fine wall paintings, beautiful jharokhas (balconies), archways and gateways.

Nathmal Ki Haveli -: Nathmalji's haveli is located in the center of Jaisalmer city. It is famous for its architectural style, which is the fusion of Rajput and Mughal design. This mansion was built by Maharajal Barisal in the form of residence of Diwan Mohata Nathal. In the attractive temple of the building, shapes of birds, elephants, flowers, bicycles, steam engines and soldiers were made. Tourists can see many emerging images of cattle, horses, and flowers on the building's walls.

Gadsisar lake -: A man-made water reservoir, the Gadisar Lake was once the only source of water in Jaisalmer. Constructed by the first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, it is surrounded by temples and ghats (banks). Spend some peaceful time in the serene surroundings of the lake or choose to go boating as well. One can also see many migratory birds on the lake.

Sam Sand Dunes - 40Kms from Jaisalmer City, Sam sand dunes offer the most unique way of experiencing Rajasthan. This place offers a plethora of activities like Camel Safari, Jeep Safari, Camping in tents with live music, folk dance performances and mouth watering Rajasthani cuisine in the tranquility of the Desert. Both Sunrise & Sunset are worth watching.

Overnight stay in Jaisalmer hotel or desert camp.

 Enjoy a Camelback Safari or 4X4 Jeep till the Sunset point to get spectacular views of Thar desert.

Day 6: Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur (330 kms / 6 hrs). On arrival check in to your hotel and relax. Evening free for own activity. Overnight stay at Jodhpur.

Day7 : Jodhpur Half day Sightseeing & Transfer To Udaipur

After breakfast start for half day sightseeing covering Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. After that transfer to Udaipur. On arrival check-in to your hotel. In the evening take a breathtaking boat tour over the picturesque Lake Pichola (at your own cost) to admire the royal buildings around the Lake and enjoy the scenic sunset view. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. Overnight stay at Udaipur.

Day 8: Day Excursion to Chittorgarh

Post breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Chittorgarh - the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan.
Visit Chittorgarh Fort. Its a massive hilltop fort depicting Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below. The fort is known for its seven gates namely Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate and the main gate which is named after Lord Ram.The entire fort is built in such a way that it makes it almost impregnable for the enemies to enter. To ascend the fort, one has to go through a difficult path, which itself proves that the architectural design of the fort was aimed at keeping the enemies at bay. This is one of the main reasons why the fort was sieged by various kings at regular intervals. It was also also known as "Water Fort" as it contained 84 water bodies inside its grounds, of which 22 exist today. Other major attractions are Padmini Palace, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Kalika Mata Temple, Meera Temple, Gaumukh Reservoir, Victory Tower "Vijay Stambha" & Tower of fame "Kirti Stambha". The tower of the fort is nine storeyed and is adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities and stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The tower provides a breathtaking view of the city.

Visit Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to animals like Jackals, Hyenas, Cheetah and other wild cats, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Langur, Four Horned Antelopes, etc. Tourists can also explore the Bassi and Orai Dams which are located near the sanctuary. The dam reservoirs are frequently visited by animals for drinking water.
Evening return back to Udaipur. Overnight stay at Udaipur.

Day 9 : Half Day Udaipur Sightseeing and Deparute from Udaipur

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed for half day city tour at Udaipur. Explore the imposing Udaipur City Palace, with its exotic gardens, stunning vistas and fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next, visit the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, a striking tribute to the Hindu Gods.

Udaipur City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan and former home of the Kings. The Palace is now an assortment of Mahals, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. Prime attractions of City Palace are Amar Vilas, Fateprakash Palace, Krishna Vilas, Manak Mahal, Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Mahal & Rang Bhawan. See the ancient paintings, Royal attire and souvenirs from historic battles.

Crystal Gallery (entry at own cost) located in Fateh Prakash Palace exhibits a collection of antique crystal objects. It displays a collection of Oslers Crystals that were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England. This 129 years old gallery is home to a collection of crystals that were sourced around 1877 AD. A mosaic of peacocks and the paintings, which is unique in the world, can be seen in the Dilkhush Mahal (Palace of Joy), which lies next to the gallery. Corking mirror work adorns the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace).

Visit Jagsish Temple, built by Maharana Jagat Singh and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is built with Indo-Aryan style of construction, and it gives the temple a rather distinct nature that can’t be overlooked. Lush halls, a carved ceiling and pillars, along with gorgeously painted halls are some of the highlights of Jagdish temple. The temple is three-storied and 79 feet high, which can prominently be seen in the skyline of Udaipur.

Later get a drop to Udaipur Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey