CLASSICAL RAJASTHAN

13 Days / 12 Nights

Destinations Covered: Delhi – Jaipur– Jodhpur – Udaipur – Bundi – Ranthambhore- Agra -Delhi

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN DELHI

Welcome to India! 

Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will meet with Noble Escape Journeys representative with traditional and sacred marigold flower garland. Transfer to your hotel where a traditional welcome with aarti & tika ceremony awaits you. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.

Room available from 1400 hrs onwards – Early checking is subject to availability. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI OF SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing tour.

Old Delhi: - After breakfast, visit Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandni Chowk. Today, it is a busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. 

Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi followed by a visit to Jama Masjid: - Here, you will enjoy the rickshaw ride tour through the narrow bylanes of Chandni Chowk. Also visit one of India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid. This mosque is amongst the final architectural extravagances of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It was constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Raj Ghat: - Afterwards, board your waiting vehicle and drive to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notable personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others.

Later proceed for New Delhi sightseeing tour. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, (UNESCO world heritage site) the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.  Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour, and fine fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.

Time at leisure for lunch at local restaurant Near India gate. (Direct payment)

From here, drive to Qutub Minar complex, which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India.  The Qutub Minar itself was begun in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successors.  This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. 

Later drive past India Gate, Presidential palace, Parliament house  Lutyen Delhi and get a chance to admire the colonial grandeurs and the important government complexes of the country. Named after the leading British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire.

Overnight stay at the Hotel. 

DAY 03: DRIVE FROM DELHI TO JAIPUR (256 KMS/ 05-HOUR DRIVE)

Today after breakfast drive to Jaipur.

Upon arrival checkin at the hotel. 

 Rest of the day free at leisure.    

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04: JAIPUR

This morning after breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Amber fort (UNESCO world heritage site). Ascend the fort on a Jeep. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the fort belie the beauty inside – a paradise of sorts. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, as well as festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded in the plaster.

On the way to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Continue with your sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence. Part of it is now converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. There are many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled over Amer, and planned and built the outer walls of the palace, while later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum, which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Free time for lunch at local restaurants in the vicinity on direct payment.

Post lunch visit the Jantar Mantar, (UNESCO world heritage site) which is home to brilliant medieval-era geometric devices for tracking constellations, observing the orbits around the sun, measuring time and many other pursuits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet. Even some of the devices here are the largest among other similar devices ever built.

Later drive back to hotel.

Ovenright stay at Hotel

DAY 05: Jaipur – Jodhpur (approx 330 kms 7 hours)

Breakfast at hotel .

Drive to Jodhpur & check-in at hotel.

Jodhpur – the bustling desert city, also known as the “Sun City” as it has bright and sunny weather throughout the year. It was formerly the seat of a princely state & the capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. 

Later visit Mehrangarh Fort:

Mighty Mehrangarh which is an architectural masterpiece and a magnificent fort that towers over the Blue City. Rising up a hilly scarp this was built on the advise of a hermit. Inside the fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. After the visit of the Fort walk down the steep path into the winding roads of the old city where each twist and turn will envelop you in the daily on goings of the old city. 

Walk through Old Bazaar and clock tower.

Over night at Hotel.

DAY 06: Jodhpur to Udaipur (approx 260 kms 6 hours)

Breakfast at hotel. 

Drive to Udaipur. En-route we stop at Ranakpur to visit the famous Jain temples (open at 12 noon onwards).

Ranakpur: situated 98 km from Udaipur, nestled in the quiet, picturesque Aravali Hills, is this famous Jain pilgrimage centre. The temples here, date back to the 15th century. The 29, exquisitely wrought halls are supported by 1,444 pillars - of which no two are alike. Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. 

Continue your drive to Udaipur, Also known as Venice of the East and one of the most romantic cities in India!

Check in at Hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 07: In Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel. 

Proceed for sightseeing of Udaipur. 

Royal Lakes and Palaces of Rajasthan:

The picturesque city of lakes and innumerable palaces dotting the banks of Lake Pichola  

Visit the Magnificent City Palace, an enormous edifice that stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single stunning façade. Walk through the bustling colorful by-lanes of Rajasthani Bazaar with rich folk art and craft. Jostle with the camels and the rickshaws and visit the gentle holy temples in every crook and corner. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari. Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. It is said he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period. 

Sunset Hues on the Royal Palaces on seat sharing basis:

At sundown, take a cruise around Lake Picholla on a local boat. Sit back and watch the lights of the City Palace cast its reflection on the still waters of the lake.

Overnight at Hotel. 

DAY 08: DRIVE FROM UDAIPUR TO BUNDI (205 KMS / 04 HRS) via CHITTORGARH

After breakfast drive to Bundi enroute visiting Chittaurgarh.

It is one of the largest forts in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the capital of Mewar from the 7th century till 1558 when Maharana Udai Singh II shifted his capital to                                                               

After visit continue drive to Bundi, upon arrival check in to hotel.

Bundi is a district in state of Rajasthan. The district headquarters is the town of Bundi.  Bundi is divided into six tehsils, six towns and five panchayat samitis. Bundi has been rightly termed as the queen of Hadoti. Bundi is very famous for its palaces, forts, step wells and chhatris with carved pillars. The mural adorned palaces, the forts and the monuments tell tales about the glorious past of the city.  Bundi takes proud in its rich history which is full tales of bravery and sacrifice. This city is surrounded by hills on the 3 sides, making it a picturesque location. Its location combined with the historical architectures, make the city an important part of the state’s tourism map.

Later on process to half day sightseeing of Bundi.

Surrounded by the hills of the Aravalli range on three sides, Bundi is located at 35-40 mins away from Kota. It has a medieval flavour and seems quite untouched by time. The Taragarh fort towers over the city and commands a marvellous view of the plains of Hadaoti. On your half day tour of this city, visit the Bundi Palace, notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes and trek up to the Chitra Shala (picture gallery) which has some outstanding paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna.

Overnight at Hotel. 

DAY 09: DRIVE FROM BUNDI TO RANTHAMBHORE 175 KMS / 03 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Ranthambhore, upon arrival check in to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 10:  RANTHAMBORE

Go for an early-morning & Afternoon game drive.

In fact, dawn is one of the best times, for spotting the elusive Bengal Tiger. Besides tigers, the park is full of other exotic wildlife such as leopards, wild boars, and different species of deer, to name just a few. After the safari, head back to the hotel for breakfast. You'll get some leisure time to relax by the hotel’s pool, before venturing back into the wilderness for your second and final game drive. Besides wildlife, the park also offers a wealth of history, most notably, the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. There are quite a few other interesting historical attractions as well.

Evening: enjoy the farm dinner. 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

 DAY 11: TRAIN RANTHAMBHORE / SAWAI MADHOPUR TO BHARATPUR & DRIVE TO AGRA via FATEHPURSIKRI

Today early in the morning, transfer Sawaimadhopur railway station to board train Kota Jan Shatabdi Express (0710/0925 hrs.) for Bharatpur.

Upon arrival at Bharatpur railway station transfer to hotel in Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

Located 40 Kms before from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

After visit continue drive to Agra, upon arrival check in to hotel.

Later on visit at The imposing Agra Fort.

When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace.  The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters, where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.

Overnight stay at hotel.

 DAY 12: DRIVE FROM AGRA TO DELHI (205 KMS / 04 HRS)         

Early morning sunrise visit Taj Mahal the Taj Mahal (closed Fridays).

Worked upon by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr.

Thereafter check out from hotel and drive to Delhi, upon arrival check in to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

 DAY 13: FINAL DEPARTURE DELHI

Our services end this day with an in-time transfer airport to connect flight for onward destination.

(No accommodation envisaged this day)

 

                                                                        “End of our services”