Join this awe-inspiring 11-day trip and discover the majestic history of Rajasthan. Unveil the beauty of contrasts of Old and New Delhi, and get lost between the colorful architecture of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Travel back in time, discovering its magnitude of impressive Ambert and Agra Forts, and enjoy the sensational boat ride through the lake Pichola. Varanasi will let you to enter into its microcosm of Hinduism and you will become a part of an Aarti ceremony to be blessed by the Mother Ganga. This trip combines contrasts and cultural riches with all the magic of Rajasthan and is for travelers who want to know more about its unique charm and attractiveness.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Delhi: A bustling metropolis, the gateway to the country and a unique blend of ancient architecture and traditions and a modern vibe.
Agra: Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is a must-see city, and not just for the most romantic monument in the world, but also for Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Udaipur: The ‘City of Lakes’ nestled in the lush green hills of the Aravalli Range. Udaipur is the perfect mix of beautiful scenery, architecture, cultural heritage and the rush of modern-day life.
Jodhpur: The ‘Blue City’ will captivate you with its azure architectures and its majestic hill fortress with panoramic views over the city.
Jaipur: The ‘Pink City’ is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic destinations and has inspired the work of many local writers and poets.
Varanasi: the oldest and holiest city of the world, pilgrims came here to burn their beloved to free their souls during the Aarti ritual
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport. After landing, a tour representative will be waiting to meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to the hotel for check-in. If time allows, head out into the city for your first taste of Delhi. The capital of India is a bustling metropolis where the past and the present collide. Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, the city is a feast for all your senses.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning discovering Old Delhi, and get to know some of the most important historical and cultural attractions of the capital. View the great mosque of Jama Masjid, passing by the Red Fort on the way. The mosque, which dates back to the 17th century, is located in Chandi Chowk, the bustling and rustic old town of Delhi. Next, visit the Raj Ghat, a moving monument commemorating the life of Gandhi. In the afternoon, the tour of the most emblematic places of New Delhi, starting at the medieval minaret of Qutub Minar. At 73 meters, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is considered one of the most important examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue the tour through the Rashtrapati Bhavan district, where all the important government buildings and the national parliament are located as well as the Gateway of India, all these great examples of the political power of the zenith of the British Empire in India.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: DELHI – UDAIPUR (1.5 hrs by flight; not included)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Delhi Airport for a connecting flight to Udaipur (not included, we recommend booking the Air India flight AI 471 or 6E 2554). Upon arrival, a tour representative will greet you at the airport, transfer you to the hotel and assist with check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 4: UDAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel and then we will visit the fascinating City Palace, made of limestone, and an authentic museum decorated with exquisite works in mirrors, tiles, miniatures and multicolored mosaics that adorn its beautiful rooms. We will see the Jagdish Temple, a temple dedicated to God Vishnu that has an image of the god Vishnu or Jaganath (The God of the Universe), Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens) and a regular boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to conditions). from the lake). Rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 5: UDAIPUR – RANAKPUR – JODHPUR (290 km – 6 hrs)
In the morning, after breakfast, drive towards Jodhpur. On the way, we will visit the famous temples of Ranakpur, which dates back to the 15th century. This example of Jainism is one of the most exceptional that exists in the country. The complex is located in a beautiful valley between the green hills of the Aravalli mountain range. The main temple is made entirely of marble, with 1,444 carved columns, each with different motifs. We continue by road to Jodhpur, the 'Blue City', with check-in at the hotel upon arrival.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 6: JODHPUR – PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (350 km – 7 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we will tour the city, founded in 1485 by Maharaja Jodha. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort stands majestically above the ground. Built on the top of a large rock, 120 meters high, it is the most important monument in the city. From its walls you can see a beautiful panorama of the city and inside you can see beautiful medieval rooms. Then drive to Jaipur en route visiting Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. We will contemplate Pushkar lake. The lake is considered one of the holiest places in the world for Hindus and there is a belief that a dip in the lake's waters on Kartika Purnima is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years (yagnas or iagñas are oblation rituals ). Then we will enjoy a walk through the streets and markets that are in the center of the city. Then drive to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7: JAIPUR
In the morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Amber Fort, located in the ancient capital of the area until 1727. Climb in the fort by Jeep. The great fort is well preserved and stands out from a large hall decorated with mirrors of the Jagmandir and the small but beautiful temple of the goddess Kali. We will visit the 'pink city' that includes the city palace, the astronomical observatory, the Palace of the Winds and the streets with their inimitable markets. When finished, we return to Jaipur to have the afternoon free.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (250 km – 6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel followed by departure to Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient capital that was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and then abandoned after 15 years due to lack of water. Built entirely in red sandstone, you can see grandiose palaces and a short distance away from the Jama Mosque that houses the tomb of Saint Salim Chisti. We continue en route and arrive at Agra where we check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the Taj Mahal, the ode written in marble that has captivated the world with its beauty. The mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan, the bereaved Mughal emperor, after his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died in childbirth. For 22 years, the emperor recruited the best craftsmen, masons, and architects from faraway places like Italy and France to build this majestic monument.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 9: AGRA – DELHI (235 km - 4.5 hrs) / DELHI - VARANASI (1.5 hrs, by flight; not included)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting Agra Fort, whose red sandstone bastions protect a dozen beautiful Mughal palaces and pavilions. Explore the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), where the emperor entertained his subjects, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), where he dealt with foreign dignitaries. After the tour, you will continue driving to Delhi International Airport to board the flight to Varanasi (not included; recommended flight Air India AI 427 or SG 2538). Upon your arrival meet and greet by our tour representative, who will assist you with the transfer and check-in to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 10: VARANASI
Early departure for a boat ride on the Ganges (Subject to the water level in the Ganges river), to observe from the boat the purification rituals, sacred baths and religious mantras that distinguish the atmosphere of the city. We return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon excursion to Sarnath, 12 km from Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Due to the sanctity of the place it quickly became the main pilgrimage site for Buddhists within India. At night we will go to ghat to attend a ceremony dedicated to the Ganges river (subject to weather conditions during monsoon).
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 11: VARANASI – DEPARTURE DELHI (1.5 hrs, by flight; not included)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and at the appropriate time, transfer to Varanasi Airport to board your onward flight back to Delhi. Upon your arrival there will be our tour representative waiting for your and will assist you to take your return flight to your following destination.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
