Forts and Palaces Tour of Rajasthan,Rajasthan Forts Palaces,Forts and Palaces Tour in Rajasthan,Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Jodhpur - Roopangarh - Samode - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi 15 Days

The deserts and northern plains of Rajasthan are home to a spectacular collection of princely castles, palaces and forts. From the frescoed walls of Shekhawati to the impressive forts of the kingdoms of Marwar and Amber and the desert city of Jaisalmer, this tour encompasses both the familiar and the lesser known attractions of this diverse and dramatic region. This tour will enable you to experience the cultural heritage of the region.

Day 01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and assistance on arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in Asia), Red Fort (built between 1639-48 by the Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal) and the Rajghat (the cremation site of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi).
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi, drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD). Visit the Qutab Minar (72m high), the most perfect of towers of the Persian world. The drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), government buildings, India Gate, Birla Temple and Connaught Place.

Day 03 : Delhi - Mandawa (250 kms)
Morning drive west to the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival in Mandawa, check into Hotel Castle Mandawa / Desert Resorts for a two-day stay.

Throughout this area mansions and palaces are decorated inside and out with detailed, vivid paintings and frescoes.

Day 04 : Mandawa
Full day sightseeing tour of Shekhawati region - known as open art gallery - exploring the magnificent "havelis" (mansions), built by the rich merchants of the area and called "havelis " derived from the Persian word for "enclosed space".

Day 05 : Mandawa - Bikaner (200 kms)
Morning drive further west to Bikaner en route visiting the bustling town of Fatehpur, where almost every street is flanked with the painted walls of "havelis". Continue your drive to Bikaner and, upon arrival, check into hotel Lallgarh Palace / Laxmi Vilas Palace. Afternoon exploring the city, seeing the ancient Jain temples in the Old City, Junagarh Fort and the Camel Breeding farm, the first of its kind in Asia. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 kms)
Continue driving west to the desert city of Jaisalmer en route visiting Gajner and Pokaran. Gajner (a former hunting resort of the Bikaner royal family), Pokaran (a 14th century fort), Pokaran Citadel (previous known as Balagarh) of the Champawat Rathors, the mighty Rajput nobles of Marwar. Continue your drive to Jaisalmer and, upon arrival, check into Hotel Rajwada Fort / Gorbandh Palace for two nights.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer
Morning sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort (built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill), Salim Singh ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli, some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breathtaking intricacy.

Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes (45 kms). Take a short camel ride to view the sunset, which can be an unforgettable experience. Overnight at the hotel

Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Khimsar (305 kms)
Drive east to Khimsar, a tiny village on the fringe of the desert. En route visit Osian, which has 16 Jain and Vaishnava temples dating between the 8th to 11th centuries. They present the grandeur of Indian temple architecture. Continue your drive to Khimsar and check into Hotel Royal Castle, a unique 15th century castle converted into a hotel.

Afternoon jeep safari to view sunset at sand dunes with high tea. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 : Khimsar - Jodhpur (90 kms)
Morning visit the nearby medieval town of Nagaur, which possesses a fine 11th century mosque and fort. These monuments boast numerous relics from the days of the Great Emperor Akbar. Continue your drive to Jodhpur and upon arrival check into Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace, a vast building where the Maharaja still maintains his residence.

Afternoon visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (that reflects the city's glorious and troubled past), Jaswant Thada (the cenotaphs of the former rulers of Marwar) and Mandore (the ancient capital of the state of Marwar). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Jodhpur - Roopangarh (260 Kms)
Drive to Roopangarh via Ajmer to the excellently converted Roopangarh Fort for one night. Situated in the heart of Rajasthan, it is a very impressive building, built in 1653 as the capital for the Maharajas of Kishangarh

Day 11 : Roopangarh - Samode (170 Kms)
Morning drive to the wonderful village of Samode situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. Stay one night at the exquisitely converted Samode Palace/ Samode Bagh (in luxurious tents in beautiful gardens). Afternoon free to explore the nearby village on camel back. Over night at the hotel.

Day 12 : Samode - Jaipur (45kms)
Morning drive to Jaipur, en route visiting Amber Fort (located on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake). You will climb to the fort on gaily-caparisoned elephants. It is a stunning example of Rajput architecture. Upon arrival, check into the glorious Rambagh Palace for two Nights. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : Jaipur
Morning city tour of Jaipur, popularly known as " The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), which is an elaborate façade behind which ladies of the court used to observe life going on in the streets below. Also visit the City Palace, a wonderful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture where the present Maharaja still resides. Also visit the Museum, which houses a rare collection of manuscripts, paintings, carpets and armory. Explore the Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1728. It is the best preserved amongst five observatories built by him. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Jaipur - Agra (232kms)
Morning drive to Agra en route visiting the deserted Red Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital but abandoned soon after. Upon arrival, check into Hotel Amar Vilas or Taj View.

Evening visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 : Agra- Delhi (205 kms)
Morning visit to the imposing Agra Fort and Itimad-Ud-Daulah, otherwise known as the 'Baby Taj', across the river Yamuna. Afternoon drive to Delhi en route visiting the Sikandra; Akbars stunning mausoleum. Continue your drive to Delhi and transfer to the international airport in time to board flight for onward destination.

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