Overview
Experience the best of Rajasthan, the land of royals where history and beauty reside in every nook and corner. This 11-day tour will take you to the “pink city” of Jaipur; the “golden city” of Jaisalmer; the historic cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Ranakpur; the holy city of Pushkar, and Udaipur, the “city of lakes”. Explore the exquisite palaces, historical forts, traditional flavours, and rich heritage these cities have to offer. Also visit Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, and delight in its lush landscapes and picturesque views.
Highlights
- Visit the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur, and Pushkar
- Enjoy the tranquillity and lush scenery of Mount Abu
- Learn about the history of the Rajputana through the state's many lavish palaces
Itinerary
Arrive in Jaipur and meet your tour manager, who will provide you with assistance at the airport/ railway station and then transfer you to your hotel.
Check into your hotel and unwind for a while.
In the evening, set out for a visit to the authentic ethnic resort in Chokhi Dhani.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Check out of your hotel in Jaipur and set out for your journey towards Bikaner.
En-route Bikaner, stop for a visit to Pushkar. This "city of temples" is dotted with over 400 temples lining the banks of its tranquil lake, and is best-known for its Brahma Temple. If visiting in November, you will get to see the largest camel fair in the world which is held here annually.
Resume journey towards Bikaner and reach by early evening. Check into your hotel and spend the remaining day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Set out for a journey towards Jodhpur city in the morning.
En route Jodhpur, visit the Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits for the viewing pleasure of guests.
Also stop by for a visit to the Rat Temple. Also known as the Karni Mata Temple, this famous 600-year-old temple is situated at a distance of 30 kilometres from Bikaner in Deshnok, and features huge, intricately carved silver gates that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
Arrive in Jodhpur city and check into your hotel.
Set out for a visit to the famous Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower of Jodhpur, a prominent landmark built by Maharaja Sardar Singh between 1880 and 1911.
Return to your hotel in Jodhpur for an overnight stay.
Check-out of your hotel in the morning and set out for a sightseeing tour en-route Jaisalmer.
Visit the famous Mehrangarh Fort. Situated on a hill 125 metres high, it is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. It boasts of four gates approachable by a long winding road that leads to some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows, and evocative names. You will see the the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana.
Continue onwards and stop by at the Jaswant Thada, where an imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. It houses portraits of its line of rulers and also sports four cenotaphs that commemorate notable acts of bravery and generosity of the four successive rulers.
Arrive in Jaisalmer and head out for a visit to Gadisar Lake, one of the city's most well-known tourist attractions. It was originally a man-made reservoir that was founded to provide a source of water to the people of Jaisalmer. Founded in 1367 by the first ruler of the city Maharawal Jaisal, this reservoir was revamped by Maharawal Garsi Singh.
Spend your evening in Jaisalmer at leisure and spend some time visiting its vibrant markets.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer City Hotel.
In the morning, set out for a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort, famously known as "Golden Fort" in India. It was constructed by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in 1156 AD and is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world.
Proceed to visit the Patwa Havelis, which are a cluster of five havelis aligned in a narrow lane in the heart of the city. Of these, the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is not only extraordinarily preserved and restored but is also open to visitors. Here, you can experience the lifestyle of the erstwhile patwas.
Visit the Nathmalji ki Haveli, constructed by Maharawal Berisal in 1885 CE to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. There is a very interesting story behind this haveli constructed by two brothers, and you will get to know this in course of your tour.
Proceed to Salim Singh Ki Haveli, an architecturally notable residence built in 1815 with a peacock-shaped roof & numerous balconies.
Next, you will visit the Bada Bagh, A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Surrounded by dense trees, it features royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
In the evening, go for an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Here, you will enjoy a jeep safari and camel safari in the desert. Witness the gorgeous sunset as you enjoy music and dance performances by local artists and hold a mirror to the rich culture of Rajasthan.
Enjoy the delicious, authentic local cuisine served here for dinner and indulge in star gazing.
Over night stay in Desert Camp
Set out in the early morning and drive to the Ranakpur Jain Temple. The complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork, and exploring this complex will occupy the entirety of your day.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Ranakpur.
Set out from your hotel early in the morning and visit the 11th-century Dilwara Jain Temples. The complex is built completely out of marble and houses five small temples. Take a walk and notice the staggering features, intricate carvings, incised paintings, carved pillars, mandaps, arches, and beautified ceilings.
On your way to Mount Abu, visit the Guru Shikhar, a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan and the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres and is located at a distance of 15 kms from Mount Abu. You will also get to visit the Brahma Kumaris.
Next, see the Nakki Lake, which has an exciting set of legends that talk of its origins and history. Enjoy boating on the tranquil waters of the lake in the evening. Later, Stroll through the local market up to Sunset Point, from where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the setting sun.
Over night stay at hotel in Mount Abu.
Set out early in the morning for a picturesque drive to Udaipur.
Upon arrival, visit the famous City Palace, which was built over a period of nearly 400 years with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty.
Go for a stroll in Saheliyon Ki Bari, a lush garden located on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake. It was built between 1710 to 1734 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the 48 royal ladies.
In the evening, set out to watch "Dharohar" folk dance show at Bagore-ki-Haveli, a gorgeous 18th-century haveli that has been converted into a museum showcasing Mewari art and architecture.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Udaipur.
Set out from Udaipur early in the morning and visit the Chittorgarh Fort - the largest fort in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the present-day town of Chittor. It sprawls over a hill 180 meters in height over an area of 280 hectares above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort has several historical palaces, gates, a temple and two prominent commemorative towers for you to explore.
Resume your drive and head towards Jaipur.
Arrive and check into your hotel in Jaipur and retreat for an overnight stay.
Set out early in the morning for a visit to the Amber Fort. Located on a hilltop in Amer, it was built by Raja Man Singh I and is known for the artistic beauty of its interiors. The Maota Lake located in front of the monument acts as a source of water for the fort.
Visit the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1734. This site is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The instruments allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, making this one of the most satisfactory items on the sightseeing tour.
Head out for an hour-long visit to the City Palace of Jaipur, constructed in 1721 as the administrative and ceremonial seat of Maharaja of Jaipur. It was also the location of religious and cultural events that took place at that time. It now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family.
Head towards the famous Hawa Mahal - "The Palace of Winds" or "The Palace of Breeze" that sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana or women's chambers.
Visit the Jal Mahal, a small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
Spend the evening at your own leisure and return to your hotel in Jaipur for an overnight stay.
Drop off to Jaipur Airport, Jaipur Railway Station or their desired location in Jaipur at the end of the tour.
Include
- English-speaking local guide
- Breakfast
- Private Air Condition Transport
- Camel Safari
- Jeep Safari
- Desert Accommodation with Gala Dinner
- Toll tax, Parking, Fuel etc
- Hotel Accommodation
- Sight Seen
Excludes
- Lunch/Dinner
- Entry charges for any monuments
- Drinks and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities