DAY 01  :  ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met & assisted with your baggages at the airport by our executive and transferred to your prebooked Hotel.

DAY 02  :  DELHI
After breakfast, full day city tour of Delhi : India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’ past.

Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; drive past Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.  Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.

DAY 03  :  DELHI - AGRA                                        (210 Kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit Sikandra - Four kilometers before Agra is the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.

Afternoon, visit the highlight of the tour - The Taj Mahal - Epitome of Love, One of the Seven Wonders of the World - was built by Shah Jahan (King of the World) for his beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal (the exalted of the Palace).  Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.  The marble, India's finest was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur, Jasper from Punjab, the garnets from Bundelkhand, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.  NOTE : TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS

Visit Red fort, Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.  The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces, gardens, halls of private & public audience of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.

Itmad-ud-daulah, which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.

DAY 04  :  AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR        (240 Kms., approx. 06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Jaipur, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms before Agra, built predominantly in Red Sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Mughals, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Witness the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive to Jaipur - The Pink City  :  Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to Pink city. Since then the PINK color is associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.   The capital city of the state of Rajasthan owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of Jaipur has broad avenues & sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls.          Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.             Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 05  :  JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness the façade of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799. 
Amber Fort - The ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar – the observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728 ; the City Palace which is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century.

DAY 06 : JAIPUR - SAMODE          (47 kms., 01 hr. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Samode. Arrive Samode and check in at Samode Palace.

Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj. In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats (the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with the present family).

Samode Palace was transformed into one the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Moghul architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. It is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities. it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels. The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators.

Rest of the day, free to explore the Palace and its surroundings.

DAY 07 : SAMODE - MANDAWA                (160 kms, 03-04 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check-in at Castle Mandawa.

Afternoon, visit Mandawa (Shekhawati region). This region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th century. The major towns of interest are Mandawa, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh. Visit the havelis in Mandawa and other villages of Shekhawati region.

DAY 08 : MANDAWA - KHIMSAR                 (275 kms., 05-06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Khimsar. On arrival, check in at Khimsar Fort.

Khimsar Fort : Perched on the edge of the Great Thar desert in the rural India lies this unique 16th century fort that offers experience after exhilatating experience. The battle scarred walls and turrets remid of the glorious past. Hundreds of years of history unfolds as you glance at its battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts. You are not prepared for the beauty. the grandeur, the layout or the magnificence of this castle even as you approach it through sand dunes and narrow countryside roads.

In the afternoon, jeep ride to the sand dunes. Enjoy a cup of tea/coffee on the sand dunes while watching a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes. Return to the fort.

DAY 09 : KHIMSAR - ROHET                      (140 kms, 02-03 hrs. drive)
Drive to Rohet, enroute visit Osian. Continue drive to Rohet. Arrive Rohet and check in at Rohetgarh.

Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja Of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle. Generations of valiant noble-men have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. The visitor of today experiences the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.

Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the neem tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within these time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom - your Oasis in the arid land of Marwar. Rest of the day, free.

DAY 10  :  ROHET
After breakfast, excursion in a jeep to Bishnoi villages.

In the afteroon, excursion to Jodhpur. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic Fort”, located at the very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada.

DAY 11 : ROHET - RANAKPUR - DEOGARGH                (210 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Deogarh. Enroute visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur - The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly carved.

After the visit, continue drive to Deogarh. Arrive Deogarh and check in at Deogarh Mahal.

Deogarh Mahal : is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below.

Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests. Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar such feudal estates, called 'thikanas' were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery.

DAY 13 : DEOGARH - UDAIPUR                                      (115 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
Morning, free to explore the Palace & its surroundings

Afternoon, leave for Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice of East.

DAY 14 : UDAIPUR
After breakfast, city tour of Udaipur.  Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, which is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.

Later, boat ride on Lake Pichola.

DAY 15  :  UDAIPUR - DELHI     (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, free for individual activities.
Optional  :  Excursion to Chittorgarh : The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomises the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and, on each occasion, the end came in a textbook Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds.  The men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort to certain death, while the women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre as honour was always more important than death. The first defeat occurred in 1303, the second in 1535 and this time the carnage was immense. It is said that 13,000 Rajput women and 33,000 Rajput warriors died following the declaration of Jauhar. The final sack came in 1568, when Mughal emperor Akbar, took the town. In 1616, Jehangir return Chittor to the Rajputs but there was no attempt at resettlement.

Later, transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi scheduled to depart at 1335 hrs. Arrive Delhi at 1505 hrs., transfer to prebooked Hotel.

DAY 16  :  DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport to board your flight for onward destination.
 

This itinerary can be modified as per your requirements.  For any modification, please mail us