Highlights of Rangeela Rajasthan

Day 1: New Delhi

Arrival: Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi. Our representative will receive you outside the customs gate (Important: watch for a placard with your name on it) and escort you to the hotel. Hotel staff will personally greet you in Indian style with aarti and tikka-the traditional form of greeting and showing respect that has been followed since Vedic times. Delhi – A truly multi-dimensional metropolis; renowned for its effervescent spirit, captivating and historical monuments, magnificent museums, mouth-watering eateries and mindboggling, value-for-money shopping opportunities. Don’t get over awed by the aggressive approach of people and overwhelming flow of mechanical and human traffic on roads. Hidden beneath this chaos is a warmth and humane aspect that stands apart in both the New and Old Delhi. This vibrant melting pot has a lot to showcase India’s new, historical and traditional aspects.

In the half of the day the itinerary involves visit to: Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India. Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Chandni Chowk -Today’s busiest commercial area of the city, which was once an imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. Khari Baoli bazaar-Asia’s largest spice market with open air shops. Raj Ghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi-the father of nation.

Day 2: New Delhi

Morning sightseeing tour: Experience the two different worlds of Delhi in a day – the spacious New Delhi built by the British and the somewhat cramped Old Delhi that was the capital of Islamic India. In the first half of the day the itinerary involves visit to Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India, Drive past Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Chandni Chowk- Today’s busiest commercial area of the city, which was once an imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. Khari Baoli bazaar-Asia’s largest spice market with open air shops. Raj Ghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi-the father of nation. Afternoon sightseeing tour: The glittering gems of the second phase of sightseeing involve: Qutab Minar- The 12th century hand-carved minar stands tall at 234ft. Watch out for the iron pillar that has not rusted even after 1500 years. The mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. India Gate-a war memorial dedicated to the heroics of Indian soldiers, who laid down their lives for country. Rashtrapati Bhawan- the president's residence, which was formerly the Viceroy's Palace. The Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, which are an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

Day 3: New Delhi

Vehicle will be at your disposal for 8 hrs & 80 kms.

Day 4: Agra

Sikandra-The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, lies in a peaceful garden 4 km north west of Agra. Its construction was begun by Akbar himself but completed by his son Jahangir in 1613.The southern gateway, the most impressive part of the complex, is made of red sandstone inlaid with abstract patterns in white marble. The tomb itself has four stories, three of red sandstone and the fourth of marble. True to Akbar’s philosophy of a single unifying religion, his tomb shows a blend of motifs and styles of various religions.

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Agra Fort - an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Then proceed to Itmad-Ud-Daulah popularly known as Baby Taj.

Day 5: Jaipur

The drive is approximately (260 Kms/ 6 Hrs) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander. After your visit, continue your drive to Jaipur.

Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets.

Day 6: Jodhpur

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, proceed for check-in at your hotel. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale.

Day 7: Jodhpur

You will first visit the Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau. You will than proceed to explore the architectural brilliance and aesthetic dignity of the royal cenotaphs located in the Mandore. Mandore is famous for its exotic lawns and royal chattris. Also visit the clock tower & walk through the old city.

Day 8: Jodhpur

Start with visit to the Meherangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. Following visit of the fort, proceed on an exhilarating walk through the old city of Jodhpur. The walk will take you as far as the old market from which point you will be transported by Tongas, or horse-drawn carriages, back to the hotel. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau.

Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur but was later abandoned for the security of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will find the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four storeys high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone. The most impressive is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh (reigned 1678-1724). These cenotaphs are set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Nearby is the hall of heroes, dedicated to various deities and fabled Rajput folk heroes, whose statues are carved out of rock and painted in bright colours. Next door is a larger hall called "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million, filled with brightly coloured images of the various Hindu Gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace. The beautiful Maharani's cenotaphs set apart on a rocky outcrop is a ten-minute walk over the hill. Today its extensive gardens with high rock terrace make it a popular local attraction. Clock Tower and Sardar Market: A prime attraction of the city, is the Clock Tower and the colourful Sardar Market near it. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Day 9: Udaipur

Leave for Udaipur (255 KMS / 6.30 hours) en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples, an exceptionally beautiful excursion through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley, to see one of the best complexes of Jain religion which is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work. Later continue your journey to Udaipur and upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rajasthan is romantic with tales of valour and chivalry, and a history that brings to life forts and palaces and court intrigues. But Udaipur is different - an interlude for the diehard romantics. A splash of colour in colourful Rajasthan that's brighter, tinged with the tones of local legends and lores. Here are lakes that come as a surprise in sandy Rajasthan, and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. And in the lakes or by their edges are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. There are rugged fortresses too -- Chittaurgarh and Kumbalgarh, where the history of Udaipur is told as if it were but a page from yesterday. For in Udaipur the past lives and breathes with the present.

Day 10: Udaipur

You will enjoy a motorboat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake. In the evening, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewellery shops, utensil shops, jiggery shops, silver market and local meat & food shop. (Boat ride is subject to water level in Lake)

You will be met by our representative in the hotel lobby, who will transfer you to the Airport to connect your flight for onward destination.