An exciting tour of Rajasthan, taking in the main sights, and much more amid palaces and forts that dominate the landscape, as well as the colourful people who inhabit this `Land of Kings'. A comprehensive tour based around a variety of ancestral homes. As such, standards of accommodation at the various ancestral homes do vary in what is a contrasting tour of rural Rajasthan.

Day 01  :  ARRIVE  DELHI
Arrive Delhi International airport in the evening.  After immigration & customs, you will be met & transferred to your prebooked Hotel.

Day 02  :  DELHI
The beautiful, bustling city of Delhi, capital of modern India, is the eighth incarnation of a city rebuilt and reinvented by its many rulers and conquerors. You’ll find dazzling architecture in a unique blend of British and Indian influences next to such ancient monuments as the soaring Tower of Victory as well as the fabled, colourful bazaars amidst a myriad of teeming narrow streets.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Capital.  Old Delhi, the 300-year-old walled city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital.  Drive past the imposing Red Fort, once the capital of Delhi built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as symbol of power. The Fort, built of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooks the Yumana River. Then take a short bicycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and congested by-lanes and bazaar of Chandini Chowk to the Jama Masjid, considered to be the largest mosque in India. This was the last great architectural work of Shah Jehan. The Raj Ghat, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi were cremated. Drive down the Rajpath, the impressive main avenue, to the World War I Memorial Arch and the India Gate and past the President’s residence, Rashtrpati Bhavan, and the Parliament buildings.  Humayun’s Tomb (WHS), built in 1565 by his widow Haji Begum. It is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, and is a precursor of the architectural style of the Taj Mahal. Visit the ornately carved 236-foot-high Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, begun in 1199 by the Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak. By pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns, he also erected the Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque which today lies in ruins nearby.

Day 03  :  DELHI - AGRA                              (203 kms / approx. 04 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra - founded in 1475 AD., famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. Also known as City of Taj. However city attained glory under the Mughal rulers during which Agra witnessed a frenzy of building activity. Modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons.    Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.

Afternoon, visit the highlight, the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays).  The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal, the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail.  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. Although the Taj is impressive from any angle, it's the close-up detail that is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and with superb craftsmanship.

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort - an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red 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. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his son Aurangazeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from the little octagonal tower in the fort. The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces, gardens, halls of private & public audience of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire

Day 04  :  AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR                     (240 kms. / approx. 05 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur enroute visit 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 around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
Continue drive to Jaipur, The City of Victory – also known as the Pink City – is capital of princely state of Rajasthan. It is the gateway to Rajasthan, the home of the Rajputs, the land of chivalry and martial tradition, of legends of brave men & beautiful women. Stately palaces, colourful bazaars, and old fortifications brooding above the city give it a medieval air. Jaipur is however only two hundred years old. Encouraged by the waning of Mughal power, Maharaja Jai Singh abandoned his ancestral hill fortress of Amber in 1727 and built the city that was named after him. The city reflects the character of state and its people; surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by formidable fort, beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout the city. It was a planned city in the modern sense, built on a grid pattern but divided into nine sectors to symbolise the nine divisions of the universe.

Day 05  :  JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. Enroute visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a façade. The five story building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

Upon reaching Amber Fort, experience the majesty of a bygone era, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.

Afternoon, tour part of the City Palace, which is open to the public. The most striking building on entering through the Atish Pol or stable gate is the beautiful marble and sandstone Mubarak Palace, initially used to welcome foreign dignitaries and later used as the Cabinet Office. Today the palace houses the textile gallery exhibiting an excellent collection of costumes and rich textiles from the private collection of the Jaipur royal family. The armory is entered through the magnificent marble inlaid Singh Pol or Lion Gate. The most impressive part of the place is the Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of Private audience. Entered through a gateway richly decorated in pietra dura and flanked by a pair of elephants carved out of a single block of marble, the star exhibits of this area are a pair of enormous sterling silver vessels used to store holy water from the Ganges. The water was used by the Maharaja for his daily bath when travelling overseas, to protect him from ritual pollution. Also of interest is the Art Gallery, which has a collection or royal memorabilia. The Jantar Mantar which you visit next is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. This was a result of this intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today

Day 06  :  JAIPUR - DEOGARH
Morning, leave for Deogarh - the magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen “umraos” - the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. Even so, you might not necessarily guess that the Rawats of Deogarh (a local title equivalent to “Raja”) once ruled over the fourth largest jagir in the whole of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, check-in at Deogarh Mahal, located on a hillock and is encircled by the town. It was built in 1670 ad by Rawat Dwarkadas Ji of the Chundawat clan of the Siaodia Dynasty. Constructed by the famed Sompura architects, well-known for their additions and alterations. There are five floors and over 200 rooms have murals done by local painters after whom Deogarh school of painting has acquired fame the world over. The family has a large collection of Deogarh miniatures.

Day 07  :  DEOGARH - UDAIPUR
Morning at leisure.  Free to explore the fort & its surroundings.
Afternoon, drive to Udaipur, The fabled romantic city of Udaipur is known by many names – Venice of the East, City of Lakes, City of Dawn – and offers much to delight the eye. This languid lakeside town is full of dazzling marble palaces and exotic temples and is surrounded by lush green hills, dotted with brilliantly hued hibiscus gardens and shimmering fountains.

Day 08  :  UDAIPUR
After breakfast depart for sightseeing of Udaipur city includes a visit to the City Palace which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscaping on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu

In the evening take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The steel blue waters of the lake, artificially created in the 14th century, reflect the white phantom Jag Nivas Palace, now the Lake Palace hotel which was built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and Jag Mandir said to be built by Maharana Karan Singh for his friend Prince Khurram, who was later to become emperor Shah Jehan. Huge seamless stone slabs of translucent thinness where used. The rooms were embellished with inlaid stones - onyx, jade, carnelian, jasper and agate.

Day 09  :  UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - ROHET
After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Rohet, enroute visit Ranakpur, the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur which lie buried in a shady glen and cover a vast area. The central temple is called Chaumukha (four-faced) and is the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering an area of over 40,000 sq. feet (3,600 sq. meters). 1,444 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. A subsidiary shrines in the shape of side alters throng around in all directions, including a temple dedicated to the Sun God which displays erotic carvings. 
Continue drive to Rohet. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel Rohet Garh, this 375-year-old fortified desert home of the descendants of the Rathores lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with birdlife, restored in the traditional Rajput style and filled with historic trophies and delightful details. You enter through painted gates into a rambling, low rise building which has various wings surrounding grassy courtyards and a pretty landscaped garden, as well as plenty of breezy verandahs and private retreats. The welcoming central courtyard with its garden and bougainvillea has been completely restored, with marble floors, a traditional arched verandah and a small marble fountain in the lawn.  Rohet Garh has a stunning roof terrace overlooking the lake, peaceful gardens and courtyards, and a glistening pool.

Day 10  :  ROHET - JODHPUR
Morning, free for individual activities.  There is also plenty to do - the jeep, camel or horse safaris into the desert and tribal areas are highly recommended.  Afternoon, drive to Jodhpur.  Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11  :  JODHPUR - JAISALMER
After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the land of the valiant Rathore kings, whose courage was a match for the tyranny of the Thar Desert. A bleak scarp rears up 120 meters from the desert valley. Straddling the rocky crevices is the massive Jodhpur Fort, its sheer walls reflecting the strength of its warrior builders. The fort is entered through seven gates, each a formidable barrier. The museum within the fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan and displays royal apparel, ancient paintings and manuscripts, fabled treasures of the royal household and an armory. An interesting section displays folk musical instruments from different regions of Rajasthan. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens worked in sandstone form the dominant motif within the rugged casket of the fort and the palaces are exquisitely decorated. On the road down from the fort, the splash of blinding white marble on the left is Jaswant Thada, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II’s cenotaph, built in 1899 - all previous rulers have their cenotaphs at Mandore. As with the Taj Mahal in Agra, the marble is from Makrana. The town below has many more fine buildings and temples and is interesting to walk through, particularly the market near the clock tower

Afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer, lies in the western extremity of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer, the golden beauty etched in yellow sandstone, standing tall against miles of gleaming sand. Founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer’s location kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. The ancient city, which stands on a low range of hills, surrounded by a stone wall three miles round. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar, the burnished sandstone, is an intricately moulded wonderland.

Day 12  :  JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer.  Within its walls lie temples, forts and palaces, all built of yellow sandstone. The Jain Temples in the fort are decked with deities and dancing figures in mythological settings. The library attached to these places of worship contains some of the most ancient manuscripts in India, some dating back to the 12th century, written on palm-leaf in black ink with hand painted wooden covers. Down in the city are the renowned Havelis or mansions of Salim Singh, Nathmalji and the Patwas, every house boasting superb latticework in innumerable and intricate designs.

Late afternoon drive to Sam Sand Dunes for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand.

Day 13  :  JAISALMER - KHIMSAR
Drive to Khimsar, A beautifully restored, early 16th century fort, perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. This charming, comfortable hotel comprises a main building overlooking a large garden with a glorious shallow swimming pool and various rambling wings. Battle-scarred turrets and walls surround the fort, looking out over the vast expanse of desert beyond.

Day 14  :  KHIMSAR - MANDAWA
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon, drive to Mandawa, a remote feudal principality in the centre of Shekhawati region.  This is the most gorgeous, sleepy town in the Shekhavati region North of Rajasthan.  It is the 'largest open air art gallery in the world ; as part of the former silk route, traders here flourished, building beautiful havelis decorated with frescos as a symbol of their success

Day 15  :  MANDAWA - DELHI
This morning, explore this storybook town of Mandawa known for its colourful frescoes on a wide variety of subjects ranging from religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire rendered in the inimitable style of local artist.
Every home here is adorned with gaily-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. 

Afternoon, drive to Delhi.  Dinner at a local restaurant
Transfer to the International airport in time to board your flight back home

Day 16  :  DEPART  DELHI
Early morning, flight to your onward destination