EXPLORE RAJASTHAN 09 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS

DELHI – MANDAWA – PUSHKAR – JODHPUR – JAIPUR – AGRA - DELHI

Located on the northwest borders of India, Rajasthan stretches out in to the Thar Desert. Rajasthan, literally translated as the land of Kings & Princes, is the ultimate confluence of history, chivalry, romance, rugged natural beauty, art & crafts and colour. This tour takes in the famous "Golden Triangle" of Rajasthan, noted for its forts, palaces and brilliant colors from Maharaja Era. You will see the major sights of Delhi, Mandawa, Puskhar, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra and have a brief opportunity to sample the incomparable architecture, history and culture of this spectacular county.

DAY 01 (SAT): ARRIVE DELHI
You will arrive in the evening at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a DOMINION representative will meet you as you exit the ARRIVAL TERMINAL building, after which you would be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. In the hotel you will meet other guests who will be part of your group.
India’s capital and a major Gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

DAY 02 (SUN): IN DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel you will proceed for a city tour of Old and New Delhi. You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques anda which is viewed from the outside. People stream in anda out of the mosque continuously anda the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor anda son-in-law, Iltutmish. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

DAY 03 (MON): TO MANDAWA
Drive to Mandawa today morning, which is often described as Rajasthan’s open air art gallery. In the afternoon explore this beautiful town on a walking tour. . The Rajput ruler of Mandawa built a fort in 1755 to protect this trading outpost that fell in the ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East. The township that grew around the fort attracted a large community of traders, who settled here. When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa build palatial mansions in their hometown. Mandawa is 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.

DAY 04 (TUE): TO PUSHKAR
Leave for Pushkar today, which is a nice drive of 280 Kms (approx. 5hrs).
The village of Pushkar lies on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India’s most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake, and numerous temples. The Brahma temple, especially, attracts pilgrims all year round. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the month of Kartik (October/November), which attracts visitors in their thousands. You can also witness and participate in the evening prayer meetings in the temples. Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo. Return to your hotel after the visits for overnight stay. You will explore the city for its Pushkar Lake Ghats and the Bramha Temple, which is the only one of its kind in the world.

DAY 05 (WED): TO JODHPUR
Leave for Jodhpur today after breakfast. (216 Kms / 05hrs).
The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall, which was built about a century after the city was founded. 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. The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. On the wall adjacent to the Lahapol or "Iron Gate" are 15 handprints, the sati marks of the widows of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort, which is still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there is a whole series of courtyards and palaces.

DAY 06 (THU): IN JODHPUR
After breakfast 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 Thanda 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.

DAY 07 (FRI): TO JAIPUR
After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Jodhpur to Jaipur (332 KMS/7.5hrs).
Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed.

DAY 08 (SAT): IN JAIPUR
Start the day with a visit the capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the 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.
En-route to Amber Fort 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. Later, visit 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. Jaipur's Jantar Mantar is the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh in India. Jai Singh was a great admirer of progresses and research made in the fields of science and technology, but he was passionate about astronomy.

DAY 09 (SUN): TO AGRA
We take a comfortable drive today to Agra (235 KMS / 6 hours) en-route 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 around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighborhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding.

DAY 10 (MON): TO DELHI
Early morning you will proceed for Sunrise Tour of Taj Mahal . Midway Tonga’s "horse carriages" would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal.
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.
Return to your hotel for buffet breakfast. Later we will visit 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.
Afternoon you will be driven to Delhi airport (204 KMS / 4.30 Hours) to connect your onward flight. Alternatively you may extend your stay in India and choose an extension holiday to Goa (for beach stay) to Nepal (the Himalayan Kingdom) to Corbett (fro wildlife experience) or to any other part of the country.

Our services will finish on your arrival in Delhi.

Above quote includes:

• 24/7 services of our own office in New Delhi, India.
• 09 Nights accommodation, twin sharing on bed & breakfast basis.
• Elephant/jeep ride in Jaipur.
• Services of local English speaking guides.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions in a/c private car.
• All applicable taxes levied by the Govt. of India.

Quote does not include:

• International Airfare
• Travel Insurance
• Entrance fees to the monuments
• Expenses of personal nature such as liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, camera fees, etc.
  
  Call one of our friendly India experts now on 020 8427 3700 for details on arrival dates into Delhi and dates available.