Rajasthan Forts And Palaces Tour

Duration: 15 Nights & 16 Days

Destination Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Nagaur - Khimsar - Osian - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohetgarh - Luni - Rawla Narlai - Kumbhalgarh - Deogarh - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Bundi - Jaipur - Samode - Dausa - Agra - Delhi

AT A GLANCE / TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi	Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb , Raj Ghat, India Gate, President's House
Mandawa	Open Air Art Gallery / Frescos, Castle Mandawa
Nagaur	The Ahhichatragarh Fort
Khimsar	Khimsar Fort
Osian	Jain Temples
Jaisalmer	Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Camel ride on Sam Dunes
Jodhpur	Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada
Rohetgarh	Rohetgarh Fort, Jeep & Horse Safari
Kumbhalgarh	Kumbhalgarh Fort
Deogarh	Deogarh Mahal
Udaipur	City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jagdish Temple
Chittorgarh	Chittorgarh Fort, Padmini Palace
Bundi	Bundi Palace, Raga Palace
Jaipur	Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar
Samode	Samode Palace, Havelis
Agra	Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome), our representative would assist you at the airport & transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 02 Delhi
Breakfast in hotel. Today we start the city tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk, Red Fort (closed on Mondays), most spectacular pieces of Mughal architecture, built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (The Kingsway) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President's House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

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Day 03 Delhi – Mandawa (280 Km / 06 Hrs)
Today drive to Mandawa in Shekawati region, located South West of Delhi. This town of Shekhawati region are known for their amazing painted havelis. So varied and architecturally rich are the havelis that this region is dubbed as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.

Upon arrival check-in the hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something akin to a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat and barren land.
Overnight Hotel - Mandawa (B)

Day 04 Mandawa – Nagaur - Khimsar (250 Km / 5 Hrs)
Proceed for Khimsar, en-route visit Nagaur. The Ahhichatragarh Fort is a medium size fort, built by Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan. A well planned Mughal Garden retains its old pleasant appearance even today. The city and buildings show distinct Muslim influence. A five domed mosque built by Emperor Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best visited during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela (fair) in February and August respectively. Continue drive to Khimsar and check-in at Fort Khimsar.

Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India lies this unique 16th century fort that offers experience after exhilarating experience. The battle-scarred walls & turrets remind of the glorious past. Hundreds of years of history unfolds as you glance at its battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts. As you sip tea on the terraces you realize the beauty of being surrounded by acres of lush green gardens.

Overnight Hotel - Khimsar (B)

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Day 05 Khimsar – Osian - Jaisalmer (295 Km / 7 Hrs)
We drive down to Jaisalmer en-route visit Osian The ancient town of the Thar Desert was a great trading centre between 8th to 12th centuries AD. Today it is a desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples. These are beautifully sculpted and designed, and most of them have stood the ravages of time. We continue drive to Jaisalmer - set deep in the heart of Thar desert, one of the last princely bastions of the region. Founded on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes, where the rich merchants hired craftsmen who worked with great diligence on the sandstone mansions they built, filing up facades with sculpture filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and balconies.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)

Day 06 Jaisalmer
We visit the Jaisalmer Fort, built in year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill. It is the only 'Living Fort' in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels. We also visit the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli and Gadisagar Lake.

Evening we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to enjoy a Camel Ride on the Sand Dunes while the sun sets down.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)

Day 07 Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - Rohetgarh (330 Km / 7 Hrs)
Today we drive down to Rohetgarh en route visiting Jodhpur.
Jodhpur, a bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. We visit the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Later visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. Continue your drive to Rohetgarh and check-in at Fort upon arrival.
Overnight Hotel – Rohetgarh (B)

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Day 08 Rohetgarh
Today we start the 'Rohet Safaris' which have become a brand synonymous with authenticity and quality. It stands proud as a classic example of responsible tourism in a remote rural part of western Rajasthan, ensuring that the rich and vibrant culture of the region and the age-old values stay intact, by instilling a sense of pride amongst the people, as well as sharing the profits of tourism with a large chunk of society by promoting local crafts, organizing medical camps, or helping schools to build their infrastructure.
As for our guests, the Safari simply becomes the highlight of their India tour!

Rohetgarh's Signature Program
Showcasing the best of the land, it is a complete cultural experience, which encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies and the abundant wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people's homes and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life that takes them closer to their roots. They meet the 'Premier ecologists of the world', the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India's most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people. Guests also meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals, the Brahmin farmers and weavers respectively. This unique tour is made possible solely because of the host family's special relationship with the local people of the various communities, which allow rare access into every home visited.
Overnight Hotel – Rohetgarh (B)

Day 09 Rohetgarh – Kumbhalgarh –Deogarh (150 Km / 03 Hrs)
Today we drive to Deogarh en-route visiting Kumbhalgarh, a massive 15th century fort, perched at 1100 meters up on the Aravali Range. It is set amid seven massive ramparts and surrounded by hundreds of temples. It was built by one of Mewar's legendary heroes - Rana Kumbha. The very size of the Fort needs to be seen to be believed. Its walls are 36 kms long, and enclose many palaces, temples and gardens.

Continue our drive to Deogarh. This is a wonderful escapade, where you can stay in a magnificent palace fortress and enjoy royal hospitality. Deogarh lies in the heart of Rajasthan. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen 'Umraos' (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur. The palace stands atop a hill at an elevation of 2100 feet, and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its graying 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 palacial precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. The palace is really an imposing monument, with five floors, over two hundred rooms, numerous balconies, carved pillars and extensive use of marble. It also has some exciting rooms to explore - 'Sheesh Mahal' - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them!
Overnight Hotel - Deogarh (B)

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Day 10 Deogarh – Ranakpur – Udaipur (170 Km / 4 Hrs)
Today we drive to Lake City 'Udaipur'. En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.

Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh Udaipur, called the 'City of Dreams' is famous for its picturesque lake Pichola. Upon arrival check into your hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Udaipur (B)

Day 11 Udaipur
Visit the City Palace, moulded in soft yellow stone, its windowless base is crowned with ornate turrets & canopies. Part of the Palace is now a museum with its marble & granite walls laden with brilliant miniature paintings & decorated with coloured glass & mirrors. Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. Evening, we also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)

Day 12 Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Bundi (270 Km / 6 Hrs)
We drive to Bundi en-route visiting Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh, also called 'Chittaur' was capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from 7th-16th century. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifices by Rajput men and women in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders from Northwest of Delhi. We also visit the Padmini Palace. Further we continue our drive to Bundi and check-in at hotel upon arrival. Overnight Hotel - Bundi (B)

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Day 13 Bundi – Jaipur (205 Km / 5 Hrs)
Today we visit Bundi Palace The palace is reached from the north - western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steep cobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Raga mala', 'Raslila', the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chhattar Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.

Later we drive down to Jaipur,. popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur(B)

Day 14 Jaipur - Samode (40 Km / 1 Hr)
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows). Further we continue drive to Samode.
Overnight Hotel – Samode (B)

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Day 15: Samode – Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Km / 6 Hrs)
Today we drive down to Agra, en route visiting Abhaneri step wells. The small village of Abhaneri has one of India's deepest and largest step wells (also known as tank gardens). Step wells are unique to India. They were used as cool places of resort, as pools for ritual cleansing before a temple visit and as a water supply for dry weather. There is a temple adjoining the step well. Later we drive to Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar reign. Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Agra(B)

Day 16: Agra – Delhi Airport (230 Km / 6 Hrs)
Today we visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Later we drive you down to Delhi Airport to board your onward flight.

Our tour concludes: Caper assists you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight, thanks you for your patronage and looks forward to serving you again in the near future.