Best of India

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a morning discovering Old Delhi, getting to know some of the capital’s most important historical and cultural attractions. View the great mosque of Jama Masjid, passing by the Red Fort on the way. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is located in Chandi Chowk, the bustling and rustic old town of Delhi. Next, visit the Raj Ghat, a moving monument commemorating the life of Gandhi. In the afternoon, the tour of the most emblematic places of New Delhi, starting at the medieval minaret of Qutub Minar. At 73 meters, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is considered one of the most important examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The tour continues through the Rashtrapati Bhavan district, where all the important government buildings and the national parliament are located, as well as the Gateway of India, all these great examples of the political power of the zenith of the British Empire in India, and the monument of March of salt. Also visit the famous Plaza Connaught, which is the commercial hub of the capital.

Overnight : Delhi Meals: Breakfast 

Your morning touring begins with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a spectacular complex containing decorated mirror works and galleries adorned with frescoes.  The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows.

You will also visit the Jagdish Temple, one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. In those times, 1.5 million rupees were spent to raise this structure. The spire of the main temple is around 79 feet high that undoubtedly dominates the skyline of Udaipur. This shikhar (spire) is festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians making it truly a sight to behold. Every year, people from far and near come to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity as well as the architectural magnificence of the temple cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Jagdish. Continue with a boat ride 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. You will be able to get a view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats.

Continue to visit Sahelion ki Bari Gardens built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid-18th Century. Literally translated as ‘The Garden of the Maidens’, it evokes vivid pictures of the luxurious lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The garden is said to have been made for the 48 girls that the Maharana received in his dowry! The beautifully landscaped discreet gardens are adorned by four pools with dainty kiosks and encompassed with flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains. A series of walls and shady trees protect these gardens. The foundation of the Sahelion ki Bari functions solely by water pressure. To add to the ambience the garden also has a lotus pool and the tingling bells add to the nostalgia of these gardens.

Return to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight : Udaipur Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart to Jodhpur and en route visit the Jain temple of Ranakpur. Also known as Chaturmukha (‘Four Faces’), this temple is a masterpiece by the architect Deepa. It represents the beauty of the marble carving and is a truly impressive construction. Continue to Jodhpur, known both as the ‘City of the Sun’ and the ‘Blue City’, the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. Famous for its impregnable and majestic Mehrangarh fort. Upon your arrival check-in to your hotel and explore the city on your own.

Overnight : Jodhpur Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 250km (5 hrs)

This morning your exploration of the city includes a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, when he shifted his capital from Mandore, this majestic fort was one of the largest forts in India. Situated approximately 4 miles from Jodhpur, it overlooks the city from atop a 125m high hill. The fort also houses a large museum which houses some unusual artifacts. During your decent you will see Jaswant Thada on your left. This is an architectural white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds are also comprised of exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake.

Overnight : Jodhpur Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

Later continue to Bikaner, the ‘Red City’, thus renamed due to the color of its impressive royal palaces and public buildings. It is an oasis in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its imposing palaces, beautiful and richly carved, and red-and-yellow sandstone temples show some of the most beautiful creations of the Rajput civilization.

Overnight : Bikaner Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 260km(5 hrs)

You will start your exploration of the city with a visit to Junagarh Fort built by Rai Singh. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or “Old Fort” in the early 20^th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits.

Continue to Lalgarh Palace, was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajpur, Mughal and European architectural styles..Situated 3 km north of Bikaner city, this palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to the palace.

Your tour ends with a visit to Camel Research Farm is a short distance from Bikaner, which carries out breeding and training of camels. Established by the central government in 1984 this Camel Research and Breeding Farm is only one of its kinds in Asia.

Later you will drive to Jaipur, a city, whose 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”. 

Overnight : Jaipur Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 360km(7 hrs)

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel to Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses, and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. En route, stop to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This city was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century but was deserted 14 years after its founding because of a scarcity of water. Visit the remarkably well-preserved and graceful buildings of the ‘Ghost City’, which evoke a mysterious past. Continue to Agra and upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day if free for you to spend at leisure.

Overnight : Jaipur Meals: Breakfast Mileage: 240km(5 hrs)