Princely Rajasthan Tour
| Trip Length | 11 Days/ 10 Nights |
|---|---|
| Travel Type | Private Trip |
| Start Point | New Delhi |
| End Point | New Delhi |
| Travel Theme | Heritage/ Adventure |
Princely Rajasthan Tour
Embark on a guided tour that begins with a blend of Old and New Delhi, where you’ll experience both the city’s ancient charm and modern marvels. Explore the narrow lanes of Old Delhi with its historical monuments, vibrant markets, and iconic architectural sites, while also taking in the sleek, contemporary landmarks of New Delhi that showcase the city’s dynamic transformation.
Next, journey to Rajasthan’s Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, a serene haven for nature enthusiasts. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its diverse wildlife and lush landscapes. Following the sanctuary visit, head to the renowned Sariska Palace, a regal retreat steeped in history and luxury, where you can unwind while enjoying its splendid surroundings.
Continuing your adventure, enjoy a detailed sightseeing tour of Jaipur, the « Pink City, » and discover its magnificent landmarks like the Amber Fort, with its imposing structure and stunning views, and the Hawa Mahal, a beautiful palace known for its intricately designed windows. Jaipur’s rich history and architectural beauty will leave you in awe.
The journey continues to Mandawa, often referred to as an « open-air art gallery » for its stunning havelis, shrines, and fresco paintings that showcase Rajasthan’s artistic heritage. After Mandawa, head to Bikaner, a city known for its leather products, handicrafts, and camel breeding. Explore the city’s attractions and its surrounding regions, then proceed to Jodhpur, where you can marvel at more majestic forts and palaces, completing your Rajasthan experience.
Tour Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted with a warm traditional welcome and the Indian « namaste. » Our representative will meet you and escort you to your pre-booked hotel, assisting with the check-in process. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight stay will be in Delhi.
Included Meals: No meals included
Places to Visit: No sightseeing or visits planned for today
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, get ready to explore the top attractions of Delhi. Your guided tour will take you to the majestic Red Fort and the grand Jama Masjid, both iconic Mughal monuments. Next, visit the prominent landmarks of New Delhi, including the President’s House and India Gate. Continue your journey with a visit to the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy the captivating sound and light show at Red Fort. Your overnight stay will be in Delhi.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, President House, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Sound and Light Show at Red Fort (optional)
Start your day with a lavish breakfast at the hotel before heading towards the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife and a rich diversity of bird species. Known for its historical Sariska Palace, which was built in 1892 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar to commemorate the visit of his successful son, the palace was designed by a French architect and has now been transformed into a luxurious heritage hotel.
Upon arrival at Sariska, check into your pre-booked hotel and unwind. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jungle safari, either by jeep or elephant, to explore the sanctuary’s wildlife up close. Afterward, visit the historic Sariska Palace, which is surrounded by vibrant Rajasthani culture and traditions. Your overnight stay will be in Sariska.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Places to Visit: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Sariska Palace
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before driving towards Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel and take some time to unwind. In the evening, you have the option to indulge in a traditional Rajasthani dinner, accompanied by a captivating ethnic dance show at a local city restaurant. Your overnight stay will be in Jaipur.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Places to Visit: No sightseeing or visits planned for today
After a hearty breakfast, get ready to explore the historic Pink City with your guide. Start your excursion to Amber Fort, located 11 kilometers from Jaipur on the crest of a hill. Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable elephant ride to the top, where you’ll be greeted by the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles dating back to the 17th century. From Amber Fort, take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Jaipur, the entire Pink City.
Next, return to Jaipur for a city sightseeing tour. Jaipur earned its « Pink City » name in the 19th century when the buildings were painted in a warm pink hue to welcome Queen Victoria’s visit. Visit the magnificent City Palace, located in the heart of the old town. This former royal residence now houses a museum displaying Rajasthani attire, Mughal and Rajput weapons, and other royal artifacts. Then, head to Jantar Mantar, a collection of impressive astronomical instruments made from brick, used for observing celestial bodies in ancient times. Also, visit the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, an iconic five-story pyramid-shaped structure with 953 small windows, designed for royal women to observe city life without being seen.
After a day full of history and culture, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to Mandawa, located in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati region. Mandawa is renowned for its ancient havelis and intricate fresco paintings, which date back to the time when the town was an important stop for wealthy Silk Route traders. These traders constructed numerous havelis, chhatris, shrines, and step-wells, all beautifully adorned with detailed frescoes. This rich artistic heritage has earned Mandawa the nickname « Open-Air Art Gallery. »
Upon arrival in Mandawa, check into your pre-reserved hotel. In the evening, enjoy a visit to some of the town’s famous havelis, such as the Gori Shankar Haveli and Goenka Haveli, known for their stunning frescoed walls and ceilings. These architectural gems offer a glimpse into Mandawa’s rich cultural and artistic history. Your overnight stay will be in Mandawa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Frescoes and Havelis
Start your day with an early breakfast before driving towards the desert land of camels – Bikaner. Known for its sweet and spicy snacks, Bikaner is also famous for its handicrafts, leather products, and camel breeding. The city is home to Asia’s largest camel breeding farm, earning it the title « Land of Camels. »
Upon arrival in Bikaner, check into your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, visit the Camel Breeding Farm, where you’ll learn about the breeding process and how camels are cared for and raised. Next, head to the impressive Junagarh Fort, a historical monument that houses a museum showcasing Bikaner’s rich past dating back to the 16th century. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Bikaner.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Camel Breeding Farm, Junagarh Fort
After an early breakfast, visit the Lalgarh Palace, built between 1902 and 1926, showcasing a remarkable blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles. The palace also houses a museum with the fourth-largest library in the world. While part of the palace is still home to the royal family, the other part has been transformed into a luxurious heritage hotel.
Next, drive towards Khimsar, with a stop en-route at the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, located in Deshnok. This 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni, and its unique feature is the presence of rats, which are revered as sacred. Afterward, continue your journey to Nagaur, a striking Rajput city that comes alive during the Nagaur Fair, the second-largest cattle fair in Rajasthan, held annually in January and February. Visit the Nagaur Fort, also known as the « Gritty Fort, » a 2nd-century fort located in the city center, offering a glimpse of beautiful palaces and shrines.
Finally, drive to Khimsar and check into your pre-booked hotel. In the evening, explore the Khimsar Fort, an exceptional fort that displays an extensive collection of historical artifacts. The fort’s imposing ramparts and fascinating history will transport you to a bygone era. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Khimsar.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Nagaur Fort, Khimsar Fort
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan. On the way, stop at Osiyan, a camel campground located in the vast Thar Desert, known as a peaceful retreat in the desert. Upon arrival in Osiyan, enjoy a camel ride to a nearby oasis village, Khetasar, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the homes of potters, Bishnois, and weavers, giving you an authentic glimpse into desert life during your camel safari.
Next, head to Mandor, known for its stunning green gardens. Take some time to relax and explore the area before continuing your journey towards Jodhpur. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check into your pre-booked hotel and unwind. The rest of the evening is at leisure, and you can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Camel Safari, Osiyan, Mandor Gardens
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 AD. The fort is home to an impressive collection of miniature paintings, royal artifacts, musical instruments, and traditional garments. Next, visit Jaswant Thada, a stunning marble memorial built in 1899 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace, renowned for its architectural beauty. While part of the palace remains the residence of the former royal family of Jodhpur, another section has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, and the remaining area is preserved as a museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of royal weapons, clothing, and portraits of the royal family.
In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace
After a relaxing breakfast, enjoy some free time in the morning. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Jodhpur Airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon your arrival at Delhi’s domestic airport, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Places to Visit: None (Travel Day)