Explore Rajasthan By Rail Exploring Flamboyant India

Duration: 13 Nights - 14 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Tour Highlights
Delhi	Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, President House, Humayun Tomb & Qutub Minar Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort & dinner at Chor Bizarre
Jodhpur	Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada
Jaisalmer	Jaisalmer Fort , Jain Temple, Patwon Ki Haveli & Camel Safari
Ranakpur	Jain Temple Complex
Udaipur	City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari, Lok Kala Museum & Boat Ride at Lake Pichola Optional Sound & Light Show / Vintage Car collection
Jaipur	Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Optional Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani
Agra	Taj Mahal, Agra Fort ,Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura & Vrindavan, Optional Magic Show.
Fatehpur Sikri	Akbars Residential Palace, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Transfer to hotel.
Overnight hotel – Delhi (B).

Day 02 : Delhi – Jodhpur (by train) Mandore Express 2045/0800 hours

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs.
Evening transfer to railway station to board night train to Jodhpur.
Overnight train.

Day 03 : Jodhpur

Today in the morning we arrive Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan & once was the capital of the Princely State Marwar. It was founded in the year 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs & its landscape is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort. While the graceful palaces, forts & temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, the exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music & the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city..
Transfer to hotel.
Half Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)

Day 04 : Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (by train) Intercity express 2330/0520 hours

Day free in Jodhpur. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs.
Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jaisalmer night train. Night on board.Overnight train.

Day 05 : Jaisalmer

Arrive Jaisalmer.
Check in time is 12 noon.
Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.
Transfer to hotel.
Half day city tour
Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. 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 magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.
Overnight hotel – Jaisalmer (B).

Day 06 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (by train) Intercity express 2315 /0520 hours

Day free in Jaisalmer. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs.
Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jodhpur night train. Night on board.

Day 07 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur – Udaipur(300 kms / 6 hr)

Morning arrive to Jodhpur, then drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur - 98 kms from Udaipur, the Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quiet and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The magic of light & shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions.
Udaipur was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.
Overnight hotel - Udaipur (B).

Day 08 : Udaipur

Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiseled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.
Later we visit 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. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, 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 09 : Udaipur – Jaipur (by train) Udaipur Jaipur express 2140 /0710 hour

Morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Jaipur night train.
Overnight train.

Day 10 : Jaipur

Morning arrive 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.
Transfer to hotel.
Half Day Tour
Afternoon we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical treasurehouse, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We now 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).
Optional Tour - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 11 : Jaipur – Agra (by train) Marudhar express 1540/2110 hour

Today in the morning we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); 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 transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Late evening arrive Agra . Transfer to hotel.
Overnight hotel - Agra (B).

Day 12 : Agra

Today in the morning 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 alsovisit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Afternoon we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Overnight hotel – Agra (B).

Day 13 : Agra – Delhi (by train)Shatabdi Express 2030/2230 hrs

Today in the morning we visit Taj Mahal, 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.
Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Delhi train.
Arrive New Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight hotel – Delhi (B).

Day 14 : Delhi Departure

On time transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.