Program: Glimpse of Rajasthan
Itinerary: (Arrive) Delhi/Mandawa/Bikaner/Pushkar/Jaipur/Agra/Delhi (Departure)
Number of days: 10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS
Arrive in Delhi international airport where our representative will meet you at the arrival gates inside the airport and assist you to your hotel. Check in at the hotel. (Check in timings 1400 hours)
Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture – from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present day writers – have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets. Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today’s Delhi.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (-/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, later a sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting Old Delhi, Jama Mosque, Red fort, Raj ghat, India gate, Presidential complex, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple etc…
Evening time for self exploration
*** Red fort, Lotus temple & Akshardham closed on Monday
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, later drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival in Mandawa check in at the hotel.
About Mandawa: The city of Mandawa, founded in the mid 18th century, was once a town inhabited by the rich merchant families. The wealthy and dominant merchants constructed massive havelis, adorned with beautiful wall paintings, for the purpose of their residence. However, with time, the merchants moved on and migrated to other areas, leaving the beautiful havelis in the shadows of anonymity. Still, the magnificence of these havelis did not diminish and now they have become a major tourist attraction of the city.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, later a sightseeing tour of Mandawa visiting Mandawa fort, Mandawa haveli.
You will enjoy admiring the detailed work and intricately painted walls of this place. Some of the other popular havelis in the area are the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli.
Later leave for Bikaner, upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, later a sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Laxminath temple, Bhandasar Jain temple, Junagarh fort & Prachina museum, lallgarh palace and Sadul museum, Camel farm etc…
Later drive to Pushkar, upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Pushkar visiting Brahma temple (one and only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma “The creator”). Roam around the local markets which have their own charm. Lord Vishnu temple, Lord Shiva temple and Ajay Palji temple.
Evening Aarti on the banks of beautiful Pushkar lake.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel, later drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel. Later visit Birla temple.
Birla temple is a beautifully constructed temple and is visited by numerous devotees and tourists every day.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner with folk dances of Rajasthan.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/D)
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal (drive past).
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel
Later drive to Agra en-route visiting Abhaneri Stepwell and Fatehpur sikri “abandoned city”.
Abhaneri Stepwell (Self exploration – no guide): The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones. Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Chand Baori is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India!
Stepwells, also called bawdi or baori, are unique to this nation. The wells have steps built into the sides that lead down to the water. Chand BaoriChand Baori one was built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through.
Proceed towards Fatehpur sikri: It is a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century, 37 km from Agra.
This historic site was founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Early morning visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the eternal of love, built in white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Emperor Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal reigns supreme as one of the most recognizable and iconic images of India. Its delicate minarets, gracefully curved archways and domes have led many to make the pilgrimage to stand at its entrance and wonder at its grandeur. The wonder isn’t only found in its construction. Here stands a building that is as rich in history as it is in opulent marble.
**** Taj Mahal is closed on Friday (In case Day 10 falls on Friday, we will show Taj Mahal on Thursday evening)
Overnight at the Hotel. Meal Plan (B/-/-)
Today In time transfer to the international airport to board the flight to onward destination.
Namaste! Our services ends here, we look forward to welcoming you again!