OVERVIEW
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rajasthan’s cultural and natural wonders. Begin in Jaipur, the Pink City, with its majestic forts and vibrant markets. Then, venture to Bikaner, known for its opulent palaces and camel breeding farms. Explore the golden city of Jaisalmer, where ancient forts rise from the desert sands. Continue to Jodhpur, the Blue City, and marvel at the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Journey to Ranakpur, home to stunning Jain temples adorned with intricate carvings. Experience the serene beauty of Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, before proceeding to Udaipur, the City of Lakes, with its romantic palaces and tranquil waters. Explore the ancient fort of Chittorgarh, steeped in history and legend, before concluding your adventure in Ranthambore, where the wilderness comes alive with the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers.

 

TOUR ITINERARY

 

DAY 01: ARRIVE JAIPUR

Today arrive at Jaipur and transfer to your hotel.

The capital of Rajasthan Jaipur – popularly known as the “Pink City” as the Pink sandstone was used to construct the buildings in the old walled city. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and its planning to the Great-Warrior-Astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699–1744 AD). Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolising the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The architect who formalised the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honour of the visit by Prince Albert. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses, little seems to have changed.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN JAIPUR

DAY 02: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast proceed for full day city tour of Jaipur – visiting Amer Fort located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber. It used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front; one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion. An elephant [Subject to availability/alternatively by jeep](On direct payment) will spare you the trouble of climbing up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls with a well-informed and well-spoken guide who would regale you with tales of yore.

Later I will visit the City of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armours, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. Most of the bazaars are in an old city with a wide range of things to buy, from jewellery (precious and semi-precious stones and handcrafted silver) to textiles to handicrafts and antiques. No doubt, for an avid shopper “Jaipur” is the choicest of the city to shop and collect memorabilia.

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN JAIPUR

 

DAY 03: JAIPUR–BIKANER (350KMS/07 HRS)

After the breakfast you will drive to Bikaner; Arrive Bikaner & transfer to your hotel.

This desert town in northern Rajasthan was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall. The old city with its exquisite merchant havelis, temples and bazaars retains a medieval air.

 

Later proceed for half day city tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors.  Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN BIKANER

 

DAY 04: BIKANER–JAISALMER (350KMS/07 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer; Jaisalmer – a fairytale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rawal Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the ‘golden city’.

The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80-meter-high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, and blankets, antique, silver jewellery, and stonework and of course the camel safaris.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN JAISALMER

DAY 05: JAISALMER SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. Jaisalmer’s strategic position on the camel terrain route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever-growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sandstone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain brothers-built Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are open to visitors.

Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisal, The Fort here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. 3 walls and 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the centuries, the golden sandstone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhatti Rajput’s, the Mughals, and the Rathore’s of Jodhpur. Within the fort complex are the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex – Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple.

The temples are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Close by is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. This houses priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.

 

In the evening, proceed for the excursion to Sam Sand dunes. Located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witnessing the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN JAISALMER

 

DAY 06: JAISALMER-JODHPUR (300 KMS/06 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur – Arrive at the Blue City – Jodhpur and transfer to your hotel.

An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices, and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Situated in Western Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long attracted both domestic and international tourists. It not only offers tangibles in terms of what you can see and buy but also fills one with a sense of history and the splendour of an era gone by. The hospitality of the locals, the demure women, and the colourful turbans -all set against the beloved desert (Marwar) is something to feel, not just see. Every pore of Jodhpur tells its own tales of heroic deeds that made legends out of kings and soldiers, romances that continue to warm the heart and a time when epics were lived out on the streets by everyday man.

 

Later proceed for half day city tour of Jodhpur. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. The palace apartments like Sukh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal etc are beautifully decorated and house jewellery, costumes, armoury, palanquins, howdahs, and other remnants of the past. See the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899. Later the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs were also built here. Also visit Sardar Bazaar and Clock Tower markets where you can see the vegetable, spice, Indian sweets, and textile and silver markets. These colourful markets with tiny shops dot the narrow lanes replete with woodcarvings, wrought iron, lacquer work, silver and ivory ornamentation and leather handicrafts.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN JODHPUR

DAY 07: JODHPUR-RANAKPUR-MOUNT ABU (300 KMS/06 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Mount Abu enroute visiting Ranakpur which is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns, and motifs on the walls, pillars, and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and none of them are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the domes are a superb example of western Indian temple style.

 

Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are sided attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs, and black clothing not allowed)

 

Later continue to drive to Mount Abu; Arrive Mount Abu and transfer to your hotel

 

At 1200 meters, Mt. Abu is the highest point of the Aravalli Range passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan, it is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a pleasant hill resort, Mount Abu is also a center of pilgrimage for Jains on account of the famous Dilwara Temples. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, romantic royal retreats of various erstwhile royal families, and some relics of the Raj period.

 

Later proceed for city tour of Mount Abu. Visit the breath taking Dilwara temples, among the finest examples of Jain architecture with their superb marble carving. The complex consists of five temples built between the eleventh and thirteenth century. The intricate ornamental carvings here represent the great heights reached in stone decoration. Also, visit Nakki Lake, and see the strange rock formations around it including Toad Rock. The Achalgarh fort has the famous Achaleshwar temple and also provides superb views of the area.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN MOUNT ABU

DAY 08: MOUNT ABU-UDAIPUR (200 KMS/03-04 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Udaipur; arrive Udaipur and transfer to your hotel.

Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As the capital of the old Mewar State, it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. This fairy – tale city, with its marble palaces and lakes surrounded by a ring of hills, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola with its romantic island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats, and temples line the lake front, with the lively bazaars of the old walled city stretching behind them.

 

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN UDAIPUR

 

 

DAY 09: UDAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Udaipur – visiting the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also, see the 17th century Jagdish temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, and visit the Sahelion ki Bari (the Garden for the Maids of Honour), an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks. Later visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir or the Folk Art Museum.

Later in the evening take a boat ride (On direct payment) on the 4 km long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular views of the city. Visit the Jag Mandir Island with its exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion.

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN UDAIPUR

DAY 10: UDAIPUR-CHITTORGARH-RANTHAMBORE (450 KMS) (PARK CLOSED FROM 01 JULY TO 30 SEPTEMBER)
After breakfast drive to Ranthambore enroute visiting Chittorgarh said to have been originally built by Bhim, one of the Pandavas. Though deserted now, impressive reminders of its grandeur still stand. See Rana Kumbha’s palace and Fateh Prakash Palace. Visit the 37 m high Jaya Stambh (Tower of Victory) built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Khiljis of Malwa in 1440.Also see the 22 m high Keerti Stambh or Tower of Fame, dedicated to Adinath and decorated with figures of various Jain Tirthankaras. Later continue to drive to Ranthambore; Arrive Ranthambore and transfer to your hotel. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country where more visitors spending a couple of nights are likely to spot one of these majestic animals, The Royal Bengal Tiger.  Once, a private tiger reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur, in 1972 the sanctuary came under the Project Tiger scheme.  It covers 410 sq. km and runs from the easternmost spur of the Aravalli to the Vindhya Range.  It has both the old fort and the wildlife sanctuary, also known as Sawai Madhopur, after the town, which has some Jain temples with gilded paintings. Apart from tigers, you can see herds of Chital and Sambar deer and sounders of wild boar, Nilgai antelope, and Chinkara gazelles.  There is also a sloth bear, a few leopards, and crocodiles.  Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, crested serpent eagles, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc.  There are also water birds like storks, ducks, and geese at the lakes and waterholes. Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN RANTHAMBORE

DAY 11: RANTHAMBORE

Early morning Game Drive [Not included in the quote] into the Park where your naturalist will talk to you about the wildlife found in this Park.  Ranthambhore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild tigers and is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world. In game drive, your naturalist will help you explore the park in search of The Royal Bengal Tiger.

After Game Drive, return to the hotel for breakfast. Afternoon Game Drive [Not included in the quote] to Ranthambore National Park.

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL IN RANTHAMBORE

 

 

 

DAY 12: RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR (DEPART) (200 KMS)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur; Arrive Jaipur and in time transfer to Jaipur Airport / Railway Station to board your flight/train for onward journey to your next destination

 

******OUR SERVICES END HEREEHERE******

 

 

OUR QUOTE INCLUDES:

• 11Nights accommodation basis at the hotel mentioned above or similar category of alternate hotels.
• Meal Plan – Daily buffet breakfast at all the hotels.All applicable taxes .

• All transfers, city tours and transport services by AC VEHICLE All India Tourist permit vehicle as per the above itinerary. Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes.

 

OUR QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE: THE ABOVE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• MONUMENTS Entrance Fee. + Services of  English Speaking Local  Guide.
• Elephant Ride or Jeep Ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur. +Tonga Ride in Bikaner.

• Game Drive at Ranthambore National Park in Ranthambore +Camel Ride on Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer. +Jeep Safari in Jodhpur. +Common Boat Ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

• Anything which is not mentioned under “INCLUDES” header.

• Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone / fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions
• Airfare / Train Fare
• Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as roadblocks, accidents & any medical evacuations. Any train delays, or re-scheduling etc. Any Visa fees, insurance fees, etc. Any tips to hotel staff, local guides, drivers etc. Any meals apart from the ones mentioned above. Any expenses apart from the ones above.

 

THE IMPORTANT POINTS:  MONUMENT CLOSURE DAYS:

• All the Monuments will Remain Closed on Dhulandi (Next Day of HOLI FESTIVAL) in Rajasthan.Ranthambore Park & Sariska National Park will be CLOSED from 01 JULY to 30 SEPT Every Year