This itinerary is combination of all the three cities presents the potpourris of India. The harmonious amalgamation of the capital of the country with its entire historic splendor, the soft romanticism that can felt at amazing Agra and the fierce magnificence of the Rajasthan desert presents India at its best. Since centuries the golden triangle has beckoned travelers from different parts of the world to India. The sights, sounds, smell and savor besides the souvenirs from each holiday destination of the Golden Triangle is enchanting. As it is the metro of Delhi with its rich past, the royal retreat at Jaipur and the romantic. In entirety the Golden Triangle tour of India reveals a charming contrast of images to its visitors. With the confluence of the comfortable conveniences and the charming culture the tour is unforgettable. The Royal tour of Rajasthan comes with Agra - The world famous city known for Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi by flight (Kindly advise)
Arrive Delhi airport. After clearing your custom & immigrations you shall be met by our representative outside the exit gate of the arrival hall. After meeting/assistance and traditional welcome at the airport transfer to hotel.Rest of the day/night at leisure to overcome jet-leg of the long flight & to recuperate to our weather conditions. Overnight stay at hotel.
Delhi - The capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. Don't let your first impressions of Delhi stick like a sacred cow in a traffic jam: get behind the madcap façade and discover the inner peace of a city rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep with history and totally addictive to epicureans. Both Old and New Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors. Lose yourself unwinding the secrets of the city's Mughal past in the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi before emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and generous leafy avenues.
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs leave for combined city tour of old and new Delhi.
New Delhi - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, 12th century Minaret- Qutub Minar graceful and well sculptured and stands 75 meters, Lotus Temple, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, The President House, once the House of British viceroys and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Old Delhi - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort-once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi/Agra (225 Kms)
Morning breakfast and at 0800 hrs drive to Agra - The Royal seat and capital of the province of yesteryears, Agra the City of Mughals. Enroute visit Mathura - The birth place of Lord Krishna. In time proceed further to Agra.
Agra - Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai Cuisine.
Upon arrival in Agra check in at hotel. Afternoon leave for city tour of Agra. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
Taj Mahal - One of the seven wonder of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Agra Fort - The first of the great mughal buildings where three Mughal emperor left there foot prints. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday due to maintenence purspose. Day 04 : Agra/Fatehpursikri/Jaipur (235 kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive Jaipur - The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, built by the warrior-astronomer Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, it is full of formidable Forts, enchanting Palaces and lovely temples. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Fatehpur Sikri - The city of victory beautifully preserved. The sandstone mansions of Sikri are experiments in art and architecture and to a great extent uphold Akbar's ideals and visions. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition .... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Jaipur - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Evening optional visit to Rajmandir cinema hall famous for its beautiful interiors or "Chokhi Dhani" - A five star ethnic village resort for dinner on direct payment basis. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs proceed to city tour of Jaipur.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Enjoy ride the hill on the back of decorated elephant ascent to the fort and feel like Maharaja. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Complex which houses the rare and rich collection of ornaments, arms, royal costumes, carpets and decorative art objects of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture
Jantar Mantar - A 18th century Observatory. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Also visit Birla Temple.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Jaipur/Pushkar (140 Kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon leave for city/temple tour of Pushkar.
Pushkar - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharata. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon days.
Day 07 : Pushkar/Chittarugarh/Udaipur (280 Kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive to Udaipur- City Of Lakes or Veince of East founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1567 AD surrounded by Lovely land around the azure water lakes hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravali ranges.
Chittaurgarh - The Epitome of Romance and velour also the pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh town known for its massive fort atop a hill.
Chittaurgarh Fort - Quintessence of rajput heroism, Chittorgarh is aproud witness of the bravery and chivalry of its inhabitants. other places to see are The Palace of Rana Kumbha, Vijay stambh or Tower of Victory, Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame etc.
Udaipur - City Of Lakes or Veince of East founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1567 AD surrounded by Lovely land around the azure water lakes hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravali ranges. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
Rest of the day at leisure. Evening optional visit to Lok kala mandir for cultural program on direct payment basis. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08 : Udaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs leave for city tour of Udaipur. Evening enjoy boat ride on lake Pichola .
Lake Pichola - The largest and the most beautiful of Udaipur's lakes - it is overlooked by hills while palaces, mansions, bathing ghats, gardens and temples dot its banks. Jag Mahal and Jag Niwas are the two island palaces that add to the lake's romantic ambience. City Palace, on the banks of the Lake Pichola. The magnificent and awe inspiring citadel is, in fact, a complex of several buildings that were added at different times by different rulers spanning nearly three hundred years. A ticketed 'Mewar Light & Sound Show' is hosted every evening within the Palace premises. Happily, they harmonise beautifully with each other and maintain an overall homogeneity of design. There are terraces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens, with lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on their walls, floors and ceilings. Simply astounding! The main part of the Palace is now a museum. You should see the Mor Chowk for the gorgeous peacock mosaics, Chini Chitrashala for the striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain figures and Krishna Vilas for miniature painting. The Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, is located within easy walking distance from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside. In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the exquisite fairy tale Lake Palace, seemingly afloat on the tranquil water that reflects the rugged hills that surround it. Designed to beat the heat and dust of summer, the Lake Palace or the Jagmahal was built by Maharajah Jagat Singh II in 1754. The pretty white marble palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts thousands of guests each year. A memorial to Maharana Pratap (Pratap Smarak) is located on top of Moti Magri (Pearl Hill), which overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. Sahelion Ki Bari, (Garden of the Maids of Honour), a small ornamental garden with fountains, once the site for royal picnics, or the impressive Gulab Bagh (Rose garden).The 18th century monsoon palace, Sajjangarh, sits dramatically on top of a hill just outside Udaipur from where you get spectacular views of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
City Palace - The largest palace complex of Rajasthan it is a completely white structure standing majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls.
Lake Palace or Jag Niwas - One of the most beautiful palaces of the world, Jag Mandir - The island palace was commenced maharana Jagat singh. and Jagdish Temple, Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids) etc.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09 : Udaipur/Ranakpur/Jodhpur (260 Kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Suncity Jodhpur - Tales of Grandeur and great heroes. Jodhpur set at edge of the Thar desert, the Imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions.
Ranakpur - The pilgrimage town of the Jains, renowed for some merveellously carved Jain temples. later visit Ranakpur temple exquisite architectural Jain temples amidst the peaceful Aravalli range three storied stracture, with 29 halls, 80 domes and 1,444 pillars and no two pillars are alike every pillar is intricately carved with equal delicacy in Amber stone. One of the five main pilgrim centres for the Jains. The main shrine in the 500-year old temple complex (preserved in near perfect condition) is the huge Chaumukha Temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain saint. It is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India with 29 halls and 80 domes supported by 1444 ornately carved pillars, no two pillars alike. There are two other Jain temples in the complex, and, some distance away, a Sun temple.
Enroute visit Ranakpur - The pilgrimage town of the Jains, renowed for some marvelously carved Jain temples. later visit Ranakpur temple exquisite architectural Jain temples amidst the peaceful Aravalli range three storied structure, with 29 halls, 80 domes and 1,444 pillars and no two pillars are alike every pillar is intricately carved with equal delicacy in Amber stone. Thereafter continue your drive to Jodhpur, upon arrival check in at hotel.
Jodhpur - Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Jodhpur The Sun City known for fascinating history is replete with sagas that tell the tales of proud kings, brave warriors, court intrigues, colourful stories of velour and romance. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. Jodhpur retains much of the medieval flavour and ambience that instantly bring to mind the grandeur and glory of another era. Dotted with palaces, havelis, temples and houses washed pale blue also known as Blue city.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Jodhpur
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs leave for city tour of Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort - Standing sentinel to the grandeur of the past, and houses a Palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exqisitely wrought from red sandstone. with rich collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradels, miniature paintings etc. Down the road from Mehrangarh fort is Jaswant Thada, an attractive marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh some sections of the thin marble walls are translucent,a feature extolled by resident guides as some thing of a miracle. Takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor's list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces, with intricate carved 'jalis' and panels that take your breath away. Seven heavily fortified gateways led to the palaces, armoury and royal chambers. Few of these gates remain but the palaces are impressive in their variety and ornamentation. The notable ones are the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), with its beautifully painted walls, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) with its Shringar Chowk (coronation seat) featuring peacock armrests and gilded elephants, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the Sileh Khana, the Umaid Vilas and the Daulat Khana. At the Daulat Khana, visitors get to see a rich and varied collection of royal memorabilia, fine Rajput miniatures and Ragmala paintings. The Mehrangarh Fort Palace Museum and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum house a fine collection of royal memorabilia, armours and arms, bejewelled howdahs, palanquins etc. Jaswant Thada, a few metres below the fort, is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors. The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder, built in 1812, with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times!
Umaid Bhawan Palace - Only Palace built in mid 20th century in India this palace is also known as Chittar Palace as local Chittar stone is used. it is splendid example of indo-colonial style.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 : Jodhpur/Jaisalmer (285 Kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive to Jaisalmer - The place rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a Golden mirage and simply wonder and get lost in it. A small place totally unspoiled and very remote. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Jaisalmer - The place to simply wonder and get lost. It is a small place totally unspoiled and very remote. Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert near Rajasthan's remote western border, surrounded by sand dunes. It would be just any Rajasthani town but, looming over the city, towering nearly 100 metres over the city and apparently rising out of the desert haze, is the spectacular golden Jaisalmer Fort. Made of yellow sandstone, the fort inspires wonder at its beauty like perhaps none other in India. It has the appearance of a giant sandcastle shimmering in the desert heat like a mirage that will soon disappear.
Evening visit the sunset point and witness the most spectacular sun set with gold all around reflecting on the ramparts and atop terraces The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into beautiful golden brown. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 : Jaisalmer
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs leave for city tour.
The Golden Jaisalmer Fort - Built of jurassic yellow sandstone housing the entire township within its ramparts its houses Palaces and old Jain temples dating back to 12th- 15th century. The very first place for most visitors to this desert outpost. Made of yellow sandstone, the fort inspires wonder at its beauty like perhaps none other in India The Fort towering high above the sprawling city of Jaisalmer has an exciting, almost fairytale quality to it. The fort is often spoken of as a 'living museum' because of its many 'havelis' - the mansions of the rich merchants built in the 19th century.
Hidden deep within a labyrinth of narrow old world lanes with shops, houses and hotels is the Main Chowk (square) dominated by the Palace of the Maharawal, several Hindu temples and exquisitely sculpted trio of Jain temples. The residential area of the fort takes visitors back in time with beautiful 'havelis' with breath- takingly exquisite intricately latticed golden yellow sandstone facades. The most famous homes are Nathmalji ki Haveli, whose interiors are extensively decorated with splendid miniature paintings, Salim Singh ki Haveli capped with blue cupolas and superb peacock shaped brackets, and The Patwon ki Haveli is five storied and is the largest and most elaborate of all with multiple carved pillars and colonnades, wall murals, long corridors and ornate chambers. The Gadsisar Lake is an artificial water body that stores rainwater - in the harsh desert landscape; it becomes a major attraction and a favourite picnic spot.
No trip to Jaisalmer complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of sam evening visit Sam sand dunes and enjoy Camel ride at sand dunes.
Overnight stay at hotel..
Day 13 : Jaisalmer/Bikaner (330 kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs drive to Bikaner the royal fortified city with timeless appeal. lying in the north of the Thar desert, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon proceed to city tour of Bikaner.
Bikaner - The royal fortified city with timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Thar Desert, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner, the fabulous desert stronghold founded by Rao Bikaji. Undulating and shifting sand dunes of the rugged deserts scape open out to a magnificent city of forts, palaces and markets fortified against marauders by seven km long embattlements. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Junagarh Fort - Built of Red sand stone give the impression of rich inlay of pietra dura and apartments are merely richly painted. lies to the northeast of the walled old city of Bikaner. Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar's army built the fort in 1593 for the Mughal Army, and its most unusual feature is that this Fort was built at ground level and not on high ground. Interestingly, it is one of the few Forts in India that was never conquered - maybe its inconspicuousness proved to be its best defense. Junagarh Fort built of Red sand stone give the impression of rich inlay of pietra dura and apartments are merely richly painted. Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance to the Junagarh Fort. The fort is encircled by a moat that protects the splendid complex of thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples added by different rulers, the last one, as recently as 1943. Their lavishly adorned interiors are much better preserved than those in any other palace in the region.
Lal Garh Palace – An architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, typical of the area. This palace was built by the greatest of Bikaner kings, Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work in sandstone that closely resembles lacy confections in its intricacy. Well laid out gardens, sprawling lawns on which peacocks dance and play amidst a riot of colourful bougainvillea make it a delight for the eyes. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum – The best amongst the many royal museums in Rajasthan. Its reputation has been enhanced by its rare collection of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings from the Bikaner School and coins. Most of the exhibits are masterpieces of Harappan civilization obtained from the archaeological excavations in the vicinity, as well as some from the Gupta and Kushan periods.
Also visit Asia's biggest camel breeding farm to watch different breeds of Camels. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14 : Bikaner/Mandawa(250 Kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive to Semi desert region of the Shekhawati is colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own and home of the Marwaris, India's mercantile community. This region is also known as "The Open air art gallery". Upon arival check in at hotel.
Shekhawati (Mandawa) - Semi desert region of the Shekhawati is colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own and home of the marwaris, India's mercantile community. This region is also known as "The Open air art gallery". Shekhawati is a region and not just a town or fort; it takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.
Afternoon city tour visiting world famous old painted Havelies and rich painted frescoes which speak of rich cultural heritage of the region also visit local surrounding villages experiencing the daily village life.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15 : Mandawa/Delhi (240 Kms)....................................Delhi/Onward destination by flight (Kindly advise)
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi direct transfer to airport to board your flight for your onward destination.
........End of The Tour & Let the pleasant memories of the past days linger on your mind for a long, long time.........