The Forts and Palaces


Duration: 11 Nights / 13 Days

Highlights: Delhi / Shekhwati / Bikaner / Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Udaipur / Pushkar / Jaipur / Agra / Delhi

Cost: On Request - [Escorted Group or Private Journey]

Rajasthan, the land of Kings and Warriors, is India at its colorful best with its palaces of breathtaking grandeur and battle scarred forts. From the impregnable forts of Marwar and Amber to the delicate frescoed havelis of Shekhawti and the desert city of Jaisalmer, the jewels of India are here in the diverse and dramatic region. Following a tour of Imperial Delhi and Agra., journey in to the heart of Rajasthan and capture the romance of a bygone era.

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi in the late evening. Welcome with flower garlands, Transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Delhi / Shekhawati (260kms)
Morning depart for Mandawa - the principal town of the Shekhawati region renowned for its splendid painted "Havelis" or mansions. Upon arrival, check- in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Mandawa/ Bikaner (Gajner) (270 kms)
Morning visit the town and Castle of Mandawa and then proceed towards Fatehpur completing the tour of Shekhawati's grand Havelis with their lively frescoes, cataloguing the rich historical life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.
Later depart for the fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the Northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is surrounded by a long embattled wall with five entrance gates.
Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, a visit to the Junagrh Fort, Palaces and Temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy.
Overnight at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Bikaner / Jaisalmer (330 Kms)
Morning drive to Jaisalmer, the yellow city lying in the heart of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes with an imposing and impregnable sand coloured Fort.
Arrival at Jaisalmer and check-in to the hotel.
In the afternoon visit the Gaddi Sagar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway and the royal Cenotaphs at the Barj Bagh and view the setting sun over this city which is worth a visit. Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the hotel swimming pool.
Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit the city of Jaisalmer, splendid caravan city founded in the year 1155 by Rao Jaisal. The city is a jewel, the exquisitely carved balconies of the "Havellis" with rich filigree work all over, the fort perched atop the hill with beautiful palaces and 'jharokhas' (windows), Jaisalmer is also called 'the Museum City'.
Later in the afternoon, proceed towards Khuri-45kms away, to visit the picturesque wind-caressed dunes of the Thar Desert. The sand dunes create enchanting mirages and are absolutely a breathtaking sight. Proceed for a short camel ride in the sand dunes of Khuri village. Return to Jaisalmer. Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (297 kms)
Morning drive to Jodhpur, the 'blue city' of the desert. Arrive and check- in to the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the grand and imposing Mehrangarh, a Fort which was practically unconquerable in times of war in the olden days. Spread over many kilometers, it dominates the landscape by its presence.
Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7:Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (285 Kms)
Morning depart for Ranakpur the most magnificent 15th Century Jain Temples of India delicately carved out of white marble, in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Thereafter continue towards the romantic city of Udaipur also known as "The White City". Arrival and check in to hotel.
Late afternoon proceed for a city tour of Udaipur - set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by beautiful Palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque and romantic city.
Overnight stay hotel (B,L,D)

Day 8: Udaipur / Pushkar (295 kms)
Morning visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace built in the year 1725.
Then depart for Pushkar - the mellow, quite and interesting little town of Pushkar is one of those travellerscentres, where people go for a little respite from the hardships of life on the Indian road it is situated right on the edge of the desert.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 9: Pushkar / Jaipur (165 kms)
Morning visit to Ghats and temples in Pushkar
Later proceed for Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check in to hotel.
Afternoon, proceed for a tour of the Pink City - visiting the imposing City Palace now converted into a Museum - the principal residence of the former ruling family, JantarMantar - the ancient Observatory, HawaMahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds and finally, visit the picturesque and lively bazaars of the walled city.
Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 10: Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort - built in the time of Mughals. The area was constructed and always prepared at times of war in the olden days..
Afternoon at leisure for free activities
Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
In the morning leave for Agra, en route visiting FatehpurSikri - the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but during its brief span.
Thereafter, continue the drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.
Later discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573.
Overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 12: Agra – Delhi
After breakfast, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize its visitors.
Later drive to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi.
Afternoon visit of New & Old Delhi – visiting QutabMinar, drive past the stately Government buildings of the British era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace.
End of the tour visit of Sikh Temple. Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping or relaxation.
Return to hotel where rooms will available for wash & change. (B,L,D)
Later farewell dinner and transfer to airport for international flight

Day 13: Departure Delhi
Board on a flight to your outward destination

Tour packages include:
Accommodation in the mentioned category of hotels or similar.
All transfers / tours and excursions by one AC chauffeur driven vehicle.
All meals (on Full board basis) as listed in the program
Farewell Dinner in Delhi
Sightseeing as per package details.
Service of airport representative during the arrival and departure transfer.
Service of French speaking accompanying for throughout the tour.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
Camel ride in Dune, Jaisalmer
Tonga ride in Bikaner
Rickshaw ride in Jaipur
Monument Entrances fee at all sightseeing spots.
One bottle of mineral water will be provided on a daily basis on vehicle
Half bottle of Beer during each major meal
Gratuities to driver and accompanying guide, driver and assistant
All applicable current taxes imposed by Government of India

Tour package does not include:
Airport taxes & airfares to/from/within India
Personal expenses such as bottled or alcoholic beverages, telephone calls or personal equipment like sleeping bags etc…
Visa and Insurance of self and baggage.
Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes etc… Any mandatory supplement by hotels on room or meals from 20th Dec' 2012 to 10th Jan' 2013 of the mentioned year or thePushkar period supplement

Important Note:
The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs/conditions and any change in the costs or modification in tax structure will oblige us to revise the same.
Additional service, if any, during the trip have to be paid by the clients. If you wish to extend full or partial credit, you may please solicit the same in advance.
Kindle note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.

For more detail refer Company 's term and conditions