This tour begins with your arrival in Delhi, which goes back thousands of years in history and every wall and by-lane has a story to tell. Delhi has a tremendous blend of the old and new culture, which coexists from time unknown. From the Indian Kings, to the Mughals and the British, Delhi was always a strategic location. No other city is the world has more monuments than Delhi has. The Qutab Minar, the Humayun’s Tomb, the India Gate and the President’s House, are all monuments of great work of architecture and have a magical story to tell.

Only about two and a half hours from Delhi, lying on a hillock, is the Fort-Palace of Neemrana. It was built in 1464, and became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who had fled Delhi in 1192, when Muhammad Ghori invaded India. The rulers of Neemrana continued to assert themselves, even under the British. Today, Neemrana Fort-Palace is a unique heritage resort and offers vibrant sites for the visitors. Your stay here will get you started on the magical tour of the discovery of the Rajputana experience.

On your journey, you will visit Alsisar or Mandawa, in the Shekhawati region, which is a semi-desert region in North Rajasthan. This region is also known as the “Open air art gallery of Rajasthan” because of the amazingly painted havelis (which means personal residences). Most of the buildings are dated from the 18th century to the early 20th century. The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes and huge animals. Some of the later period frescoes reflect British influence in the form of steam locomotives and trains depicted on them.

Further on, Bikaner lies in the north of the desert state, which is dotted with many sand dunes. It was founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, and still retains the medieval grandeur. The imposing palaces, temples made of red and yellow sand stones, are an extraordinary treat in this region. Bikaner also boasts to have the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world, which produces the best riding camels, which is an inseparable part of the desert life here.

Jaisalmer, the name itself evokes sheer magic and vibrancy of the desert. Once a low keyed and sleepy desert city, Jaisalmer has transformed into a major tourist destination. Located amid the picturesque Thar Desert, the city was founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the Bhati Rajput ruler. The daunting Jaisalmer Fort, made of yellow sand stone, also known as the “Sonar Quila” (Golden Fort), is an amazing and fantastic structure in the desert. The city is also known for its various old mansions, havelis and what is more striking, are its intriguing works of art, which are distinct and is an amalgamation of the ancient and medieval era architecture. Most of the desert safaris begin and end in Bikaner or Jaisalmer.

Some of the forts, palaces and citadels in Rajasthan may look quite rugged and rough on the exterior, but once you enter, you will be amazed to see the beautiful palaces, temples and gardens within the forts.

Another unique destination is Jodhpur, which stands on the edge of the Thar Desert and the citadel of the ancient Marwar kingdom. This desert city was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan. The Mehrangarh Fort is the identity of the city, which is an imposing fortress and has a very dominating landscape over the rocky ridge and has about eight gates, leading out of the fortress. A must visit when you are in Jodhpur. The Palace of Umaid Bhawan is another attraction, which was probably was one of the largest private residences in the world, until it was converted into a hotel. It was built by the Maharaja Umaid Singh between 1929 & 1943, and is known for its impressive fortified bastions.

One of the most sought after tourist destinations in Rajasthan is Udaipur. Set amidst the Aravalli ranges, it is often referred to as the City of lakes. The various lakes and the elevated hills make Udaipur a picturesque city, and undoubtedly, one of the most romantic cities. It is also known as the “Venice of the East”. Udaipur was founded in 1559 AD by Maharana Udai Singh, but the city was made popular by his successor Maharana Pratap Singh, who protected the city of Udaipur from the Mughals. The beautiful Lake Palace, built on the Lake Pichola, stands the test of time, and is easily the prettiest palace. A boat ride on the Lake is an enthralling experience.

You will also visit Jaipur which is the capital of the Rajputanas, the land of the Forts and Palaces. Jaipur was possibly the first planned city in Northern India, and popularly known as the Pink City due the excessive use of pink stone during construction of the buildings. The city can charm tourists through its architecture, arts, textile, traditions, music, jewellery and more.

A truly majestic and absorbing tour of the land of the Rajputs. A tour at the end of which, leaves you with a nostalgic feeling – that of a Maharaja!

PRICES / TERMS & CONDITIONS

Offer Starting from : £ 1595 per person *

Supplements may apply peak periods, city sold out dates, and high seasons.

Supplement for superior hotels apply.

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

• Economy class flights for UK to India.
• Accommodation at above mentioned or similar hotels on twin sharing basis as per the chosen Option
• Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels mentioned above.
• All transfers / visits / excursion as per the program by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Services of English speaking local guide for sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Entrances at the Monuments (01 visit).
• All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes
• Escorted arrival/departure transfers at airport as per itinerary
• Current taxes as applicable

PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages camera/video fee at monuments, medical expenses, porterage, airport departure tax etc
• Meals other than those specified above
• Any international/domestic airfare
• Any airport taxes
• Transport during days at leisure

MONUMENT CLOSURE DAYS

• Delhi – Red Fort – Closed on Mondays
• Agra – Taj Mahal – Closed on Fridays

SPECIAL REMARKS:

* Elephant rides at Amer Fort are at the discretion of Rajasthan Government-Department of Tourism. On days when Elephants rides are suspended visit to Amer Fort will be provided in Indigo/Innovas for 01 -03 Pax and in Non Air-conditioned jeeps for 04-10 Pax.