Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. The sightseeing of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jamma Masjid, the largest mosque in India. It was built in the year 1650.

This is followed by a drive-past the Red Fort, built during the years 1639-1648, by the Moghol Emperor Shah Jahan, the creator of the famous Taj Mahal.

We later proceed to Raj Ghat, the memorial site dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, who was cremated here following his assassination in January 1948.

After visiting Old Delhi, we proceed for a sightseeing trip of New Delhi which begins with a drive-past the Safdarjang’s Tomb, built in 1753-54, by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, Safdarajang. It is one the last exemples of Mughal architecture before the final remnants of the great empire collapsed.

We then reach the famous Qutub Minar (construction started in 1193 & completed in 1368). This striking medieval, soaring tower of victory is nearly 73 metres high and has five distinct storeys, within the Qutub Minar Complex, and amidst the ruins of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, stands the famous Iron Pillar, which has stood the vagaries of centuries and has not rusted at all for nearly 1600 years!!

We then proceed to Humayun’s Tomb (World Heritage Monument), built in the mid-16th century by his Persian-born senior wife, Haji Begum.

We later drive through the Diplomatic Enclave, which houses the Embassies of most of the foreign countries.

We shall make a short stop for a quick photo shoot at the India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, which was formerly the domicile of the last Viceroy of India. Finally, we shall visit Connaught Place, the main and upmarket shopping area of New Delhi.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive down to Agra, en route we visit the exquisite ‘Itimad-ud-Daulah’, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Baig, the Persian gentleman, who was Emperor Jehangir’s ‘wazir’ or chief minister, and his beautiful daughter, Nur Jahan, later married the Emperor. She constructed the tomb between 1622 and 1628 in a style similar to the tomb she built for Jehangir near Lahore in Pakistan.

Although much less elaborate, many of the Itimud-ud-Daulah’s design elements foreshadow the Taj Mahal, earning it the nickname ‘Baby Taj’.
Upon arrival at Agra, we check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we proceed for a city tour to discover the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this poignant Mughal mausoleum has become the ‘de facto’ tourist emblem of India.

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his second wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Construction of this edifice built with pure white marble began in the same year and it took 22 years to finish the same. In total, a total of 20,000 people and craftsmen from India and Central Asia worked on the building.

The semi-translucent white marble, the exquisite screens, the fabulous carvings and ‘pietra dura’ inlay work (with thousands of semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns) are the most striking features of this spectacular mausoleum. Despite the effects of pollution and overexposure, a visit to the Taj Mahal is still an overwhelming experience and the monument seems as immaculate today as when it was first constructed.

We then continue our tour with a visit to the Agra Fort, on the bank of the Yamuna river. Construction of this massive red stone fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was built primarily as a military structure.

The auricular fort’s colossal double walls rise over 20m in height and measure 2.5 km. in circumference. They contain a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. The most impressive building to survive is the ‘Moti Masjid’ (Pearl Mosque), regarded by some as the most beautiful mosque in India. Other places of importance are ‘Diwan-i-Khas’, ‘Diwan-i- Am’, ‘Musammam Burj’ and Jehangir’s Palace.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive down to Jaipur, but en route we stop over at Fatehpur Sikri: This magnificent fortified ghost city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Although brilliant from an architectural point of view, Akbar’s city was erected in an area that was plagued by water shortages and it was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death because of this.

Fatehpur Sikri’s beautiful and magnificent Jama Masjid (now brilliantly restored) is said to be a copy of the mosque at Mecca. The main entrance is through the impressive 54 metre-high Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate), considered as the tallest gateway in the world. It was constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.

In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble ‘dargah’ or tomb of the sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who Akbar credited with bringing him a heir. The carved marble lattice screens (‘jalis’) are probably the finest examples of such work you will see anywhere in the country.

This amazing courtyard has many other wonders, such as the Palace of Jodh Bai, Birbal Bhavan, Panch Mahal and of course, Diwan-i-Khas (The Hall of Private Audiences) and ‘Diwan-i-Am’ (The Hall of Public Audiences). All these structures reflect the glory and the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Abhaneri, situated about 95 kms. from Jaipur. This little village has one of Rajasthan’s most awesome ‘baoris’ (= stepwells). It is around 30 metres deep and among the largest stepwells in India. It not only stores water but is also very effective for groundwater harvesting. This stepwell, famous for its distinctive construction and a truly unique design, is one-of-a-kind and considered as the most picturesque in the world, which therefore naturally attracts a lot of attention from the visitors. Upon arrival at Jaipur, we check-in at the hotel.

Later in the evening, we have lined up for you a unique experience of culinary delights and live-preparation of traditional Rajasthani dishes. If you wish, you could even try your hands at rolling a ‘chappati’, (also called a ‘roti’), made of wheat flour, the traditional staple food of northern India, or preparing a regional vegetable curry. You also have an option of a photo-session with an entire group of family members, all attired in typical and traditional Rajasthani costumes.

After breakfast, we proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort which is located about 12 kms. from Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajput rulers. This unique wonder is a must on every tourist itinerary of Rajasthan. Construction of the fort-palace was begun in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. It was later extended by the Jai Singhs, before they moved their capital to Jaipur.

The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake. You will really cherish the ascent to the Palace on the back of brightly caparisoned elephant. We shall visit the multiple chambers and the hallways of this Palace which are famous for their designs and decorations.

We proceed for a tour of the city’s iconic structures. First comes the Jantar Mantar, a magnificent stone observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 known for his passion for astronomy. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of the five he built, the other four being in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura.

We then visit the opulent City Palace, the former Royal residence, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style. The Palace contains fabulous museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, traditional costumes and armory.

Later, we drive past the intriguing Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), which is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks. Constructed in 1799, this five-storey building is a stunning example of Rajput artistry. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

After breakfast, we drive down first to Jodhpur, but en route we stop over Ajmer, which is located just 11 km. from the town of Pushkar.

Ajmer, a burgeoning town on the shores of the Ana Sagar has always been a town of strategic and historical importance, right from the times of Mohammad of Ghori who has sacked it, at least once, on of his periodic and plunderous forays from Afghanistan. Much later, and from the times of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, it became a favorite residence for the mighty Mughals.

It must be noted that one of the first contacts between the Mughals and the British occurred in Ajmer, when Sir Thomas Roe, the English envoy, met with Emperor Jehangir here in 1616.

Today, Ajmer is  a world-famous pilgrimage centre for the Muslims (as well as for the people of other religious faiths) who visit the holy shrine of the Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chisti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192 AD. He is also popularly known as ‘Hazrat Khwaja Garib-e-Nawaz’, abbreviated to ‘HKGN’, which is often found inscribed on the transport vehicles owned by the Muslims.

This ‘dargah’ (=mausoleum) has the distinction of being the most-visited Muslim shrine in the whole world and it is recorded that the mighty Emperor Akbar used to make the pilgrimage to this place every year, during the annual ‘Urs’ held to mark the anniversary of the saint’s death.

*PUSHKAR:
Pushkar, a bewitching little town, sits on the edge of the desert and it is separated from Ajmer by the ‘Nag Pahar’ or the ‘Snake Mountain’.

This town is perhaps best known for its annual Camel Fair, a massive congregation of camels, cattle and livestock which takes place on the full-moon night of the ‘Karthik’ month of the Hindu calendar.

Another special feature of this town is  the ‘Brahma Temple’, said to be one of only temples in the world, dedicated to ‘Brahma’, the Creator and the Lord of the Universe. It is marked by a red spire, and over the entrance gateway, is the ‘hans’, (=a swan, the symbol of Brahma), who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site and location.

After our visit to Ajmer and Pushkar, we proceed to Jodhpur, also known as Blue City of the State of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. It is also known as “The Blue City” of India. It was the traditional capital of the larger Kingdom of Marwar and particularly the Kingdom of Jodhpur. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 who built the grand and majestic Fort of Mehrangarh, which covers an area of nearly 2000 acres. This edifice is built in red sandstone and has intricately adorned large carved panels and latticed windows with exquisite designs. (Although the original fort complex was built in the middle of the 15th century, most of the present-day existing structures date from the 17th century) and upon arrival we check-in at the Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our day’s programme with a visit Mehrangarh Fort – The Present City of Jodhpur is essentially built around the Mehrangarh Fort which is bounded by a fortified wall with several gates. This township features several other  popular destinations such as many smaller and minor fortifications, palaces and temples, all of them set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.

Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre or the heart of Rajasthan and this makes it a central and convenient base for travel to other major touristic destinations such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jaipur.

Another very interesting spot to be discovered is the “Jaswant Thada”, a very graceful marble Cenotaph built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This cenotaph features carved gazebos and a tired (layered) garden built around a small lake. The areas surrounding this cenotaph also serve as the cremation ground for the members of royal family and the Rulers of Marwar. It also has a very interesting display gallery of the Rulers and the Maharajahs of Jodhpur.

We then visit the immense and imposing Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built of marble and pink sandstone, it is also known as the ‘Chhittar Palace’, because of the local Chhittar sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was designed by the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh, and it took 15 years to complete. It is considered as one of the world’s largest private residences and it has 347 rooms. A portion of this palace continues to remain the principal domicile of the former Jodhpur royal family, although a major portion of it has now been converted into a luxurious 5-star hotel.

We also get to see the iconic ‘Clock Tower’, a landmark construction, because it was the sole manner of tracking time for the local residents in former days. You can get an amazing, panoramic view of the City from the top of this Tower.

*Jaisalmer is a city located in the Indian state of Rajasthan about 575 km to the west of the state capital, Jaipur. It was built in the year 1156 AD by the Bhatti Rajput ruler, Rawal Jaisal. The town stands on the Meru Hill, a mountain ridge of yellow-coloured sandstone and it is crowned by the very ancient and magnificent Jaisalmer Fort.

*’Jaisalmer’ means the ‘Hill Fort of Jaisal’. The precincts of this fort contain the Royal Palace and several splendid and beautifully ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples, both within the fort and in the town below, are built using the yellowish sandstone, often intricately carved. This enchanting landscape produces a magnificent and magical display of colours, with hues of golden and yellow shades, in constant play with the sunlight of the day. It is for this reason, that Jaisalmer is also called ‘The Golden City’ of India.

*The town of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of The Great Indian Thar Desert and it has a population (including the residents of the Fort) of about 80,000. It is also the adminstrative headquarters of the Jaisalmer District.

*The jewel-pieces of Jaisalmer, which we shall visit today, are the three following ‘havelis’:

[The impressive mansions built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known as ‘havelis’, and several of these finely sculpted sandstone buildings are still in very good condition].

*Nathmal-ki-Haveli:
This late 19th-century haveli has a very intricate architectural style executed with superb craftsmanship. The left and the right wings of the building were carved by two brothers, and although, very similar in nature, they are not identical. The interiors of this splendid mansion are ornate with some remarkable and exquisite miniature paintings. Incidentally, this late-19th century haveli was also the official residence of the ‘Prime Minister’ of the erstwhile Kingdom of Jaisalmer.

*Patwon-ki-Haveli:
This most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer ‘havelis’ stands in a narrow lane. It was originally built between the years 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers who made their fortune in trading jewellery and fine brocades. It has extensive corridors with exquisitely carved pillars and some well-appointed chambers. One of the apartments of this 5-storey haveli has some very beautiful murals.

*Salim Singh-ki-Haveli:
This private haveli (the oldest of the three) was built about 300 years ago and part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the Prime Minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of a princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof (in the form of a ‘cupola’ in blue colour) with some superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks.

*We shall then visit ‘Gadi Sagar’, which is situated to south of the city walls. This place was originally designed as a tank and a water-body, which used to serve as the source of water supply to the city. There are numerous small temples and shrines around it. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here during the months of winter.

*In the latter part of the afternoon, and towards early evening, we shall proceed to ‘Sam Dunes’, situated about 45km to the west of Jaisalmer.
Here you will get to watch an absolutely breath-taking view of the sunset from atop the sand dunes. You also have the option of taking a camel ride or a vehicle-trip (by jeep) to reach the sunset point located not far away.

*We have lined up for you the evening’s programme with some enchanting music, folkloric songs and dances accompanied with the traditional and delicious food of this region with other culinary Rajasthani delights.

On time to your flight for Delhi you will be transferred at Jaisalmer airport for your Delhi flight. At the end of this visit, we return to Delhi. You have the time to refresh yourself after which dinner will be served. We then leave to arrive at the Delhi International Airport to catch your flight back to your country.

We thank you profoundly for availing our services and we hope that you were satisfied with our commitment of providing the best care and attention to you, our honoured guests.

We would like to believe that this visit was a wonderful vacation and we are certain that you will carry back cherished memories for a lifetime.