After breakfast at your hotel, we will proceed to the exquisite and truly picturesque town of Mandawa. Mandawa is famous for its Havelis (Mansions), Shekhawati Heritage, Wall Paintings, Handicrafts, Fort, and Architecture. This amazing city was settled back in the 18th century. Upon arrival at Mandawa, we check-in at the hotel.

We will then visit this breathtakingly beautiful city, entering through a painted arched gateway (adorned with images of Lord Krishna and his herd of cows) that leads us to the city’s main market.

One can wander at one’s leisure through the narrow streets of this city, near the market area, to discover and admire some of the most fabulous mansions of the wealthy merchants, each decorated with elaborate, bright and vivid frescoes that depict and catalog the regional lifestyle, customs, traditions and local dress of the Marwari community.

This beautiful, bustling architectural style found in Mandawa and other nearby towns like Mukundgarh, Dundlod and Nawalgarh in Shekhawati region, earns them the title of ‘open art galleries’.

After breakfast, we drive down to Bikaner and we check-in at the hotel. The City of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika in the year 1488. He was the first son of Maharaja Rao Jodha (of the Rathore Clan), who was the founder of the Kingdom of Jodhpur. Not wanting to inherit anything from his father nor acquire any royal title, he decided to found his own kingdom in the vast and large arid regions of Jangladesh in the north of Rajasthan. The founder’s name ‘Bika’ is found in the word ‘Bikaner’, meaning ‘The Settlement of Bika’. Although located in the middle of the Thar Desert, Bikaner survived as an important stop-over on the ancient trade route between the coast of Gujarat and Central Asia, because of its numerous and adequate spring-water resources.

The most important places to discover in this town today are, of course, the original impressive Fort of Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort (situated a little outside the town), as well as the Lalgarh Palace. Bikaner is also a good base to visit the near-by world famous and extraordinary “Karni Mata Temple”, where thousands of holy rats are worshipped.

We start the day’s sightseeing trip, by first visiting the Junagarh Fort, also known as the ‘Impregnable Fort’, because it carries the distinction of having remained uncaptured by any enemy force in its history. It was constructed between 1588-1593 by Raja Rai Singh, who was a General in the army of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar.

It is surrounded by moats on all sides and within its precinct you can admire many remarkably beautiful palatial constructions, pavilions and temples. Most of these edifices are built with either marble or red sandstone, and they showcase intricate carvings on the walls, the windows and the balconies.

The ‘Lalgarh Palace’ was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh [1881-1942]. The architectural style of this palace reflects a great craftsmanship with some very dexterous sculpting of figures in red stone. It also houses a marvelous collection of hunting trophies and vintage photographs, all of them well-preserved and exhibited in an interesting way.

After breakfast, we head towards Jaisalmer, located in the vast desert of western Rajasthan. On our way, we first stop at the Camel Farm, located just 8 kilometers from the city of Bikaner. This farm is a remnant of the British-era Camel Corps and Regimental Camp. Reestablished in 1984 as the National Camel Research and Breeding Farm, the only one of its kind in Asia, housing a staggering number of camel breeds—over 250.

We also recommend a visit to the Camel Museum, a must-see. Here, you can buy a wide range of unique handicrafts made from camel hide, hair, and bones at very reasonable prices. Don’t miss the camel milk ice cream, a rare treat in the country!

The second part of today’s itinerary is a visit to the unique and world-famous Karni Mata Temple, located in the village of Deshnok, about 30 kilometers south of Bikaner.

The dedication of this temple is linked to an interesting legend related to Karni Mata, the incarnation of the goddess Durga and Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology.

This temple is unique in that it is the only one dedicated exclusively to mice. As soon as you enter the temple, you will find yourself surrounded by hordes of small black mice. You can easily find around 20,000 of them at any given time, roaming around the temple grounds. They are well-fed, protected, and worshipped as divine creatures. Be on the lookout for the elusive and rarely seen white mouse, as seeing one is considered good luck.

Fortunately, and interestingly, their numbers seem to be almost constant (there is never overpopulation), and unlike other rat-infested areas, which can easily cause diseases, such as the horrific plague, this temple has never experienced an outbreak in its history. Arrive in Jaisalmer, check in at the hotel.

Jaisalmer is a city located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, approximately 575 kilometers west of the state capital, Jaipur. It was founded in 1156 AD by the Bhatti Rajput ruler, Rawal Jaisal. The city is located on Meru Hill, a yellow sandstone mountain range, and is crowned by the ancient and magnificent Jaisalmer Fort.

“Jaisalmer” means “hill fort of Jaisal.” The fort’s precincts include the royal palace and several magnificent and beautifully decorated Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples, both within the fort and in the surrounding city, are built using yellow sandstone, often delicately carved. This enchanting natural landscape produces a stunning and mesmerizing display of colors, in shades of gold and yellow, constantly changing with the sunlight. For this reason, Jaisalmer is also called the “Golden City” of India. Jaisalmer is located in the heart of India’s great Thar Desert and has a population (including the fort) of approximately 80,000. It is also the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.

Among the jewels of Jaisalmer that we will visit today are the following three palaces:

The lavish palaces built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known as “havelis,” and many of these intricately carved sandstone structures are still in excellent condition.

Nathmal-ki-Haveli:

This palace, dating back to the late 19th century, features a very complex architectural style, executed with exquisite craftsmanship. The right and left wings of the building were carved by two brothers, and although they are very similar in nature, they are not identical. The interiors of this magnificent palace are adorned with exquisite miniature paintings. This palace, dating back to the late 19th century, was also the official residence of the Prime Minister of the former Kingdom of Jaisalmer.

Patwon-ki-Haveli:

This palace, the most lavish and intricate of all the palaces in Jaisalmer, is located in a narrow alley. This palace was originally built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers who made their fortune trading in jewelry and fine brocade. The palace features wide corridors with elaborately carved pillars and some well-appointed rooms. One apartment in this five-story palace features beautiful murals.

Salim Singh Palace:

This private palace (the oldest of the three) was built around 300 years ago, and part of it is still inhabited. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of a princely state. His palace features a beautiful arched roof (in the shape of a blue dome) with exquisitely carved arches in the shape of peacocks.

We will then visit Gaddi Sagar, located south of the city walls. Originally designed as a reservoir and water body, it served as the city’s water supply. Surrounding it are several small temples and shrines. During the winter months, this area is home to a wide variety of water birds.

In the late afternoon and early evening, we’ll head to the Sam Sand Dunes, located about 45 kilometers west of Jaisalmer.

Here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from the top of the dunes. You can also ride a camel or take a jeep to reach the nearby sunset point.

We’ve prepared an evening program for you that includes enchanting music, folk songs, and dances, accompanied by delicious traditional cuisine from the region, as well as delicious Rajasthani dishes.

After breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. Later, we will sightsee in Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. Also known as the “Blue City” of India, it was the traditional capital of the great Marwar kingdom, particularly the Kingdom of Jodhpur. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who built the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, which covers an area of ​​nearly 2,000 acres. Built of red sandstone, this monument is adorned with large, intricately carved panels and exquisitely designed latticework windows. (Although the original fort complex was built in the mid-15th century, most of the current buildings date back to the 17th century.)

The present-day city of Jodhpur centers primarily around Mehrangarh Fort, which is surrounded by a fortified wall with several gates. This town boasts several other popular tourist destinations, including numerous small and marginal forts, palaces, and temples, all located in the heart of the Thar Desert.

Jodhpur is located near the geographical center or heart of Rajasthan, making it a convenient base for travel to other major tourist destinations such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jaipur.

Another interesting place to visit is Jaswant Thada, an elegant marble memorial built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This memorial features carved balconies and a sprawling garden built around a small lake. The surrounding area serves as the cremation ground for members of the royal family and rulers of Marwar. It also houses an interesting exhibition on the rulers and maharajas of Jodhpur.

We then visit the massive and majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built of marble and pink sandstone, it is also known as the “Chitar Palace” after the local sandstone used. Construction began in 1929 and was designed by the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh. It took 15 years to complete. One of the largest private residences in the world, the palace has 347 rooms. Part of this palace remains the main residence of the former royal family of Jodhpur, although much of it has now been converted into a luxury five-star hotel.

We will also see the famous “Clock Tower,” a landmark structure that was the only means of keeping track of time for locals in the past. From the top of this tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

After breakfast, we head towards Udaipur, located approximately 250 kilometers south of Jodhpur. Today’s program is divided into two parts: a visit to Ranakpur for the first half of the day, and a visit and overnight stop at the charming city of Udaipur.

The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, located 60 kilometers north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. Located in a remote valley in the Aravalli range, it is definitely worth a visit.

The main temple is the Chaumuka, or Temple of the Four Faces, dedicated to Adinath, one of the 24 Tirthankaras, a lineage of early spiritual masters who laid the foundations of Jain philosophy.

Built in 1439 AD, this massive, exquisitely crafted, and well-preserved marble temple comprises 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each unique in its design and execution—no two pillars are alike! There are two other Jain temples within the complex, as well as the Sun Temple, and a short distance away, the Amba Mata Temple.

After lunch, we head to Udaipur. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. In the evening, we will embark on a boat ride on Lake Pichola, an integral part of Udaipur’s cityscape. To the north of the lake, along the eastern bank, you can see some interesting ghats (banks of a lake or river) used for bathing or washing clothes (dhobi ghats; dhobi means washer or washerwoman). Throughout the ride, we will enjoy some magnificent views of the dazzling City Palace and its surroundings on the horizon.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our daily program with a visit to the famous and iconic City Palace, the most visited site in Udaipur. It is located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola.

This beautiful and majestic palace is the largest palace complex in the state of Rajasthan, and was begun by Maharaja Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur (circa 1568 AD).

The palace is actually a collection of buildings (like other small palaces and luxurious mansions added by successive rulers over a period of 300 years), and it retains its stunning design harmony. Surmounted by ornate balconies, towers, and domes, the upper balconies offer breathtaking views of the lake and the city.

The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum, housing a stunning collection of mosaics, glass and mirror works, decorative tiles, rare miniature paintings, and exquisite sculptures. The Armoury Section displays an interesting collection of ancient weapons and fighting equipment of the valiant Rajput warriors.

A unique and captivating attraction of this city is the Lake Palace Hotel, located on Jagnewas Island in Lake Pichola. This magnificent structure, with its enchanting architecture, literally appears to float in the middle of the lake. Built by Maharaja Jagat Singh II in 1754 AD, it served as the summer palace of the royal family of Udaipur. Later converted into a luxury holiday resort, it is now undoubtedly one of the finest hotels in the world.

In addition to the main attractions mentioned above, we will also explore two other interesting sites:

Sahili-ki-Bari

Sahili-ki-Bari, or “Garden of the Bridesmaids,” is located north of the city. This small, attractive garden features fountains, gazebos, marble elephants, and a magnificent lotus pool.

Jagadish Temple

Located just 150 meters north of the City Palace, the Jagadish Temple is a magnificent example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1651 AD. It houses a black stone statue of Vishnu as “Jagannath,” the Lord of the Universe.

(Traditional legends suggest that the great rulers of Mewar descended from what is believed to be the oldest ruling dynasty in the world, spanning 76 generations..!!)

A leisurely late evening tour around Lake Pichola was planned to enjoy the charm and enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city.

After breakfast, we drove to Jaipur, stopping en route at Ajmer, just 11 kilometers from Pushkar.

Ajmer, a city on the banks of the Ana Sagar River, has long been of strategic and historical importance, dating back to the reign of Muhammad Ghori, who sacked it at least once during one of his periodic and plundering raids from Afghanistan. Much later, since the reign of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, it became a favorite seat of the powerful Mughals.

It is worth noting that one of the first contacts between the Mughals and the British occurred in Ajmer, when Sir Thomas Roe, the English envoy, met Emperor Jahangir here in 1616.

Today, Ajmer is a global pilgrimage center for Muslims (and followers of other faiths) who visit the shrine of the Sufi saint Muinuddin Chishti, who arrived in Ajmer from Persia in 1192 AD. Also known as “Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz” (HKGN), this name is often inscribed on Muslim-owned vehicles.

This dargah (shrine) is the most visited Islamic shrine in the world. It is recorded that the great Emperor Akbar made a pilgrimage to this place every year during the annual “Urs” commemorating the saint’s death.

Pushkar:

Pushkar, a charming little town, lies on the edge of the desert, separated from Ajmer by Nag Pahar, or “Snake Mountain.”

Perhaps the town is best known for its annual camel fair, a massive gathering of camels and cattle held on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Karthik.

A notable landmark is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Brahma, the creator and lord of the universe. It features a red tower, and above the entrance gate stands a Hansa (swan, a symbol of Brahma), who is said to have chosen Pushkar as his site.

After visiting Ajmer and Pushkar, we head to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, we check into your hotel.

Later that evening, we have prepared a unique dining experience featuring delicious traditional Rajasthani dishes prepared live. If you’d like, you can try rolling chapatis (or rotis) made from wheat flour, a traditional staple food in northern India, or preparing a local vegetable curry. You can also take souvenir photos with the entire family, all dressed in traditional Rajasthani costumes.

After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to Amber Fort, located about 12 kilometers from Jaipur. This fort was the ancient capital of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers. This unique architectural masterpiece is a must-see on any trip to Rajasthan. Construction of the fort-palace began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, a Rajput commander in Akbar’s army. It was later expanded by the Jai Singhs before they moved their capital to Jaipur.

The fort is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture, with its stunning location on a hillside overlooking a lake. You’ll truly appreciate the ascent to the palace on the back of a colorfully hooded elephant. We’ll visit the palace’s many rooms and corridors, renowned for their intricate designs and decorations.

In the afternoon, we embark on a tour of the city’s iconic buildings. First, we visit Jantar Mantar, a magnificent stone observatory built in 1728 by Raja Jai ​​Singh, known for his passion for astronomy. The Jaipur Observatory is the largest and best-preserved of the five observatories he built, while the other four are located in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Muthura.

We then visit the magnificent City Palace, the former royal residence, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The palace houses fascinating museums displaying a remarkable collection of miniature paintings, traditional costumes, and armories.

Later, we pass by the intriguing Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), one of Jaipur’s most important landmarks. This five-story building, constructed in 1799, is a fine example of Rajput art. It was originally built to enable the royal ladies to observe daily life and the city processions.

After breakfast, we drive to Ranthambore National Park, located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, halfway between Bharatpur and Kota. This park is one of the most prominent examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan.

The park covers an area of ​​approximately 1,334 square kilometers and is home to the famous Bengal tiger, leopards, bison, deer, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife.

Ranthambor boasts stunning scenery and a relaxing setting in a picturesque natural environment. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the majestic and enchanting Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century, rises atop one of these hills. The lowlands alternate between open scrub and dense forests, dotted with deserted pavilions and chhatris (domed kiosks). This area was once a sanctuary and hunting ground for maharajas and members of the royal court.

Other interesting attractions in this park include the Ganesh Mandir, a temple dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesh (the eldest son of Lord Shiva), as well as the Padam Talao Lake, a serene and beautiful lake famous for its abundance of water lilies.

Enjoy an exciting jungle safari, planned for morning and evening.

The park is open only during March and June, and October and February. It remains closed for three months during the monsoon season, from July to September.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drove to Agra, but on the way, we stopped at Abhaneri, located about 162 kilometers from Ranthambore. This small village boasts one of Rajasthan’s most magnificent stepwells (baur). At about 30 meters deep, it is one of the largest stepwells in India. Not only does it store water, but it is also very effective at collecting groundwater. Famous for its unique construction and design, this stepwell is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, which naturally attracts many visitors.

Fatehpur Sikri: This magnificent abandoned fortified city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Despite its architectural splendor, Akbar’s city was built in an area that suffered from a water shortage, leading to its abandonment shortly after his death.

Fatehpur Sikri The magnificent and beautiful Fatehpur Sikri Jama Masjid (now expertly restored) is said to be an exact replica of the Masjid in Mecca. The main entrance is through the imposing Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), which, at 54 meters high, is the tallest gateway in the world. This entrance was built to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.

In the northern part of the courtyard is the magnificent white marble dargah, or mausoleum of Sheikh Salim Chishti, to whom Akbar is credited with fathering an heir. The carved marble latticework (“jalis”) screens are among the finest examples of this work of art you will see anywhere in the country.

This stunning courtyard houses many other marvels, such as the Jodh Bai Palace, Birbal Bhavan, the Panch Mahal, and, of course, the Diwan-i-Khas (Private Meeting Hall) and the Diwan-i-Am (Public Meeting Hall). All of these buildings reflect the glory and grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Upon arrival in Agra, we checked into our hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Described as the most expensive monument to love ever built, this poignant Mughal mausoleum has become a de facto tourist icon of India.

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

The translucent white marble, exquisite draperies, exquisite carvings, and pietra dura inlay (thousands of beautifully patterned semi-precious stones) are among the most striking features of this stunning mausoleum. Despite the effects of pollution and excessive exposure to the elements, a visit to the Taj Mahal remains an immersive experience, and the monument today appears as perfect as it was when it was built.

In the final part of our daily program, we will visit Agra Fort, a massive and magnificent structure built of red sandstone.

The fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna River. The original city of Agra fell to the Mughals when Emperor Babur defeated the last of the Lodi dynasty at the famous Battle of Panipat in 1526 AD. It is believed that Humayun, Babur’s son, was crowned Mughal Emperor at this site. Construction of this magnificent fort began by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, and its primary purpose was to build a military complex.

The massive double walls of the fort are over 20 meters high and have a circumference of 2.5 kilometers. They contain a labyrinth of buildings that form a small city within a city. The most impressive building still standing is the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), considered by some to be the most beautiful mosque in India. Other important sites within the fort’s precincts include the Diwan-i-Khas, the Diwan-i-Am, the Masamum Burj, and Jahangir Palace.

At the end of this visit, you will have time to relax, after which dinner will be served. We will then depart for Delhi International Airport for your flight home.

Rajasthan Tourism Bureau thank you for choosing our services and hope you were satisfied with our commitment to providing the best care and attention to you, our valued guests.

We want to believe that this visit was a wonderful vacation, and we are certain that you will carry cherished memories that will last a lifetime.