Rajasthan with Varanasi Tour

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

The national capital of India. On arrival we will receive you at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi

After breakfast we would take you for a full day sightseeing of Delhi covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – a modern Hindu temple devoted to Goddess Laxmi and Narayana.
 

India Gate – is located on Raj Path in New Delhi, Parliament House, Jama Masjid – largest mosque in India, Red Fort, Gandhi memorial, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar. In the evening return to the hotel.

Day 03 – Delhi – Mandawa

Today drive to Mandawa – situated in the heart of the Shekhawati region, is a compact little beautiful town in the state of Rajasthan. Mandawa has numerous magnificent havelis and dazzling forts spread all throughout the place, and these comprise of intricate craftsmanship and the strikingly beautiful arches.
 

Antique fresco and beautiful paintings are featured on these havelis. Visit – The medieval Fort of Mandawa, founded in 18th century, is famous for its beautiful painted arched getaways adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows and splendid carvings. Saraf haveli, Ladia havelis and Chokhani havelis are a few of the well–known havelis of Mandawa.

Day 04 – Mandawa – Bikaner

In the morning drive to Bikaner– established in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it is situated in north–west part of Rajasthan. The impressive palaces, beautiful and ornately sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones exhibit some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. The city is surrounded by huge walls, and scattered with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that spread through the city lifestyle. Reach & check into the hotel.
 

Later go for a half day sightseeing of Bikaner Visit Junagarh Fort – It is believed to be one of the most magnificent forts of northern India which has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by Raja Rai Singh who was one of the most able and faithful generals of Akbar. This fort has a 986m–long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances.
 

Visit The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: This small museum has a huge collection of pre–Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. Its wealthy collection of pottery, carpets, paintings, armory, coins terracotta ware, weapons make this museum one of the finest in Rajasthan. Also see Camel Breeding Farms: This government run station is perhaps unique in Asia. It is located at 08 kms from Bikaner. There are about 230 camels at the National Camel Research Center and three different breeds are reared here.
 

Lalgarh Palace – Constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in remembrance of his father is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite impressive with suspended balconies and fragile latticework.

Day 05 – Bikaner – Jaisalmer

In the morning drive to Jaisalmer – also known as Golden City, Arrive and check into hotel. Later we enjoy a city tour covering Jaisalmer Fort – This magnificent fort was constructed in 1156 by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Jaisala. It is located on an 80m high Trikuta Hill. This is a living fort; with one quarter of the old city population residing in it. The fort is approached through four gateways – Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj pol and Hava Pol.
 

Other Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh–Ki–Haveli – has beautiful mansion with stone carvings and lattice work of spectacular intricacy & Patwon–Ki–Haveli – which has delicately carved pillars and widespread corridors and chambers. Also visit Lodurva situated at 16 km – The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and a significant pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some glorious Jain temple.

Day 06 – Jaisalmer

No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque Sam sand dunes. This day you will visit Sam sand dunes – situated at a distance of approximately 42 km from the city of Jaisalmer.
 

Located in the center of the Thar Desert, these sand dunes are amongst the most renowned ones in Rajasthan. Radiating laid–back vibes, Sam Sand Dunes, would totally charm you with their attractive sights. Adventure freaks can go out on a Camel Safari – getting the real experience of the desert on the camel back.

Day 07 – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Today morning drive to Jodhpur – The Sun City. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 08 – Jodhpur

Take a full day city excursion covering Mehrangarh Fort located at a distance of 5 km from Jodhpur. It is one of the largest forts in India. It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan which is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was established by Rao Jodha in 1459. Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort.
 

Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their extensive and huge courtyards. One of the forts palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace has a gracefully carved stone screen and treasures the Sringar Chowki, royal throne of Jodhpur & elegantly adorned ceilings and walls, with delicate latticework on the windows. Phool Mahal or Flower Palace – The Jodhpur Coat of Arms is reserved in the Phool Mahal. Walls of this Flower Palace are covered with paintings illustrating various musical moods.
 

Jhanki Mahal – the residence from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial proceedings. Sheesh Mahal – Hall of Mirrors – Its mirror–work includes large, regular pieces, rather than an intricate mosaic of tiny fragments; another variation is the superimposition over the mirror–work of brightly painted religious figures made in plaster.
 

We will also take you to Jaswant Thada which lies adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort and The 19th century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble. It houses pictures of successive rulers. Visit Clock tower – The timely wealth of Jodhpur. Later shop for exquisite handicrafts including the famous embroidered shoes, antiques, as well as Bandhini or tie and dye fabrics.

Day 09 – Jodhpur – Mount Abu

Today drive to Mount Abu – the only hill station in Rajasthan. Check in at a hotel.Visit Jain Dilwara temples – situated about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu. These wonderfully carved Jain temples are Mount Abus major attraction and among the premium examples of Jain architecture in India. Constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, these temples are sheer elegance in marble.
 

The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the holy pilgrimage of Jains. The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi, built in 1031 devoted to the first Tirthankar (Jain Teacher), Adinath. The central shrine contain an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 57 identical cells, each with a Budhdha like cross–legged image.
 

It has Forty eight elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. The later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankar, and was built in 1231. Its most notable feature is the intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving. You can also visit other temples – Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shri ParshavNath Temple, Shri Rishabdaoji Temple.

Day 10 – Mount Abu – Udaipur

Drive Udaipur. Arrive & Check into the hotel.

Day 11 – Udaipur

Morning excursion to the city covering City Palace – A regal architectural wonder located over Lake Pichola, it is an accumulation of courtyards, pavilions, terraces corridors rooms and hanging gardens. They all are built at different time beginning from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide splendid view of Jag Niwas or Lake Palace hotel, Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur.
 

Jagdish Temple – located in the city palace complex, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and can be approached by a broad flight of steps, Fateh Sagar Lake – A gorgeous lake which is overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on its north side which was constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park – a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe reachable by an enjoyable boat ride.
 

Later visit Saheliyon–Ki–Baori also known as garden of maids – queens resort for her friends and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir – Folk Art Museum which exhibits the brilliant collection of folk articles of Rajasthan varies from typical rural–dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Day 12 – Udaipur – Pushkar

Today drive to Pushkar – the city of Brahma, on arrival check into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.

Day 13 – Pushkar – Ajmer – Jaipur

In the morning half take a city tour covering Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple – The only exquisite temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
 

Later drive towards Jaipur enroute visiting Ajmer to visit the Dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Its entrance has high gates which are carved with silver. Grave of the saint is surrounded by silver railing & also covered with marble. Arrive & check into the hotel.

Day 14 – Jaipur

Enjoy full day excursion to Amber Fort, starting with a joy ride on an Elephant. Visit Sheesh Mahalinside also known as Palace of Mirrors it is one of the most impressive sights in the Amber Fort.
 

Later visit City Palace – which was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It also house a sequence of gardens, courtyards and buildings with a mix of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Jantar Mantar – the royal Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh, also drive past Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds – and the Bazaar etc.

Day 15 – Jaipur – Agra

Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid , The Buland Darwaza , Palace of Jodha Bai , Birbal Bhawan and Panch Mahal. On arrival check into the hotel.

Day 16 – Agra – Varanasi

After breakfast we would take you for a full day sightseeing of Agra which will include Taj Mahal – constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj has continued to be a mark of love since ever.
 

Red Fort – is positioned in Agra, on the banks of Yamuna River. It is known as Red Fort because it is built of a kind of red sandstone. You can also visit inside some of the most beautiful structural designs of the Mughal Period Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid, Diwan–i–Khas, Diwan–i–Am and Jahangiri Mahal.
 

Also visit Itmad–ud–Daulas Tomb – It was built much earlier than Taj Mahal in 1622 A.D.The tomb is of particular importance since many of its design outshine the Taj. Evening transfer to the railway station to board.

Day 17 – Varanasi

Arrive and get transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon take an excursion to Sarnath – about 10 km from the sacred city of Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. There are many Buddhist monuments and structures in Sarnath. Some of the significant Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are The Dhamekha Stupa, The Chaukhandi Stupa and monasteries and temples.
 

There is also an enormous stretch of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Numerous Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the National emblem of India. Also visit Sarnath Museum – Numerous sculptures, arts, and other artworks on Lord Buddha are stored in the Museum of Sarnath.

Day 18 – Varanasi

Varanasi principle attraction is the string of bathing ghats, which line the western ghats of River Ganges, enjoy boat ride early morning. After breakfast visit the Ghats, Tulsi Manas Temple, Alamgir Temple, Bharat Mata Temple. Later free to roam about.

Day 18 – Depart Delhi

Arrive and transfer to the airport for flight back home.