The Royal Experience

Today arrival at Delhi airport. Excel’s representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India.

Today city tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. Drive past Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

Afternoon attention focuses on New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. President's House, the official residence of the President of India.

Today morning we drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors. from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments. En route visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. Upon arrival hotel Excel’s representative will meet you and will assist for check in.
Afternoon City tour of Agra includes a visit to 16th-century Agra Fort & experiencing the magnificent monument to Eternal Poetry of love, the Taj Mahal (Friday Close), symbol of eternal love, It was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Morning drive to Jaipur, stop en-route for visiting of Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Visit Emperor Akbars Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Continue you journey overland and drive to Jaipur. popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valor & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors. Upon arrival check into Hotel.

Morning excursion will take us to the AMBER FORT, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. Enjoy a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothills of the ramparts of the ancient fort (subject to availability)

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory)- an astronomical treasure house with solar devices that give accurate predictions, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)- a five-storied structure of pink sandstone and Maharajah's observatory- originally built in the city's early years.

Today drive to Pushkar- an important pilgrimage spot. The Pushkar lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, where Lord Brahma performed his Yagna.

Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Pushkar Lake, Lord Brhama Temple etc.

Today drive to Udaipur, One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, is also known as the city of lakes.
En-route visit Nagda, the ancient capital of Mewar & Eklingji (The Guardian Deity of Mewar) A religious place also well known as the abode of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Today proceed for half day city tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, Sahelion- ki-Bari, Fatehsagar Lake, Sajjan Niwas Garden.
Evening enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola.

Today drive to the Marwar capital city of Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan sprawled around the impressive cliff top Meherangarh Fort. En-route visit Ranakpur, known for its exquisitely carved Jain temples & the famous hall of 1444 pillars.
Continue you journey overland and drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in at hotel.

Morning city tour of of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble memoriam built in 1899.
Afternoon drive to the desert town of Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendor. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

After breakfast visit Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples, City Palace. Continue visit Old town, Market, Hawelies such as Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh - ki – Haveli- Patwon - ki – Haveli.
Late afternoon proceed to SAM SAND DUNES- no trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage.

Today drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji (1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of neighboring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around.
Upon arrival Bikaner check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Morning visit Junagarh Fort, The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewelry, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders).
Later drive to Mandawa, in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Today we explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture and Havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings.

Today drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to airport to connect onward destination flight.