Forts Palaces Tour

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Meeting on arrival by our representative & transfer to hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
New Delhi - designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit Qutab Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.

Old Delhi - an ancient walled city. Here you will see the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Moghul Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Samode
In morning drive to Samode (260 kms) & on arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Samode - the small principality of Samode lies 50 kms northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the 16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler added to the fort and the palace.

Samode Palace - The comfortable palace is today full of architectural delights with stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflecting the skill of master craftsmen.

Day 04 : Samode - Mandawa
In morning drive to Mandawa (100 km) & on arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.

Day 05 : Mandawa - Kuchaman
In morning drive to Kuchaman (90 km) & on arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Kuchaman Fort - a rare jewel set in a glittering sea of golden sands. The Kuchaman Fort was built between 450-750 A.D to control the ancient trade from Central Asia. It has 32 bastions that house cannon points, thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were showered upon enemies, 10 strategic gates and various secret passages and escape tunnels. This recently restored Fort is an exotic mix of the modern and the ancient. An amazing contrast of the severity of its exterior and the sheer delicacy of the beauty of its interior.

Day 06 : Kuchaman - Deogarh
In morning drive to Deogarh (240 kms) enroute visiting Jodhpur.

Visit Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs.

After the visit drive to Deogarh (120 kms) & on arrival check-in at hotel.
In afternoon visit Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D., the Mahal stands at a height of 2100 ft. above sea level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies offering a commanding view of the surrounding Aravalli mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes.

Day 07 : Deogarh - Devigarh
In morning drive to Devigarh (90 kms) & on arrival check-in at hotel.

Devi Garh - Tucked away in the age-old Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village of Delwara commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Sajja Singh, who hailed from the neighbouring state of Gujarat, was awarded this strategically significant principality, in recognition of his bravery and loyalty to Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar, at the battle of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction of the fort palace started in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers who followed.

Day 08 : Devigarh - Mount Abu
In morning drive to Mount Abu (120 kms) enroute visit Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Thereafter continue drive to Mount Abu & on arrival check-in at hotel.

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desert of Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. Afternoon, enjoy the peaceful surrounding of Nakki Lake:

Day 09 : Mount Abu - Udaipur
Mt. Abu offers a stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. Another is Lun Vasahi temple and Adhar Devi temple with its many stairs is a tourist attraction.

Afternoon drive to Udaipur (190 kms) & on arrival check-in at hotel.

Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.

Day 10 : Udaipur - Nimaj
In morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari".

Afternoon drive to Nimaj (280 kms) & on arrival in Nimaj check-in at hotel.

Jagram Durg is situated in Nimaj village of Pali district in Rajasthan. Built in 1773 by Thakur Jagram Singhji, the fort has been witness to many battles in the past. The family continues to live in the fort, which was converted into a hotel in 1995. Care has been taken to retain the original character of the place, though all modern amenities have been added to it.

Day 11 : Nimaj - Pushkar
In morning drive to Pushkar (90 km) & on arrival in Pushkar - check into the Hotel or Deluxe Tents.

Pushkar is famous for its annual Fair during kartik poornima (full moon) in the November each year. It is one of the most colorful fairs of India and is one of the major cultural reflectors of the state of Rajasthan. Besides trading of horses, camels, cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events, people from different parts of India gather on the fair ground to participate in the various entertaining events. The variety of folk dances and songs lend vivid splashes of colour and music to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement of the camel races and the cattle fair. The bargaining process, which involves a great deal of haggling between the camel traders and the buyers, add to the spirit of the fair. This fair attracts people not only from India but a large number of tourists from other countries as well.

Day 12 : Pushkar
Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some wonderful photographic opportunities and is a rare change to see Rajasthani women decked out in all their traditional jewellery, dress and finery. It is worth getting up early to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of the dawn desert light. Temple music wafts through the night, as the fires die down and the Rajasthani melodies played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close.

Overnight at Hotel or Tents.

Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur
Early morning drive to Jaipur (140 km) & on arrival check-in at hotel.

Thereafter proceed to the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Day 14 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
In morning drive to Agra (260 Kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Thereafter continue drive to Agra & on arrival check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the famous Taj Mahal - This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

Day 15 : Agra - Delhi
In morning visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Afternoon drive to Delhi (203 kms) & on arrival transfer to the hotel for wash & change. Late evening transfer to airport to board flight back home.