Rajasthan Itinerary 23 Days with North

Day 1:- Delhi

Arrival at Delhi international airport. Delhi the capital city of India has seen rise and fall of great empires, the city has memory in shape of excellent period architecture, today India’s democracy abounds in the city of Delhi. The city has many religions co habiting peacefully, the multi cultural facets of Delhi thrives alongside the swanky modern malls, offices with glistening glass façade which make up any modern metropolitan city. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 2:- Delhi Tour

Today we start our day paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi the father of Indian nation; his memorial at Raj Ghat represents peace and non violence. The red sand stone edifice built by the great Mughals- The red fort of Delhi is our next destination. The fort was completed in 1639 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan. Indian prime minister every year speaks to the Indian nation from the rampart of Red fort on the Independence Day 15th August of India republic. Another resplendent Mughal structure Jama Masjid is on our list, this is a lofted and ornate mosque it sure will remind you of the riches of the bygone era of Mughal empire. After lunch we will proceed to discover Qutub Minar once the tallest brick minarets of India built in year 1193 by Qutubuddin Aibak, there is a unique iron pillar which never rusts though being exposed to nature for multiple centuries. We also visit Humayun’s tomb an exemplary example of Mughal architecture. A drive across india gate and the lutyens New Delhi a city built by the British in early nineties. Now Delhi show cases the might and grandeur of British empire through its magnificent structures. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 3:- Delhi Tour

After breakfast we again resume our sightseeing of Delhi. A visit to the Akshardham temple which has towering spires, domes, exquisites gardens, statues constructed in the age old Indian style. The temple has been built by Swami Narayan cult of Gujarati ascetics. The temple also has modern electronics, screens, theatres where state of the art shows are held, these amaze the visitors with mind boggling animatronics.
After lunch we drive across Connaught place a century old shopping plaza right in the heart of New Delhi. The plaza depicts classic British architecture. A visit to Delhi Haat which is a sort of kaleidoscope of united India. This unique concept market has shops representing various states displaying handicrafts, culinary delight from respective regions. The market is a shoppers delight. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 4:- Delhi - Varanasi

AAfter hearty breakfast we set off to the airport to catch a flight to Varanasi. Since ages the city of Varanasi has been the holiest city of Hindu religion. The city with holy river Ganges flowing through it has paved embankments (Ghats) crowded with the Pandas (priests), astrologers common Hindu people, There are scores of temples on the ghats even the cremation is done on the Ghats. This is such a unique picture you won’t forget for entire life. The boat ride presents another view of the humdrum of Varanasi life.
Not very far from Varanasi is the holy city of Sarnath this is where lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his followers. This is one of the holiest site in Buddhism The ancient Dhamek Stupa stands exactly on the auspicious place where lord Buddha delivered his sermon. Also do visit the Sarnath museum which has an astonishing collection of some of the oldest Buddhist relics found in India. The evening is reserved for an amazing Evening arti on the Ganga Ghat. The flickering lights and the chanting of mantras at Ganga aarti with enthrall you. overnight at Varanasi.

Day 5:- Varanasi

Today very early morning we set off to experience a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. Varanasi is known to be the abode of lord Shiva anyone who dies in Varanasi is believed to escape the cycle of birth and death so to die in Varanasi is a wish of millions of Hindus. The Mani karnika Ghat is a cremation ground which is busy 24x7 its said the fire of Mani karnika is eternal. The kashi vishwanatah complex has been recently completed it houses the most venerated kashi Vishwanath temple, the temple was veneered in Gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Entire day we will explore the amazing city of Varanasi taste some amazing culinary delights visit some more famous temples of Varanasi like the Tulsi manas temple, Durga temple, Bharat Mata Mandir. Overnight at Varanasi.

Day 6:- Varanasi - Khajuraho

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Varanasi airport for an onward flight to Khazuraho. This nondescript small town at the heart of India is famous for its 9th and 10th century constructed temples which are a magnificent example of the period art. The sand stone crafted temples depict Gods, Goddesses and so much more but the most famous aspect of the Khazuraho temple are the sculptures depicting eroticism. Procreation was an important aspect of human society these erotic figures represent a deep seated meaning which was for the larger benefit of the society. These temples are sure an important destination on your luxury India tour. The temples are divided as eastern and western group of temples. The western group has Kandariya Mahadeva temple perhaps the largest and the most exquisite with amazing sculptures of Gods and goddesses adorning the walls.
The series of temples sure will leave you spell bound. Evening is reserved for a light and sound show. Overnight at Khazuraho.

Day 7:- Khajuraho – Agra by Train

Today we will alight on to a road journey to Jhansi taking around 4 hours before reaching Jhansi we will explore a place called Orchha on the banks of river Betwa. The towering spires and domes of the Raja Ram temple and the Chaturbhuj temple are visible from a long distance, these temple date back to the 16th century. The palaces of the Bundela dynasty are amazing and are well preserved, after sightseeing at Orchha and a hearty lunch we will proceed to the Jhansi railway station which is just half an hour drive to catch a train to Agra. The train journey will take around 3 hours and a SAM representative will welcome you at Agra Railway station. Overnight at Agra.

Day 8:- Agra Tour

Today we have an appointment with the Taj Mahal at the sunrise. Sunrise is known to be the best time to visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 1653 in memory of her favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. This monument is the epitome of Mughal architecture. The white marble Taj Mahal looks surreal straight out of a fairy tale very well justifying its status as one of the seven wonder of the modern world. Your knowledgeable guide will narrate you the interesting story and vital aspects of the Taj Mahal. After visiting Taj Mahal we get back to the hotel for breakfast.
The Agra fort standing tall on the bank of river Yamuna has series of palaces constructed by the Mughal dynasty as they lived here and ruled over india, the stories of the wealth and power sure will amaze you. Hear the amazing stories of “Takhte Taus” and Mughal Harem. Gaze at the Taj Mahal from the octagonal tower embellished with choicest semi precious stones, this is where Mughal king Shah jahan was imprisoned by his own son in his old age.
Jewel box shaped marble tomb of Itmad ud daula is our next destination. This monument is known to be the motivation behind the mystic Taj Mahal. Enjoy the sunset at the back side of the Taj Mahal, The Taj Mahal changes colour with the changing colour of the sun. Overnight at the hotel in Agra.

Day 9:- Agra - Ranthambore

After breakfast we start our journey to Ranthambore en-route visiting the famous ghost town Fatehpur Sikri. The walled city of fatehpur Sikri was built by famous mughal emperor in 1569, this city was named after the victory of the emperor over Gujarat state The walled city has strings of palaces crafted from red sand stone, the most amazing is the victory Gate “Buland Darwaza” with marble cenotaph “Dargah” of Sheikh Salim Chisti who is said to have blessed the emperor with a son proceed further to Ranthambore. Overnight at Ranthambore.

Day 10:- Ranthambore

Ranthambore is one of the most famous tiger park of India. This park has the highest density of tigers. This is the reason why sighting a tiger is relatively easy at Ranthambore. Some of the famous tigers of Ranthambore like Machli (T-16) have even featured in discovery television documentaries The park is spread in an area of more than 400 square kilometers with hundreds of species of birds, lizards and other animals. Today in the morning your experienced naturalist will lead you to explore the core forest at Ranthambore riding a private Jeep. After lunch again proceed for an afternoon Jungle Safari at the Ranthambore national park. Enjoy dinner at your respective hotel/ resort overnight at Ranthambore.

Day 11:- Ranthambore - Jaipur

Today after breakfast we say good bye to the Ranthambore as we start our journey to Jaipur the capital city of the desert state Rajasthan. The state is famous for its vibrant colours, food, people and desert. Jaipur the pink city is very well acclaimed for its geometrically designed bazaars, the city was ruled by Rajputs who built beautiful palaces and forts. The city was made by Sawai Raja jai singh II, the city got its name from the same ruler. The evening is reserved for a visit to the marble crafted Birla Temple situated atop a small hillock. The temple is extra ordinarily crafted with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, amazing part is even Jesus along with mother Mary have been depicted. Be a spectacle to the evening arti at the temple amidst lighted oil lamps. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 12:- Jaipur Tour

The perfectly designed Jaipur city became the house of the ruling Kachwaha clan in the 18th century, the high perched secure Amber fort was their capital before they moved to Jaipur. We start our day visiting the Amber fort, you have an option here you can ride a caparisoned elephant to reach the fort this is once a life experience, the fort perched high above the hill has a series of palaces, courtyards, courts , temples etc, the fort has steep and extra ordinarily fortified outer walls. “Deewan e aam” a court of the ordinary people and “Deewan e khaas” a pavilion for the assembly of King’s favourite coterie of ministers.
private living palaces of the jaipur monarch, listen to the amazing harem stories from your guide. After visiting Amber fort we proceed on to the city palace museum where collection of period articles and artifacts take you instantly to the bygone era. The palace displays an amazing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal styles.
Proceed on to visit an 18th century observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who was an avid astronomer king of Jaipur. The observatory has accurate sun dials and other gadgets to ascertain the planetary positions accurately. The honey comb shaped outer façade of the Hawa Mahal is iconic, Instagram ready favourite picture spot of Jaipur. The palace is five storied and faces the bustling market of Jaipur. It was made to facilitate the royal ladies who could watch the royal processions without being noticed in complete privacy. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 13:- Jaipur - Deogarh

After breakfast we proceed to Deogarh which is in fact a small town having a 18th century fort atop a hill at an elevation of 2700 feet. Enjoy living a day in real palace, enjoy the hospitality of a Rajasthani Mahal where minutest details will be carefully taken care, spend your day watching birds, enjoying village walk or just gaze at the starry night outside in the open,Overnight at the Palace in Deogarh.

Day 14:- Deogarh - Udaipur

After enjoying a regal breakfast at the palace we proceed to Udaipur. A perfect honeymoon destination - Udaipur is a city of lakes famous for its regal and opulent palaces, hotels, nostalgia of the bygone era a city where famous James bond movie octopussy was shot at one of the luxury hotels. Overnight at the Udaipur.

Day 14:- Deogarh - Udaipur

After enjoying a regal breakfast at the palace we proceed to Udaipur. A perfect honeymoon destination - Udaipur is a city of lakes famous for its regal and opulent palaces, hotels, nostalgia of the bygone era a city where famous James bond movie octopussy was shot at one of the luxury hotels. Overnight at the Udaipur.

Day 15:- Udaipur Tour

After breakfast we proceed for sightseeing of Udaipur starting with the city palace. This massive residential palatial complex of the Udaipur royals is located on the bank of lake pichola. The palace has exhibits pertaining to warring skills of Mewar Rajputs. The narrow staircases connect a series of courtyards and palaces which have beautiful period paintings, antiques, the Mor Mahal has the graffiti of a dancing peacock crafted in coloured glass. The terrace has a garden with huge trees after city palace we proceed on to the Saheliyon ki Baari a garden of the royal maidens situated on the bank of lake fateh sagar. This was made for the enjoyment of mewar royal ladies who enjoyed the flowing fountains working with simple force of gravity. The greenery is profound and makes the visitors feel as if they are somewhere in a dense tropical forest. The falling droplets of water complete the scene. The marble crafted 17th century Jagdish temple in the densely populated part of Udaipur city has lord Vishnu represented by a black stone effigy. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with carvings related with the life of Lord Krishna.
Enjoy an evening at the lake pichola, boating on the serene waters of lake pichola enjoy the beautiful sunset. Enjoy an ethnic Rajasthani dinner at a Rajatshani restaurant. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 16:- Udaipur – Ranakpur - Jodhpur

After breakfast start our journey to Jodhpur en-route visiting the splendid Ranakpur Jain Temple crafted from glistening white marble displaying amazing craftsmanship , the marble ceiling of the temple is adorned with astonishing filigree work. The temple has abundant peace and silence leading one automatically in to a contemplative state.
Drive on to jodhpur a city developed by Rathore Rajputs, Rao jodha founded the city in sixteenth century building an indomitable fort atop a high cliff called “cheel ka Teela” the city is situated in the midst of a sprawling desert where temperature soar up to 50 Degree Celsius, the residents of jodhpur devised a way to beat the heat they painted their houses blue thus reflecting the scorching heat making the inners cool. The city of Jodhpur owing to blue colour became famous as “blue city”, Overnight at jodhpur.

Day 17:- Jodhpur Tour

Today we explore the city of Jodhpur starting with exemplary Mehrangarh fort nestled on top of a gigantic rock rising 150 metres. The huge fort and its bastions cover an area of 5 kilometres. Rudyard kipling once said this fort looks like a work of angels and giants rather humans. The massive cannons adorn the high ramparts of the fort. The fort has amazing exhibits related with the life and times of the Jodhpur royals. The windows are exquisitely latticed There are rooms veneered with glass tiles. This fort was also related with a batman movie “The dark knight rises”
The cenotaphs of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II crafted from white marble is known for its quality marble craftsmanship, known as “Jaswant thada” the people of Jodhpur loved their king who was a philanthropic. A visit to a Bishnoi village in the afternoon will be an activity very different from our normal visits to forts and palaces of Rajasthan. The Bishnoi tribe is an ethnic tribe of Rajasthan known for their eco friendly life and ways. They venerate the nature and it forces. The wildlife roams freely near to the Bishnoi village , you can see the endangered black bucks and spotted dear roaming freely, today experience the life and ways of a Bishnoi village, Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 18:- Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

After breakfast we start our journey to Jaisalmer en-route visiting Osian a small hamlet at the edge of the Thar, its here you will get to see the sand dunes for the first time, an old temple dedicated to the female goddess is what makes Osian famous, the temple has been exquisitively crafted. You can enjoy a camel safari or a jeep safari at the sand dunes of Osian. This area is in contrast to the densely populated areas we have been visiting, the density of population is minimal and few vehicles abound the road to Jaisalmer. Upon reaching Jaisalmer check in at a Thar resort overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 19:- Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer also known as the golden city of India stands amidst the vast desert of Thar. The golden yellow sand stone buildings blend very well with the golden sand of the Thar. Once this land was ruled by the Bhati Rajputs. Jaisalmer founded by maharaja Jaisal Bhati in the 12th century, the city of Jaisalmer is most iconic of Rajasthan cities. We start our city tour visiting the famous “Sonar Quilla” the iconic Jaisalmer fort stands on an elevated platform, the outer walls of Jaisalmer fort have multiple fluted round bastions.
This fort is a living colony where residents of Jaisalmer even today reside. The Jain temples inside the fort display amazing carvings in yellow sand stone. The city has plethora of beautiful havelis displaying magical craftsmanship The havelis were made by the rich merchants as jaisalmer fell on the famous silk route.
The Nathmal ki Haveli was built by two brothers, the haveli is adorned by life size elephants. Salim singh a powerful minister of the Jaisalmer king made a haveli displaying his power and prowess, The haveli is 300 years old and has a very unique design in architecture with a narrow base and broad upper stories. Another haveli is known as Patwon ki haveli is also a striking example of the classical Rajasthani style of architecture. Enjoy a sunset at the vast Thar riding a camel. Later enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dance performance under the starry night around a bonfire.

Day 20:- Jaisalmer - Bikaner

After breakfast we visit Gadisagar lake and experience a wonderful morning at a lake aside Thar. Drive to Bikaner reaching Bikaner in the afternoon.

Day 21:- Bikaner

Bikaner a princely state in the Jungledesh area of Rajasthan (Literally means waste land) was established by Rao Bikaji in the fifteenth century They were the kin of the Jodhpur royals. Bikaner was famous for its camels and hardy Rajput soldiers who fought in both the world wars. The Junagarh fort has a very fine collection of the period arms. The fort has series of palaces which sure will amuse you a room has mechanization to imitate the monsoon rains complete with thunder claps. There are the darbar halls complete with the regal settings where vintage aircrafts are on display.
Around an hour drive from Bikaner is the Karni Mata temple famous as the rat temple, there are more than 20,000 rats thriving in the temple who are believed to be family of Karni mata they are well feed and taken care of. Sighting a white rat is known to be auspicious. The devotees drink from the same utensils rats eat and drink. Visit a Camel research institute, watch hundreds of camels being bred see how research is being done on the ship of the desert. Enjoy an ice cream made from camel milk. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 22:- Bikaner - Mandawa

After breakfast today we drive to Mandawa, in the afternoon take a guided tour of Mandawa which is famous for splendid havelis. This area was situated on the famous trade route connecting Delhi with Iran and central Asia all the way to Europe. This area had wealthy Marwadi traders residing who set their business all over India specially in big cities like Kolkata and Mumbai they built regal villas back in Mandawa, these regal villas even exist today they have been well preserved and maintained as heritage by these wealthy merchant families. These royal havelis are known for fresco paintings. Some of the havelis have Gold used as a medium for painting. Some of the havelis have been preserved in the same manner as they were 100 years back. Some of the havelis are ;-Bhagchandwa haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf haveli, Gulab rai ladla haveli, chIkhani haveli. Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 23:- Mandawa - Delhi

After breakfast we drive you to Delhi, A S.A.M representative will say final good bye to you at international airport. Our tour ends.