DAY 01

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met with assistance and transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, is a fusion of ancient and modern. Standing at the western end of the Gangetic Plain, it is a vibrant city rich in culture, architecture, beautiful gardens and human diversity. Its rich history is reflected in magnificent monuments, in museums and in galleries. It comprises two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India from the 12^th to the 19^th centuries, while New Delhi was created by the British Raj and replaced Calcutta as the capital in 1931. It is India’s main international gateway, and the travel hub of Northern India.

Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Taj Palace.

DAY 02                           IN DELHI

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for combined guided city tour of Old & New Delhi.

In Old Delhi visit Red Fort, the red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) stretch some two kilometres and rise to 33 meters above the clamour of Old Delhi (Closed on Monday); visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. Raj Ghat – memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi Visit India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President’s House, Parliament House.Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra. Qutab Minar, The tallest tower in India

Overnight stay at Taj Palace.

DAY 03                                  DELHI – AGRA (By Car)

After breakfast drive checkout from the hotel and drive to Agra. Check-in at hotel on arrival.

Later in the afternoon proceed to visit the famous white marble mausoleum The Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Marble was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean.

Also visit the red sandstone Agra Fort which stands like a crescent on the banks of Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Moghul emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan – helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture

Overnight stay at The Oberoi Amar Vilas.

 

DAY 04 : AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – RANTHAMBORE (By Car)

Morning after breakfast drive to Ranthambore national park enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. This was the capital city of Akbar but was abandoned later due to scarcity of water. This complex in red sandstone is considered to be more beautiful than Taj Mahal by any visitors.

Later continue your drive to Ranthambore national park. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 400 sq km of dry deciduous forest. The park’s name derives from the fortress of Ranthambhore (built in 944 AD), which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The forests around the fort were once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. In 1957 Ranthambhore was declared a wildlife sanctuary, in 1974 it came under the protective umbrella of Project Tiger and in 1981 became a National Park. Today it has some of the finest habitats in the world and is rich with diverse flora and fauna.

Rest of the time free for leisure.

Overnight stay at Oberoi Vanya Vilas.

DAY 05:  IN RANTHAMBORE

 Morning & Evening game drives in Ranthambore National Park. The park’s mammal list includes tiger, sambar, cheetal, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, langoor, leopard, sloth bear, hyena and jackal. There are many species of reptiles and amphibians including python, cobra and other snakes, fresh water crocodile, monitor lizard and tortoises. Walking is prohibited inside the park.

Overnight stay at Oberoi Vanya Vilas.

DAY 06: IN   RANTHAMBORE

Morning & Evening game drives in Ranthambore National Park.

Overnight stay at Oberoi Vanya Vilas.

DAY 07: RANTHAMBORE – JAIPUR (By Car)

Morning enjoy another game drive in the park. Return back to hotel after game drive. Later checkout from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is the state capital of Rajasthan and owes its name, planning and foundation to the Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727 he decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to the plains, and thus Jaipur was conceived. It is also known as the “Pink City”, derived from the pink painted sandstone from which the buildings in the old walled city are constructed. The city is endowed with great architectural elegance and beauty, with magnificent historic palaces, temples, gardens, museums and an amazing observatory built by Jai Singh.

Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the evening free for leisure.

Overnight stay at Taj Rambagh Palace.

 DAY 08: IN JAIPUR

After breakfast drive to the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple Of Kali, the Hall Of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. You can have the unique experience of travelling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.

Later visit the City Palace – the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughal and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar – an astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 18th century, which is remarkable for its accuracy even at the present times. Lastly stop at Palace-of-Winds for taking pictures.

Evening enjoy your dinner at Chokhi Dhani village. Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture since 1989. Started as part of ambiance for a restaurant, over the years it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colourful state in the country. Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture throughout the country.

Overnight stay at Taj Rambagh Palace.

DAY 09: IN JAIPUR

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight stay at Taj Rambagh Palace.

DAY10: JAIPUR – JODHPUR (By Car)

Morning After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rajput clan called the Rathores, founded the Bustling desert city of Jodhpur in 1459. It became the centre of the Rathore Kingdom known as Marwar, and lies in the heart of Rajasthan and on the edge of the Thar Desert. The massive fort dominates the city, topping a rocky hill that rises in its centre. The old city is surrounded by a 10 Km wall, from which eight gates give entry and exit.

Upon arrival at Jodhpur check-in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight stay at The Ummed Bhawan Palace

DAY11:  IN JODHPUR

Morning after breakfast proceed to visit Morning after breakfast proceed to visit Mehrangarh Fort; Perched on a 125 m high hill the fort was founded in 1459. It is both impressive and formidable in both its location and construction. On the ramparts is a rare collection of canon, and battle scars from canon ball hits can still be seen on one of the gates. Within the fort are magnificent palaces, with meticulously carved panels and latticed windows or “Jarokhas”. The chambers have evocative names – Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana reflect the splendour of a bygone era.

Also visit Jaswant Thada; this graceful white marble cenotaph is the memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and was built in 1899. The main memorial is built like a temple, with intricately carved marble. Located in stark and rocky terrain it has a secluded and a mystic aura.

Overnight stay at The Ummed Bhawan Palace

DAY12 : IN JODHPUR

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight stay at The Ummed Bhawan Palace

DAY13: JODHPUR – UDAIPUR (By Car)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Later checkout from the hotel and drive to Udaipur en-route visit Ranakpur Temple. This morning you will drive to Udaipur. en-route, visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur to visit one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike.

Later continue your drive to Udaipur described as the “City of Sunrise” regarded by many as one of the most romantic city in India. Its white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, and green hills make it an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region.

Afternoon free at leisure.

Overnight stay at Taj Lake Palace

DAY14 : IN UDAIPUR

During a guided tour this morning we will visit the City Palace built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; Jagdish Temple built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city.Sahelio Ki Bari the Garden of the Maidens of Honor, a small garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.

Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and the boat ride starts from the Bansi Ghat.

Overnight stay at Taj Lake Palace.

DAY15: UDAIPUR – DELHI (By Flight)

Breakfast is at the hotel. Rest of the morning is at leisure. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your flight for Delhi.

Meet and assist upon arrival at Delhi transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at The Imperial.

DAY16

In time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.

Suggested restaurants in each location

 

Delhi

# Bukhara Restaurant – http://www.itchotels.in/hotels/itcmaurya/bukhara-restaurant.aspx

# Punjabi by Nature – http://www.punjabibynature.in/vvihar.html

Agra

# Paatra – http://www.jaypeehotels.com/jaypee_palace/dining.aspx

# Peshawari – http://www.itchotels.in/hotels/itcmughal/peshawri-restaurant.aspx

#Dawat-e-Nawab restaurant – http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-agra/dining

 

Jaipur

 

# Chokhi Dhani – http://www.chokhidhani.com/village/index.html

 

# Rajpoot Room Restaurant – http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Rambagh-Palace-Jaipur/Fine-Dining/The-Rajput-Room-Restaurant.html

Jodhpur

 

# Hanwant Mahal (Indian Cuisine)

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Umaid Bhawan Palace and royal treatment at Hanwant Mahal which offers a fine dining experience

with an array of cuisines and impeccable service.

 

# Mehran Terrace at the fort- (Indian Cuisine)

Enjoy spectacular views of Jodhpur city at this romantically lit restaurant high up within Mehrangarh Fort. Notable more for its

ambience than the food, this touristy outdoor eatery is as good an option as any within the old city, and it’s especially fitting

after an evening tour of the fort. Try the traditional Rajasthani food (veg and non-veg thalis, or combination platters), as well

as standard tandoori favorites like paneer tikka.

 

# On The Rocks (Multi Cuisine)

This jungle-theme restaurant is aptly named, not because it has a well-stocked bar, but because the ground inside the mostly outdoor restaurant is gravel. On the same road as Ajit Bhawan hotel and close to numerous shopping boutiques, it’s an ideal \rest stop for a quick drink or lunch. The standard Indian fare is famous with the local upwardly mobile.

Udaipur

 

# Dinner at Mewar Terrace at Taj lake Palace (The Mewar Terrace is a very scenic and romantic venue offering you a breathtaking

view of the  400 years old City  Palace, the Pichola Lake and the Monsoon Palace. Feel carefree and undisturbed except for the flutter

caused by cool breeze as one gets ready to savour a traditional feast culled from the robust cuisine of Mewar, a historic battleground.

 

# Udaimahal at The Oberoi Udaivilas  – Recommend for Dinner

It is a speciality Indian Restaurant where guests dine by candlelight on a rich variety of traditional, Rajasthani and North Indian

fare in regal surroundings.

#Chandni at The Oberoi Udaivilas  – Recommend for Lunch or Dinner

This dining courtyard adjoins the restaurants where guests can enjoy open air dining with traditional music and dance

 performances in the evening.

 

# 1559 AD – Recommended for Lunch

1559 was the historical year when city of Udaipur, was founded by Maharana Udai Singhji. The building where 1559 AD restaurant is housed, is 95 years old and has been kept the same with a little fusion concept of art nouvelle. This restaurant is directly supervised by its owner, Mr. Arjun Shaktawat, alumni of Les Roches School of Hotel Management, Switzerland. With professional education as well as work experience in United States, his ambition is to provide his guests, with a unique dining experience, with usual warm hospitality, which the state of Rajasthan is quite known for.