The Essence of Rajasthan

Day 1: En Route

Depart the U.S.A. on your flight to Delhi, India.

Day 2:  Arrive Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrival Delhi – the capital of India; meeting, assistance and private transfer to your hotel for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.

 Day 3: Delhi

This morning, start your tour to Old Delhi as we drive past the majestic Red Fort – built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of Chandini Chowk (closed Sunday), wheeling through the colorful bazaars, the spice market,   onto Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, where you will depart by private car to New Delhi. This afternoon’s sightseeing takes us to the 12th century Qutab Minar,  which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Next stop, Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun – a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. Drive past the India Gate, the president’s residence, Parliament house and the Secretariat buildings, before returning to the hotel. (B)

Day 4:  Delhi / Agra  

Morning depart to Agra by private car. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and afternoon is at leisure. Late afternoon, your guide will take you to view the Taj Mahal at sunset. (B)

 Day 5:  Agra

After breakfast, visit the impressive Agra Fort, a majestic symbol of Mughal dynasty’s power and resilience. The fort’s colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference, offering breathtaking views of the Yamuna River and Taj Mahal in a distance.  Continue tour to the world-famous astounding Taj Mahal (closed Friday), built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal as a mausoleum. It is an architectural marvel in white marble which took about 17 years to build. (B)

 Day 6: Agra / Jaipur

Morning drive westward to Jaipur by private car. En route visit the  Fatehpur Sikri, an epic “ghost city” in red sandstone built by Emperor Akbar from 1571 to 1585 AD as his capital. Arrive in Jaipur – the capital city of the state of Rajasthan basks in its glorious past; check-in to your hotel. (B)

Day 7: Jaipur                       

We start exploring Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’. Ascend to the Amber Fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant and tour the exquisite interior. The somber exterior of the fort extrudes the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge.  After a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), continue to City Palace. Evening we visit Birla Mandir Temple atop a hillock to experience a brief ‘aarti’ (community prayer ceremony). (B)

 Day 8: Jaipur / Jodhpur

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Jodhpur. Dotted by huge fortress walls contrasting with blue residential colony, the city of Jodhpur was the largest state of Rajasthan pre-independence.  Afternoon tour of Jodhpur visits the Merhrangarh Fort, Rajasthan’s most impressive structure offering a panoramic view of the city below. End your day with a visit to Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower and the adjacent Sadar Bazaar, which is the center of the Old Jodhpur town. (B)

 Day 9: Jodhpur / Udaipur

Today, drive to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. En route to the Ranakpur Temples, one of the Jain’s five holiest pilgrimage centers, and visit the famous Jain Temple (Note: Guiding inside the temple is not allowed. An audio guide will be provided.) Later arrive at Udaipur and the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Udaipur 

Morning city tour visiting the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, today is a museum. This impressive complex is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences which overlooking the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Later, visit Sahelion-ki-bari Garden and drive around Fateh Sagar Lake. Afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola before returning to the hotel. (B)

 Day 11: Udaipur / Delhi / En Route

Transfer to Udaipur Airport for flight back to Delhi, connecting your departure flight home; or extend your journey to Kathmandu, Nepal; or Cochin & Mumbai; or Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE; please inquire. (B)

 OPTIONAL: KATHMANDU, NEPAL EXTENSION by Private Car

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 11:  Udaipur / Delhi / Kathmandu, Nepal

Welcome to Nepal! Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and also the center of history, art, craft, culture and economy; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. (B)

(NOTE: Flight from Delhi to Kathmandu NOT included and must be added)

 Day 12: Kathmandu 

Optional: Early morning 1-hour flight to view the Himalayas and Mount Everest; please inquire.

Morning visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. It is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12^th and 18^th centuries. Enjoy a rickshaw ride from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Thamel via the small alley of Ason bazaar and Indrachwok. Depart by private car to the west of Kathmandu, visit the Stupa of Swayambhunath which believed to be 2500 years old. Afternoon visit to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within four stupas said to be built in 3^rd century AD, by Emperoro Ashoka. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. (B)

Day 13: Kathmandu

Morning drive east of Kathmandu to Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), ancient capital of Nepal, still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and way of life that goes back to medieval times. Here you will visit Nyatapola, Bhairabh Temple, Pottery Square, 15^th century Fifty-Five Window Palace, and Golden Gate. Depart to Pashupatinath Temple existed before 400 A.D.; one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Rivers Bagmati (no visitors allowed inside). Continue to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest in the world of its kind and one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. Return to the hotel in Kathamandu. (B)

Day 14: Kathmandu / En Route

Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your departure flight home.  (B)

 OPTIONAL: COCHIN & MUMBAI EXTENSION by Private Car

5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 11: Udaipur / Cochin (Kochi)

Transfer to Udaipur Airport for flight to Cochin via Mumbai. On arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. (B)

Day 12: Cochin

After breakfast, start your private tour of Cochin: Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India’s most colorful cities. This interconnected series of islands and shoreline presents a vivacious blend of cultures and religions. Visit to the historical Fort Cochin, St. Frances Church, and to see the town of Vasco da Gama. Continue tour to the Jewish Synagogue (closed Saturdays) and the Mattancherry “Dutch” Palace. This evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show, let the magic of this unique art form envelope you as you watch the emotions displayed by the performing artistes. One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. The dance-drama is arresting because of its elaborate get-up as much as the theme – stories from the epics – and its execution. Transfer back to your hotel and overnight in Cochin. (B)

Day 13: Cochin / Mumbai

Morning breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Transfer to Cochin Airport for flight to Mumbai. On arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Mumbai for overnight. (B)

Day 14: Mumbai

Morning depart for an excursion across the Mumbai harbour to the 1200-year-old Elephanta Caves (closed Monday & during monsoon),  housing some of the most beautiful rock-cuts of the period.  The famous Trimurti sculpture of three-faced Shiva depicting his three aspects as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer is powerfully portrayed in the massive sculpture.  Afternoon city tour of Mumbai, visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principal landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911. Stop at the ‘Dhobi Ghat’ where Mumbai’s ‘dirties’ are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry.  Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters ‘hang out like laundry’ – a nice photography stop.  Drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Station, Colaba Streets and Marina Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. Return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 15: Mumbai / En Route

Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your departure flight home. (B)

These are sample itineraries which can be further customized to suit your preference. Prices will be quoted upon request according to the date of travel and the number of  passengers in your vehicle.