Archeological Tour of Rajasthan

ARRIVAL IN DELHI

After arrival at Delhi Airport, meet our DIH representative who’ll escort you to the one of our listed hotels in Delhi. Check-in at the hotel to relax in the cozy comfort of its room. Delhi the capital city of India is always alive with activity. You will be amazed to see colorful crowds moving through public places like markets. In the evening you may venture out to explore the pulsating nightlife of Delhi.

DELHI

Next morning after breakfast, embark on Delhi sightseeing tour. The major tourist attractions of Delhi include Qutub Minar, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Red Fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, and the President’s House.

In the evening revisit Red Fort to witness the impressive light and sound show. After your one day trip to Delhi, drop you back to hotel.

DELHI - JAIPUR

Post breakfast, drive straight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at one our enlisted hotels. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is also called the Pink City. The reason for this is that most of the monuments in Jaipur are painted pink. Later in the day explore some other major tourist attractions of Jaipur including the Monkey Temple, Albert Hall Museum, and Birla Mandir. Evening to be spent as to your liking.

JAIPUR

After having your breakfast in the morning, leave for exploring the various colors of this beautiful city, Jaipur. Jaipur is full of attractions that speak volumes about the glory of Rajputana kingdom. These attractions form a part of our itinerary and we start with visiting the Amber Fort which is tucked over a hill (reached via an elephant ride). Next we will be visiting the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, splendid Hawa Mahal built on the architectural principles of a natural cooling system and splendiferous City Palace and Jal Mahal. Enjoying the local treats like shopping, food and rickshaw ride are reserved for evening.

JAIPUR - SAMODE - NAWALGARH

On the 5th day, have breakfast, and hit the road to Nawalgarh. On the way, stop at Samode. Lying within walls, Samode is a caravan city that has a beautiful castle, called Samode Palace, which you visit to day. The most attractive structure here is the Hall of Mirrors or the Sheesh Mahal. In the pre-evening hours, hop onto ma camel cart for exploring the mighty Samode Fort and the semi- desert Samode village to have a look into the villagers' culture. Thereafter, continue towards Nawalgarh, one of Rajasthan's historical city. Upon arrival, check-into the hotel. Evening is for attending a folk music and dance performance in the hotel's courtyard..

NAWALGARH - BIKANER

On day 6, post breakfast, enjoy a city tour of the erstwhile royal Nawalgarh town. You can explore this tiny town of the Shekhawati region that is dotted with havelis and forts, adorning frescoes. The first visit of the day is to huge, opulent beautifully painted havelis of Shekhawati region. One of the most popular one is Roop Niwas Palace, located just a kilometer away from Nawalgarh Fort. An amazing architecture, this haveli, still holds its old charm. The splendid fountains and the well- maintained gardens are the highlight.

Later, hit the road to Bikaner. Evening arrival and completion of the check-in formalities. If time and energy permit, you can explore the surroundings.

BIKANER- JAISALMER

After morning breakfast, proceed the sightseeing of bikaner, you visit Junagarh Fort- the most popular fort of Bikaner, Anup Mahal- with prettified elaborate details and Karan Mahal- decorated with a blend of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture; the gems of Bikaner city. Later drive to Jaisalmer, by road. On the way, halt at the hunting lodge of Maharaja of Bikaner- Gajner Palace. Later, you visit the serene Gajner Lake. Next is an exciting wildlife safari inside the popular Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot animals like black bugs, wild boars, chinkaras and blue bulls. Thereafter, continue your road journey to The Golden City of Jaisalmer. Upon reaching, check into the hotel. In the evening, you can visit the local bazaar of Jaisalmer for shopping of souvenirs.

JAISALMER - SAM SAND DUNES

The next morning after an early breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the city. Jaisalmer is also revered for its havelis. Pay a visit to Salim ji Ki haveli and Nathmal ki haveli which are most striking amongst the other havelis.

Post lunch, get all set to visit the world-popular Sam Sand Dunes, 45 km from the main city. En- route, stop to visit the ancient Amar Sagar Lake complex.

Continue towards the Sam Sand Dunes, an ideal place to enjoy life in a desert. Check-into the camp. Later, hop onto a camel's back who takes you through the desert and its surroundings villages. At night, enjoy folk music dance, cocktails and special dinner under the star-lit sky.

SAM SAND DUNES - KHIMASAR

Have your breakfast, fulfill the check-out and start your road journey to Khimsar, an erstwhile kingdom. On the way, visit the ancient Osian village and its ruined yet wonderful remains. An oasis in the desert, Osian has an old township, comprising of tiny villages, desert patched and undulant terrain. Explore the 15 beautifully-sculpted Brahmanical and Jain temples. Sun temple (Surya temple), Sachiya Mata temple, Lord Mahavira temple and Kali temple are most outstanding. Continue to Khimsar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening is scheduled for horse riding, camel safari, and special folk music and dance performances. Visit the villages of Bishnoi community for observing their distinct desert life. After sightseeing, explore the countryside town of Nagaur.

KHIMASAR - MANWAR

On the 10th day, after breakfast, begin your road journey to Manvar. Located in Shergarh Region of Thar Desert, this place has the area's highest sand dunes. Arrive at the very luxurious Manvar Resort and complete the check-in. Later on, hop onto a camel's back for desert safari where you enjoy a rude till the Manvar Camp Site. Enjoy sunset and lovely views of sand dunes. You also have an option of jeep safari to pick from.
The other highlights of the day includes exploring Dhani- a desert dwelling; visiting the carpenters, potters cobblers and metal smiths for their amazing work; seeing the Virgin sand dunes, attending folk music and dance performance under open sky, and spotting the desert's wildlife including nilgai, Indian gazelle, desert fox and peacocks.

MANWAR - ROHET

After breakfast, hit the road to Rohet. Around 40 km from Jodhour, this place is an ideal mix of serenity and excitement. After reaching at the hotel, relax for a while and then embark on a village tour to partake in traditional folk ceremonies. Notice the artisans busy in their work, making handicrafts, leather things and pottery. Along with being home to 3 antelope species- black-buck, chinkara and blue bull, Rohet is quite popular for its bird watching experiences (domestic as well as migratory birds). Spend the evening doing camel safari.

ROHET - JODHPUR - ROHET

IHave breakfast and get all set for a day trip to the princely state of Rathors- Jodhpur. As you reach, continue with sightseeing including the popular attractions of Jodhpur, including the massive Mehrangarh Fort. Next in line is Jaswant Thada- built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, it is a beautiful white- marble structure. Now, enjoy a visit to the stunning Umain Bhawan Palace, commissioned by Umaid Singh. Constructed in a span of 16 years, this palace was built with an aim to provide employment to the famine-struck people of the area. While the royal family stays here in one part, the other has been turns into a museum. Thereafter, have an excursion to the Bishnoi village, inhabited by the Bishnoi tribe, known to be protectors of animals. Have a look at their lifestyle and their traditional attire. Next, you visit the artisans making handicrafts, pottery, shoes and so on. If you spot chinkaras, peacock etc. on the way, do not forget to click a photograph.

ROHET- MOUNT ABU

After you have your breakfast on day 13, check-out and begin driving for the only hill station of Rajasthan- Mount Abu. Check-in is followed by some relaxation time. This lovely hill town has stunning temples, amazing weather and wonderful views. Have an evening visit to Nakki Lake – known to have a mythological connection, this lake has tranquil surroundings and Sunset point- offers memorable sunset views.

MOUNT ABU

Post breakfast, day 14 is scheduled for sightseeing of Mount Abu, including its natural attraction and the very popular Dilwara temples, a collection of 5 Jain temples. Erected in the starting of the 11th century, these temples have stunning carvings and stone work. The attractions of Mount Abu that you visit today include Gaumukh temple – the dwelling of Sage Vashishtha lived here with his wife, it is dedicated to wish fulfilling cow; Vimala Vasahi- one of the oldest and finest Dilwara temples; Bhram kumaris Temple- a socio-spiritual and educational institution, and Achalgarh Fort - placed 11 km northwards of the main town, this medieval fort was erected by Maharana Kumbha.

MOUNT ABU – RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR

Start driving to Udaipur today, after relishing breakfast. On the way, take a break to explore the architectural gems of Ranakpur Jain temples - a collection of 12th century places of worship, famed for their intricately-carved white marble. Made from marbles, each from the total of 108 pillars has a distinct carving, from the other. Later on, have lunch at a restaurant / hotel in Ranakpur. Proceed to Udaipur. Check-in on arrival. The evening is scheduled for a memorable boat ride in the placid waters of Lake Pichola. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is the city of lakes, Aravalis and several other wonders like gardens, palaces and, temples.

UDAIPUR

Start driving to Today after breakfast, embark on a city tour of Udaipur. The first visit of the day is to the mesmerizing City Palace that is placed on the banks of Lake Pichola. Some of the structures worth-mentioning are Jagdish Temple, Palace Museum, and Durbar Hall. Later on, you explore Sahelion-Ki- Bari, a beautiful garden adorned with marble elephants, fountains, kiosks etc. that also has a small museum. Next in line is Lok Kala Mandal that comprises of several artefacts, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, paintings, folk dresses and more. Thereafter, witness the village art and craft at the very popular Shilpgram, an open-air gallery and theatre.

UDAIPUR - DUNGARPUR

On day 17, have your breakfast and hit the road towards the serene city of Dungarpur. As you reach, complete the check-in formalities. After settling in, Dungarpur city tour begins. The city has been blessed with natural scenery which is clubbed with some wonderful architectural marvels. Some of the prime attractions that you visit today include Juna Mahal – a former royal residence belonging to the 13th century, it has richly decorated walls as well as ceilings and Udai Bilas Palace- now turned into a heritage hotel, this 19th century Rajput-Style palace lies on the banks of Gaibsagar Lake. The city also includes some other monuments too. Do notice the stunning paintings, frescos, glass inlays and mirror work. The evening is at leisure. You can indulge in the activities of your interest.

DUNGARPUR - DEOGARH

After breakfast, check- out and start driving to Deogarh. Placed at an altitude of 2100 feet above the sea level, this place is cooler than the other cities of Rajasthan. Upon reaching, check-in at one of the heritage hotels of Deogarh. Thereafter, the city tour of Deogarh starts. The first visit is to Deogarh Mahal- a 17th century palace, it is now a heritage hotel. The palace is quite close to few lakes where one can spot a number of migratory birds. The palace also has an impressive collection of miniature paintings. Relish traditional delicacies of traditional Mewari cuisine. The evening is scheduled for folk music and dance performance.

 DEOGARH – AJMER – PUSHKAR - PACHEWAR

On the 19th day, have your breakfast. Check- out is followed by a road journey to village Pachewar. On the way, stop at the holy town Pushkar, also known for the world's biggest cattle fair organized every year. The temples of the city are not only places of worship but also are architectural wonders. The place has been blessed with serene ambiance. Here, you visit the Lord Brahma temple (the only temples of the Lord in the country), surrounded by the holy Pushkar Lake. The devotees take dip into the holy waters of the lake and offer prayers. Later on, visit and shop at the colorful market of Pushkar. Thereafter, continue to Pachewar. Arrival and check-in. If time and energy permits, you can explore the place on your own including the Pachewar Fort with huge balconies and impressive gates.

PACHEWAR - RANTHAMBORE

.Day 20, after breakfast is for sightseeing in Pachewar including the wonderful royal cenotaphs on the banks of Pumpa Sagar Lake and the old temples. Later, you can visit the village to observe the life of the locals. Watch the artisans and craftsmen indulged with making blue pottery, carpets, terra-cotta, and colorful tie and dye. You can also see the nomadic Gadia- Luhars or the iron-smiths doing their work. Back to the hotel for check out. Later on, start driving to the very well-known Ranthambhore National Park. One of the finest tiger reserves in India, it was also the former hunting grounds of the royal family of the region. On arrival, check into the hotel. The evening is free for you to indulge in leisure activities.

RANTHAMBORE

This day, after breakfast, is going to be an exciting one with wildlife safaris inside the Ranthambore- the largest wildlife reserve in northern region of India. The wildlife safaris are conducted in the morning and in the evening. Along with the big cats, the national park is also home to a vast variety of animals such as chinkara, sloth bear, sambar, common langur and more. The park also has as many as 272 avifauna species, and bird watching is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore. Later on, you visit the Ranthambore fort and the popular Ganesh Temple, made near the entrance of the now slightly-dilapidated fort. Back to the hotel for some rest. Then, in the evening, if you want you can again opt for wildlife fame inside the tiger reserve accompanied by naturalist guide.

RANTHAMBORE- AGRA

Today, once you have your breakfast, check-out and start your road journey to the Mughal City of Agra. On the way, make a stopover at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. This place has wonderful structures that are worth- visiting such as Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Anarkali Darwaza and so on. After this, continue your journey to Agra. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After some rest, in the evening, you have the option of visiting the local markets of Agra to collect souvenirs.

AGRA - DELHI

The day starts early. Have an early morning visit to the perennially beautiful Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which is also a World Heritage Site. This monument glistens stunningly in the glory of the rising sun. This white-marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Pearl Mosque and the tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Another must watch architectural wonder, is The Red Fort that is frequented by hundreds of visitors every day. In the evening return to the hotel.

DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

Post breakfast, the morning of the last day of the tour is free for leisure activities. Later, get transferred to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination. The tour ends with the sweet memories with Delightful India Holidays.