Rustic Rajasthan

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, yo u will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin! Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rikshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘silver street’, one of the largest trading centres of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the worlds tallest minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold tomb, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the second world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.

This morning, drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities. The ‘Pink City’, of Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enamelled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brassware and many other arts and crafts. This afternoon, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and enjoy haggling for souvenirs in colourful bazaars of Jaipur.

After breakfast, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort. This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs.

After breakfast, embark on a drive amidst the arid Rajasthan desert towards Pushkar, a land of fairs in the heart of Rajasthan. Famous for the annual cattle and camel fair in November, Pushkar is also one of the holiest cities of India, being one of the 5 sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for Hindu devotees. Upon arrival in Pushkar, check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pushkar, mingling with saadhu’s (holy men in their orange attires), visiting the holy Pushkar Lake and the various temples in the region. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, the blue hued city of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in at your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

After breakast, drive to Jaisalmer, further west in the Thar Desert. This desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer, visiting the Jaisalmer fort and the havelis (mansions) in the old city and take a leisurely walk through the winding maze of streets within the fort. Also visit the Jain Temples within the fort and explore the colourful and bustling bazaars of Jaisalmer. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

After an early breakfast, embark on a drive to Bikaner, once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The city is renowned for its arts and the best riding camels in the world. Upon arrival in Bikaner, check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, enjoy a horse-cart ride to the old town where you visit many beautiful buildings and the majestic Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat.

After breakfast, drive to Alsisar, a quaint village in the heart of Shekhawati region. Alsisar has some of the finest frescos and painted havelis in the region, and is a perfect place to appreciate the art of bygone era. Spend the afternoon discovering Alsisar and visiting the unique havelis of the region.    

After breakfast, embark on your return drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.