Colors of Rajasthan
Colors of Rajasthan
Delhi – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Ajmer – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Day 01
Arrival in Delhi via international flight
After clearing customs and immigration, a member of our team will be waiting to welcome you. Our representative will then escort you to your chosen hotel in Delhi. Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Delhi, India’s third-largest city and capital, offers visitors a rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and vibrant people. Its history, monuments, museums, art galleries, gardens, and exotic performances make it a truly special destination. Free afternoon. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02
In Delhi
In the morning, we’ll explore the old part of the city, visiting Raj Ghat (Gandhi’s mausoleum). We’ll then enjoy a ride through the famous Chandni Chowk market in a rickshaw, a typical two- or three-wheeled vehicle driven by local people. After this wonderful experience, we’ll head to Jama Masjid (the Great Mosque), and later, we’ll see and photograph the exterior of the Red Fort. In the afternoon, we’ll venture into the more modern part of Delhi: the Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in the world, and take a panoramic tour of India Gate, Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace. Finally, we’ll visit the Gurudwara Bangla Saheb, a Sikh temple. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi/Jaisalmer with domestic flight
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, we will depart for the airport to catch our flight to Jaisalmer, known as the “Golden City” for its location amidst the desert sands, giving the city this distinctive golden hue. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide, who will accompany you to the hotel for check-in. In the late afternoon, we will venture into the desert to enjoy magnificent sunset views and a camel ride through the picturesque Sam Dunes, located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 04
In Jaisalmer
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Half-day tour of Jaisalmer to discover its glorious heritage, including its colossal fort, the second oldest in Rajasthan, known as “Sonar Fort.” As you will see, it is built of golden-yellow stone, which makes it stand out amidst the sands of the Thar Desert. Patwon Ki Haveli, the most impressive residence in the city, with its roof supported by lavishly sculpted pillars, balconies, corridors, and bedrooms offering extraordinary views. Another notable building is Salim Singh ki Haveli, almost 300 years old, built by Salim Singh, the first Prime Minister of Jaisalmer when it was the capital of the sovereign state of Maharaja Ramal Gaj Singh Salim Singh. Free afternoon and overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 05
Jaisalmer/Jodhpur by road
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Jodhpur, a 280 km drive away, which will take approximately 5 hours. The city of Jodhpur is located in the Thar Desert and is a popular tourist destination due to its numerous palaces, forts, and temples. It is known as the “Blue City” because of the color of its houses, particularly those below Mehrangarh Fort. Initially, only Brahmin houses were painted blue, but this color was soon adopted by other castes as it was believed to repel heat and mosquitoes. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Once settled in, we will visit the city and its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, protected by high stone walls with seven gates and countless bastions filled with courtyards and palaces, many of which house interesting museums. We will also see Jaswant Thada, an imposing white marble cenotaph. Overnight in Jodhpur. Optional Activity: Opportunity to visit a local family who will give us a demonstration of Rajasthan’s cuisine and show us how they use spices in the region’s cooking.
Day 06
Jodhpur/Jaipur
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart for Jaipur, a 340 km (220 mi) drive of about 6 hours. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is renowned for its handicrafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics, and stone sculptures. It’s one of the finest examples of a planned city in northern India, showcasing the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel. This afternoon, we’ll visit the beautiful Birla Temple, built of white marble, where we’ll witness an Aarti ceremony. This powerful and spectacular spiritual ritual, also known as the “fire ceremony,” is sure to leave a lasting impression. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 07
Jaipur – Amer – Jaipur
After breakfast, we will take an excursion to Amber Fort, a romantic and classic Rajasthani palace from the Kachwaha dynasty, which ruled this region from the 8th to the 12th centuries. The ascent to the fort will be on elephant back (subject to availability) or by jeep if elephants are unavailable. Later, we will stroll through the city, visiting the City Palace, known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continuing our route, we will stop for those who wish to photograph Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, which was built so that royal women could observe processions unseen. We will also visit the Astronomical Observatory, which is still in operation today. Before returning to the hotel, we will make one last stop at Patrika Gate, the most colorful gate in India, which has become a Jaipur landmark, appearing in numerous Instagram posts. Return to the hotel. Night in Jaipur.
Day 08
Jaipur – Amer – Jaipur
After breakfast, we’ll travel by road for four hours to Ranthambore, located 150 km away. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel. Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest in India, covering an area of nearly 400 km². The sanctuary began as a hunting reserve until it was declared a National Park in 1980, taking its name from the fort located within its boundaries. Ranthambore boasts a rich and diverse array of flora and fauna. Among the large animals that inhabit the park are leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, various species of deer and antelope, such as sambar, axil, and nilgai, as well as warthogs, and all kinds of monkeys and primates. However, Ranthambore is perhaps best known as the home of the tiger. In the afternoon, we’ll begin our adventure in Ranthambore National Park. Travelling in a jeep or truck, we’ll venture along the park’s trails and, with the help of a naturalist guide, explore and learn about the wide variety of species that inhabit this wildlife sanctuary. After the safari, we’ll return to the hotel. Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 09
Jaipur/Ranthambore
Early in the morning, we’ll venture into Ranthambore National Park for a safari in a jeep or truck, accompanied by a naturalist guide who will help us identify the different animals that inhabit the park. We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and a rest. The late afternoon and early morning are the best times to visit Ranthambore. These two times of day are ideal for wildlife viewing because the park’s animals are more active, and it’s much easier to spot them going to the lake to cool off and drink, or even feeding. With luck, we might even see the majestic tiger! Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 10
Ranthambore/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra by road
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to Agra. En route, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Agra, the city known for India’s most famous monument to love – the Taj Mahal – is located on the west bank of the Yamuna River, in one of the Great Plains of North India. The city’s architectural splendor is reflected in its medieval monuments, built by the Mughals who ruled India for over 300 years. Arrival in Agra and transfer to the hotel. After checking in and settling in, we will see the impressive Agra Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument built of red sandstone, which served as the throne and stronghold for successive generations of this empire. This imposing citadel encloses a large number of magnificent palaces within its 2.5 km perimeter walls. The buildings within the fort grew continuously and represent the assimilation of different cultures, a hallmark of the Mughal period. Most of the structures inside Agra Fort are a blend of various architectural styles. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Day 11
Agra/Delhi by road
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the Taj Mahal. Please note that it is closed to the public on Fridays and that the visit has a maximum duration of three hours. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum monument, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have been completed in 1654. More than 20,000 workers labored day and night on this magnificent monument. Afterward, we will depart by road for Delhi, 240 km from our starting point, making our journey approximately 4.5 hours. We will arrive in Delhi and visit New Delhi, where we will see the Qutub Minar, India Gate, the Government Buildings area, the Presidential Palace, and Parliament House. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 12
Departure from Delhi on an international flight
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, departure for the airport to catch your return flight. We hope this trip has captivated you, and that you take away not only your purchases but also a memory of this country etched in your mind and heart. Remember, this is the best souvenir we can take home when we travel. We thank you for choosing Destined Voyages and allowing us to be part of this unforgettable journey in your discovery of the Indian subcontinent. But this is just the beginning of an endless journey. India has so much more to offer, and we are excited to continue exploring new places and discovering new wonders with you. We hope to see you soon. Until next time!
LIST OF HOTELS / MEAL PLAN HB (breakfast and dinner)
| CITY | OPTION A | NIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | The Claridges | 02 |
| Jaisalmer | Suryagarh | 02 |
| Jodhpur | Radisson / Indana | 01 |
| Jaipur | Hilton / Trident | 02 |
| Ranthambore | Sawai Vilas | 02 |
| Agra | Taj Convention | 01 |
| Delhi | The Claridges | 01 |