Royalty of Rajasthan

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Delhi showcases India’s unique ability to modernize at a rapid pace without casting aside its cultural, historical, and spiritual identity. The capital city is a vast metropolis, with eclectic neighborhoods that reflect different ethnicities, heritages, and mobility.

New Delhi, the government district of Delhi, is the administrative heart of India and an embodiment of the zeitgest of this huge, diverse nation. Amid the modern skyscrapers, award-winning restaurants, garden parks, breweries, and vibrant markets, a series of proud monuments provide silent reminders of India’s legacy. Overnight.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaisalmer. 

Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West.

Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.

In the evening, enjoy dinner on the sand dunes. In this most magical of all settings, we present you with a true representation of a nomadic hunt menu. The evening is set against the backdrop of a mesmerizing folk singer. The food prepared on site is glorious; the ambiance is majestic as music floats and the stars shine down on you, a night like this is an experience that is unmatched.

Stunning fireworks, on request, that beautifully light up the night, further enhance the celebrations.

Overnight.

After breakfast, visit Jaisalmer Fort and the surrounding havelis.

Jaisalmer Fort is a heritage site built in the mid-14th century on a hilltop which offers stunning views of the Thar Desert and beyond. The sandstone colour camouflages the fort to match the surrounding yellow sand desert. The fort complex features four large gates, the Laxminath temple of Jaisalmer, seven Jain temples, the Raj Mahal Palace, and several mansions adorned with carvings.

In the late afternoon, start your excursion to the sand dunes for a sunset camel safari in the Thar Desert. Return to your hotel and overnight.

In the morning, drive to Jodhpur (6 hours). Jodhpur is located at the edge of the Thar Desert and was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and Havelis, which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. Afternoon at leisure and overnight.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. With seven gates, the fort is one of the largest in India.  Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

From the fort, visit Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son, Maharaja Sardar Singh, built this monument known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and mystic aura.

After lunch, continue to Mandore Gardens, the former capital of the Maharajas. It was later abandoned for the security of Mehrangarh Fort. Here you will find the dewals or cenotaphs of Joshpur’s former rulers. Evening at leisure and overnight.

In the morning, drive to Udaipur (6 hours).  En-route visit the Ranakpur Jain Temples. Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard, Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. The temple, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars, is distinct in design with carved ceilings and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints.

With a wealth of enchanting lakes, Udaipur is a true oasis in Rajasthan. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus gardens, and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets, painters, and writers. The city's inherent romance, beauty, and remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor continue to enthrall travelers. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Overnight.

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Udaipur. First, visit the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also explore the 17^th century Jagdish temple and visit the Sahelion ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks.

Your afternoon is reserved to meet with the local patrons of bandhani tie-dye textiles followed by a private boat ride in Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir for a champagne toast. Overnight.

In the morning, drive to Jaipur (5.5 hours). *Alternately you can transfer to the airport for a nonstop flight.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Transfer to your hotel.

Optional evening heritage walk: From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronized the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and modern Jaipur is considered by many as the craft capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji. On this fascinating evening walk, mingle and talk with the locals while sampling some of the regions culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosas, and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers.

Overnight.

After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort. The final ascent can be made by jeep or elephant. In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.

View the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) and Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory built in the 18^th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

In the evening, visit Elefantastic. Spend quality time with the elephants at this renowned sanctuary that provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of elephant tourism. Guests can spend time feeding, bathing, painting, and walking the rescued and rehabilitated elephants, but rides are not permitted. The founder, Rahul, also supports the welfare and education of the caretakers and their families through the human-elephant interaction program. 

Evening at leisure and overnight.

Morning at leisure to explore the vibrant markets. Later, return to Delhi by flight or vehicle. Upon arrival, connect to your onward flight. Bon Voyage!