The Voyages Guide Rajasthan

Welcome to Delhi – Transfer to the airport & afternoon city tour

You will arrive in Delhi in the morning and be transferred to your hotel. Our afternoon programme begins with a half-day sightseeing tour of the fascinating 17th century walled city of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad), founded by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled his empire from the imposing Red Fort (Lal Qila).We will visit the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), the largest mosque in India and arguably one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural style. Afterwards, we will explore the bustling market street Chandni Chowk. The Sispganj Gurudwara (Sikh temple), Sunehri Masjid (Golden Mosque), and Fatehpuri Masjid can be found between stalls selling a jumble of wares. Other sites of interest are the Digambara Temple (the oldest Jain temple in Delhi) and the Bird Hospital. Our tour concludes with a visit to Raj Ghat, where M.K. Gandhi was cremated. There are two museums, the Gandhi Darshan and the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya dedicated to him.

Accommodation:  Oberoi Maiden

During the morning, you are free to relax and explore by yourself.

Our afternoon programme is a half day sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Our tour takes us on a drive past the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan), down the impressive Rajpath to the India Gate, a 42-metre (138ft) high archway which commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I and on the Northwest Frontier. There is an ‘eternal flame’ to commemorate those killed in the 1971 war with Pakistan.

We will then visit the beautiful Birla Mandir Temple (Laxmi Narayan), one of Delhi’s major temples and a popular tourist attraction. It was built and financed by the industrialist B.D. Birla and inaugurated by M.K. Gandhi on the condition that it should be open to Dalits (then known as ‘Untouchables’). The main celebrations take place here on Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday).

Afterwards, we will visit one of the most important sites in Delhi, the Qutb Minar Complex

Accommodation: Oberoi Maiden

We will check into our hotel in Agra in the afternoon. The rest of the day has been left free to give you the opportunity for self-directed exploration and/or shopping.Agra is a major craft centre, famous for its inlaid marble work (pietra dura). Be careful, many items passed off as marble are in fact soapstone or chalk. A handy tip; check if it is translucent, marble will light up and will not leave a mark when rubbed on a rough surface. Keep an eye out for carpets and dhurries, also traditional embroidery and leather. A good shopping starting point is Fatehabad Road; you’ll find a string of shops selling a variety of crafts made in the region. Also, Shilpgram Crafts Village, near the Taj East Gate, has items from all over India.There is however, the option of a sunset visit to the iconic mausoleum the Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage site) from the scenic Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), which lies on the left bank of the River Yumuna opposite the Taj Mahal. It is a lovely vantage point to view the Taj Mahal. Built between the years 1631-1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal encapsulates the height of Mughal architecture. It is romantically believed that Shah Jahan intended to build a similar tomb for himself on the other side of the river out of black marble which would link to the Taj Mahal via a black and white marble bridge, sadly this never came to pass and he is buried alongside his wife in the Taj Mahal.

Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Agra

Our sight-seeing programme begins with a sunrise visit to the famous Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage site). It’s extraordinary white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun. The Taj Mahal never fails to amaze a first-time visitor. Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal is the imposing 16th century Red Fort of Agra. Protected by massive ramparts and a deep moat it is an imposing sight. Behind its walls lies an incredible palatial city. Its red sandstone audience halls, residential suites and pleasure pavilions are remarkably well preserved. Shah Jahan, when deposed by his son Aurangzeb was imprisoned in the Red Fort. He died there in 1666.

Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Agra

We will depart from Agra and make our way to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), once Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is said that Akbar visited the saint on this site when he was anxious for an heir. He was told that he would have three sons, and when this prediction came true Akbar chose Sikri for his capital. Built during the latter half of the 16th century Fatehpur Sikri was only occupied for 14 years before Akbar shifted his capital to Lahore.The complex is remarkably well preserved and offers insight into how life in the royal Mughal courts was lived. The palace buildings are a skilful blend of Persian, Mughal and local Indian architectural styles. Amongst the finest monuments are the imposing royal Jama Masjid, made even more impressive by the Buland Darwaza, a massive entrance gate, Diwan­e­Khas, where Akbar debated religious matters and Mariam’s House, home of Akbar’s wife and intricately private in design.Following the tour, we will drive on to Jaipur – another very full but rewarding day.

Accommodation: Narain Niwas

We will have a full-day sightseeing. Our tour will include visits to the magnificent Amber Fort (Amber Palace), the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar monument.11km (7 miles) from Jaipur, Amber was once the capital of the Minas, who are believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. Situated high on a hill, the Amber Fort, with its massive gateways, pillared pavilions and palaces is an impressive sight. Of particular interest are the Diwan i Am (Jai Singh’s audience hall), and the Shish Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where the walls are inlaid with exquisite mirrored motifs that dance to the flame of even a single candle.Occupying the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace, a magnificent fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Although it remains the residence of Jaipur’s royal family, many of its pavilions or mahals have been given over to the Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of armour, weapons, priceless carpets, state regalia, jewellery, miniature paintings, manuscripts and precious ritual paraphernalia.No tour would be complete without visiting Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799, it is not a palace as the name suggests, instead an incredible facade of 953 airy niches and windows which offered the royal women in purdah (secluded from the public) to glimpse the outside world.Immediately behind the Hawa Mahal, is the Jantar Mantar monument; 16 colossal geometric structures which Maharaja Jai Singh, a keen astronomer, used to calculate celestial latitudes and planetary movements.Jaipur makes a strong claim to being India’s handicraft capital. Its bazaars showcase wonderful Rajasthani artefacts; textiles, gemstones, silver and pottery ( ‘blue pottery’, hand-painted vessels decorated with floral motifs and geometric patterns in combinations of blue, white and occasionally other colours is a local speciality). Textiles are a particular forte of the area; characteristic tie-dyed bandhani fabrics, block prints (a speciality of the nearby town of Sanganer) and stunning appliqué fabrics. It is difficult to leave a market without buying anything!

Accommodation: Narain Niwas

Today’s programme starts with a drive to the sacred city of Pushkar. Pushkar is highly placed in the hierarchy of Hindu places of pilgrimage; it has one of the few temples in India dedicated to Brahma, the Creator. The focal point of the town is the sacred Pushkar Lake. It is believed that the lake was created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower to earth and Hindus maintain the waters hold the power to cleanse the soul of all sin. Annually, on the full moon of Kartika month (Oct–Nov), hundreds of thousands pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred water. Over the fortnight leading up to the full moon of Kartika month villagers from the desert regions of western India congregate around Pushkar Lake for the famous Kartik Purnima festival and camel-trading fair. In addition to the livestock market, traditional funfairs and races draw huge crowds. Flanking the town and lake are a pair of beautiful, low desert hills crowned by small temples, dedicated to Lord Brahma’s wives, Savitri and Gayatri.We will enjoy a late afternoon walk through Pushkar to experience local life and visit the distinctive red spired Brahma Temple. At the temple entrance is a Hans (Goose), the symbol of Brahma. Our evening will culminate in an aarti (a Hindu religious ritual of worship) ceremony on the Ghats of the Pushkar Lake.Pushkar Festival Departure: The itinerary for the Pushkar Festival departure is exactly the same as the standard trip. However, we try to maximise our time in Pushkar to ensure that there is plenty of time to enjoy the camel fair. We will depart early from Jaipur, in order to arrive in Pushkar as early as possible. Departure from Khimsar will be set to a time agreeable to our clients.

Accommodation: Aaram Bagh

Our programme for the morning is a visit to a government run primary school where we will try to understand the education system in rural areas of the country. The school is attended by children from nearby villages. Afterwards, we will drive to our hotel, the historic 16th century Khimsar Fort. Perched on the edge of the Thar Desert, the fort was constructed by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of Rao Jodhaji who founded Jodhpur.

Accommodation: Khimsar Fort

Our programme includes an early morning jeep safari into the surrounding villages and to the Black Buck Reserve (home to three species of antelope; the Blackbuck, Chinkara and Bluebull). We will visit Gujars (shepherds) and Kalbelia (snake charmers) settlements; this is a fantastic opportunity to experience and gain understanding of traditional, rural Rajasthani life. Age-old traditions are still practiced in these communities.The rest of the day has been left free to give you the opportunity for self-directed exploration.

Accommodation: Khimsar Fort

Our sightseeing programme takes us to bustling desert city of Jodhpur. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan. Floating above the rooftops of the old town the immense Meherangarh Fort dominates the city. Sprawled over a flat sandstone plateau and protected on all sides by sheer cliffs and a crust of crenellated ramparts it can only be approached via seven fortified gateways. At the last of these gateways, Loha Pol (Iron Gate, is a series of evocative satistones showing the hand prints of royal widows burnt on the maharajas’ pyres. The palaces within, constructed from hard sandstone and marble, were ingeniously designed to catch the breeze to keep them cool.Below the fort lies the old city of Jodhpur, with its maze of narrow streets, beautiful havelis and temples, it is a fascinating place to explore. We will visit the vibrant market of Sadar Bazaar and its clock tower, a popular landmark within the old city. Northeast of Meherangarh Fort, the beautiful Jaswant Thada cenotaph offers respite from the bustle of the city. It was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memoriam of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph displays portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur.The rest of the day has been left free to give you the opportunity for self-directed exploration.

Accommodation: Bal Samand Garden Retreat

After breakfast we leave the blue city of Jodhpur and drive to Deogarh. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or explore the town.

Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal

Following breakfast, we will embark on a train ride which will take us through rural Rajasthan. Rail travel will add an interesting dimension to your Indian experience. It is the perfect opportunity to get to know some of the local villagers and to enjoy the scenery. For a true taste of Rajasthan we will be traveling in non-air-conditioned coaches with wooden berths. Some coaches have been in circulation since 1930s. We will return to the hotel by road.In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby lakes for a bird watching tour. We hope to see a variety of local and some migratory birds.

Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal

In the late afternoon we hope to enjoy an enchanting sunset boat trip on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Please be aware that the boat trip is subject to the water level in the lake. Ringed by hills, and a profusion of magnificent palaces, temples and cenotaphs, the picturesque Pichola Lake, named after the nearby Picholi village, is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. It was constructed in 1362 and stretches 4km long and 3km wide.

Accommodation: The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

Following a delightful breakfast, immerse yourself in a day of exploration in Udaipur. Begin with a visit to the magnificent City Palace, a grand architectural marvel that seamlessly blends Medieval European and Chinese influences. Roam through its captivating museum, where you can admire exquisite artifacts and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.Next, venture to the enchanting Jagdish Temple, a testament to devotion and artistry. This sacred marvel, constructed in 1651, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses a striking black stone image of the deity.Conclude your day at the serene Sahelion-ki-Bari, known as the “Garden of Maids.” Here, lush greenery, exquisite fountains, and charming pavilions create a tranquil oasis, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Udaipur’s bustling beauty.

Accommodation: The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

You will fly from Udaipur to Delhi. From Delhi you will board your flight home or to your onward destination.