Central India & Rajasthan Road Trip

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrival transfer to hotel (hotel check in/out time 12pm). Rest time for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi (B)

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flower-like shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210km) (B)

Drive to Agra check in at hotel.

Later visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Agra - Orchha (240km) (B)

Drive to Orchha enroute visit Gwalior Fort, situated on top of a hill is one of the best fortresses of India, known for its great architecture and rich past. The fort complex includes several temples, palaces and water tanks. Siddhachal Caves and Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments are the two areas, complete with thousands of Jain Tirthankar idols defaced during the Mughal invasion. Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir are the two architecturally rich Hindu temples here. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor is another holy place built inside the fort complex. Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Assi Khamba Ki Baoli, and Suraj Kund are other important monuments found in the complex. Jai Vilas Palace has the largest carpet in the world and two most massive chandeliers in the world that weight close to 3.5 tonnes.

Arrive Orchha check in at hotel. City tour of Orchha a historical town known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples adorned with classic mural paintings, frescos and cenotaphs that were constructed to commemorate the Bundela rulers. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Chaturbhuj Temple a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples. Chattris (Cenotaphs) situated on the banks of Betwa river, are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Orchha - Khajuraho (190km) (B)

Drive to Khajuraho check in at hotel.

Visit well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring eastern, western & southern group of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. The architecture of these temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by Chandela dynasty the temples of Khajuraho are India`s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world`s great artistic wonders. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Khajuraho - Bhopal (375km) (B)

Drive to Bhopal via visiting Sanchi a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd BCE to 12th CE. Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site is home to the relics of Buddha and his followers. Built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is a remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi’s uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha isn’t represented by figures but through symbols. Next visit Udayagiri Caves, early Hindu ritual site, extensively carved and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th & 5th CE. Udayagiri has a series of rock-shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which have been only partially excavated.

Arrive Bhopal check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Bhopal (B)

Excursion to visit Bhimbetka rock shelters an archaeological site dating back to the Paleolithic age inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. Bhimbetka is a world heritage site and houses one of the oldest cave paintings in the world, a must-visit site for all history enthusiasts. Next visit Bhojpur an incomplete 11th CE Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. It houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum, considered to be one of the finest examples of temple architecture in the region.

On return city tour of Bhopal. Visit two historic mosques the Jama Masjid a classic Islamic architecture with two tall minarets & Moti Masjid an architectural marvel. Only Muslim can enter Taj-Ul-Masjid a stunning and elegant architecture with enormous domes, a spectacular hallway and elegant minarets. Also visit arts center in Bharat Bhawan a centre of performing arts, a unique institution with an unparalleled and impactful architecture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Bhopal - Jhalawar (250km) (B)

Drive to Jhalawar check in at hotel.

Jhalawar has a varied cultural heritage that includes many forts and palaces from the Rajput & Mughal periods and large numbers of temples and religious sites. Visit Jhalawar Fort a beautiful piece of Rajputana architecture built in the middle of the of the 19th century. Government Museum a place that has preserved the history of Jhalawar and its surrounding region for almost a century now. The Bhawani Natyashala built in 1921 by the then Maharaja Bhawani Singh to promote art, theatre and culture. Gagron Fort a masterpiece of Rajput architecture and a striking example of hill and water fort. The fort is built on top of a hillock and offers a mesmerising 360 degree view of the landscape below. Besides a museum outside the fort gates, there is also a mausoleum of Sufi Saint Mitthe Shah. Chandrabhaga Temple on the banks of river Chandrabhaga, is a splendid temple built in 7th century AD. The carved columns, the archways and the exquisite workmanship make this temple unique. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Jhalawar - Bundi (125km) (B)

Drive to Bundi via visiting Kota, situated on the banks of the Chambal River. Kota is famous for its distinctive style of paintings, palaces, museums, places of worship, gold jewellery, Doria sarees, silk sarees and the famous Kota stone. Visit Garh Palace & museum, adorned with imposing wall paintings, mirror walls, mirror ceilings, hanging illuminated lights and floral decorations. Breathtaking marble floorings and walls and stylish fashioned entrance, all these make City Palace a memorable location. The attractive garden around the palace adds the beauty of the Palace. The Palace encloses a grand museum which had a huge collection of medieval weaponries, costumes and apparels of erstwhile kings and queens, artifacts and handicrafts showing the cultural heritage of the bygone splendid days. Jagmandir Palace a red sand stone monument of the grandeur days of Kota. The reflections of the exquisite palace walls and domes in the azure water of the Kishore Sagar Lake are breathtaking. Abheda Mahal a medieval palace located on the banks of a tank, was the recreation spot of the rulers of Kota.

Arrive Bundi check in at hotel. Later city tour of Bundi, a magnificent town dotted with fairy tale quality palaces & forts. Bundi was once the capital of the great Hadoti Kingdom, renowned for its art and sculpture. Bundi still retains its charismatic medieval grandeur. And just like Jodhpur and Rajput, the architecture of Bundi also possesses a noticeable bluish hue, designed to keep houses cool during hot summer, in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Visit Garadia Mahadev Temple, Sukh Mahal, Rani Ji Ki Baori, Phool Sagar, Taragarh Fort, Nawal Sagar Lake, few Cenotaphs & Step Wells and the royal site of the frescoes & paintings in Braj Bhushan Ji Ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Bundi - Chittorgarh - Udaipur (265km) (B)

Drive to Udaipur via visiting Chittorgarh named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 meter high hill and is spread across 700 acres. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past, this bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs. Chittorgarh resonates stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Visit to Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmini`s Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Vijay Stambh (the Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh & Jain temples, etc.

Arrive Udaipur check in at hotel. Evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Udaipur (B)

City tour of Udaipur located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest Man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace & Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bada Mahal, Eklingji & Nagda Temple. Explore Hathi Pol Bazar, Bada Bazar & Shilpgram a craftsmens village. Evening watch folk dance show Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Udaipur - Jodhpur (260km) (B)

Drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork. Next stop enjoy Safari to Guda a Bishnoi village, home to a vivid range of exotic wildlife and nature. Bishnoi community the staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms inhabits the village. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land and make every effort to conserve the environment. It is the perfect place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life.

Continue drive to Jodhpur check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Jodhpur (B)

City tour of Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architectures, forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD, Rao Jodha the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur`s former rulers built along the lines of Hindu temples. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Jodhpur - Jaipur (310km) (B)

Drive to Jaipur enroute visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. The city of Pushkar is home to the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation. Visit of Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country having 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. And Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer.

Drive to Jaipur check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Jaipur (B)

City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Jaipur - Delhi/ Departure (B)

Drive to Delhi airport for departure flight.