Forts & Palaces - Rajasthan
15 Nights / 16 Days
2N Delhi – 1N Mandawa – 1N Bikaner – 2N Jaisalmer – 2N
Jodhpur – 3N Udaipur – 1N Pushkar – 2N Jaipur – 1N Delhi
PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS:
➢ Mandawa – Haveli Tour of renowned names of India
➢ Bikaner – Junagarh Fort & Camel Breeding center
➢ Jaisalmer– Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Temples
➢ Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada & Mandore Garden
➢ Udaipur – City Palace, Jagdish temple, Boat ride lake Pichola, Saheliyon ki Bari
➢ Pushkar – Pushkar Lake & Brahma Temple
➢ Jaipur – Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Drive past Hawa Mahal.
➢ English Speaking Guide
➢ Assistance at airport and sightseeing tours by private air-conditioned vehicle
➢ Start From Cochin and End in Trivandrum
ITINERARY:
Day 01 : Delhi
After clearing through the airport’s immigration and baggage reclaim and then out into the arrivals hall where you will meet TwoMinds representative who will then assist you to the waiting vehicle and on to the hotel. You will be assisted with the
check in to your hotel.
Delhi reflects the legacy and heritage of Mughal Delhi which is popularly known as Old Delhi. Pulsing with energy and
Colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes where you get a glimpse of many contrasting flavours from wedding
bazaars to expansive spice markets, to graceful architecture. In contrast to Old Delhi – the imperial city or New Delhi
created by the British – have numerous fine colonial structures, magnificent buildings and wide boulevards laid according to
the master plans of the great colonial architect Lutyen’s. OVERNIGHT STAY IN DELHI.
Day 02 : Sightseeing of Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will start your exploration of the capital city at the bustling and lively Old City. In complete
contrast to the new city, the Old City is a labyrinthine maze of lanes overhung by a tangled mass of electric wires. Within
this chaos lies a semblance of order – each lane in this area is dedicated to a particular item, rather like a department store.
There are lanes selling bangles, grocers, items used in weddings, silverware, clothes, spices, and shoes. Sharing the same
space are vendors with carts selling a variety of items, street side dentists, natural healers, and cobblers. The Old city has
space for all professions. You will also visit the Jama Masjid, which is believed to be the largest mosque in India,
accommodating 20,000 worshippers at any given time. You will explore the old city in cycle rickshaws and will also walk
along some of the more interesting alleys. Drive past Red Fort, President House, India Gate, and several other government
buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s modern Delhi before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi that marks the
spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.
Forts & Palaces – Rajasthan
15 Nights / 16 Days
2N Delhi – 1N Mandawa – 1N Bikaner – 2N Jaisalmer – 2N
Jodhpur – 3N Udaipur – 1N Pushkar – 2N Jaipur – 1N Delhi
Later explore New Delhi which stands in formal splendor. It is a city of wide boulevards that offers ever-changing
perspectives of Lutyen’s landscaped city. It is also a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the
Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin
Lutyens) and India Gate. Later visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It
was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale.
Later visit the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the
first Muslim ruler of Delhi. OVERNIGHT STAY IN DELHI.
Day 03 : Delhi – Mandawa (260Kms/ approx. 6Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Mandawa. On arrival in Mandawa, check in at the hotel. Later in the
afternoon proceed for local haveli tour of Mandawa. It is renowned for its innumerable painted havelis (mansions), which
were the homes of the Marwari trading community. These handsome havelis, adorned with elaborate and intricate
frescoes, are over a hundred years old, and have withstood the ravages of time. The grand havelis of the Goenkas, Ladias,
Sarafs and the Chokhanis, in Mandawa are fine examples of the famous Shekhawati workmanship. OVERNIGHT STAY IN
MANDAWA.
Day 04 : Mandawa - Bikaner (200Kms/ approx. 4Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Bikaner. On arrival in Bikaner, check in at the hotel. This ancient city, a
dry mix of sun and sand, describes stories of hardship and bravery of its past rulers. Founded about five hundred years
ago, it has become noteworthy for its unique camel breeding and dry irrigation methods. The old city, with its red-yellow
look, lies on a raised plain in the desert that’s embraced by a mighty wall separated by five gigantic gates. A major site for
wool, carpets, and blankets, it also presents exquisite handicrafts, including ivory and lacquer. It has enough to pamper
your taste buds amid the fabulous forts and palaces that illustrate the city’s rich heritage. With its specialty lying in the
paintings and gold embossing on ceilings, walls and pillars of its many buildings, its joyful people enhance the beauty of
the city.
Later visit Junagarh Fort- Five hundred years ago, while the fort protected its people from invasions, its rulers got the time
to build some charming sections within the red walls. A first glance would seem like it’s simple in architecture, though
impressive, it does not have a majestic appearance. Built out of red sandstone and designed by the British, it’s a fine
example of Rajput architecture, despite the fact that it does not sit on a hilltop. Later experience visit to Camel Breeding
Centre. While it breeds the best Camels in the city, research on them is also conducted here. You would be surprised by
the information found, which also tells you that a camel can cover more than 100 kilometres in a day. The centre’s strength
lies in its employees, the local camel breeders, who’ve been in this profession since ancient times. The moments are joyful
when you watch young camels play around mischievously around its lazy parents. Those wishing to try something new
could try a glass of some nutritiously thick camel milk. OVERNIGHT STAY IN BIKANER.
Day 05 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer (300Kms/ approx. 6Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Jaisalmer. On arrival in Jaisalmer, check in at the hotel.
Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent
edifice of massive yellow sandstone ramparts and bastions bathed golden in the sunlight. The city was founded in 1156 by
Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput King, after whom it is named – and till today exudes an age-old aura of valour and royalty. Apart
from the spectacular golden fort or Sonar Qila, as it is known locally, Jaisalmer also boasts of some beautifully constructed
medieval Havelis and a Jain temple. OVERNIGHT STAY IN JAISALMER.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for tour of Jaisalmer. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical
Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort which is said to be one of the largest in the world, is entered through four
massive gateways in each direction. It encompasses within it the Raj Mahal (royal palace), Jain temples, a Laxminath
temple, Havelis built by wealthy Mer chants hundreds of years ago, several eateries and shops. Walk through the narrow
streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the evening,
take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. OVERNIGHT STAY IN JAISALMER.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (300Kms/ approx. 6Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Jodhpur. Sitting on the boundary of the Thar Desert, this grand city
echoes with ancient tales. Embraced by a high wall that’s 10 km long, marked with 8 gates, this fortress-city is now the
second largest city of Rajasthan. It is one of the three sculpted cities of Rajasthan and a sea for those wishing to dive deep
into the Rajputana culture. While its elegant palaces, forts and temples reflect historic grandness, its exquisite handicrafts,
folk dances and brightly dressed people add an unusual impression. Shopping is often a thrilling experience amid the
colorful display of a rich collection of handicrafts, antiques and ethnic goods. It’s a perfect place to experience royal
lifestyles; it still is the house of the present Maharaja, Gaj singh whose family lives in the showy Umaid Bhawan. True to
its name, the city extends genuine hospitality to its visitors in a true Marwari style.
Spend remainder of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT STAY IN JODHPUR.
Day 08 : Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit Jodhpur, which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and also called the ‘Sun City’. Visit
the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of
Jodhpur. The foundations of this fort were laid in 1459; today it houses a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes,
paintings and even a collection of palanquins. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones
are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface. Later, drive
past the Mandore garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped
cenotaphs these are built along the lines of a Hindu temple.
Later in the afternoon experience Bishnoi Village safari. Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with
Khejri trees and deer. Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake. It is a natural lake, perfect as a picnic spot. A person
interested in exotic wildlife & nature should definitely visit this village. The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The
villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, especially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray
to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land. In this world of exploitation everywhere, they make every effort to
conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians.
OVERNIGHT STAY IN JODHPUR.
Day 09 : Jodhpur - Udaipur (280Kms/ approx. 5Hours 30Minutes)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur Temples. It’s a small town in a remote
valley of the Aravalli ranges that presents abundant natural beauty. With lush greenery, sliced by gently flowing streams,
beautiful strings of admiration will bind you with its refreshing atmosphere. Surrounded by this charming scenery is an
unbelievable Jain temple, carved out of white marble, with a unique collection of 29 halls held by 1444 pillars, no two of
which are alike. So much of this unbeatable significance has brought this town onto the map of the most admired Jain
pilgrim site in the country.
On arrival in Udaipur, check in at the hotel. This romantic city is more than just an oasis with its scenic lakes, tasteful
palaces, and architectural heritage. It holds a proud collection of five elegant lakes among numerous lavish gardens and
fountains, surrounded by striking palaces and forts. With numerous old mansions turned into heritage hotels, the city is
abundant in multi-cuisine restaurants with a backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range. While the aura recalls the city’s
heroic past of courage and graciousness, its pink and cream palaces seem to emerge right out of a fairy-tale book. Festivals
are celebrated with high energy that colorfully reflect from the Gangaur, Mewar and Teej festivals. Reputed highly for its
art and craft, the city’s architecture is said to have influenced the designer of the Taj Mahal. OVERNIGHT STAY IN UDAIPUR.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT STAY IN UDAIPUR.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Pushkar (280Kms/ approx. 5Hours 30Minutes)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Pushkar. On arrival in Pushkar, check in at the hotel. Later in the
afternoon visit The Pushkar Lake created from the petal fallen from Brahma’s Lotus when he destroyed the demon Vajra
Nabha. The lake is no less than a miracle within the dry and arid desert. The lake and its numerous Ghats are a place of
hectic activities when the pilgrims, eager to wash away their sins, crowd them for a holy dip. The waters are believed to
cure various ailments and have also been proved to contain certain chemicals that aid skin enrichment.
Also visit the only Brahma Temple in the world. Though the Lord has a temple, he himself is not worshipped. The legend
goes that Lord Brahma, desperate to perform a Holy Yajnya (Fire-Worship) at Pushkar decided to marry a local girl since
wife Savitri was not ready to come to Mrutyulok (Earth). However, Savitri decided to check in on the erring husband and
found him sitting alongside his new bride. Enraged Savitri cursed Brahma that he would lose the right to be worshipped
anywhere else other than Pushkar and hence the only temple dedicated to this Lord of the Lords. The temple is
magnificently rebuilt in 1809. Make it a point to identify the four-faced icon of Brahma accompanied by his reticent bride,
Gayatri. The turtle (pure silver) at the shrine’s entrance also deserves a closer look. The entrance is marked by a maroon
spire and atop the gateway a Hans (goose) is seen perched. OVERNIGHT IN PUSHKAR
Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur (150Kms/ approx. 2Hours 30Minutes)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check in at the hotel.
Jaipur is the gateway to the magnificent and vibrant state of Rajasthan. Jaipur founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, is
a highly distinctive and colourful city characterized by fine bazaars, intricately carved palaces, havelis and forts. Most
famous as ‘Pink City’ for its unusual rose-coloured sandstone architecture, Jaipur is a place of kings, queens and legends.
In the evening, take a stroll to the local markets for the traditional dresses and shoes, curio shops, blue pottery etc.
OVERNIGHT STAY IN JAIPUR.
Day 14 : Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for tour of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’… it is famous for its colourful culture,
forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city of Jaipur is painted pink, which gives it a magical glow. Visit the Amber Fort… a
fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as
the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone.
Later visit to the City Palace… again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory,
comprising geometric devices for measuring time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modelled on the Victoria
and Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. OVERNIGHT STAY IN JAIPUR.
Day 15 : Jaipur - Delhi (260Kms/ approx. 5Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Delhi. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Spend remainder of the day at
leisure. OVERNIGHT STAY IN DELHI.
Day 16 : Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. In time, assisted transfer to the airport to board for onward destination.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
15 nights’ accommodation in well-appointed rooms as mentioned above/similar hotels.
• Chauffer at the airport till End of the Tour – Toyota Innova Crysta
• Sightseeing as per itinerary by tourist vehicle – Toyota Innova Crysta
• Meals as per preference.
• English speaking guide during the sightseeing.
• Boat ride at Lake Pichola.
• Monuments Ticket as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• Drivers’ allowances, toll taxes and Govt. Service Tax.
PACAKAGE EXCLUSIONS:
• Air tickets and airport taxes
• Any Monument entrance tickets
• Additional food which is not included in the cost.
• Optional activities are subject to availability. Charges additional.
• Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, tips to guides / drivers etc.
• Camera / Video camera fees applicable at monuments
NOTE:
Hotel Check – in 1400hrs and check out 1200hrs.
Package cost – will not be valid on public holidays, festivals, exhibitions