Rajasthan Agra And Varanasi Tour

Package Name: Rajasthan Agra And Varanasi Tour

Duration: 11 Nights – 12 Days

Location: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Home Town

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi. Meet and assist at airport. Transfer to hotel check in to hotel. Full day sightseeing of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shahjahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.Than visit to New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President’s House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy’s House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutubuddin Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi – Mandawa (5 Hrs Drive )
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Mandawa in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich & dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls & now aptly given the epithet – Open – Air Gallery. With the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm & aura of a bygone era & coming here is like stepping into a different world.Arrive at Mandawa. Afternoon sightseeing of Mandawa – Today we explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes & now been converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants and camels on its facade. Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its facade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the Wright Brothers’ plane. If time permits we may visit more Havelis of the region & observe the colourful village life in Rajasthan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Mandawa – Bikaner (189 kms / 5hrs drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Bikaner – Later we drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji (1465 – 1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of neighbouring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around. It is a royal city surrounded by a mammoth fortification wall, more than 5 km in circumference & about 5 to 9m high. Fort, Palaces & people with colourful traditional costumes are the chief attractions of the city. The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival. Arrive at Bikaner. Check in at hotel, sightseeing of Bikaner – we visit Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King’s Orders). Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 04 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer ( 300 kms / 6 hrs drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber – hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels. Arrive at Jaisalmer and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Full Day sightseeing of Jaisalmer – Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only “Living Fort” in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer’s legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.Evening visit to Sam Dunes for Sun set and camel ride. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (290 kms / 7 hrs drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and leave for Jodhpur – Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.
Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.Arrive at and check in at hotel.Afternoon sightseeing of Jodhpur – visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125 m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum.We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Jodhpur – Jaipur (5 hrs drive)
Breakfast at Hotel. Check out and transfer to Jaipur. Breakfast at hotel.Checkout and transfer to Jaipur , popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage sites in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors. Arrive at Jaipur. Check in at hotel & relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.Morning visit to Amber Fort – the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Elephant ride subject to availability – Limited elephant first come first basis.After Amber Fort, Visit Jaigarh Fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts overlooking Jaipur city. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort’s museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well – planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower & giant mounted cannon – the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. The display includes a collection of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated & were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja Man Singh.Return to hotel Afternoon visit City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokha (mini windows). Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Breakfast at hotel. Checkout and transfer to Bharatpur en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti. Afternoon visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by Rickshaw. Arrive at Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal – era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. On the way photo stop at Sikandra – Akbar’s tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613. Arrive at Agra. Check in at hotel, Visit – Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. Taj Mahal – symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Agra – Jhansi by train and Jhansi to Khajuraho by surface
Morning Breakfast at hotel & check out and transfer to Agra railway station to board the train to Jhansi. Arrive at Jhansi railway station. Then transfer to Khajuraho. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Khajuraho Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Khajuraho – Varanasi By Flight
Arrive at Varanasi. Transfer to Varanasi on the way visit Sarnath. Arrive at hotel and check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Varanasi and Evening Boat ride at Varanasi. Overnight at hotel

Day 12 : Varanasi – Hometown
Check out and transfer to Varanasi Airport.

Mandawa fort located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture , Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants and camels on its facade. Goenka Double Haveli built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its facade.

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. It is located 330 kilometres northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner, the city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganges Canal, completed in 1928, and the Indira Gandhi Canal, completed in 1987, facilitated its development. Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Anup Mahal now displays the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King’s Orders).

Jaisalmer nicknamed “The Golden city”, is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located 575 kilometres west of the state capital Jaipur. Once known as Jaisalmer state it is a World Heritage Site. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert). It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District. Camel Safari at Dunes.

Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and officially the second metropolitan city of the state. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name. The capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. The city is known as the “Sun City” for the bright and sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. Jodhpur is also known as the “Blue City” because of the blue colours that decorate many of the houses in the old city area. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades.

Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Jaipur is also known as the Pink City of India. Amber fort – the palace complex was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Jaigarh Fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts overlooking Jaipur city. City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone.

Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city was founded in the year 1569 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great.The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience.

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is a major tourist destination because of its many Mughal-era buildings, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Khajuraho is well known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptures. Situated in the heart of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it lies in the forested plains of the region of Bundelkhand. According to local legend, these temples were built by the first Chandela raja to atone his mother’s sin, whose consummation with the Moon god heralded the start of the Chandela dynasty.

Varanasi also known as Banaras or Kashi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of North India. A major religious hub in India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon. Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. The Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC, symbolize both Ashoka’s imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.