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Rajasthan is one place that has probably everything that one associates India with, colourful tradition and costumes, spicy dishes, festivities that have legacies of their own, ancient incredible architecture, palaces, elaborate and decorative royalty and a strong volatile past. Join us on this classic fully escorted tour as we show Rajasthan, a memorial of chivalry of Rajputs and Agra, the city of Taj and Mughal Architecture.
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GeTS Holidays is a great option that fuses quality with affordability. Our long experience in the travel industry and the local know-how is a great asset that helps to offer ideal travel packages which not only suit your pocket but also your interests in having a great holiday as well as experiencing the best of hospitality that stands as a legendary tradition of India.Rajasthan as a State is a unique blend of history and modernity. The state has a heritage of courage and valour that passes down generations. The richness of its artefacts and coloured vibrancy of its costumes and traditional attires are alluring for the first timers.
There are Palaces, Forts and havelis littered across the State that stand as a living testimony of its past and create an ambience of hybridism that is magical and seemingly unreal. Tall camels galloping beside modern cars on the city streets, wooden artefacts and colourful costume shops that accept all the major credit cards, elephants welcoming its guests by throwing rose petals in a five star heritage hotels; all these and more, only happens in Rajasthan!
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 DaysPlaces Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa – Nimrana - Delhi
Day 01: Delhi Arrival
GeTS Holidays executives will receive you at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Your welcome will be an example of Indian culture and provide a glimpse of the hospitality to follow. GeTS Holidays executive will escort you to the hotel of your choice. En route, you will catch your first glimpses of Delhi.
In the morning after your breakfast theGeTS Holidays representative will brief you about your Delhi sightseeing tour. Today’s Delhi is a unique amalgamation of the ruins of medieval citadels, palaces, tombs and mosques, with an ever-expanding, modern concrete jungle. The major tourist attraction sites are the Rashtrapati Bhawan designed as the British Viceroys Palace by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the Red Fort at Shahajahanabad (Old Delhi), Jama Masjid in the Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s tomb, the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage monument which was built by the first muslim ruler of India, Qutubuddin Aibak. Construction began in 1193; it is India’s highest single tower; the Lotus Temple or the ISCON Temple etc. In the evening one can also witness a ‘Light and Sound’ show depicting the history of Delhi.
Delhi today is a mix of four major religions, thousands of years of history and cultural development, significant movements of different populations, invasions and colonisation. In Delhi you will feel the presence of one of the most vibrant and profound cultures in the world.
Night stay at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra
After an early morning breakfast a GeTS Holidays’ representative will drive you to the Lutyn’s zone in New Delhi for glimpses of the India Gate- a war memorial, the Amar Jawan Jyoti- an eternal flame in memory of ‘ unknown soldiers’, the Rashtrapati Bhavan- abode of the President of India etc. Then we will drive to Agra apart a 4 hours drive. We will visit Sikandra, the mausoleum of Akbar the Great. Emperor Jahangir in loving memory of his father Akbar built this mausoleum. GeTS Holidays will arrange your stay in a heritage hotel in Agra. After lunch we will tour the famous Agra Fort, the Taj, a monument of eternal love and Itmad-Ud-Daullah’s tomb known as precursor of the Taj. Agra is famous for designer marble items, leather products and an exotic sweet known as petha.
Day 03: Agra - Jaipur
After early breakfast a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Jaipur with a brief visit of Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar built this city as his capital in 1569. Now this city is abandoned. You will love to watch Monuments like the majestic Buland Darwaja, small but beautiful tomb of Saint Salim Chistie and many magnificent palaces. We will arrange your stay in a heritage hotel at Jaipur.
You will love to watch the glittering city during evening. Jaipur has lots to offer like marble inlays work, silver and kundan jewellery, block prints and bandhani textiles.
Day 04: Jaipur
After a leisurely breakfast GeTS Holidays will arrange a city tour. We will visit all three forts of Jaipur namely- the Amber, the Jaigarh and the Nahargarh. We will also visit other wonders like the Hawa Mahal- ‘Palace of Winds’, the City Square & Palace, and Albert hall museum.
Night stay at Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur - Pushkar
After lunch a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to the holy city of Pushkar and arrange your stay in Swiss tents.
Day 06: Pushkar
Few things in the universe can match the effervescence, vigour and brightness of the traditional fair of world famous Pushkar. The picturesque lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth-a perfect site for the annual religious and cattle fair, held in the month of October-November. Pushkar is a sacred place for Hindus and has a staggering 400 temples, of which the most important is dedicated to Lord Brahma. According to legend, for five days in a year, all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout-hence an unbelievable number of devotees flock the lake to wash away their sins. A bustling bazaar, the Pushkar local market offers tourists pilgrimage related products as well as a range of souvenirs including Rajasthani costumes, jewellery, embroidered fabrics, decorative pieces and groovy accessories
You have night stay at Pushkar in tented accommodation.
Day 07 Pushkar – Ranthambore
After lunch a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to the Ranthambore National Park and arrange your stay in the Forest Lodge. You will certainly benefit from staying in the lap of nature.
Day 08: Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. It has been a part of the Project Tiger since 1973. Ranthambore national park is considered as the best place for seeing tigers in their natural habitat. Even during daytime the tiger can be spotted. Besides tigers the National Park is an abode of jackals, mongoose, sloth bears and leopards. The sanctuary is situated between the Arawali and Vindhya ranges.
GeTS Holidays will arrange an elephant safari to take round the Park. We will also visit the historical Ranthambore Fort situated in the heart of the Forest. It was once the stronghold of the Chauhan Rajputs. The other attractions are Bakaula- a marshy tract, the Kachida Valley and the Raj Bagh Ruins. You will enjoy exploring the city and its market during the evening.
Day 09: Ranthambore – Kota - Bundi
After leisurely breakfast a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Kota and arrange your stay in a luxury hotel. After lunch a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Bundi. Bundi was stronghold of Hara Rajputs. They were famous for their valour. We will visit the Taragarh Fort and the Chitrashala - the famous centre of the Bundi School of Painting.
Day 10: Kota - Chittaurgarh
A representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Chittorgarh for a day tour. The pride of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh still reverberates with the tales of its glorious but chaotic past. It is a land where the ideals of chivalry, sacrifice and honour were always worshipped. Today, all that remains of those glorious times are the ruins of forts; palaces and temples that have nevertheless, managed to retain their old grandeur. Chittorgarh has been a witness to some of the bloodiest battles fought on the Indian soil during the Mughal era. The city itself was ravaged thrice staring with Alauddin Khilji's attack in 1303 AD followed by Bahadur Shah in 1533 AD. Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked the city for a third time and razed the Chittorgarh fort to the ground. The fort was never inhabited after that attack. Every time Chittorgarh was attacked, its brave populace left no stone unturned to defend their honour till the last breadth. As the men rode out to meet their adversaries on the battlefield, the women and children would light a huge pyre and immolate themselves in order to escape the marauding enemy. Chittorgarh is synonymous with the tragic tale of Queen Padmini who chose death over dishonour by committing 'Jauhar' or self-immolation with other women. Alauddin Khilji was so overwhelmed by her beauty that he attacked Chittorgarh with the sole motive of possessing her. However, queen Padmini foiled his plans by taking the brave decision of facing death before giving him a chance to fulfil his aim. The spirit of sacrifice still lives on amidst the ruins of Chittorgarh. In fact, a visit to this city truly adds up as an experience to remember for a lifetime.
We will arrange your stay in a heritage hotel at Bijaipur.
Day 11: Bijaipur - Udaipur
After lunch we will fly you to Udaipur and arrange your stay at the Trident hotel. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you wish or enjoy a leisurely late afternoon cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola or stroll around the fountain pavilions and paved gardens of the illustrious Jag Mandir Palace.
Day 12: Udaipur
Udaipur considered as the most romantic city of Asia, was built by Rana Udai Singh during 16th century. This city is known as ‘Venice of East’ and the ‘city of Lakes’. It is a pleasant and romantic city situated on rugged hills of the Arawali. The city has never been fortified unlike many cities of Rajasthan and it has never been attacked. This city has served as capital of Mewar since the 17th century till independence. What makes Udaipur truly memorable are the exquisite lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a luxury hotel of breathtaking magnificence. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, is a marvel of red sandstone, with a marble dome.
Night stay at Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur - Jodhpur
After early breakfast a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1468AD. Mehrangarh Fort is situated upon a hillock and is a major attraction. You will love to watch the Fort and many beautiful Palaces inside it. Local brown sandstone is used in all the structures. The city has many beautiful havelis. They are famous for their frescos and beautiful paintings.
Day 14: Jodhpur
Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1468AD. Mehrangarh Fort is situated upon a hillock and is a major attraction. You will love to watch the Fort and many beautiful Palaces inside it. Local brown sandstone is used in all the structures. The city has many beautiful havelis. They are famous for their frescos and beautiful paintings.
Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
After breakfast a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Jaisalmer and arrange your stay in a heritage hotel. Jaisalmer is known as the ‘Golden City of India’. You will enjoy exploring the city and markets during the evening.
Day 16: Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rawal Jaisal founded this city during 12th century. The fort of Jaisalmer is still inhabited. The Fort is known as ‘Sonar Qila’ or the Golden Fort. The Fort is so well fortified that no enemy has ever been able to capture it. In the evening will drive you to the famous Jain temples of Lodurva. The temples are made of bright yellow sandstones. These temples are famous for their decorative Jaali work. The famous Dilwara temples influenced the architecture of these temples.
Day 17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner
After breakfast a representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you to Bikaner and arrange your stay in a five star hotel. Rao Bikaji founded Bikaner in 1488. This site was trade centre on the ancient caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are sands dunes and camels. The city stands on a higher ground, surrounded by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gates. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples, and mosques. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. Later we shall visit Lalgarh Palace, Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple.
Day 18: Bikaner - Mandawa
GeTS Holidays will drive you to Mandawa after a hearty breakfast. You will enjoy your journey through the countryside. The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breath-taking view of the town can be had from the terraces of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelis like Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in the town are visit worthy. Tour the villages located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The Shekhawati region is often called the ‘open art gallery of Rajasthan’. It will be irresistible not to appreciate the walls of the havelis with elaborate frescoes and murals; some depict the myths and legends, while others reflect contemporary life. Mandawa has drawn its unique fame from these painted havelis. An impressive castle dominates the skyline of the city. Several other havelis showcase beautiful paintings. The antique charms are still conspicuous. Mandawa would enthral you with its unique artworks. We will arrange your stay in a heritage hotel, folk extravaganza and a theme dinner for you. You will find appealing to explore the village in the evening.
Day 19: Mandawa – Ratangarh
Enjoy thrilling tours to Ratangarh. The fort is only a few kilometres away from the resort. It offers a breathtaking view and provides ample ground for trekkers. Nawalgarh has a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli etc., which are to be visited, and so are the two forts and the palace hotel Roop Niwas. This is a beautiful heritage property and is renovated with modern facilities. The Palace offers spacious painted rooms, luxurious interiors, graceful hospitality and great thematic evenings with sumptuous cuisine.
Night stay at Ratangarh.
Day 20: Ratangarh – Nimrana
After an early breakfast, GeTS Holidays will drive you to Nimrana and arrange your stay at the Nimrana Fort-Palace, now a heritage hotel. This fort was built in the 15th century. This is an ideal place to relax and shed-off your exhaustion. There is a yoga and Ayurvedic centre for rejuvenation. We will also arrange a tour to the 18th century 11 storey step-well.
Night stay at Nimrana.
Day 21: Delhi – Home
A representative of GeTS Holidays will drive you back to Delhi and make arrangements for boarding you in the return flight.
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