Taj Mahal Cultural Tour

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel.
Delhi : India's capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys' past.

Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast, visit Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658 ; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture ; Qutab Minar drive past India Gate, President House and other govt. buildings. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).

Day 3: Delhi - Mandawa (250 Kms, 06-07 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, leave for Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check in at prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, visit Mandawa (Shekawati region). This region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th century. The major towns of interest are Mandawa, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh. Visit the havelis in Mandawa and other villages of shekhawati region

Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner (190 Kms, 04-05 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, leave for Bikaner. Arrive Bikaner and check-in at prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Bikaner - a desert town founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort which was contructed between 1588 and 1593 by a general in the army of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986m long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances; Camel Breeding Farm, managed by goverment this camel breeding station is probably unique in Asia and has thousands of camels.

Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 Kms, 05-06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, excursion to Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke.
Afternoon, leave for Jaisalmer. Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 6: Jaisalmer

After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the the citadel - the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once supplied water to the city ; the temples & archways around it have been built by a courtesan.
Afternoon, excursion to Sam - 45 km away, is known for its sand dunes & is the venue for the Desert festival. Get the actual feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes and witness a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes. Return to Jaisalmer for overnight stay.

Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 Kms, 05-06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at prebooked hotel.
In the afternoon, city tour of Jodhpur : Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means "Majestic Fort", located at the very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts' ramparts are well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada.

Day 8: Jodhpur - Mount Abu (264 Kms, 06-07 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, leave for Mount Abu. On arrival check-in at prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Mount Abu which is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. Visit the Dilwara Jain temple, which are the main attraction in Mt. Abu and are amongst the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex included 02 temples, the older of which is the Vimal Visahi built in 1031 and is dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath. The later Tejpal temple was built in 1230 AD and is dedicated to Neminath - the 22nd tirthankar.

Day 9: Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Udaipur (275 Kms, 06-07 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, leave for Udaipur. Enroute visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur : The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which is similarly carved. After the visit, continue drive to Udaipur.Arrive Udaipur and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 10: Udaipur

After breakfast, visit the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, which is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola.