Rajasthan:Tigers, Forts and Sand Dunes

Welcome to India! After clearing immigration and customs, meet our local representative at the arrival gate and transfer to the hotel in the city. Take rest to recover travel fatigue.  

After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll have an orientation meeting and then set out to tour the ancient city. We’ll explore other parts of Old Delhi as well as the formal government buildings of New Delhi, constructed by the British in the 1920s.

Begin from the Humayun’s Tomb-a massive octagonal edifice, built by Haji Begum as a memorial to her husband, Emperor Humayun. The tomb's design, which offers a superb example of early Mughal architecture, greatly influenced Shah Jahan, who later similarly built the Taj Mahal. The entrance to the tomb is through a succession of formal gardens, which are in the process of being restored to the classic Persian style.

Next, visit the Qutub Minar, an impressive red sandstone tower inscribed with Islamic writings. It was built to commemorate the defeat of local rulers of Delhi by the Muslim general Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, at the end of the twelfth century.

Now, travel to the old town and visit the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). It is the largest mosque of India and a notable example of Delhi’s distinctive Indo-Islamic architecture. Next, take a bicycle-rickshaw ride through the bustling and colorful market lanes of Chandni Chowk to the Red Fort.

A short drive brings us to the Raj Ghat, where we pay homage to the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi-the father of India-known for his fight against the violence.

After breakfast, we drive to Agra (approx. 131miles/ 4 ½ hrs.). Upon arrival, check in the hotel and later proceed for sightseeing.

We first visit Agra Fort – the 16th-century Mughal citadel known as the Red Fort of Agra. It was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal and Delhi's Red Fort. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Agra Fort is a citadel of the Mughal era that has witnessed centuries slip by but still stands gloriously on the bank of River Yamuna.

Towards dusk, we visit the Mehtab Bagh (also called Moonlight Garden) which is a little known place for viewing Taj Mahal during the sunset time. The garden lies opposite of Taj Mahal on the northern shores of Yamuna River whereas Taj Mahal stands in the southern shores. Most travelers visit Taj Mahal from the main gate at the south side. Enjoy the views of Taj Mahal in tranquil surroundings with no rush.

After breakfast, proceed to Jaipur (approx. 153 miles / 5 ½ hrs. drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

We get up before dawn for a sunrise tour of Taj Mahal from the southern side of the monument. It's a fantastic experience to see the iconic monument bathed in the morning sunshine! Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a spectacular monument built to represent eternal love.

We return to our hotel for breakfast, and soon we head out to Jaipur. About 25 miles from Agra, we stop to visit the Fatehpur Sikri- a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar, illustrates the fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectures.

About 56 miles before Jaipur, we take 12 miles detour of Chand Baori, which is an ancient step well, built in between 800 and 900 A.D. It's an ancient architecture designed and structured as a water reservoir to supply water to the citizens of dry and arid Rajasthan.

On arrival, check in to the hotel and take rest for the day.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the attractions of Jaipur- the capital of Rajasthan State. Jaipur is also called the Pink City. Do you know why? The king of Rajasthan, in a short notice, ordered a fresh coat of paint for Jaipur to welcome the Prince of Wales visiting India in 1905-6, but the contractor did not have any other color in stock enough but pink. So, the entire city got a pink shade which has been Jaipur's tradition till today!

We first drive 7 miles on Jaipur- Delhi highway outside the city to visit Amer Fort that lies atop Amaravali Hills. From the parking, we take an elephant ride up the hill (subject to availability and alternatively by Jeep). On the return, we will take the local shared jeep.

Amber Fort, also called Amer Fort, was built in the 16th century and is one of the most excellent examples of the combination of Hindu Rajput and Mughal Muslim architectures. The fort, made in red sandstone and white marble, tells the glory of the fierce Kachawaha Dynasty that ruled over the region from 12th to the 18th century. The interior wall of the palace exhibits vivid scenes with carvings, precious stones, and mirror settings. The fort has heavily structured high walls to protect the residents from the warring enemies.

Now, we retrace our drive to the Jaipur city and visit Hawa Mahal- one of the most photographed architectures of Jaipur. The peculiarity of the palace is the high screen wall facing to the street from where the women of the royal family could observe the street activities without being seen from the outsiders!

Next, we move on to the City Palace, which is another blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The royal family still occupies part of the palace, and so, we will have access only to the section that now has a museum. The museum has an extensive collection of costumes, woodwork, brassware, jewelry, and pottery. Nearby is the Jantar Mantar observatory, built in the 18th century, it is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.

The afternoon is free for your interests. Jaipur is shopper's paradise and has the world famous traditional jewelry designed stylishly.

(190 km, 3.5 hrs.)

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to the Pink City of Jaipur and head out to Ranthambore- a renowned habitat of Royal Bengal Tiger. The road goes through the semi-arid countryside, giving us a first-hand experience of India beyond the cities. You will see the desert scrubs being watered, the semi-desert transformed into farmland, and camels pull their rickety loads along the highway unconcerned with the honking truck traffic. The colorful turbans and costumes change from region to region and from village to village, and the brightly colored saris stand out against the barren landscape.

We arrive at our lodge in Sawai Madhopur around noon. We will have time to take a shower and have a hearty lunch before we embark on an afternoon safari, which starts at 3 PM during winter and 4 PM in Spring and Summer. Ranthambore, on the fringes of the Vindhya Hills in Eastern Rajasthan, protects 400 square kilometers of rocky hill and plateau country in the dry deciduous jungle. A formidable fortress high above the plains provides a dramatic backdrop for viewing the game and a glimpse into Rajasthan’s valorous past.

Although it is one of the smallest reserves in India, Ranthambore is famous as the most prominent tiger sanctuary in the country. In addition to the Bengal Tiger, we hope to see an impressive array of wildlife including Langur, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Wild Boar, Jackal, Fox, and Sloth Bear. We will also be looking for local avian specialties, among the 300 species of birds in the park. Our lodging for the night is a former hunting lodge set in extensive grounds. In the evening, we will take a stroll in the local village and the neighborhood.

Following an early morning cup of tea or coffee, we embark in the morning adventure in an open vehicle, for our game drive in the nearby National Park. Here, where maharajahs formerly had their hunting preserves, we’ll watch for tigers in addition to their plentiful prey. Small lakes with stone pavilions and gazebos provide habitat for waders, ducks, storks, and crocodiles. The morning safari will be from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (during summer) and 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (during winter). After returning to our lodge, we will have our breakfast. Between now and lunch, we will have time to rest, write journal or postcards or chitchat with our guide and naturalists or take a walk in the neighborhood.

After lunch, again we embark on our safari adventure. We will go to a different zone of the park now. Each safari will be in different zones so that you have an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park.

In the evening, sit around the bonfire and chitchat with other guests and naturalists and tell your stories of the day and listen to others who had been in different zones.

281 miles, 5 or 6 hours by car

After breakfast, leave for Chittorgarh, the home of Chittor Fort, which is probably the most massive fort of India.

About 90 miles (2.5 hours) from Ranthambhore, we stop in a rural town of Bundi –not so much frequented by foreign tour groups. Bundi has notable palaces, fort, step wells, and water tanks. If you wish, you can climb the Taragarh Fort, which is a steep climb but worth the effort. The fort is overgrown and less visited than other forts of India. Other attractions are Bundi Palace, Sukhmahal Palace, Ranjit ki baori step well, Nawal Sagar Lake, and Sadar Bazaar market. We may not have time to visit all.

Late afternoon, we leave for Chittorgarh (191 miles, 3.5 hours). Check into your room and balance of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, visit the Chittor Fort-a 7th-century, a vast hilltop complex with the remains of uncountable temples and monuments. Spread over an area of 692 acres of land and sprawled over the hill above the plains of Berach River valley, Chittor Fort is the most massive fort of India and an independent UNESCO heritage site. The fort complex consists of several historical palaces, gates, temples, and two prominent commemorative towers. Expect to need about three hours to see all the attractions: The victory tomb, Jain temple, Mirabai and Padmini's palaces, and Kumbh palace are the most prominent ones. The history of Mewar kingdom's valor and the story of the sacrifice of Rani Padmini gives everyone goosebumps as you go around the ruins of the palaces and the temples.

Afternoon, leave for Udaipur (75 miles, 2.5 hours). Check in hotel and leisurely exploration of the town.

The city of Udaipur is situated in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, and since it was the capital of Mewar rulers, it's called the jewel of Mewar. Udaipur, set on the shores of three lakes and surrounded by scenic mountains is also called as the City of Dawn. It is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces, and temples meandering through it.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the attractions of Udaipur. We begin from City Palace, which is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Rested peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace is the most-visited tourist attraction in Udaipur. It claims to be the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

We take a boat ride from the jetty of the palace and go around the lake. We can see the other side of the castle and some life in the lakeshore, including the laundrymen who are called dhobis, washing clothes and some people bathing. We stop at the Palace of Jagmandir Island-surrounded by an array of enormous stone elephants and has a chhatri carved from grey-blue stone.

We return to the dock and probably, it's time for the lunch break (pay on your own). After lunch, there is more to see. We visit the Jagdish temple of the mid-17th century. An Indo-Aryan style of architecture, this temple claims to be the largest in Udaipur. We will see a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and a brass image here.

If time allows, we visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, also known as the Princess Garden, or the Garden of the Maids of Honor. It is a small, disheveled garden, which was laid out for 48 women attendants who came as part of a princess’s dowry. It has fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a lotus pool.

(172 miles, 6 hours)

Today, we have a long day of driving. About 63 miles from Udaipur, we will stop at Ranakpur to visit its famous Jain temple (Open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. for tourists). This beautiful temple is built from light-colored marble and covers an area of 40,000 square feet. Supported by 1444 exquisitely carved pillars and with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets, and arches rising majestically from the slope of a hill, anyone traveling via Ranakpur is sure to be fascinated by this temple.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and balance of the day is at leisure

After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, which is one of the most massive forts in India and indeed a pride of India. The fort houses several palaces inside, with large patios. The main palaces are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas, and Jhanki Mahal.

Our next destination is Jaswant Thada–a royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A white marble memorial, the cenotaph is adorned with exquisite carvings.

The tour continues to Ummed Palace- one of the must-see places of Rajasthan-a testimony of what architectural beauty is.

In the afternoon, we will travel to meet the Bishnoi community and get a close-peek into the unique tribal life of the area. The Bishnoi tribes are known for their respect for the environment and devotion towards conservation of local flora and fauna and particularly the endangered blackbucks. The trip offers an opportunity to see the skills of tribal people in making traditional crafts such as rug weaving, pottery, etc. You will have a chance to taste traditional food and opium tea and enjoy Kalbeliya, a folklore dance performed by the gypsy tribes.

(200 miles, 6 hours)

Early morning breakfast and leave for Jaisalmer. We travel via Osian-an ancient small temple town in the Thar Desert-located 40 miles northwest of Jodhpur. The city is packed with a large group of the exquisite Hindu and Jain temples of the 8th and 12th century.

Next stop will be at Khichan village (60 miles, 2-hours from Osian) which is famous for its bird sanctuary. Khichan is winter home of a large number of demoiselle cranes that migrate from Europe. 

We continue our journey that goes through the land uninhabited as far as we could see, but we may occasionally come across several herds of sheep grazing on this arid land on their own with no herdsmen in sight! We may encounter amazing wildlife amidst the groves. Along the way, we may be stopped by herds of camels. 

In Jaisalmer, check into your accommodation and balance of the day is at leisure.

If you are keen on photography, leave before dawn to a hill across the fort from where you can snap a perfect shot of the fort, glowing like gold during the sunrise time, that justifies its name, Jaisalmer, which means the Golden City. The city stands on the ridge of yellowish sandstone in the middle of the Thar Desert.

After breakfast, discover the grandeur of this ancient city as you tour Jaisalmer Fort and the group of seven Jain temples that sit inside the fort complex. The temples are richly decorated with carvings in the 12th-century Dilwara style. Visit the palace museum where you will get an insight into Rajasthani culture and royalty, then stroll through the bazaars. Visit the 300-year-old Salim Singh ki Haveli, which is known for its peacock-shaped roof, and Patwon-ki-Haveli–one of Jaisalmer’s most famous attractions. This 900-year-old fort had its entire population contained within the fort until the end of the 16th century, and the city outgrew the walls only from the 17th century! One-fourth of the city's population still resides inside.

Late afternoon, we will go for an excursion to the Sam dunes (26 miles) - one of the most authentic desert dune sites in India. Sam has a vast magnificent sweep of stretching dunes with scarce vegetation. The band of dunes is about 1.25 miles long and is one of the most picturesque in the region. Some of the dunes are 100 to 200 ft tall. You can enjoy the seclusion with afternoon sun setting on the horizon. Experience the camel ride to the sunset point. Enjoy dinner and local folklore songs and dances and return to your hotel in the city at night.

A leisurely morning breakfast. You will have free time to explore the city on your own before you are transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you are met at the airport. You will have free time in Delhi to pursue your interests

Transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.