Offbeat Rajasthan Tour

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi today and get transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is held from 1400 hrs. Check-in and spend the rest of the day to explore the bustling national capital. Overnight stay in Hotel Suncourt Yatri.

Delhi offers a harmonious blend of architecture and history. From remnants of the Mughal empire and British Raj to contemporary India, you can experience it all in the capital. The city is sure to charm you with its eclectic mix of the old and new – from magnificent monuments to bustling Old Delhi markets and stunning high rises.

Day 2 : A day in Delhi
Full day excursion to Old and New Delhi, exploring the medieval and pre-modern faces of the historic capital of India personified by the Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk (closed on Sundays). Take a food walk in the Chandni Chowk market. In Afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay in Hotel Suncourt Yatri

Jama Masjid is a mosque in Old Delhi, constructed in 1650–56 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān, a noted patron of Islamic architecture whose most famous work is the Taj Mahal, in Agra.

This vibrant market came to existence when the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi, in the mid 17th century. While Chandni Chowk or the moonlit square no longer bears the magnificence of the bygone era, its importance in the annals of Delhi will never be lost.

The food walk in Old Delhi is a great experience to and the best way to see and taste Old Delhi. The dishes one can savor in Old Delhi Food Walk are large, thick and juicy jalebis, glistening with ghee; Aloo chaat crisp fried potato cutlets dunked in a melange of chutneys and smattered with onions and spices ; varieties of stuffed paranthas potato, onion, cottage cheese, cauliflower, radish, dry fruits and many more….

Humanyun’s Tomb was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.

Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony.

Day 3 : Drive to Nawalgarh
After breakfast leave for Nawalgarh, one of the town of Shekhawati region which are called also as open art galleries. A journey of about 6hrs. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Proceed for visit of havelis – Podar and Morarka Havelis in Nawalgarh. Overnight stay in Roop Niwas Kothi

Nawalgarh is a small no touristy town almost at the very centre of the Shekhawati region, and makes a great base for exploring. It boasts several fine havelis, a colourful, mostly pedestrianized bazaar and some excellent accommodation options.

Built in 1902 on the eastern side of town, and known locally as 'Podar Haveli', this is one of the region’s few buildings to have been thoroughly restored. The paintings of this haveli are defined in strong colours, and are the most vivid murals in town, although purists point to the fact that they have been simply repainted rather than restored.

Morarka Haveli Museum: This museum has well-presented original paintings, preserved for decades behind doorways blocked with cement. The inner courtyard hosts some gorgeous Ramayana scenes; look out for the slightly incongruous image of Jesus on the top storey, beneath the eaves in the courtyard’s southeast corner.On the ground floor are galleries on Rajasthani culture, including costumes, turbans, musical instruments and models of Rajasthan’s forts.

Day 4 : Drive to Gajner, en-route Bikaner
After breakfast leave for Gajner, a journey of about 4hrs. En-route visit Junagarh Fort in Bikaner. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gajner Palace.

Junagarh fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1588 AD. Junagarh fort is one of those few forts that are not built on a hilltop. The fort complex consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies. The walls palaces etc. are ornamented with carved stones, marbles, paintings and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each palace in the Junagarh fort complex was built by a different ruler over the centuries.

Gajner Palace : A lakeside palace-complex adjoining a sanctuary, in the middle of Thar desert beckons you. Gajner Palace is a jewel in the Thar Desert, built by HH Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the edge of a lake. The property was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976.
Lose yourself in this sprawling majestic palace, with its distinctive terraces and balconies; revered for its fabulous setting and unhurried way of life, explore a world of nature-walks, boat-rides, sanctuary dinners and desert safaris. Discover Rajasthan’s ‘best-kept secret’, just 30-minutes’ drive away from Bikaner.

The hotel's compound stretches over 6000 acres. The palace was primarily a hunting resort during the days of the British Raj and attracted several dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales in 1905, Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Erwin in 1927 and Lord Mountbatten when he was Viceroy of India. The Imperial Sand Grouse shoots at Gajner Palace during the Christmas season was the most sought after invitation in the indian social calendar.

Besides its panoramic landscape and architectural beauty, the Palace Complex also has the remnants of a historic railway station: this hunting resort was connected to Bikaner Palace by rail in 1922.

Day 5 : A day in Gajner
Breakfast at the hotel. A day to relax and enjoy this beautiful palace. Overnight stay in Gajner Palace.

Day 6 : Drive to Dechu
After breakfast leave for Dechu, a journey of about 3hrs. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Proceed for a camel safari in the adjoining dunes. Overnight stay in Samsara Desert Camp & Resort.

Samsara is an alluring oasis amidst the endless dunes of the Thar. Beautifully landscaped exteriors compliment creative interiors. Carefully laid out water bodies of moats and fountains, around the property provide that soothing ambience for a perfect get-away from the pandemonium of the city.

Day 7 : Drive Pali, en-route visit Jodhpur
After breakfast leave for Pali, a journey of about 2hrs. En-route visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Arrive and check-in at the homestay. Overnight stay in Cuture Aangan homestay in Pali.

A land known for its rich heritage, left by the Maharajas. A place where colours and cultures are dominated as the Majestic forms of Rajasthan Tourism. The place for palaces, havelis, forts, gardens, monuments and temples and much more. With Culture Aangan, you can take the opportunity & connect with the people who contribute to the thickly woven, intrinsic social carpet. You will explore the villages of Rajasthan & experience firsthand, the various mechanisms that tick the village life. Sip hot chai out of earthen cups as you watch the sunrise over the fields. After enjoying a leisurely home-cooked breakfast, explore the village on horse-back before stopping to watch a local artisan delicately create their masterpiece. As dusk approaches, head to the nearby jungle, gazing in anticipation at the lush foliage as a leopard graciously makes it way down the tree. Head back to the village and enjoy your evening meal whilst the villagers share folk songs and the children dance around you. You can be a part of the morning opium meet, go spend the day with the rabaaddi tribes, learn the art of block printing, and evenings watch the sun go down behind awe inspiring rock formations.

Day 8 : Drive to Udaipur
After breakfast leave for Udaipur, a journey of about 3hrs. Arrive and proceed to visit the Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple and City Palace. After visit check-in at the hotel. Evening enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the Mountain Ridge Homestay.
Built by Maharana Bhopal Singh Saheliyon ki Bari means Garden of the Maids. This garden area lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place. Sahelion Ki Bari' was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry.

Located 150meters north of the city palace built in Indo-Aryan architectural style, the Jagdish temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple walls and the shikara or tower are decorated with carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and figurines of nymphs or apsaras.

The grand City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The splendid palace, originally built by Maharana Uday Singh II, rises 30 meters above Lake Pichola and extends up to 244 meters. The City Palace has number of small and big palaces, museums and the gardens. The unique aspect of this conglomeration is that the architectural design (a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture) is distinctly homogeneous and eye catching. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble.

An artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. The  Pichola lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats.

Day 9 : A day in Udaipur
Breakfast at the homestay. Rest of the day is leisure to relax and rewind. Take a walk in the villages around the homestay. Overnight at the Mountain Ridge Homestay.

Day 10 : Drive to Seengh Sagar Fort
Breakfast at the homestay. Leave for Seengh Sagar Fort, a journey of about 2.5hrs. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Leave for bird watching tour and village tour. Overnight at the Seengh Sagar Fort.

Fort Seengh Sagar: After much anticipation the illustrious Deogarh family have finished converting one of their forts into an exceptionally luxurious villa, and created the magical ‘Fort Seeghh Sagar’. This island fortress is truly awe-inspiring; sitting in the middle of a lake (monsoon dependent) and is set amidst a dramatic rocky landscape. Just 5 km from Deogarh Mahal and close to the ruins of the deserted village of Manpura, there are wonderful places to explore and excellent rural walking and bird watching to be done.

One of the most exciting things about this new gem is that it is small enough to be rented as a ‘villa’, and works brilliantly rented out in its entirety. Guests at Fort Seegh Sagar will have full use of the facilities and services at Deogarh Mahal.

This stunning property has a central courtyard that has a small pond in the middle of it during the summer / monsoon and this becomes a delightful cosy fire to sit around during the winter. There are three large rooms – a fourth is used as an indoor sitting area but can also be converted into a comfortable extra room. Each one, named after Indian ‘raags’, has been uniquely decorated with luxuriant fabrics and bold colours – this particular combination of classic Rajasthani furnishings combined with modern designs make them the ultimate in luxury and comfort whilst retaining a typically traditional feel. All the rooms come fully equipped with mini-bars, tea and coffee machines and have air-conditioning for the summer, and heating in the winter. Each has its own bathroom as well as private balconies, which have comfortable chairs to relax in and look out across the lake at the spectacular views of the surrounding hills. This place really exudes an individual sense of tranquillity – whether you are relaxing on the terrace or on your own private balcony; the Deogarh family have managed to create a distinctively stylish and ultimately relaxing haven.

Day 11 : Drive to Jaipur
After breakfast leave for Jaipur by surface, a drive of about 4.5 hours. Arrive in Jaipur and check – in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

An erstwhile princely state and now the capital of modern Rajasthan. Jaipur is popularly known as the “Pink City” because of the rose coloured wash that adorns most buildings in the old quarter and it is the first planned city in the country.”

Day 12 : A day in Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amber Fort, the grandest way to reach Amber is on an elephant back. Later we proceed to visit the City Palace and Observatory. And we also stop for some photos from across the road of Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds. In evening attend aarti or a prayer ceremony at Birla Mandir. Overnight in the hotel.

Amber Fort is located Amer is placed at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Amber was the capital of the Kachhawaha till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. Amber is generally pronounced as Amer. It was governed by Kachawaha rulers and also was the capital of old Dhundar state of Jaipur. The town was originally named Ambikeshwara and was later abridged to Amber or Amer. Establishment of this fort was done in 16th century and was initiated during the reign of Raja Man Singh. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder and the ruler of Jaipur city under his resign the fort was personalized. . Construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in the year 1592. The Amber fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th Century. Amber Fort was completed within two centuries by consistence efforts of three consequent kings following Raja Man Singh.

The City Palace reflects Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The Palace has been designed according to a 'grid style' and houses various structures such as, 'Chandra Mahal', 'Mubarak Mahal', 'Diwan-I-Khas' and the 'Govind Dev Ji Temple. The walls and gates are ornately designed to Mughal style, with various murals, lattice and mirrors adorning them from sides.

The Jaipur observatory is by far the most elaborate and complete of Jai Singh’s all other Observatories. The observatory occupies a plot of land just outside the City Palace.

Jaipur’s most photographed landmark, the Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city.

The Birla Temple, of Jaipur is built of pure white marble, whose interiors contain, beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods. Commonly considered a true work of art, this temple forms a wonderful backdrop to witness a traditional ceremony.An Aarti represents the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses, the priest has a tray with a diya (lamp), offerings of food, water, flowers, incense and a small bell.

Day 13 : Drive to Agra, en-route Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast drive to Agra, en – route stop for visiting the celebrated medieval Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. A drive of about 7 hours,  arrive and check – in at the hotel. In the afternoon proceed to visit the Agra Fort & Moonlight Garden. Overnight at the hotel.

Known to exist since prehistoric times, Agra came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire.

The Mehtab Bagh or the moonlight garden, was the last of the eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna river opposite to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Built during the period 1631- 1635 A.D., Mehtab Bagh literally means “a moonlit pleasure garden”.

Agra Fort was begun by Akbar between 1565 and 1573. It is situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 2km upstream from the Taj Mahal.  Akbar built the fort of sandstone; his grandson Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, constructed palaces of white marble within the fort itself.

The history of Fatehpur Sikri dates back to the Mughal era in the 16th century. . Lost and abandoned, Fatehpur Sikri stands like a proud maiden showing off her beauty even as an air of melancholy surrounds it.  The rich sand stone walls echo the tales of poignancy and erstwhile glory.

Day 14 : Drive to Delhi Aiprort
After breakfast proceed to visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). After visit leave for Delhi, en-route visit the Mathura & Vrindavan. Arrive and transfer to Delhi International Airport.

The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Constructed over a 20-year period on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, the famed complex is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.

Mathura & Vrindavan are ancient cities with golden past and are amongst the most visited religious destinations in the country. Dotted with myriad big and small temples in every nook and corner, these twin cities are major crowd-pullers and attract number of history buffs, holidaymakers and pilgrims. From exploring ancient temples and offering prayers there and admiring some old architecture.

A visit to the Dwarkadhish Temple of Mathura is unforgettable on many counts. The temple worships the idols of Dwarkadhish (Krishna), the king of Dwarka, along with Radha. The Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura is considered to be one of most visited temples in the city. The architecture of the temple is very interesting with beautiful carvings and paintings.