Royal Roundabout

A 13 night tour of royal India covering Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Delhi. A journey into the mystique of a bygone India with its rich heritage and influences from its varied past with glimpses of the romance of palaces, sacred temples, magical lakes, legends of valour, intrigue and fairytale weddings. A window into the best of Northern India for the uninitiated or the seasoned traveler to India where each journey is a path to self discovery.

India, extraordinarily diverse in landscapes, people, food and culture makes it a fascinating destination for every traveler. Enduring images of Towering temples, Sumptuous Palaces, shimmering silks and exotic spices, enchanting dances and music all of which make for an unrivalled travel experience we call” Incredible India”.The tour makes you explore the best of Northern India namely Delhi,Agra and Rajastan through its royal routes and deserts.The epitome of love….the unique Taj Mahal will cherish you with a story of never ending love.
The many colonial and religious influences over the centuries have left their architectural stamp on the region, its culture, languages, cuisine and lifestyle which in spite of the seeming similarity, every state has a different scenery, festivals, food, architecture and cultural variations to offer with each state in its own right a fascinating tourist destination.

Program

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
0000 Hrs: Arrive at Delhi International Airport. On arrival at Delhi Airport our meet & greet team will receive you and later will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
After Breakfast proceed for half day City Tour of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), also drive past Presidents House, Parliament House and Connaught Place shopping Centre of New Delhi. Then we take you for a tour of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid & Raj Ghat. Also drive past Chandni Chowk the shopping center of Old Delhi.
The Qutab Minar (also spelled Qutb or Qutub, Urdu: قطب منار), a tower in Delhi, India, is the world's tallest brick minaret.[2] Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and the topmost storey of the minaret was completed in 1386 by Firuz Shah Tughluq. The Qutb Minar is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wishing to surpass it, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the Qutb Minar in 1193, but could only complete its base. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories and, in 1386, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last story. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughluq are quite evident in the minaret. Like earlier towers erected by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in Afghanistan, the Qutb Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. The Qutb Minar is itself built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi.
The Red Fort and the city of Shahjahanabad was constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 A.D. The Red Fort was originally referred to as "Qila-i-Mubarak" (the blessed fort), because it was the residence of the royal family. The layout of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort. The fortress palace is an important focal point of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad. The planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. This Fort has had many developments added on after its construction by Emperor Shahjahan. The significant phases of development were under Aurangzeb and later Mughal rulers. Important physical changes were carried out in the overall settings of the site after the First War of Independence during British Rule in 1857. After Independence, the site experienced a few changes in terms of addition/alteration to the structures. During the British period the Fort was mainly used as a cantonment and even after Independence, a significant part of the Fort remained under the control of the Army until the year 2003.On 15 August 1947, India became an independent nation. This was marked by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, unveiling the flag of independent India on 15 August 1947. This practice of unfurling the national flag with a speech by the Prime Minister on Independence Day continues to this day.

Day 03: Delhi – Agra: (approx 4-5hrs drive / 200 kms)
After breakfast,drive to Agra.The rest of the day is at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel in Agra.

Day 04: Agra
Full day tour of Agra city visiting Taj Mahal and later in the afternoon sightseeing of Red Fort and visit to Bazaars for shopping etc. In the evening enjoy the private Magic Show at your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Day 05: Agra – Jaipur: (aprox 05hrs drive / 250kms)
Via Bharatpur & Fatehpur Sikri:
Morning: After breakfast drive to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. We take a two-hour rickshaw ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Lunch at Bharatpur Forest Lodge. After lunch drive to Jaipur and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Bharatpur (Ghana) Bird Sanctuary : Ghana is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. Water birds assemble here during the months of July/August and breed till October. The open billed store greater & lesser egret, darter, spoonbill and hereon are some of the birds seen here Lucky visitors can spot the rare Siberian Crane that migrates to this preserve annually. Also found are chital black buck, deer and other varieties of animals.Fatehpur Sikri : The deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means the City of Victory. The audience halls palace and mosques are still perfectly preserved as are the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal and the Buland Darwaza.

Day 06: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive outside the city to the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city to see Amber Fort where a painted elephant will take you up to the fort with its huge gateways and pillared pavilions. Afternoon sightseeing of the City visiting Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Overnight at your hotel.
Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur.The active streets of Jaipur get plenty of visitors, every year at their footsteps. The Ancient Testimonials in the form of mind-blowing monuments remind one of the past ages. The city comprises the famous structures like Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amber Fort, the best architectural examples of India. Artistic temples and gardens of Jaipur, marks the atmosphere of serenity and aestheticism to the lands of Rajasthan. The lively city observes its ethnicity by celebrating various festivals like Kite festival, Elephant festival and many others, of Indian origin. All theses features make Jaipur, one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. The glorious city boasts of its cultural heritage from every nook and corner. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Jaipur lies at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi, the capital of India and the city is well-connected with other major cities of India. Every year, People across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.

Day 07:Jaipur – Jodhpur: (aprox 6-7hrs drive / 350kms)
Morning: After breakfast proceed to Jodhpur, arrive and transfer to your hotel. After lunch we go for a visit to Mandore Gardens - 9 kilometers north of Jodhpur. Mandore was the ancient capital of Marwar. Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 08: Jodhpur
In the morning go on a guided tour of Jodhpur visiting fort, Palace, Armoury and Jaswant Thada.etc.Afternoon and evening is free to explore on your own. Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort,situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada,close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings Umaid Bhawan Palace, the romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies

Day 09: Jodhpur – Udaipur: (aprox 06hrs drive / 250kms)
After breakfast proceed to Udaipur enroute we visit world famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, and for a much older Sun Temple which lies opposite the former.

Day 10: Udaipur
An early morning guided tour of city visiting City Palace, Jagdish Mandir and Sahalion Ki Badi. After lunch enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening is yours to explore the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. Overnight at your hotel

Chosen recently, by Travel and Leisure Magazine, as Asia's Second Best City, Udaipur is steeped in romance and antiquity. Little wonder that its magical lakes and fairytale water palace continue to lure honeymooners, while history buffs are drawn to its tales of valour that mark the legendary Sisodia saga. Both Hollywood and Bollywood have cashed in on its delightful nuances in Octopussy the James Bond hit, the Raj-era Jewel in the Crown and a slew of Hindi potboilers such as Guide, Jal Mahal, and the recent Eklavya. Dusty and more crowded by the day its atmospheric old quarter may be, but we still love it for its Lake Palace, for its legendary tales of royal intrigue, the lakeside walks at dawn, shopping in the old bazaars and the pinched in mohallas. The dazzle of Udaipur, the Sisodia capital of the Mewar kingdom lies in its mercurial past and vibrant present, an unbeatable combination

Day 11: Udaipur – Pushkar: (aprox 6-7hrs drive / 275kms)
After breakfast proceed to Pushkar and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.

Day 12: Pushkar
Morning,a half-day guided city tour of Pushkar visiting Brhama Temple, Ghats and local Bazaar, lunch and Camel Safari till sunset in Pushkar and overnight stay at your hotel.
Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated at 14 km North West from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.
Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan and Prambanan in Indonesia.Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

Day 13: Pushkar – Delhi (390 kms 6-7 hour drive-Excellent Highway)
After breakfast drive back to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to Hotel and overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 14: Delhi Departure
Like all good things,your holiday experience in North India comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Delhi International airport for your flight home or for onward journey to the South !!

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