Forts and Palaces of India

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern-day India. It is the third-largest city in India and one of the fastest-growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history.

After breakfast, explore the grandeur and subsequent ruin of the Mughal Empire. Tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and driving past Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Walkthrough streets and markets of this 17th-century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire were once royalty descended. Savor the fragrances of the boisterous Spice Markets, one of Asia's largest, and be dazzled by the glitter of India's largest Jewelry markets with a mix of walking and rickshaw rides. Discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-yr old markets of the city built at the acme of the Mughal Empire, India's most glorious monarchy. Later enjoy the rickshaw ride in one of the busiest markets.

Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. In the mid-16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and, it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal, was built.

Sunset visit of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (Garden): Taj Mahal looks stunning from its grand entry. But Emperor Shahjahan booked the best view of the Taj Mahal from a grassy, crescent-shaped flood plain across the river Yamuna known as Mehtab Bagh. It is believed that this garden was built originally by Babur and, later, Shahjahan transformed it into a moonlit pleasure garden profuse with white plaster pathways, breezy pavilions, pools, and fountains. However, plaster pathways, pools, and fountains are not visible.

Sheroes Hangout Café: The Sheroes, are women who have fought to survive after receiving a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem by some members of society. These women are on the way to becoming truly fighters who dare to live, work and walk during society and force society to revaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. 

Rise early in the morning for a coffee and prepare for a truly spectacular sight visiting the legendary Taj Mahal at daybreak. Taj Mahal changes its colors by every minute depending on the sun's rays, and it is best seen either by sunset or sunrise. Sunrise is the best time for taking pictures of this monument under mild sunlight. 

Taj Mahal said is an architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist visiting Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, it is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and some of the best work ever seen.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, drive to Jaipur (240 km/ 5 hrs).

Jaipur is the capital city State of Rajasthan, also known as "Pink City"; it is the foundation and planning by the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenelated walls. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and stay overnight.

After breakfast, take a morning visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, the most iconic monument of Jaipur. Experience traveling by Jeep on top of the hill where the fort is situated, including palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Including Sheesh Mahal, an elaborate mirror Palace work that adds to the grandeur of this historical part. A visit to amber is indeed well worth it. After visiting the fort, take a royal grandeur tour of the city palace.

Join on this memorable private guided tour to visit City Palace, the residence of the present Royal family, who has opened their gates to visitors and converted a part of their palace into a museum. The Palace of Jaipur is full of brilliant architecture and intricately carved walls and pillars. Visit the beautiful Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas, the most commanding building in the City Palace complex. It is a seven-storeyed building, and each floor has a specific name. It contains many unique paintings, mirrorwork on walls, and floral decorations. It includes a lovely peacock gate at the entrance, screened balconies, and a roof pavilion with a panoramic view of the city. It is well-laid out gardens and a decorative lake in the foreground.

After lunch, continue your city tour to Bazaars, Crafts & Cuisine Walk. Jaipur offers a dazzling immersion into the riches of traditional India. Since its foundation in1727, the royal family and nobles of Jaipur had been patronizing various craftsmen and artisans in Pink City. Many of these traditions are still being practiced, making Jaipur a popular destination for those interested in learning about India's rich art and craft. Traditional methods are still employed to create valuable and highly sought-after products. On this fascinating evening walking tour, mingle and talk with locals with sampling some of the region's culinary delights. Meet a local family and experience Indian hospitality. A great way to explore Jaipur like locals and learn about the rich artistic traditions of this city. After a day of sightseeing, unwind and spend the night in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a 6-hours drive to Jodhpur.

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Jaipur- (Optional): A Balloon Safari not only offers the opportunity to see India and its spectacular forts, hidden palaces, breathtaking terrain, and traditional local villages from a unique perspective but also the chance to meet the friendly people that make this country such a vibrant, energetic & diverse place. The balloon Safari will take you where no tour itinerary and, every flight is a new adventure. Hot air ballooning can take either morning or late afternoon as days are already unbearably hot. The balloon is launched from various places depending upon weather and wind direction.

Jodhpur: Rao Jodha Ji, who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero of epic Ramayana), founded Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar State, in 1459. The city was built as the result of warring brothers. Jodhpur and its historical origins are best revealed by countless cultural celebrations that are taking place here. This Marwar festival, an annual feature the most inspiring spectacle of the region. A variety of Rajasthani folk music and dance performances introduce the audience to the local folklore. The cultural bonanza enlivens and transports the participants back into the historical origins of this colorful region of Rajasthan. 

After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal, Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built-in 1899. 

Mehrangarh Fort: On a stiff rugged hill and a breathtaking view, the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from the outside. It houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the important palaces. 

Jodhpur Heritage Walks and Lunch with Indian Family: Jodhpur, the capital, was founded by Rao Jodha in the mid-1400, a proficient Rajput king belonging from Rathore Clan, and continued to retain its medieval feel with numerous step wells, ancient temples, historic Havelis, and Blue houses. Dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser-known treasures of this enchanting city. Learn about interesting local legends from the past, Peep into the life of locals, Meet and interact with city’s residents, wander through narrow alleyways dotted with Indigo-colored houses.

Old City Market: Visit the old City major handicraft and textile export hub. Maharani Textiles is one of the major markets that offers heaps of shawls and carpets.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Udaipur. (250 km/5 hrs drive)

Udaipur, popularly known as the city of lakes, was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The beautiful city of Udaipur has five pristine lakes with, Pichola being the most impressive. The Old City of Udaipur is dotted with numerous historic temples, Havelis and Baoris (Step wells).

Evening visit to Jag Mandir by shared boat: Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in Lake Pichola. It is also called the "Lake Garden Palace" The Palace is located in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Its construction is a credit to three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom. The construction of the Palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh, continued by Maharana Karan Singh (1620–1628), and finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652).

After breakfast, start your tour with Udaipur’s most iconic tourist attraction, “City Palace Complex.“ with its marble and granite walls laden with miniature paintings and decorated with tiles, glasswork, and mirrors, a great insight into the lives of the royalties. 

Udaipur City Palace: This is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and, often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

Jagdish Temple: Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in an Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, the Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. 

Walking Tour: Discover the hidden quarters of this romantic city and offers a great opportunity to explore the city. During the tour, meet various locals and communities engaged in jewelry making, pottery, and bamboo craft. Also, learn about the local traditional customs attached to the living habits and religious beliefs.

After breakfast, drive to Eklingji temple en-route visit to Nagda temples. The Eklingji temple is a lovely marble complex made up of 108 temples, the first of which was built in A.D. 734 by Bappa Rawal, the legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, who ruled the Mewar kingdom for hundreds of years.

Delwara Village Walking Tour: The walk is an initiative of an NGO called Seva Mandir, a developmental nonprofit organization founded in 1968 which currently works with 360,000 people across 700 villages around Udaipur. Seva Mandir has worked in partnership with Delwara’s people since 1988. Together, they have made sustainable improvements to caste relations, women’s rights, access to water, livelihoods, sanitation, governance, and preservation of their heritage. During this walk, explore the 18th-century palace, 1000-year-old Jain temples, step-wells, royal hunting tower.

After the village tour, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight going home/onward journey.