Penguin Travel

Rajasthan means Land of the Rajas and it is home of one of world’s oldest civilizations

Country region:   Northwestern India

Price without flight ticket:    1190 EUR

              India is exactly that what everyone, who has visited it, says about it – vast universe, difficult to understand puzzle, mighty civilization that has built unique spiritual and material world, mother of philosophical studies that have changed so much the rational western thinking in the last century. But no matter what you hear about India, you can’t really feel it if you don’t go there yourself, to visit this land of beautiful dark faces and numerous exquisite palaces. And if there is a place in India which is like a symbol for its turbulent history, for the power and the achievements of its culture, for its complicated public interrelations, then this place without doubt is Rajasthan! Just mentioning the exotic name of the largest Indian state evokes in one’s mind the idea about the warrior caste of the rajas – the disobedient tribal rulers, who had defended their hostile lands from the arms of the Mogul emperors and the Mogul Empire – this incredible human creation, which had left not only the memory of a religious tolerance in cruel times, but also an architecture, combining the Persian and Indian art in a unique manner and reaching its peak in the masterpiece Taj Mahal. But there is more – desert landscapes, majestic fortresses, marble temples, flamboyant garments and fiery glance… Do you want that these chimerical ideas become reality and unforgettable part of your life? Then join us in this exciting tour to Rajasthan!

Trip plan:   

Day 1: Delhi – Agra (220 km)
Arrive at Delhi International Airport and drive to Agra. En-route we have breakfast. Arrive in Agra, check-in at hotel. Afterwards we visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Day 2: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 km)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the “pink” city of Rajasthan. En-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri. After arrival to Jaipur check-in at hotel. Evening with Rajasthani dinner with folk music and dance.

Day 3: Jaipur
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort, where we will enjoy elephant ride. On return we pass by Jal Mahal. In the afternoon: visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Day 4: Jaipur – Bundi (210 km)
Drive to Bundi, where we will visit Taragarh Fort, Bhim Burj and Bundi Palace. The evening is free.

Day 5: Bundi – Udaipur (280 km)
Transfer to Udaipur after breakfast – called the Lake City of Rajasthan.

Day 6: Udaipur
Sightseeing in Udaipur – City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari.

Day 7: Udaipur – Jodhpur (140 km)
Drive to Jodhpur – the Sun City. En-route visit to the famous Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Arrival to Jodhpur and check-in at hotel.

Day 8: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (300 km)
At the morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and the city center. Thereafter drive towards Jaisalmer – the Golden City of Rajasthan. Overnight in Jaisalmer

Day 9: Jaisalmer
Sightseeing in Jaisalmer – Jaisalmer Fort, Gadsisar lake, Jain Temples. In the afternoon visit to Sam among the sand dunes of Thar desert. Late afternoon – camel ride.

Day 10: Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 km)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Check-in upon arrival and free time.

Day 11: Bikaner – Mandawa (190 km)
Visit to Junagarh Fort, known for its splendid interiors. Transfer to Mandawa and check-in at hotel.

Day 12: Mandawa – Delhi (250 km)
In the morning – walking tour in Mandawa. Then drive to Delhi, check-in at hotel and free time.

Day 13: Delhi
Whole day of sightseeing in Delhi: Laxmi Narayan Temple, India Gate, Parliament, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Gandhi Memorial etc.

Day 14: Departure
According to your flight transfer to the airport for departure

Tour highlights:

           Agra – the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and the 17th centry. A religious, commercial, educational and artistic centre. Remarkable architectural monuments such as the mosques and the palaces of the Old Fortress (The Red Fortress); the most famous and the most exquisite building in the world – the marble masterpiece – the Taj Mahal mausoleum, built of Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, and Fatehpur Sikri – built near Agra of emperor Akbar in honor of his victory over Gujarat.

          Jaipur , The Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan. Situated in the desert, Jaipur is the first Indian city to be built after a thorough architectural planning. His creator is Maharaja Jai Singh, a ruler during the 17th century and a lover of mathematics and sciences. Amber Fort – a series of palaces, rising above Maota Lake, with a unique style, combining Hinduistic and Moghul elements. Hawa Mahal (Monsoon Palace) – the five storeys made of red and pink sandstone rise in the form of Krishna’s crown and represent a part of the city palace, which was used as a harem – from its 953 windows the maids of honor could watch the life on the street without being noticed.

          Bundi – the town famous for its heavy fortifications, decorated palaces and stone wells. Taragarh Fort (The Star fort) was built during the 14th century on a steep hill above the town. For the people of Medieval India’s skills attest the three never failing water basins, but the secret of their construction has been lost. The Bundi Palace - with lavish traditional murals and frescoes.  

           Udaipur, called also The City of Lakes, is the independent maharajas’ world, who didn’t allow Moghul presence in their region. The City Palace – a magnificent series of representative buildings, built at different times starting from the 16th century, with a complicated system of courtyards, corridors, gardens, arches and terraces. Jagdish Temple, 17th century - an example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Saheliyon ki Bari - marble pavilions, lotus pools and fountains, in everyone of which the water has a different sound. It was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry

          Jain Temples of Ranakpur, 14th to 15th century, impress with the hundreds of marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, with the distinctive cupolas and sculptures.

          Jodhpur is the city of the cloudless weather and that is why its nickname is The Sun City. The second largest city in Rajasthan strikes with respect because of its abundance of palaces, forts and temples. Mehrangarh Fort is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India – impressive, with high ramparts and a breath-taking view of the city. Jaswant Thada, which is built out of thin, intricately carved sheets of marble, that emit a warm glow when the sun shines upon them, is the place where the rulers of Jodhpur were cremated.

          Jaisalmer, The Golden City, is situated in the very heart of the vast Thar desert. The Jaisalmer Fort was built during the 12th century. Its massive walls made of yellowish sandstone dominate the surroundings. Other important sights in the city include: Jain Temples and Gadsisar Lake with the surrounding temples and shrines.

          Bikaner, The Green City. The Junagarh Fort is the deed of the local ruler from 16th century, who, being a close associate to the Moghul emperor travelled a lot and had the opportunity not only to appreciate art and architecture, but also to combine them in the best way in the construction of the fort.

          Mandawa – the town famous for the beauty of the private mansions (havelis) with lavishly painted walls.

          Delhi – India’s capital is an extraordinarily rich treasury, keeping amazing achievements of the ancient and the modern Indian civilization. Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India; The Lotus Temple of the Bahá'í Faith – with an exceptional and staying in the memory shape of a lotus flower; as well as the three sites under the aegis of UNESCO – The Red Fort, residence of the royal family since the 17th century; Qutab Minar – the world’s tallest brick minaret; and Moghul Emperor Humayun's Tomb.

Accomodation and food: 13 nights in budget hotels with breakfast, 1 Rajasthani dinner on day 2

Luggage transport: Included

Price of extra services: Single supplement: 254 EUR

Included in the price: Accommodation in budget hotels with breakfast, 1 dinner, all transport, English speaking tour leader from Penguin, local English speaking guide, camel ride in Jaisalmer, elephant ride in Jaipur

Excluded from the price: Visa (please, check with your local Indian Consular Office the rules regarding obtaining Indian visa); flight tickets to/from Delhi - please take into consideration that usually the flight starts the day before arrival from your home country; personal expenses; tips; insurance, camera/video fee (where required)

Practical information: There are many diseases common to India. You should take care with your water and food hygiene. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to India you should seek immediate medical attention. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya affect most of India. 

Recommended travel period of the year:   

Nessesary equipment:   

Insurances: Not included, strongly recommended  

Group Size:   Min. 8 persons

Reservation System Code: INDIA

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