Royal Land of Maharajas

Late evening arrive Delhi International Airport. Where youYou be met & welcomed on arrival and escorted to your hotel.
Afternoon: Tour of New Delhi. The tour starts with a drive to Raisina Hill. Visit the Viceroy’s House (Now the Rashtarpati Bhavan, the residence of Indian President) and Lutyen’s magnum opus. It is larger than Versailles and architecturally is a fusion of Indian and Western design. Within the courtyard is the 145 feet high Jaipur Collumn, a symbol of victory designed by Luyten. He created another masterpiece - 250 acre Mughal Garden on the grounds of the Rastrapati Bhavan which at one time required the care of 418 men. The great Vice Regal Palace required a staff of 2000. At the foot of Raisina Hill is the India Gate, a war memorial arch which Luyten built in honor of 60000 soldiers who died in World War -I. It is also inscribed with the name s of some 13000 Indian and British soldiers missing presumed dead. Next to it is Lutyen’s last imperial monument he built, a stone canopy in which he placed the marble statue of the King George - V after his death in 1936. Proceed to the Parliament House, which Luyten built in a circular colossum design. It was here that the constitution of independent India was drafted. Drive to Humayuns Tomb which is perhaps the finest Mughal building in Delhi. The tomb stands on a raised platform and is built of red sandstone. The construction of the Tomb was completed in 1565. The tomb stands in well-laid out Mughal garden. Proceed to the Qutub Minar complex, which is Delhi’s Eiffel Tower. Visit the mosques, mausoleums and ruins of the forts that lie around it including the Iron Pillar which is Delhi totem pole 24 feet high, made of 99% steel and which has stood for 1600 years without a speck of rust on it. Overnight at hotel.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Samode. Afternoon explore the surrounding village. Overnight at hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Jaipur en route visiting Fort Amber. Visit the Amber Fort, ascend the fort on elephant back
Amber : is located 11km north of Jaipur, this was the ancient capital of the Jaipur State. Construction of the ort-palace was begun in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. It was later extended and completed by the Jai Singh before the move to the plains. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. The Fort is a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. Centuries of disuse have not withered their pristine beauty. Notable structures include the Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audience), a pillared hall with latticed galleries. The Jai Mandir or Hall of Victory is noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. The Sukh Niwas or Hall of Pleasure has an ivory inlaid sandalwood doorway. The Shila Mata temple has the image of the patron deity Kali, a form of goddess Durga. The temple is still in use. The best way of experiencing the majesty of the Bygone era is by taking an elephant ride to the top of the fort. The city of Amber sprawled below the Fort, once a settlement of nobles, craftsmen and common folks, is now mostly is ruins. The remnants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step well, Panna Mian-ka-kund.
Afternoon : Half-day tour of Jaipur City. The colourful and vibrant capital of the State of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'Pink City' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. it sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh moved down from his hillside fort at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and rectangular blocks, according to principles set down in the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. It is one of India most well planned cities with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The walled old city is in the northeast of Jaipur, while the new parts are spread to the south and west. The main tourist attractions are in the old city. the principle shopping centre in the old city is the Johari Bazaar (Jewellers Market). There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes who make a trip to the pink city a memorable one. The Jaipur Vintage Car Rally held annually in the month of January has become a big draw for car lovers, sports lovers, vintage beauty lovers and tourists alike. A keenly contested event, this rally is an inimitable display of well-maintained cars of yesteryears.
Hawa Mahal : or the Palace of Winds, built in 1799 is the major landmark of Jaipur. This 5-storey building that overlooks the main street of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
City Palace Complex : located in the heart of the old city, the City Palace occupies a large series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The sons of the last Maharaja and his family still reside in a part of the palace. Before the palace proper is the Mubarak Mahal or Welcome Palace built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II as a Reception centre for visiting dignitaries. It now forms part of the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum, containing a collection of royal costumes and superb shawls including Kashmiri pashmina (goat's wool). Other exhibits include armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards. Other interesting features of the complex are the Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of Audience, with its intricate decorations and manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit. The Diwan-I-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, with a marble-paved gallery and the exquisite Peacock Gate in the Chandra Mahal courtyard. Outside the buildings are kept enormous silver vessels in which the former Maharaja used to take the holy water of the Ganges on his trip to England. The complex also has an Art Gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Maharaja Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
Jantar Mantar : located next to the entrance to the City Palace is this Observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh's passion for astronomy was even more notable than his power as a warrior. This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories that he built. The others are at Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain. The fifth, the Muthura observatory is destroyed. The complex is a collection of curious instruments, each having a specific purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 27m high gnomon.
Museums & Galleries : - there are a couple of interesting museums and galleries in Jaipur. The Central Museum, housed in the architecturally impressive Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas Public Gardens has sections on natural history, tribal wares, dioramas depicting Rajasthani dances, decorative arts, costumes, and musical instruments. The Museum of Indology is an extraordinary private collection of folk art objects and other bits and pieces of interest. There is everything from a map of India painted in a rice grain to manuscripts (one written by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb), tribal ornaments, fossils, old currency notes, clocks and much more. Near the Ram Niwas Public Gardens, in an old theater is Jaipur's Modern Art Gallery. The Juneja Art Gallery has an excellent collection of contemporary paintings. Overnight at hotel

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Ranthambhore. Nestling at the foot of the Aravalli Hills 10km from the town of Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts. Though Sawai Madhopur is an important town with its own historicity, but it is Ranthambhore, which is known the world over. Ranthambhore blends history of Rajput valour with scenic natural beauty and is an ideal getaway for an adventurous holiday. Ranthambhore has been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes. In the 13th century AD Govind, the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later his successor Vagabhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jain. In the middle of the 15th century AD Rana Kumbha captured the fort and gifted it to his son to be occupied later by the Had Chauhan Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal Emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 and since then it was maintained as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting camp who stayed here.
The National Park was one of the first few areas to come under Project Tiger and has continued to be the most successful. Sprawling over an area of 1334 sq. km, the park with its system of lakes and rivers is hemmed in by steep high crags and on top of one of these stands the majestic fort. The park area alternates between bushland and fairly dense forest and is peppered with ruined pavilions, chhatris (cenotaphs) and 'hides'. It's the ideal place to spot the tiger. The majestic predators assured of protection, roam freely during the day time and can be seen at close quarters. Other wildlife to be seen include sambar, chital, nilgai (blue bull), chinkara, langur, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, pythons and leopards. Crocodiles abound in the lakes. The lakes also attract a large number of migratory and local birds. The best time to visit is between October and April. The park is closed during the monsoon from July to September.
The Fort Ranthambhore's royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built in during the 8th and 10th centuries AD. Located atop a 200m steep high crag, there are ruined pavilions, chhatris (cenotaphs), massive ramparts, mighty gates and bastions all around the hill and an 8th century AD Ganesh temple that attracts thousands of devotees. The temple is the venue for an annual fair held on the occasion of the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. One interesting aspect of the temple is that devotees send mail to Lord Ganesh consisting mainly of wedding invitations, the letters are brought up to the temple in large sacks every day. Said to be the oldest fort in Rajasthan, it was the stronghold of the Yadav kings in the 8th century and later of the Had Chauhans from 10th century onwards. It faced several attacks valiantly and its history proves that it was never taken in battle by fair means. Afternoon enjoy the Jungle Safari into the Ranthambhore National Park. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning do the Jungle Safari into the Ranthambore Park to enjoy the wildlife. After the visit have breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Kota en route visiting Bundi.
KOTA : - the army headquarters town, lying on the east bank of the Chambal River, was once on a major trade route from Delhi. Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, it is in interesting blend of the old and the new. It is also Rajasthan's industrial centre for chemicals powered by the hydroelectric plants on the Chambal River and the nearby nuclear plant. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD when the Had Chauhan Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory, defeat of the tribal Bhil chieftains and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Bundi was chosen as the capital, with Kota as the land grant of the ruler's eldest son. Later in the early 17th century, Rao Madho Singh, a son of the ruler of Bundi, was made ruler of Kota by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Thus Kota became a separate state, remaining so until was integrated into Rajasthan after Independence. Subsequent rulers have all added to the fort and palaces, which stand here now.
City Palace & Fort : located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, thee City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Some of its buildings are now occupied by schools, but most of the complex is open to public. Entry to the complex is from the south side through the Naya Darwaza or New Gate. The palace within contains some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. The Bhim Mahal, an early 18th century Durbar Hall, is covered with Rajput miniature paintings documenting the town's history and local legends. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.
Jag Mandir : is an enchanting palace standing on a small island within the picturesque artificial tan of Kishore Sagar. The tank was constructed in 1346 but the palace was built much later in 740 by on of the Maharanis (Queen) of Kota. The azure water around the red sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat rides can be enjoyed in the lake.
Brij Vilas Palace Museum : located near the Kishore Sagar, this palace houses the Government Museum. Exhibits on display include stone idols, sculptural fragments from the archaeological sites of Baroli and Jhalawar, rare coins and manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Gardens - Kota has several well-maintained gardens, a sight for sore eyes in this industrial town. On the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort are the Chambal Gardens. The centerpiece of which is a pond stocked with crocodiles. The Chhattar Bilas Gardens has a curious collection of impressive royal cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Udaipur en route visiting the Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh : this sprawling hilltop fort epitomizes the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. The fort stands on a 280 hectare site on top of a 180m high hill, which rises abruptly from the surrounding plains. Until 1568, the town of Chittor was also on the hilltop within the fort walls, but today's modern town, known as Lower Town, sprawls to the west of the hill. A river separates it from the railway line and the rest of the town. According to legend, Bhim, one of the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, is credited with the fort's original construction. Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and on each occasion the end came in true Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of certain defeat. Men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort to certain death, while the women and children immolated themselves on a hug funeral pyre. Honour was always more important than death. All of Chittor's attractions are within the fort. There are palaces, towers, reservoirs and temples within the fort. Rana Kumbha's Palace has elephant and horse stables and a Shiva Temple. One of the jauhars is said to have taken place here. Fateh Prakash Palace houses a small museum. Near this palace is the Meera Bai's Temple, an ornate Indo-Aryan temple built during the reign of Rana Kumbha and associated with the mystic-poetess Meera Bai. Padmini's Palace is built beside a pool with a pavilion in its centre. Legend relates that as Padmini sat in this pavilion while Ala-ud-din Khilji was allowed to see her reflection in a mirror in the palace. This glimpse led Ala-ud-din to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. But Padmini had committed jauhar. Across this palace is the Kalika Mata Temple, an 8th century Sun Temple, which was later converted to a temple to goddess Kali. The Jaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) was erected by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in 1440. Rising at 37m with nine storeys, Hindu sculptures adorn the exterior of the tower. Near the tower is Mahasati, an area where the Ranas of Chittor were cremated during Chittor's period as capital of Mewar. There are many sati stones here commemorating women who burned themselves on their husband's pyre. Beyond this area at the edge of the cliff is the Gaumukh Reservoir, a deep tank. A spring feeds the tank from a carved cow's mouth in the cliff, hence the name. The opening here leads to a cave in which Padmini and her compatriots are said to have committed jauhar. Chittor's other famous tower is the 22m high Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame). Built by a Jain merchant, it is dedicated to Adinath the first Jain tirthankar (apostle). Said to be older than the Victory Tower it features naked figures of many Jain tirthankars, thus indicating that it is of the Digambara (sky clad) sect. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later visit of Udaipur City.
Udaipur : often called the Venice of the East, Udaipur is no doubt the most enchanting and romantic city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sissodia family. The old city was once surrounded by a wall with entry through eleven gates, of which only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure Pichola Lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. It is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. It is full of palaces, temples and havelis ranging from the modest to the extravagant.
Visit City Palace : is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas. It is an imposing and majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Maharana Udai Singh II started the building and there were subsequent additions by various maharanas down the years. It is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Although added by various maharanas at various times, the complex still retains a surprising uniformity of design. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia'. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. It includes the Mor Chowk with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks. The Manak Mahal or Ruby Palace has glass and mirror work while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. The Chini Mahal is noted for its blue and white ceramics and ornamental tiles. More paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal (Women's Palace) and in the Bari Mahal there is a pleasant central garden. There is also a Government Museum within the palace complex. The exhibits on display include apart from sculptures and paintings, a stuffed kangaroo and a Siamese twin deer. The other part of the palace against the lakeshore has been partly converted into two heritage hotels, the Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace. There is a stunning Crystal Gallery in the Fateh Prakash Palace. The items on display include a rare collection of Osler's crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877, crystal chairs, tables and even beds. The Crystal Gallery overlooks the grandiose Durbar (Assembly) Hall with its massive chandeliers, some of the largest in the country. This is one of India's most impressive Durbar Hall with a lavish interior. The walls display royal weapons and striking portraits of former maharanas of Mewar. Th top floor of this high ceiling hall is surrounded by viewing galleries, where ladies of the palace could watch in veiled seclusion what was happening below. Lord Minto, the viceroy of India, laid the foundation stone of the Durbar Hall in 1909 during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh and as a mark of honour to the viceroy, it was originally named Minto Hall.
Maharana Udai Singh II enlarged Lake Pichola - this placid lake : after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam, known as the Badipol and the lake is now 4km in length and 3km wide. In the lake are two islands - Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Boat rides on the lake especially in the evenings are very popular.
Jag Niwas : is the island on which stands the famous Lake Palace. The palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754 and covers the whole island. Formerly the royal summer palace, it is today a luxury hotel with shady courtyards, lotus ponds and even a small mango tree shaded swimming pool.
Jag Mandir : is the other island palace on Lake Pichola. Maharana Karan Singh, but takes its name after Maharana Jagat Singh who made a number of additions to it commenced it. It is said that the Mughal emperor Shahjahan derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while lading a revolt against his father Jahangir. Flanked by a row of enormous stone elephants, the island has an impressive chhatri (cenotaph) carved from grey blue stone. The view across the lake to the city is a scene of rare beauty.
Jagdish Temple : located near the entrance of the City Palace, this temple was built in 1651by Maharana Jagat Singh. This fine Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, enshrines a black stone image of the Lord as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari : or the Garden of the Maids of Honour, located in the north of the city, is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. It was a popular relaxing spot where the royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir : has an interesting exhibition of folk arts including dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings and puppets. It is also a foundation for the preservation of local folk arts. Evening enjoy the exclusive boat ride on lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later Drive to Dungarpur, founded in the 13th century. Many a historic battle against the Muslim invaders has taken place here. The Dungarpur district is the stronghold of the Bheel tribals whose history dates back to 4000 BC. Visit the Old Palace or the Juna Mahal that is still owned by the Royal family and can be visited only by invitation. Almost as old as the town itself, the construction of the palace was started sometime in the 13th century. This seven - storied structure resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances and passages - ways that were specially built to slow down the enemy. Inside one will see the most colourful and vibrant palaces embellished with frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror inlay work. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Kumbhalgarh. Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges in Southern Rajasthan, the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh is the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittaurgarh. It is a secluded place, built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century and owing to its inaccessibility on top of the Aravalli ranges at 110m, it was taken only once in its history. Even then it took the combined forces of the Mughal emperor Akbar and those of Amber and Marwar to breach its defences. It was here that the rulers of Mewar retreated in times of danger. The walls of the fort stretch some 36km and enclose many temples, palaces, gardens and water storage facilities. Rounded bastions and soaring watch-towers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure. Fascinating chambers are built on the western side of the last gate, the 'Nimboo Pol'. According to history, the infant Udai Singh was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers by his faithful maid Panna Dai to save him from the murderous intentions of his Uncles who desired the throne. Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar with Kumbhalgarh as his residence and later established Udaipur. The most picturesque of the palace is the 'Badal Mahal' or Palace of Clouds. The palace has got its name for being the highest of all the structures. It offers a superb bird's eye view of the countryside surrounding the fort. There are several temples within the fort such as a Jain temple, a Kali temple and a Shiva temple that enshrines a fine black marble lingam.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary : located to the west of the fort is a 586 sq. km forested area that supports a rich variety of wildlife particularly wolves. Other wildlife to be seen here include four horned antelope, leopards, sloth bears, sambar, hyena, flying squirrel, crocodiles and wild boars. Birds to be seen include flamingoes, cormorants, spoonbills and egrets usually seen in winter. This is a very pleasant place to visit. Old tracks, still used by camel trains, lead through the sanctuary & are ideal for exploring on foot or horseback. The scarcity of water holes between March and June makes it an ideal time to see the animals. Overnight at hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Jodhpur en route visiting Ranakpur.
Ranakpur : is one of the largest and most important Jain temple complexes lying in a remote valley of the Aravalli ranges in Southern Rajasthan. These temples were created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. They are well preserved and in near perfect condition. The main 'Chaumukh Temple' or Four Faced Temple is dedicated to the first tirthankar (apostle) Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge superbly carved temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved and no two alike and enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath. Rising in three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. Within the complex are two other temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. There is also a Sun Temple, located a little distance away. The temple has polygonal walls richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots. A kilometer away from the main complex is located the Amba Mata Temple, dedicated to a form of goddess Durga. Please note shoes and all leather articles must be left at the entrance before entering the temple. Arrive Jodhpur and visit Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum - built of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because of the local Chhittar sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was designed by the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is said that the palace was built under the famine relief project to provide employment for thousands of local people during a time of severe drought. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as luxury hotel and remaining part as a museum. The museum has an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja such as weapons, antique clocks, and dainty crockery and hunting trophies. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the Hotel . Later visit of Jodhpur city
Jodhpur : Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. This imperial city that echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. The Rathores ruled not only Jodhpur but also other Rajput princely states. The Rathore Kingdom was then known as Marwar, the Land of Death. The city is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right in the middle of the town. Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the 'Blue City' because of the indigo coloured houses in the old town. These can best be seen from the ramparts of the fort. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days non-Brahmins have also taken on the practice. Apart from looking fresh and lively, it is believed that the colour works as an effective mosquito repellent. It is fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding streets in the old city.
Mehrangarh Fort : still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is sprawled across a 125m high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable fort in fort-studded Rajasthan. The fort is approached by a winding road from the city 5km below. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. The Second gate is still scarred by cannon ball hits; the Jayapol was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 following his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner; the Fatehpol or Victory Gate was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate his defeat of the Mughals. The Lohapol (Iron Gate) is the final gate beside which are 15 hand prints, the sati (self immolation) marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. They still attract devotional attention. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. There is even a display of rocking cradles.
Jaswant Thada : located a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Ajmer via Pushkar. Ajmer is a burgeoning town on the shore of the Ana Sagar Lake flanked by barren hills. Ajmer derives its name from 'Ajaya Meru' or the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands. Ajmer is a major centre for Muslim pilgrims during the month long fast of Ramzan and has some impressive Muslim architecture. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif, the tomb of a Sufi saint, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. For most travellers, Ajmer is however, a stepping stone to nearby Pushkar.
The Dargah : located at the foot of a barren hill in the old part of the town, this is India's most important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. Popularly known as Dargah Sharif, it is the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. Mughal Emperor Humayun completed construction of the shrine and the Nizam of Hyderabad added its massive gate. Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The two massive iron cauldrons in the courtyard are for offerings, which are customarily shared by the family involved in the shrine's upkeep. There are two mosques in courtyard one built by Akbar and the other by Shahjahan. The saint's tomb with a marble dome is in the centre of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. Please note you have to cover your head in certain areas of the Dargah, hence kindly keep a scarf or cap. The shrine is next only to Mecca for the Muslims of south Asia. The Urs Mela commemorating the death anniversary of the saint is held here in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and attracts a large number of Muslims from India and abroad. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning : Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi rest if the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Today you are transferred to the airport to board your flight for onward journey