Day 1 : Delhi
Arrive in Delhi to a warm welcome by our Plan Journeys tour representative who then escorts you to your hotel. Relax and spend the evening exploring delights of Delhi.
Day 2 : Mandawa
Drive down to Mandawa, a distance of 24 km spread over 6 hours and get a feel for the countryside that was the scene of battles and horses carryings word bearing soldiers, intent on engaging their enemy. Today the land is at peace and you arrive at Mandawa, famous for its crafts and arts. Check into your room, refresh yourself and out we go to checkout this exotic destination peopled by havelis with lovely frescoes depicting scenes straight from mythology. Mandawa will charm you with its laid back air.
Day 3 : Bikaner
Today you breakfast and set out for Bikaner a distance of 164 km covered in 4 hours,passing rustic villages and small towns. Check into your room, refresh your self and have lunch after which we set out to explore Bikaner. The explorations take you to Junagarh, an older fort at a distance. From Junagarh you then move on to Lalgarh Palace to admire its filigreed lattices and gorgeous interiors. Return to the hotel, refresh yourself, set out for local walks to buy some camel leather stuff, sample local cuisines and mingle with people. Dine and retire for the night
Day 4 : Bikaner excursions
A hearty breakfast puts you in the mood for local sightseeing. Start by a trip to the Deshnok Karni Mata temple unique in the world for holding rats sacred. Then the group moves on to the Camel Breeding and Research Farm, the only one of its kind in Asia and you see the landscape dotted with camels of all ages and sizes. Evening and you return to the hotel, refresh and set out to enjoy local sights, buy something in the bazaar and sample local delicacies. You may want to attend a desert dance and folk song show later on. This could be the highlight since itis culture and lifestyles of locals that you wanted to see and you get it in full measure.
Day 5 : Jaisalmer
Have a relaxed breakfast and then get into the air conditioned coach for the 333 km drive to Jaisalmer that takes all of 8 hours and a bit more. It is evening by the time you arrive in the Yellow City and check into your hotel. Go for a walk in the narrow lanes to admire the numerous havelis with filigreed lattices built for local climatic conditions. Observe the life styles of people.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer excursions
Today it is a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer during which you visit a number of havelis, interact with residents, partake of local food and view paintings as well as learn about historic background of this glorious city in the sands. Later, you go on a camel ride on the sand dunes and refresh yourself at the hotel with the option to attend a desert puppet show, dances and folk song performance under the moon.
Day 7 : Jodhpur
A delicious breakfast over the group sets out in the air conditioned coach for Jodhpur,the Blue City, at a distance of 298 km, a journey that takes about 8 hours or so. Arrive late in the afternoon, check into your room and then set out to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, replete with history. Here you will view the Jaswant Thada, the palaces within the Fort and the Museum that give you a glimpse into the lifestyle, culture and art of Rajasthan as it used to be in those days. After that you go on to the Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace, the former a modern one built more for recreational purpose, done up in the most royal style possible. Shop in the bazaars and then retire for the night.
Day 8 : Kumbhalgarh
You set out on a 220 km drive that takes 5 hours to reach Kumbhalgarh and check into your hotel. The awe-inspiring magnificent fortress is considered as one of the most impregnable ones in India and inside you get a deeper understanding of the past glories, the lifestyle and culture of this place. Kumbhalgarh is famous for Haldighati where Rana Pratap fought Akbar’s armies and enjoys a special place in the minds of Indians.
Day 9 : Udaipur
Day 9 of the Rajasthan Culture tour takes you on a 1.5 hour drive to Udaipur, about 64 km away. This beautiful City of Lakes is also known as the Venice of the East and has a number of palaces and lakes. On the way you stop at Ranakpur to admire the Jain temples and imbibe a bit of Jain culture andhistory. Check into your hotel and retire for the night in Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur excursions
Set out on an exploration of bewitching Udaipur after breakfast. You visit the City Palace Museum and the Maharana Pratap Memorial with memorabilia from a bygone era that gives you an understanding of the life and times of princes. Our tour guide takes you on a boat ride on the Pichola Lake and then a visit to the Jag Niwas Palace.He also points out cultural activities taking place that you will want to attend to expand your knowledge. Reserve the evening for a dance, drama or music show
Day 11 : Kota
Set out in the morning after breakfast for the city of Kota, about 270 km away. The 8 hour drive across scenic countryside brings you to a city of contrasts with a number of industries, educational institutions and the famous Chittorgarh Fort, said to have remained unconquered. The fort itself is spread over a vast area and it takes the better part of the day to walk around.
Day 12 : Bundi-Ranthambhore
Day 12 dawns rosy over Kota as you set out for Ranthambhore, the famed tiger reserve. On the way you stop at Bundi, another princely city full of nostalgic history. Visit the palaces, forts and step wells to get a glimpse into the current and past lifestyles of locals. On the one hand the common folk lived simply while the palaces give a glimpse into a richly luxurious lifestyle. Go on to Ranthambhore and check into your hotel for the night.
Day 13 : Ranthambhore Jaipur
It is an exciting morning as you set out on a jeep safari into the Ranthambhore wildlife sanctuary, home to tigers that you might come across lolling in the shade. There is an old Fort in the middle of the sanctuary dating back to the 10th century. It is like traveling back in time when you are inside the Fort. After that it is pack your bags and set off for Jaipur on a 2.5 hour 145 km drive.
Day 14 : Jaipur excursions
The morning is reserved for visit to the Amber Fort at a distance. Walking through the fort and exploring its palaces, gardens and havelis as well as the museum gives you rich insights into an era long gone.Return to the city and visit Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, the Nahargarh Palace and the fabled City Palace. Set out in the evening to explore bazaars and buy garments, handicrafts or jewellery for which Jaipur is so famous. You might want to attend an optional folk show at night.
Day 15 : Agra
Strictly speaking Agra is not Rajasthan but since you are here and Agra is on the way to Delhi you might just as well visit this city of the Taj. On the way you stop at Fatehpur Sikri to admire a city planned by Akbar, the Mughal emperor. You go on to Agra and arrive at the breathtakingly beautiful mausoleum to love, the Taj Mahal.
Day 16 : Agra-Delhi
Begin the day with a walk through Agra to learn about its culture, its cuisine, handicrafts and trade. But this is after you have admired the Taj at daybreak. Shop in the bazaars of Agra and then, in the afternoon, leave for Delhi.In Delhi your tour guide assists with onward travel arrangements since the cultural tour of Rajasthan ends here.