Rajasthan, India 13 DAY TC 31101NV

<p>Today, board your international flight to India’s capital Delhi! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and be met by our representative who will assist by transferring you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing session with the tour manager.</p><p></p><p>Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.</p><p></p><p>Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.</p>

<p>After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi beginning with a photo stop at the Red Fort. The walls of the massive Red Fort rise a daunting 33 metres (108 ft) above the bustle of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power of former emperors. Very near the fort is the 17th-century Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Walk through the famous bazaars of Old Dehli, to experience the hustle and bustle of a crowded bazaar. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. In New Delhi, visit the India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to the President House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building, the Birla Temple and Lotus Temple.</p><p></p><p>Enjoy an included Welcome Dinner this evening, to get to know your fellow travellers.</p><p></p>

<p>Today, we make our way to Agra. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra which includes many people's highlight, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Go inside this iconic monument. Built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan following the death of his queen, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, you can admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument.</p><p></p><p>OPTIONAL TOUR - AGRA FORT</p><p>Visit Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide a number of majestic Mughal palaces. Explore the delightful Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) where the emperor once sat on his throne to address his subjects, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where he hosted kings and foreign dignitaries. The white marble Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) stands in contrast to the rest of the Red Fort.</p>

<p>After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Agra and head to Jaipur, arriving in the ‘Pink City’ in the afternoon. Check-in on arrival with the remainder of the day at leisure.</p><p></p><p>OPTIONAL TOUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI</p><p>Wandering the ‘ghost city’ of Fatehpur Sikri is to go back five centuries in time to the height of the Mughal Empire. This monumental walled city was built by the third emperor Akbar the Great as his capital, but it was abandoned within a few years of completion due to a lack of water. Today, it is a remarkably well-preserved collection of red sandstone palaces, pavilions and mosques. The buildings here present a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and include the Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti, which speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughals.</p>

<p>After enjoying breakfast at the hotel we head out for a tour of the Amber Fort. </p><p></p><p>Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples, and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. </p><p></p><p>Return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful palaces within, such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. We’ll then make a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds and the city’s renowned bazaars: Johari (famous for its jewels and saris), Tripolia (bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware), Bapu (perfumes and textiles), and Chandpole (pottery and bracelets).</p>

<p>This morning we drive to Jodhpur, second-largest city in Rajasthan and gateway to the Thar Desert in the Marwar region. The old city, originally founded in the mid-15th century is familiarly known as the Blue City due to its blue-painted buildings and rooftops, and is surrounded by a 10-kilometre-long wall that dates from the 16th century. </p><p></p><p>Perched high above the city, the massive Mehrangarh Fort and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive architectural complexes in Rajasthan. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh is the pride of Jodhpur. </p>

<p>After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Jodhpur starting from Mehrangarh Fort. The main palaces that make up the fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. The fort’s museum displays a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, and more. There are also a number of galleries and temples inside the fort. </p><p></p><p>We’ll also visit the stunning Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This white marble memorial is adorned with exquisite carvings and intricate detail. Built like a temple, the Thada is a testament to the skill of Jodhpuri sculptors.</p>

<p>Today, continue the journey driving to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Udaipur was founded in the mid-16th century and became the capital of Mewar. The rulers of Mewar, who belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs, have traced their dynasty back to the year 566. Fiercely independent, they refused matrimonial alliances with the Mughal emperors and took great pride in their reputation as the prime defenders of Rajput honour. </p><p></p><p>Visit Ranakpur Jain temple. Often regarded as poetry on marble, this 15th century Jain temple honouring Adinath is a work of architectural genius. The delicate marble carvings boast an enormous degree of skill and intricacy. Another interesting aspect about the temple is its play of shadow and light on the nearly 1,500 pillars, each of which proudly display a different motif.</p>

<p>This morning, visit the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple in the middle of the city. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built in 1651. Then visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, the garden of maidens, built in the mid-18th century. Stroll by the pools dotted with elegant kiosks, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains, along with an array of trees that make this garden worth visiting. </p><p></p><p>Continue to Fateh Sagar Lake, an artificial lake was originally built around the year 1680. </p><p></p><p>Later, explore the grand City Palace, a fusion of medieval European and Chinese architecture. This marble monument is situated on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. The palace’s numerous balconies, towers and cupolas provide a fantastic view of the lake and the city below.</p><p></p><p>OPTIONAL TOUR - CRUISE ON LAKE PICHOLA</p><p>Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, the spectacular views from the lake are sure to impress. Jag Niwas, known as the Lake Palace, was once the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and is now a 5-star hotel.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we continue to Pushkar. </p><p></p><p>The village of Pushkar lies on the edge of the Thar Desert and located at its heart is one of India's most sacred lakes, Pushkar Lake. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its camel fair held every year in the festival month of Kartik (October and November). Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo. </p><p></p><p>You’re free at leisure in the evening, perhaps take a walk to admire the beautiful Pushkar Lake and colourful Pushkar market.</p>

<p>Today visit the temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. Witness devotees dip into the holy waters and offer prayers on the banks of the lake. Visit the Pushkar fair site and later, transfer to the Ajmer railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Forget what you have seen in social media. Long distance train travel in India is airconditioned, reserved seating and civilised. Enjoy the journey as the countryside zips past out the window. Upon arrival at Delhi railway station, you will be transferred to the hotel.</p>

<p>At the appropriate time, you will be collected and transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight.</p>

<p>We hope you enjoyed your journey to India with us and that you made friends and memories to last you a lifetime. Your flight will land back in Home today.</p>