Duration: 8 days
TOUR OVERVIEW
Day 1: Delhi
Day 2: Delhi – Mandawa (Shekhawati)
Day 3: Mandawa (Shekhawati) – Nawalgarh (Shekhawati) – Pushkar
Day 4: Pushkar – Jaipur
Day 5: Jaipur
Day 6: Jaipur – Chand Baori – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Day 7: Agra
Day 8: Agra – Delhi
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Delhi
Spend the first day in the capital city by visiting some of the most iconic landmarks. Start your day in Delhi by visiting the Red Fort (UNESCO, closed on Monday). Also known as Lal Qila, it was used by the Mughals as their main residence. Then, visit the Jama Masjid, a mosque so enormous that it can accommodate over 25,000 people in the courtyard. Another spectacular example of Mughal architecture, the Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO) is next. This grand mausoleum is the first garden-tomb built on the Indian subcontinent. In the afternoon, go to the towering brick-made minaret, the Qutb Minar (UNESCO). This tall, sandstone tower looks amazing against the blue sky. End your day with a visit to the Lotus Temple (closed on Monday). Asia’s only Bahai House of Worship, the temple gets its name from its lotus-like shape.
Tour highlights in Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar, Lotus Temple
Day 2: Delhi – Mandawa (Shekhawati)
Today, head to Mandawa, a quaint town in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The town is well-known for being home to uniquely painted havelis (wealthy merchant’s mansions). Also known as an “open-air art gallery”, the Mandawa havelis showcase an array of paintings of diverse themes portraying past cultures. Some of the popular havelis are the Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Bansidhar Newatia Haveli, Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Mandawa Castle. Strolling on the lanes of Mandawa might make you want to spend your night in one of the havelis. While at Mandawa, treat yourself to some authentic dishes from nearby restaurants while exploring the bygone days of opulence and glory.
Tour highlights: Mandawa Havelis and Castle
Day 3: Mandawa (Shekhawati) – Nawalgarh (Shekhawati) – Pushkar
After breakfast, drive from Mandawa to Nawalgarh. Another heritage town of Shekhawati, Nawalgarh boasts of havelis that are painted with different illustrations. Enjoy the artwork of 19th-century Rajasthan by visiting the Bhagton ki Choti Haveli, Dr Ramnath Podar Haveli Museum, Aath Haveli, and Khedwal Bhawan Haveli. These are designed beautifully with intricate carvings and detailed paintings. Next, move onwards to your next destination, Pushkar – the holy city. On reaching the pilgrimage city that houses the oldest temples and ghats of the country, visit the Pushkar Lake surrounded by ghats, Brahma temple and Savitri temple. Enjoy the auspicious atmosphere of the city as you stroll around and conclude your journey for the day.
Tour highlights: Nawalgarh Havelis, Pushkar Holy City
Day 4: Pushkar – Jaipur
In the morning, head towards Jaipur. Upon reaching the capital of Rajasthan, the Pink City, visit two of the most attractive landmarks of the city – Albert Hall Museum and Nahargarh Fort. With amazing collections like the coins belonging to ancient Gupta and Kushan dynasties and an Egyptian mummy along with many artefacts of different eras, the Albert Hall Museum is a paradise for history enthusiasts. It also functions as a state museum. The nearby Nahargarh Fort is next in the queue. The fort rests on the edge of the Aravalli hills and watches over the city. Many Bollywood movies have been shot at this fort. Get a panoramic view of the entire Jaipur from this picturesque fort.
Tour highlights: Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh Fort
Day 5: Jaipur
Today, it’s time to explore the Pink City of Rajasthan. First, visit the Hawa Mahal. The palace was built from red and pink sandstone. It has 953 windows which give it a honeycomb outlook. Winds gusting in through these windows gave the palace its name (hawa means wind in Hindi language). Then onto your next destination, the City Palace. The palace with its pavilions, temples and magnificent garden and courtyards is rich in history. Moving on comes a 300-year-old astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar (UNESCO). It is home to the world’s largest stone sundial along with 19 astronomical devices. The last site to visit is Amber Palace (UNESCO). Portraying the shade of amber on its walls, it is evidence of the past flourishing craftsmanship. This palace is settled alongside Maota Lake which compliments the grandeurs of the edifice.
Tour highlights in Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Palace
Day 6: Jaipur – Chand Baori – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
First destination is the Chand Baori, one of India’s oldest and deepest step wells. The Baori is 13 levels deep with as many as 3,500 steps. The triangular staircases lead you to the water at the bottom of the well. Then, head to Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO) – the ancient capital of the Mughal Empire is located close to Agra and is full of palaces, courts, mosques, and other monuments. Most of the edifices of the city are built with red sandstone. A place that was once full of life, but now the abandoned Fatehpur Sikri is home to an impressive architectural wonder.
Tour highlights: Chand Baori, Fatehpur Sikri
Day 7: Agra
Today, visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal (UNESCO, closed on Friday). This magnificent mausoleum built by Shah Jahan symbolises eternal love. The Taj Mahal leaves an everlasting impression on visitors that makes their visit worth its while. Moving forward we reach the next destination, the Agra Fort (UNESCO). This lofty historic fort is built from red sandstone and so is also called the Lal Qila. The fortress was the royal residence of the Mughals lying on the banks of River Yamuna. Your next destination is the Itimad-Ud-Daulah also known as Baby Taj. this mausoleum is a Memoriam of Nur Jahan’s parents. The serenity of the historic site can soothe your soul. It is believed to have been the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Tour highlights in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
Day 8: Agra – Delhi
The tomb of the Mughal emperor, Akbar is situated in Sikandra. As you head towards Delhi from Agra, you can locate the Akbar’s Tomb on the outskirts of the city. The Indo-Islamic monument is settled in the centre of a natural sanctuary. The forest is home to peacocks, deer and monkeys among other animals. As you depart from the mausoleum and head towards Delhi, you take home with you a bag full of blissful memories.
Tour highlights: Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra