Day 01    Delhi – Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (250 kms)

Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.
Overnight at hotel

Day 02    Mandawa – Bikaner – Gajner
Morning drive to Gajner (220 kms), en route visit Bikaner

Afternoon City sightseeing tour of Bikaner, this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.

Thereafter continue drive to Gajner
Upon arrival in Gajner – check into the hotel

Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. During winter even now, this palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered Antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras and other animals like the Wild Boar roam freely in this area which is now a preserved sanctuary.
Overnight at hotel

Day 03    Gajner – Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer (280 kms)
Upon arrival in Jaisalmer – check into the hotel

Evening visit the Sand Dunes and a camel ride to view the sunset, as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It can be an unforgettable experience.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04   Jaisalmer
Morning visit the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last of the great havelis was built in the late 19th century. End the morning with a visit to Gadisar Lake the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal to this site.

Afternoon visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals in Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best place from which to watch the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph the fort.
Overnight at hotel

Day 05    Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
Morning drive to Jodhpur (280 kms)
Upon arrival in Jodhpur – check into the hotel

Afternoon city tour of Jodhpur the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha. The tour includes Meherangarh Fort one of the most impressive & formidable in the whole of fort studded Rajasthan is situated on a high natural rock bluff and from which you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below, Jaswant Thada the Royal Cenotaphs.
Overnight at hotel

Day 06 Ä  Jodhpur – Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (290 kms)
Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight at hotel

Day 07    Jaipur
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Day 08    Jaipur – Agra
Morning drive to Agra (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Thereafter continue drive to Agra & check into the hotel

Afternoon visit famous Red Fort & Taj Mahal

Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Day 08    Jaipur – Agra (contd.)
Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.

The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportion and rich pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least 22 years (1631-1653) to build. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Stay at pristine Taj Mahal for sunset, to see this true Wonder of the world in gentle late afternoon light.
Overnight at hotel

Day 09   Agra – Delhi
Late morning drive to Delhi (203 kms)

Upon arrival in Delhi – transfer to the hotel or International airport for flight back to home
Depart: Delhi