AEI- 335 Rajasthan Sensational 08N-09D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“This program is the very definition of romance and imperial sophistication . What we love most about this route is that it begins in Udaipur , India’s most serene city, allowing travelers to acclimate to the country in an idyllic setting before immersing themselves in the vibrant ‘colorful cities’ like Jodhpur (Blue) and Jaipur (Pink). The logistics are impeccable: the initial flight optimizes time, and the subsequent overland route is designed to touch on key sites of breathtaking artistic beauty, such as the temples of Ranakpur and the Abhaneri Well . It’s the perfect trip for couples, honeymooners, or travelers who appreciate art and intricate architecture.”
Day 1. Arrival-New Delhi
Arrival in Delhi on an international flight. Our Spanish-speaking representative will meet you at the airport, provide assistance, and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2. New Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Old Delhi. We will stop in front of the Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi. After the tour, we will head to Raj Ghat. This beautiful park is where the cenotaph, a black marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination, is located. Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi were also cremated there. We will continue our visit to New Delhi. We will see the government buildings, India Gate, a 42-meter-high stone triumphal arch inscribed with the names of the 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during World War I. We will enjoy a panoramic view of the Parliament area and the President’s residence.
Later, we will visit the Sikh temple: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a temple of the Sikh faith, located in Connaught Place. It is the most important Sikh temple in Delhi. Thousands of people of all faiths visit this temple daily.
Finally, we will see the Qutub Minar, one of the oldest monuments in the first city of Delhi, as its construction began in 1199. This complex is characterized by its blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its minaret, the tallest in the world, reaches a height of 72.5 meters, arranged in five tiers of decreasing diameter. At the foot of the minaret is the Alai Darwaza Gate, made of red and yellow bricks, which once served as the entrance to the mosque. The tomb of Sultan Iltutamish and the mausoleum of Imam Zami are also located here. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3. Delhi-Udaipur (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Udaipur is known by many names: the White City, the Venice of the East, and the most romantic city in India. Udaipur is built around several lakes surrounded by mountains. The most famous is Lake Pichola, which features a palace that has been converted into a hotel: the Lake Palace is an idyllic and contemplative place. Part of the James Bond film Octopussy was filmed in this palace-hotel, which appears to float on the lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay.
Day 4. Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will visit the beautiful city of Udaipur, admiring its City Palace and the museum it houses, which displays a valuable collection of miniatures and porcelain. The City Palace is one of the most remarkable buildings from the Rajput era, the rulers of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of Udaipur, next to Lake Pichola, the original construction of the palace was begun by Maharaja Udai Singh of the Sisodia clan, who founded the city. The entire City Palace complex exudes a beautiful harmony and uniformity in its architecture. The old part of the palace has been converted into a museum that preserves the memories of the Rajputs. In addition, part of the palace has been transformed into a luxury hotel. In addition, we will enjoy the paradisiacal Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), located in the north of the city. It is an immense garden with kiosks and elephants carved from white marble, four ponds, and numerous fountains. Some jets emerge directly from the ground, cascading water down like a monsoon. This fountain system was once powered by water drawn from a lake located at a higher elevation than the garden, its pressure creating jets. The meticulously maintained garden boasts a variety of plant species; the immense palm trees and enormous mango trees are particularly striking. There are also trees with showy flowers in white, pink, and yellow, and hedges trimmed into whimsical shapes. Inside, there is a small museum displaying everyday objects from the royal palace, part of a large collection that is certainly worth seeing. Following this, we will visit the Jagdish Temple. This Hindu temple is very famous for its antiquity and for being a welcoming meeting place for the local population . Return to the hotel and overnight stay .
Day 5. Udaipur-Ranakpur-Jodhpur (275 kms, 05 hrs + visit)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to Jodhpur, visiting en route the famous Jain Temples of Ranakpur (guides will explain the temples outside, as access is prohibited out of respect for the temples). Ranakpur is one of the five holy sites of the Jain community. Located 96 km from Udaipur, these temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana. The exquisite sculptural decoration borders on pure filigree, with details, especially on the ceilings and columns, that are difficult to find in any other temple. Some say that the artisans of these temples were paid according to the amount of marble dust they were able to extract from the columns. This is one of the reasons for the extraordinary work. There are 24 Jain gods, called Tirthankars. And it is precisely to one of them (Rishabha, better known as Adinath) that the Ranakpur Temple is dedicated , which is not only the most beautiful but also the largest of the Jain temples in India. The work done on the Ranakpur Jain Temple is so impressive that the monument was even included on the list of 77 semifinalists in the vote for the New 7 Wonders of the World, which were finally chosen in 2011. After the visit, continue to Jodhpur. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 6. Jodhpur-Jaipur (280 kms, 6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 by order of Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama (of the Ramayana epic), thus establishing the foundations of Jodhpur. A high stone wall, almost 10 km long, protects the fortified city and has eight gates facing in various directions. Situated on a 150 m high hill, it is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan and one of the largest in India. Although it dates back to the 15th century (1459), most of what remains today dates from 1650. It has walls up to 60 m high and houses an exquisitely decorated palace with carved panels, latticed windows, and stained glass. It features three imposing gates, each built to commemorate a particular victory. Moti Mahal, the Pearl Palace; Phool Mahal, the Flower Palace; and Sheesh Mahal, the Mirror Palace. Next, on the path down from the fort, we’ll encounter Jaswant Thada, the elegant marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. We return to the city center and stop at Ghanta Ghar, where the Clock Tower stands , the heart of this blue city of Jodhpur. Sardar Singh erected this tower, just as he did the mausoleum of Jaswant Thada. Around this tower, we’ll find the various markets known as Sardar Market , where the life of Jodhpur’s people truly unfolds. Departure for Jaipur. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 7. Jaipur-Amber-Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Amber Fort. The ascent will be on elephant back (subject to availability), and the descent by jeep. The fort was built by the Mughal kings to defend the Citadel, which contains a palace and another fortress on higher ground. Next, visit the Maharaja’s Palace , the residence of the Jaipur royal family. This complex is filled with palaces, gardens, and other buildings, most notably the seven-story Chandra Mahal, which houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Here you can admire carpets, enamels, weapons, miniature paintings, cannons, and clothing of the former maharajas. Following this, we will visit Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory, with its 30-meter-high sundial and other fascinating astronomical instruments. In the same area, we’ll see the famous Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal, which is actually just a facade built so that women could watch the processions of the maharajas and their guests in Jaipur without being seen. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 8. Jaipur-Abhaneri-Well of a Thousand Steps-Agra (240 km - 04 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, departure for Agra, visiting Abhaneri en route . Located about 95 km from Jaipur, Abhaneri is home to one of India’s deepest and most spectacular stepwells: Chand Baori . Built in the 9th century, this well served both to collect water and to provide a cool place to rest during the hot desert months. With more than 3,500 symmetrical steps distributed across 13 levels , it descends about 20 meters to the bottom. Opposite the well is the Temple of Harshat Mata , dedicated to the goddess of joy and happiness.
After the visit, departure for Agra and a visit to the Red Fort , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The fort, dating from 1565, is designed as a walled palace surrounded by a deep moat. The fortress, accessed through an imposing gate called Amar Singh, contains numerous palaces and stately buildings constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar and used by successive Mughal governments as a base of operations for Mughal power. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 9. Agra-Delhi-next destination. (200 km, 3.5 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal (closed every Friday throughout the year), the monument that has brought worldwide fame to Agra and become the symbol of India. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned in 1631 in honor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Lady of the Taj, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1629. Construction, which involved 20,000 people, was not completed until 1653. It is the most representative example of Mughal architecture. The chief architect, Isa Khan, designed this complex within a rectangle measuring 508 by 304 meters, with a central garden flanked on all four sides by octagonal pavilions. The mausoleum, built entirely of white marble, stands on a marble base with a minaret, also white, at each corner, each reaching 41 meters in height. The central section consists of four small domes surrounding a larger one in the middle. The remains of this couple rest in the crypt of this two-story building. While the architectural ensemble is impressive in itself, the decoration known as pietra dura, featuring intricate details such as floral arabesques and geometric motifs in semi-relief with precious stones, is truly remarkable .
After the visit, depart for Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Our price includes
- 8 nights accommodation with breakfast in the chosen hotels.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- 1 bottle of water per person per day in the vehicle.
- Transfers and visits in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
- Ascent/Descent to Fort Amber by jeep.
- Boat trip on Lake Pichola.
- Tickets to the monuments mentioned in the program.
- The rates applicable at this time.
Our price does not include
- Tips for porters, waiters, drivers, guides, etc.
- Fees for accessing monuments with cameras or videos.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Drinks are not included in the program, whether at lunch or dinner (in the case of optional drinks).
Cities | Highlights |
New Delhi | Legacy of Giants: The brick minaret Qutub Minar and the immersion in faith of the Sikh temple of Bangla Sahib . |
Udaipur | The Venice of the East: The boat trip on Lake Pichola overlooking the Lake Palace and the luxury of the City Palace. |
Ranakpur | Sacred Architecture: A visit to the Jain temple, considered one of the finest wonders of carved marble in the world. |
Jodhpur | The Blue City: The imposing silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort and the vibrant market around the Clock Tower. |
Jaipur | Royal Splendor: The elephant ascent to Amber Fort and the iconic facade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). |
Abhaneri | Hypnotic Geometry: The Chand Baori stepwell , a photographic gem 13 levels deep. |
Agra | The Ultimate Symbol: A visit to the Taj Mahal , the artistic culmination of the Mughal Empire and a World Heritage Site. |
CITY / NIGHTS | Category A. 4* Hotels | CAT. B 5* Standard | Cat. C 5* Luxury |
Delhi / Gurugram | Hotel LA / Quality Inn | Radisson Dwarka / ITC Welcome Dwarka | The Leela Ambience Shahdara / Crowne Plaza Okhla |
Udaipur | Regent Mewargarh | Fateh Niwas
| Fateh Garh
|
Jodhpur | Zone By Park / Fern
| Indana Palace | Ajit Bhawan (Heritage) |
Jaipur | Regenta Place / Park Ocean | Royal Orchid Jaipur / Fern Ecotel | Hilton / Marriott |
Agra | Fern Howard / Regal Vista | Clark Shiraz / Doubletree by Hilton | Jaypee Palace / Marriott |
