Colors of Rajasthan

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up.Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions - monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Bangla sahib Gurdwara- one of the famous Sikh’s pilgrimage centre in Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Post breakfast, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. After the visit, we continued our journey towards Jaipur- gateway to colorful Rajasthan, established in 1727. It is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant cultural heritage and a colorful history. Jaipur, also known as 'The City of Victory ', was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. Designed in 1799, the purpose of the structure was to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations through its 953 'jharokas’, or small windows, without being seen by the public. After visiting the fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later we also meet the local female artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After breakfast we drive to Pushkar, a small town on the edge of the desert with a tranquil lake, small hills with temples on top, and the world-famous Brahma Temple. Pushkar is frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims and lies by the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake dotted with bathing ghats and temples. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Post lunch, we take a brief orientation tour around the Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple - dedicated Lord Brahma, the founder of the earth in Hindu mythology. After the temple we have the option of enjoying a camel Cart Ride (Optional) on sharing basis, passing through the villages as the sun goes down. It’s a great opportunity to travel on this popular local transport and to interact with locals. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today, we are driving to a spectacular city, Jodhpur, home to one of the largest forts in India. Founded in 1459 A.D., this city is also known as 'The Blue City' due to its plethora of vivid blue-painted houses in the old quarter. We arrive and check-in at the hotel and rest for a while before heading out to visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures in India. The Fort is a 5-kilometer-long architectural wonder that features a stunning palace and intricately carved latticed windows. The Fort, an imposing fortress overlooking Jodhpur, was built in 1459 CE and stands prominently on a 125-m-long hill as a reminder of the royal splendour and bravery of royal families at the time. We also visit Jodhpur’s architectural landmark -Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 CE in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Portraits of different Jodhpur rulers can be found within the key cenotaph. It looks stunning against the hilly backdrop and glistening lake. An overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - In the morning, drive to Udaipur. On the way, we stopped in Ranakpur, a small town in the hills of Pali district. It is home to one of India's most majestic and significant Jain temple complexes, as well as one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites. The main temple that we visit is the Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple) dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath and was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, one of the gifted, liberal and Rajput monarchs of the 15th century. Continuing our drive, we arrived in the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur. Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan' and the 'City of Sunrise', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and foreign tourists as the most romantic city in India. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a beautiful sunset view of Lake Pichola, 4 km long and 3 km wide, surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we explore the City Palace, a fascinating collection of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai Singh and completed in the year 1725. The magnificence of the palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view filigreed balconies and ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit Jagdish Temple, which was constructed in 1651 CE by Maharana Jagat Singh and is the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur. In the afternoon, we visit Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honor), an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter and the ladies of the queen's court. He built the garden, which included several fountains and ponds, as well as chiseled pavilions and elephants. The fountains operate using a special hydraulic technique established in the year 1700 CE and are still in use today. At sunset, a boat trip along Lake Pichola, overlooking the majestic Lake, City Palace, and other historic sites and ghats of Udaipur, allows you to experience the majesty of royal Rajasthan. An overnight stay in Udaipur. (The boat trip is subject to the lake's water level).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Today we are driving to Bundi, stopping in Chittorgarh along the way. Formerly a fort city known as Chittorgarh or Chittoor, it was the capital of the former Rajput state of Mewar and is remembered for the bravery and valour of its rulers. The grand fort at the top of a hill is still intact. Apart from its historical importance, the fort is also known for several temples, including the Kalika Mata Temple, signifying the importance given to their religion by the rulers of those times. Continuing our drive, we arrive in Bundi, a small, sleepy town in Rajasthan's southernmost region, which has its own architectural heritage and is known for its palaces, intricately designed ‘bauris’, step-wells, and water tanks. Arrive in Bundi and transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - In the morning, we leave for a half-day city tour of Bundi. First, visit the breathtakingly marvelous Bundi Fort, which was founded in 1354 A.D., and remains a glorious remnant of the Chauhan Dynasty, then explore the Garh Palace and finally the Rani Ji Ki Baori step-well. The architecture of the forts, palaces and step-wells is worth noticing. After the visit, we wind our way through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, which is at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges and is considered to be one of the finest places to see a large species of animals and birds. The Ranthambore National Park has the largest population of tigers in India. Other wildlife inhabiting the area includes several species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles and birds such as purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanas, waders and partridges. We arrive at Ranthambore by afternoon and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - Today we take two game drives into the park in open jeeps (on a seat-sharing basis) to enjoy unobstructed views of the animals and birds around. We take our first safari into the park early in the morning to try our luck at spotting the elusive tiger in its natural habitat. After this unique experience we return to the hotel for breakfast and unwind. Post lunch we head for our second safari, trying to catch a glimpse of the tiger and other animals and birds. At the end of this adventurous day, we return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - Today we are travelling down to Agra, stopping along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city constructed by Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a shortage of water. We then continue our journey to Agra and witness the architectural wonder of the golden age of the Mughals. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar where some descendants of artisans (who worked on the Taj) continue to create wonders with marble called fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. Following our visit to Agra Fort we drive to the Delhi Airport for onward travel. Our tour of Taj to Tigers comes to an end. It is time to pack your bags and head back with memories and experiences to last you a lifetime.

Tour Ends