The Royal Rajasthan (8 Days and 7 Nights)

You will be received at New Delhi International Airport by our tour guide. Drive to a hotel for check-in. There will not be any excursions during the day to allow you to rest and recover from travel fatigue.

After breakfast, visit India Gate – an arch built in memory of all Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. This 42-meters-tall monument was dedicated to the nation in 1931. Catch a glimpse of the President’s House, then head for Birla House where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. A museum inside the building complex shares detailed information about his life and his contribution to the freedom struggle of India. Visit the famous Sikh shrine Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, associated with the life of the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkrishan. The museum inside the shrine complex shares an in-depth pictorial history of Sikhism in India.

Post lunch, visit Qutub Minar – one of the tallest minarets in the world. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim conqueror of Delhi, laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar in 1192 AD. The height of the Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters, and there are 379 steps to reach its top. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit Akshardham Temple, an architectural marvel. The temple management, through well-conceived exhibitions, educates visitors about India’s magnificent spiritual and cultural heritage. After lunch, you will then explore Dilli Haat - a unique shopping complex boasting craft stalls selling native, utilitarian, and ethnic products from all over the country. Drive back to the hotel. Evening at leisure.

You will take a 1.5-hour flight to Jodhpur, where you will check in to a hotel for your stay. The second-largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, was established in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan. Most of the houses in Jodhpur are painted in blue color; as a result, the city is also known as the Blue City. Later in the day, venture to Sardar Market, a beloved shopping destination in Jodhpur. From intricately embroidered textiles to shimmering Rajasthani jewelry, the market is a treasure trove of artisanal craftsmanship. Explore the shops adorned with vivid turbans, embroidered fabrics, and traditional handicrafts, each telling a story of the region's rich cultural heritage. The day concludes with dinner and a restful stay at the hotel.

The day’s excursion will begin with a visit to the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, situated atop a hill overlooking the city of Jodhpur. The foundation of the fort was laid by King Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, with subsequent rulers making additions to it. The overall fort complex boasts of Rajputana and Mughal architectures. The Mehrangarh Fort served as the headquarters of the Rathore Kings for over five centuries, with beautiful palaces, temples, and a museum inside the fortified walls offering a diverse mix for visitors to explore.

You will conclude your rendezvous with Jodhpur’s royal history by visiting Jaswant Thada, located near the Mehrangarh Fort. Jaswant Thada is a majestic marble memorial, a testament to Rajasthan's architectural brilliance and royal legacy. Built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, this stunning cenotaph is adorned with intricate carvings, delicate jali work, and elegant domes that shimmer in the sunlight. Inside, you will find portraits of the Rathore rulers, along with artifacts that reflect their rich history and culture. After a delectable lunch, return to your hotel. Evening at lesiure.

In the morning, drive to Jaisalmer (280 km, 5 hours). The ancient town of Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal, the king of the Lodurva region, in 1156 AD. Rawal Jaisal commissioned a fort on a hilltop, and the town grew around the fort. Jaisalmer is titled as the Golden City of India because most of the structures within the town were built using yellow sandstone.

Upon arrival, check in to a hotel for your stay. Later, visit the impressive Patwon Ki Haveli, which is a complex of five havelis. The havelis were constructed by a rich merchant, Gumanchand Patwa, for his five sons. The first haveli was built in 1805 AD, and the rest of them were built subsequently. Adorned with amazing paintings, mirror work, and exquisite carvings, these grand havelis are a perfect example of Rajputana architecture. Overnight stay at the hotel.

You will head for a much-awaited desert safari in the sand dunes of Sam. After breakfast, visit the Jaisalmer fort, also known as the Sonar Qila (the golden palace). Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, the Jaisalmer fort is a magnificent yellow sandstone structure listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. More than 4,000 people, descendants of earlier inhabitants of the fort, continue to live inside its fortified walls. The gigantic walls of this 12th-century AD fort were built without using any mortar. The fort complex houses beautiful palaces, exquisitely carved Hindu temples, and a group of seven Jain temples. Later in the day, you will visit the picturesque Gadsisar Lake, a man-made water conservation tank made in 1400 AD by King Maharwal Gadsi Singh. The beautiful lake is surrounded by yellow sandstone temples and royal cenotaphs. Return to the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaisalmer Airport, where you will catch your flight to your onward destination. The memorable exploration of Delhi and Rajasthan comes to an end.