Small Group Journey - Imperial Rajasthan The Land of Kings
Rajasthan is famous for its royalty and you will feel like a part of that royalty as you travel through Rajasthan in comfort and style with Explore India. The Imperial Rajasthan tour is a great introduction to India’s colourful, exciting north. As you step out of the plane and take your first sweet breath in incredible India you will feel a shift in your spirit as the supremely peaceful, yet vibrant, energy of India greets you. You will be amazed at the magnificent sites you will see each day on this tour and that, along with the seamless ease in which your days on this tour flow, will give you wonderful memories of India that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Explore India and feel the magic that will change your life
Tour Highlights
- Senses awaken as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the tour.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi
- Step back in time and into the last footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi as you walk through his home for the last 144 days of his fascinating life.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow back lanes of Old Delhi.
- Explore the glimmering lake of Udaipur, the mountains and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
- Visit the Jain Temples of Ranakpur, which are acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style.
- Visit the blue city of Jodhpur and Maharajas museum built in 1929
- Explore local market of Pushkar and visit one of the major thriving temples of Lord Brahma
- Travel like a Maharaja upon the seat of the majestic elephant who will deliver you to the top of Amber Fort,
- You will feel as though you are in another world as you stroll through the meticulously planned gardens as you head toward the world’s largest monument of love, the Taj Mahal
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation at first class hotels
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Daily breakfast and other meals mentioned in the program
- Domestic Airfare as per the program
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Private Elephant Ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
- Sunset boat cruise at the glimmering lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Services of an accompanying Explore India Tour Director
- Air Conditioned coach transportation throughout your
- Bottled water available during all Sightseeing tours
Day 1: Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment.
Day 2: Arrival in New Delhi, India
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
On arrival at Delhi airport you’ll be met upon arrival by Explore India representative and transferred to your hotel.
Radisson Blu, New Delhi
Day 3: Exploring | New Delhi
After Breakfast – We will start our morning tour with a visit to 17th century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then drive past Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a visit to Humayun’s tomb. Emperor Humayun’s was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.
After lunch visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi: a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. Thus, the hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. The preserves include the room where Mahatma Gandhi lived and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening. It was here where assassin’s bullets felled Gandhi. The building and the landscape have been preserved as they were in those days. Before heading to our hotel, we drive pass by the Lutyens part of New Delhi including India gate and the presidential palace.
Day 4: Delhi – Udaipur | Cruise to Jag Mandir Dep
In the morning, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Udaipur a city that combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water’s edge, raise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Udaipur rivals any of the world’s famous creations of the Mughals with the Rajput love of the whimsical and it’s superbly crafted elegance.
Later this afternoon we will explore this glimmering lake, the mountains and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Along the way, see historical landmarks dotted along the shore such as the City Palace Complex and the picturesque Ghats – steps leading down into the water that locals use for bathing.
Radisson Blu, New Delhi
Day 5: Exploring | Udaipur & City Palace
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Then we head to the Crystal gallery, which features a rare collection of Osler’s crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. Visit the Garden of the Maids of Honor locally called Saheliyon ki Bari, which has retained all its traditional charm. It was designed in the early 18th Century specifically for ladies. Afternoon visit the local market.
Optional activity:
Later this afternoon enjoy a culinary experience, we will spend an interesting, educational and social evening at a house that belongs to a well-known Rajput family to learn some great techniques in Rajasthani Indian Cuisine in coordination with your in-house chef Jyoti, at her home. You’ll be taken in to their kitchen where the cooking demonstration will commence. You will be shown how each dish is cooked. The evening will culminate in a lovely dining experience where you will be able to enjoy the taste of the freshly prepared meal. This is great opportunity to learn the lifestyle and traditions that are typical of India. $150.00 per person including home cooked dinner.
Day 6: Udaipur | Jodhpur the Blue City
After breakfast we will proceed to Jodhpur. Along the way you will experience the country with an opportunity to feast your eyes on camel carts, trucks, cows, buffalos and more. Our first stop is Ranakpur where we will enjoy our lunch.
After lunch visit the Jain Temples, which are acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains in village of Ranakpur, covering an area of 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, and 24 pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, with no two being alike, Later continue to Jodhpur, which is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Ranbanka Heritage Resort
Day 7: Jodhpur | The Mehrangarh Fort
After breakfast we will start with a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about hundred meters. The fort crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. For over five centuries Mehrangarh has been the headquarters of the senior branch of Rajput clan known as the Rathores. The Fort and its palaces were built over period of 500 years following the foundation in the mid-15th century.
Next visit Umaid Bhawan Palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 – 1942) and named after him. This exquisite Palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used in it. It is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco architecture of the 1930s. Later you will have some free time to enjoy the local markets of Jodhpur.
Optional activity:
In the evening we will proceed for an exclusive camel safari in the Osian village about an hour drive each way from Jodhpur followed by Kalbelia, a local village dance of Rajasthan to celebrate a joyful moment in the desert followed by a home cooked dinner and campfire. $150.00 per person.
Ranbanka Heritage Resort
Day 8: Jodhpur | Pushkar the Holy Town
After breakfast we drive towards Pushkar, The word ‘Pushkar’ means lotus flower, which is said to be the seat of Lord Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity, who is worshipped as the creator of this world. Upon arrival check in to your resort. Later this afternoon we will visit the local market of Pushkar and along the way we will also visit one of the major thriving temples of Lord Brahma, which can be identified by it red spire and by the image of Hans (the swan considered sacred to Lord Brahma). This temple built with marble is decorated with silver coins. This evening’s dinner will be at the camp site followed by a Rajasthani traditional dance performance.
The Greenhouse Resort, Pushkar
The Greenhouse is a luxurious boutique resort in the holy town of Pushkar. Located just ten minutes drive away from the city centre of Pushkar. The Greenhouse Resort is the perfect base to explore one of India’s most exotic and vibrant city-Pushkar.
Day 9: Pushkar | Jaipur the Pink City
After a leisurely start we drive to Jaipur, India’s first planned city. The city of Jaipur owes its names, foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon visit the famous Temple in Pink city dedicated to Lord Shiva. The queen of Jaipur got this splendid Temple constructed in the memory of her son Jagat Singh between1599 A.D. to 1608 A.D. this temple is an excellent example of a palatial edifice built on a height. The locally available stone, white marble and black stone have been used as material of construction. What adds to the beauty of this grand creation is the depiction of trumpeting elephants and horses scenes from Puranas and pictorial depiction of characters as well as some social scenes drawn in a series on high. Free time for shopping.
Radisson Blu, Jaipur
Day 10: Jaipur | The Amber Fort
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort. Along the way we will have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of the “Palace of Winds” which is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.
Amber Fort is the classic romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Next visit City Palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Also visit Jantar Mantar. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. The observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Afternoon free time for you to explore the colorful markets of Jaipur’s pink city, shop for fabrics, clothes, textiles and witness block printing.
Trident Hotel Jaipur
Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
Day 11: Agra | Visions of the Taj Mahal
We will start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. After breakfast, we will visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone.
The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques.
After lunch visit a renowned marble factory to experience the making of fine inlaid stonework and the translucent marble of the region. The craftsmen of Agra are still renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous.
Optional activity:
In the evening enjoy a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history of Taj Mahal. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the most precious specimen of craftsmanship. $45.00 per person.
Trident Hotel Jaipur
Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
Day 12: Agra | Delhi
After breakfast, drive towards Delhi. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. This afternoon is free for your personal activities, this evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to our fellow travelers.
Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi
Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels.
Day 13: Departure Transfer
You will be transferred to International Airport for your flight connection home. All good things should come to an end, so does your holiday too. This incredible Journey to India would have filled your mind with too many good memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
Select a gateway:
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Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Vancouver International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,599 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,599 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,699 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Lester B. Pearson International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,599 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,599 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,699 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Calgary
Calgary International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Calgary International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,899 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,999 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Winnipeg
James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from James Armstrong Richardson International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,899 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,999 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Montréal
Montréal-pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Montréal-pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,899 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,999 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Ottawa
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Feb 16, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Mar 12, 2019 $4,799 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 17, 2019 $4,899 CAD Available Request a Quote Nov 12, 2019 $4,999 CAD Available Request a Quote