Central India & Rajasthan Road Trip

Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel (hotel check in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities. You can opt to go out for dinner with your driver.
Overnight at hotel.

Delhi
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun's first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion. Drive thrugh VVIP areas passing President House, Parliament & India Gate etc.

Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities.
Overnight at hotel.

Delhi - Agra (210kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra check in at hotel.
City tour of Agra visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Overnight at hotel.

Agra - Gwalior - Orchha (240kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Orchha. En route visit Gwalior Fort, situated on top of a hill one of the best fortresses of India, known for its great architecture and rich past. With well-maintained premises, the fort complex includes several temples, palaces and water tanks. Jain temples form unique monuments inside the fort, with the Siddhachal Caves and Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments being the two areas, complete with thousands of Jain Tirthankar idols defaced during the Mughal invasion. Teli Ka Mandir and Sahastrabahu (Sas-Bahu) Ka Mandir are the two architecturally rich Hindu temples here. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor is another holy place built inside the fort’s complex, and it was where Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib was kept as a captive by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Assi Khamba Ki Baoli, and Suraj Kund are other important monuments found in the complex.
After sightseeing drive to Orchha check in at hotel. Later city tour of Orchha.
Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple, and other edifices. The early 16th century fort complex which is accessed from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway. This is followed by a large quadrangular open yard surrounded by palaces. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. The battlements of the fort have ornamentation. Notable architectural features in the fort complex are projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows. Chaturbhuj Temple a multi-storied structure which is a blend of temple, fort and palace architectural features. The temple was originally built to deify an image of Rama, as the chief deity, which was installed in the Rama Raja Temple inside the Orchha Fort complex.
Overnight at hotel.

Orchha - Khajuraho (190kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Khajuraho check in at hotel.
Later visit exceptionally well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the different temples and marveling at their astonishing beauty. Over the course of the 11th and 12th centuries the Chandela dynasty created the most sublime examples of erotic sculpture in India. The temple of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures. Khajuraho is breath taking and its temples are among-st the most popular in India. Evening watch the light and sound show.
Overnight at hotel.

Khajuraho - Sanchi - Bhopal (375kms/ 8hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Bhopal via visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site Budhist Stupas at Sanchi & Udayagiri Caves.

Sanchi is a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. Sanchi is an ancient place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and its uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha is not represented through figures, but through symbols.
lies in the fact that Buddha is not represented through figures, but through symbols. Udayagiri Caves are early Hindu ritual site, they were extensively carved and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th and 5th century AD. Udayagiri has a series of rock-shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which have been only partially excavated.

Continue drive to Bhopal and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Bhopal excursion to Bhimbetka & Bhojpur (50kms/ 1hrs approx one way)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to visit Bhimbetka & Bhojpur.
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site dating back to the Paleolithic age. They exhibit the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and show a gimps into the beginning of the South Asian during the Stone Age. Some of the shelters were inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. Some of the stone age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are roughly 30,000 years old. Next proceed to Bhojpur and see its famous temple that is dedicated to Shiva. The temple houses one of the largest lingas in India and it's crafted out a single rock.
On return city tour of Bhopal. Visit historic mosques Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid & Taj ul Masjid and the arts center in Bharat Bhawan. Evening boat ride in Upper Lake.
Overnight at hotel.

Bhopal - Jhalawar (250kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Jhalawar check in at hotel. Later city tour of Jhalawar. Like other cities of Rajasthan Jhalawar has a rocky but water-laden verdant landscape known for its rich natural wealth of vibrant flora and fauna. Red poppy fields and orange laden orchards are strewn across Jhalawar, lending it a colorsful look. This place has a varied cultural heritage that includes many forts and palaces from the Rajput & Mughal periods and large numbers of temples and religious sites. Visit Jhalawar Fort, Government Museum, The Bhawani Natyashala, Gagron Fort, Chandrabhaga Temple.
Overnight at Hotel

Jhalawar - Kota - Bundi (125kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Bundi enroute visit Kota. Situated on the banks of the Chambal River Kota is famous for its distinctive style of paintings, palaces, museums, and places of worship. The city is known for gold jewellery, Doria sarees, silk sarees and the famous Kota stone. The history of Kota dates back to the 12th century when Rao Deva conquered the territory and founded Hadoti. The independent Rajput state of Kota was carved out of Bundi in 1631. The kingdom of Kota had a turbulent history as it was raided by various Mughal rulers, Maharajas of Jaipur and even the Maratha warlords. Visit Garh Palace, Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Jagmandir Palace, Abheda Mahal and Seven Wonder Park.
After sighting drive to Bundi check in at hotel.

Later city tour of Bundi, a magnificent town dotted with fairy tale quality palaces and forts. Bundi’s charm lies in its location, situated far from the crowds it is the simple rural folk surrounded by orchards of orange, guava, pomegranate and mango trees, flanked by the Aravalli range and rivers and lined by fields of cotton, barley and wheat. Bundi was once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. Many historians claim that it was once the capital of the great Hadoti Kingdom, which was renowned for its art and sculpture. However, in 1624, Kota separated and became an independent state and this marked the beginning of the downfall of Bundi. Whether that may be, Bundi still retains its charismatic medieval grandeur.

Visit Garadia Mahadev Temple, Sukh Mahal, Rani Ji Ki Baori, Phool Sagar, Taragarh Fort, certain Cenotaphs & Step Wells and the royal site of the frescoes & paintings in Braj Bhushan Ji Ki Haveli.
Overnight at hotel.

Bundi - Chittorgarh - Udaipur (265kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Udaipur, enroute visit Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres.
Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction.
Visit to Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmini’s Palace, Vijay Stambh (the Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh, Jain temples, etc.
Continue drive to Udaipur check in at hotel. In the evening watch "Dharohar" folk dance show at Bagore-ki-Haveli. A gorgeous 18th century haveli that has been converted into a museum showcasing Mewar art and architecture. The haveli puts on one of the best Rajasthani folk dance shows in Rajasthan. For an hour, performers dance to Rajasthani folk music wearing bright colored ethnic dresses. The dances are varied and demonstrate the tradition and culture of Rajasthani folklore.
Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Udaipur. The city of lakes is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace, Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Eklingji & Nagda Temple.
Evening enjoy boat cruise on Lake Pichola, see the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Lake Pichola, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village.
Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur - Ranakpur - Bishnoi Village - Jodhpur (260kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Jodhpur, enroute visit Ranakpur. The Ranakpur Temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The temple structure has five spires, each of which houses a shrine underneath, and it is under the largest spire in the axis of the main entrance (Chaumukha Shrine) that one can locate the 6 feet tall statue of Lord Adinath. Another exquisite aspect that has also earned the temple its name is the carving of the four-headed image of Adinath, sheltered by a 108-headed snake with numerous tails. The four heads face four directions, suggesting the pursuit of the Tirthankaras.
Continue drive visit Guda village, a Bishnoi village, home to a vivid range of exotic wildlife and nature. It is a habitat for thousands of migratory birds in the area. One can often catch the Demoiselle crane frolicking at the lake. Antelopes and black bucks can also be spotted by the pond. This place is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land and make every effort to conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians. It is the perfect place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life. It is a place caught in a delightful time warp, where life still goes on like the days of the past.
Thereafter drive to Jodhpur check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Jodhpur, popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers. Unlike the original chhatri-shaped cenotaphs that are typical patterns of Rajasthan architecture, these are built along the lines of Hindu temples.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs.
Overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur (310kms/ 7hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur en route visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.
Visit of Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country, has 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. Excursion to visit Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer.
Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the pink city and visit the colorful bazaars. You can also visit Albert Hall Museum. The building gets inspiration for its design & name from The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The museum displays a wide range of metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones and ivory goods. It also houses a large collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of art.
Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jaipur. Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. The pink that colors the city makes for a marvelous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.
In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort & Sisodia Rani Garden. Afternoon city tour visit City Palace, Observatory & Hawa Mahal. Further explore local market the famous bazaars of Pink City. In the evening attend Aarti Ceremony at Birla temple.
Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur - Delhi / Departure (flight)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi. After dinner at your choice restaurant transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.