Due to the length of the trip route, you will get the opportunity by this tour not only to see Rajasthan, but also to live it! We immerse into a fascinating and colorful region of India.

In no other trip one experiences the second largest state in India so close and authentic. We begin in the capital, where we look at the Old and New Delhi just before you go on to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Here, we admire the ancient Havelis (centuries old merchant houses) with their charmingly beautiful frescos. Other highlights include the Temple of rats in Deshnok; the scenic beauty of the Thar Desert; Jaisalmer, the golden desert oasis; the Aravalli mountain range; the Taj Mahal in Agra, and much more.

As the journey is in a private car, we are unbound and can comfortably move on. Far away from the throng of the city, we will succumb expeditiously by the fascination of the landscape and the charm of its inhabitants: paved roads and mud houses, which are adorned with lucky God Ganesha statues; women, who wear vibrant colorful saris, fetching water; chili peppers, which are splayed out in the sun to dry; village festivals with traditional musicians; temples, which are dedicated to the mystical gods - and when the sun rises over the sand desert, the acacia trees seem to dance.

Enjoy accommodation in luxurious palaces, which have been converted into heritage hotels, but still the home of Rajput rulers, which will give you a warm and cordial welcome.  

Tour Duration: 19 Days Season: Throughout the year Tour Customizable: Yes Number of Participants: Minimum 1; Maximum 24
	Kathmandu, Nepal	Caves of badami	Pushkar Camel Festival
Tour Highlights: . The tour is a personalized individual tour & can be started any time of year / month. The car, guides will be exclusively for you only. The tour is based on private departures, whereby you can benefit from having a private air-conditioned car, stop en-route for breaks or photo opportunities. . Being based in India, we offer you the best value of your money. Having branch and associated offices all over India, Classic Holidays India guarantees your complete peace of mind and comfort during your India travel with 24/7 support. . Finest Hotels in the category chosen.
Private car round trip: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Luni - Jodhpur - Mt. Abu - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fort Amber - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi 1. Day: Arrival in Delhi Upon arrival in Delhi welcomed by one of our local staff and transfer to hotel. 2. Day: Explore! Delhi Morning & Afternoon: City tour Old and New Delhi In the morning proceed freshly invigorated towards the city tour of Delhi. Delhi: In the capital city of India, the new and old India unites in a unique way. New Delhi, laid out symmetrically as a garden city in 1931 by British architects, is become apparent in a magnanimous, west oriented style with large shopping areas, luxury hotels, villas and diplomatic districts. In Old Delhi, however, burgeoned the splendor of the Orient. The loud, colorful streets invite you to stroll through the bazaars, and behind the old walls, the centuries-old palaces, temples and art treasures await your visit. In the old city of Delhi, you will visit the majestic Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India. You will have the rickshaw (rickshaw) ride through the bazaars in the narrow alleys of the old oriental city. Visit the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. In the colonial part of New Delhi you will see the government buildings with the President's Palace and India Gate. Then stand the Qutub Minaret (symbol of the city of Delhi from the 12th century) and the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun in the program. At last visit the Akshardham Temple, one of the biggest and most beautiful temples of north India. Overnight stay in Delhi. 3. Day: From Delhi to Mandawa Morning: proceed (approx. 4 hours) to the Shekhawati region - Mandawa village, On arrival transfer to hotel; Rest Afternoon: Visit the most beautiful fresco paintings of Mandawa Mandawa: The Shekhawati region was situated once on the old, traditional silk route between China and Western Asia. With palatial-esque country houses (Havelis), the merchants flaunted here their wealth acquired through trade. The high quality frescoes on the walls of houses, for which the region is often referred to as "open-air art gallery", are from the period 1750 to 1930. The former Fort Mandawa Castle has been transformed by the Maharaja's family in a very stylish hotel. Its frescoes are among the most impressive of the region. In the afternoon you can watch on a walk, the most beautifully painted havelis in the town. 4. Day: From Mandawa to Bikaner Morning: Drive on to the hotel in Bikaner Afternoon: Excursion to the royal titular-tombs at Devi Kund, and excursion to the Camel Farm (largest in Asia) In the afternoon, the first excursion leads to Devi Kund, the dead memorial of the Maharajas of Bikaner and their wives, with beautiful marble and sandstone sepulchral-dome constructions. Then visit the only national camel farm in Asia, whose animals, now especially used in parades. Bikaner became well known in Europe, in particular through the camel corps stationed here that fought in World War I from the side of Lawrence of Arabia for Britain against the Turks. The ruler Gangha Singh (1887-1943) served as general of the British Army, the only Indian who signed the Treaty of Versailles for the end of the 1st World War. 5. Day: Explore Bikaner and Neighboring Attractions Morning: Sightseeing of Bikaner Afternoon: Excursion to the rat temple at Deshnok Bikaner was once an important station along the caravan route between East and West Asia. It is surrounded by a 7 km-long city wall (18th century) with 5 gateways and conveys with the historic buildings of the old city until today the image of a medieval desert metropolis. The main attraction is the Junagarh Fort, built in the years 1571-1611. It was expanded over the years by 37 pavilions and temples, which were masterfully built onto the original building. Deshnok: The Karni Mata temple is located 31 km south of Bikaner. Its special attraction is thousands of rats that inhabit the temple. The rats in the temple enjoy complete protection and are fed by pilgrims and priests and are venerated and worshiped. The rats are always sated and thus totally harmless. (This excursion can also be deleted, of course, upon request) 6. Day: From Bikaner to Jaisalmer Morning: Drive on through the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer Afternoon: Upon arrival transfer to hotel, Rest of the day at leisure. 7. Day: Explore! Jaisalmer Morning: Sightseeing in Jaisalmer Afternoon: Opportunity to go for a stroll around town Evening: Excursion to Sam (30 Km) in Thar Desert for the camel ride Jaisalmer: The fairytale-like "Golden City" in the desert of Thar Desert is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In 1156 AD, built directly on the ancient caravan route, Jaisalmer was an important trading center. Still the life pulsates here. The approximately 20,000 residents of the desert city Jaisalmer still live in the perfectly preserved fort. It is perched on a single 80 m high rock, protruding from the desert landscape, and - like also the part of the "new town" at its feet - all built out of warm yellow sandstone. It is in the present state mainly from the 16th century. The exotic uniqueness of this medieval town from the storybook with its subtly decorated buildings and its friendly people lets you to take a trip into the past that is more impressive than any museum visit. The with virtuosically filigreed stonemason worked decorated temples and the mansions of earlier rich merchants (havelis) are still preserved in their original beauty and will amaze you. The streets are narrow, with high rise buildings on both sides, whose bays and balconies and turrets protrude over the street and consequently bestow shadows. In contrast to the buildings in the Shekhavati region the mural paintings play no role here. You will visit the medieval fortress city with the 7-storey palace, temples and havelis. A stroll through the bazaars with a wonderful arts and crafts, should not be missed by you. 8. Day: From Jaisalmer to Luni Morning: Drive on to Luni, On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon: Jeep safari in the surrounding Bishnoi Village Luni: A typical Rajasthani village with small craft works. You stay here in Fort Chanwa, a former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, which was converted into a heritage hotel with lotsa ambiences. From the terrace of the castle you have a fantastic view of the Thar Desert, which stretches out up to the horizon. In the afternoon you will take a jeep safari into the surrounding villages. The members of the local rural population are considered as Bishnoi tribe and have pursued actively for centuries conservation of nature. They are strict vegetarians and have always fought at the peril of their life for the preservation of trees and the protection of animals. They have their very own way of life with special hygiene regulations. 9. Day: Excurion to Jodhpur Morning: Excursion to the sightseeing tour of Jodhpur Afternoon: Finally return journey to Luni Jodhpur: Here you can visit the titular tombs Jaswant Tada and the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, the fortified palace complex enthrones majestically on a 125 m high cliff above the town. Within the fort, which still belongs to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there is a whole series of spacious courtyards and palaces with lattice windows and balconies, which were carved from red sandstone with very fine details. In the former premises of the Maharaja is now an interesting display of weapons, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes, etc. to see. 10. Day: From Luni to Mount Abu Morning: Drive on to Mount Abu Afternoon: After arrival check in at the hotel, followed by city tour of Mount Abu Mount Abu: Through the enchanting, diversified rolling hills of Aravalli Range, you drive up to Mount Abu (ca.1.200 m), which since the colonial period, is a very popular hill station and tourist destination. On a high plateau near the town there is a large lake and Rajasthan's highest peak, Guru Shikar (1,721 m). The Mt Abu's main attraction is the Dilwara Temple from the 10.-13.century AD. These unique Jain temples are rather inconspicuous from the outside, however very impressive in inside with very finely worked out stone carvings in white marble. The sculptors were allegedly paid as per the weight of the worked out marble materials so that the decorations appear gauzy, almost transparent. In the evening you can enjoy in a sunset magnificent views over this picturesque mountain landscape in the middle of the desert. 11. Day: From Mount Abu to Udaipur via Ranakpur Morning: Drive on to Udaipur, on the way visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur Evening: Drive on to the hotel in Udaipur Ranakpur: The prodigious temple complex is a highlight of the Jain architecture. The construction of the temple was started here in the 16th century from a donation and foundation by a merchant. And after the 60 years of building one of the most beautiful temples built in Rajasthan. The main temple with 29 geometrically arranged halls covering the vast area of 3716 mē, supported by 1444 pillars. In addition, the unique sun light behavior gives the interior an aura that almost no visitor can elude. 12. Day: Explore! Udaipur Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Pichola Udaipur: The old city is surrounded by a city wall. Through seven gates, you can get inside. At the time your scouting expedition, you will see the City Palace with Museum. In the palace rooms, the famous "peacock mosaics" can be seen, as well as beautiful inlay work with tiny mirrors. The Jagdish Temple is located near the palace and was built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style. Udaipur is a bustling city with many small bazaars. Its fun to stroll around the city and to go on a scouting expedition. The unmitigated splendor of this city can be enjoyed in the afternoon with a boat ride across the artificial Lake Pichola. It is over 4 km and 3 km wide. The island in the south is home to the 17th Century built Jag Mandir Palace, the northern island that was built in 1757 as Jag Niwas Palace is now the famous Lake Palace Luxury Hotel. To moviegoers and television viewers, the sight is perhaps known from the movies "Tiger of Eschnapur" and James Bond's "Octopussy", which have been filmed here. 13. Day: From Udaipur to Chittorgarh Morning: Drive on to Chittorgarh, Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon: Sightseeing of Chittorgarh Chittorgarh: Dating from the 8th Century, Chittorgarh is the oldest fort of Rajasthan. The fort is located on a 180 meter high hill and covers an area of 700 acres. Nowhere else, the pride and heroism of the Rajputs are more obvious than here. Even today, the ruins bear witness to period when fierce fighting was waged here, in whose course more than 7,000 Rajputs lost their lives. Here you will visit the Meerabai temple and Padmni's Palace. 14. Day: From Chittorgarh to Pushkar Morning: Drive on to Pushkar, on arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon: Sightseeing of Pushkar Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. 400 temples testify to the importance of this place, even the 52 ghats that lead down to the lotus-lake. These ghats are the main attraction of Pushkar, because the pilgrims perform here their rituals in the firm belief, in order to cleanse themselves from the sins of their lives. Pushkar is the only place in India with a Brahma temple, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the world. The dawn in Pushkar does not begin with the twittering of birds, but with the drums and bells of the Brahma temple at four clock in the morning. 15. Day: From Pushkar to Jaipur Morning: Drive on to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon: Opportunity for your own explorations and shopping. 16. Day: Explore! Jaipur Morning: Tour of Amber Fort including Elephant ride / Jeep Tour Afternoon; Sightseeing of Jaipur Today you can anticipate the wonderful trip to the magnificent and majestic Amber Fort. On an elephant back or by jeep - you crest the sloping path to the fortress, hear their story and see the beautifully decorated mirror pavilions and halls during the extensive tour. From the galleries and terraces, you have a wonderful panoramic view over the valley and the mountains of the Aravalli range. In the afternoon you will visit Jaipur. In the year 1727 Raja Jai Singh II began with the construction of this extraordinary city of India. The city of Jaipur was laid out on the basis of an ancient Hindu treatise in accordance with the regular grid network principle created with fine, uniformly designed buildings. The streets were each allocated to different professional groups such as the potters, the weavers, the dyers, the jewelers and bankers. You will visit the City Palace, even today home of the local Maharaja, and can admire in the museum the private collections of historical miniatures, carpets, weapons, showy clothes. The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its unique facade belongs to the tourist highlights. Besides, you will also visit Jantar Mantar, the very interesting observatory from the 17th century. Your tour guide will explain the preserved site, astronomical instruments of the observatory. In a rickshaw ride you will experience up close the colorful goings-on in the glittering bazaars of the old town. 17. Day: From Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri Morning: Drive to Agra en route visit to the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri Evening: After arriving in Agra, transfer to hotel Fatehpur Sikri: Approx. 40 km from Agra, you will visit the famous ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar, but was abandoned after 15 years due to water shortage. The red, well-preserved sandstones buildings are amongst the most important examples of Mughal architecture. Today, you can stroll, just as four hundred years ago, through a intact, lordly city: Multi-storey palaces, gardens and a marketplace, a waterworks, countless covered corridors, staircases and terraces. They are testimony to the architectural masterpiece of Akbar. The lost city unites two contrasts: the figurative architecture of the Hindus and the geometric architecture of Islam. 18. Day: Explore! Agra Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal Afternoon: Visit the Red Fort Agra: Here you will find the highlight of your North India tour: The visit of the world famous Taj Mahal. The beyond comparison perfection and beauty of this "dearest proof of love ever" shines even today in white marble. A mausoleum erected by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workers built it in 22 years: A dream in white marble, which rises in perfect proportion in an elegant garden of fountains. The magisterial architecture and the sumptuous inlays of semi-precious gemstones will amaze you. Agra, between 16th and 17th century, was the main city of Indian Mughal Empire. The "Red Fort", that you visit ongoing, bear witness to this golden age. Mughal era was so glorious that at the time of Mughal rule, especially during the reign of mughal emperor Akbar, gross domestic product (GDP) of India was considered to be the highest in the whole world. The unity between Hindus and Muslims was at its peak. With its audience halls, its beautiful gardens and opulent mosques, Agra fort is counted amongst the most beautiful fortresses in India. The construction of the massive Agra Fort was started in 1565 as a defense work and seat of government. Over time, however, it was rebuilt, more and more to the palace, wherefore the completion lasted almost 90 years. 19. Day: Final Stop: From Agra to Delhi Morning: Drive back to Delhi, en route visit the Tomb of Sikandra, then continue your drive to Delhi Upon arrival transfer to airport for onward journey. Sikandra: About 12 km from Agra situated the impressive tomb of the mighty ruler Akbar. Situated in a spacious park landscape, the red sandstone structure with white marble decorations combines Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist and Christian art and architectural styles, thus bear witness to the tolerance and extraversion of Akbar. (We recommend subsequently beach vacation extension at one of the pristine beaches of Goa.)			Akshardham Temple, Delhi   Bahai Lotus Temple, Delhi   India Gate, Delhi   Aungarh fort, Bikaner   Mandwa Castle Haveli   Golden Fort, Jaisalmer   Jaisalmer-Fort   Fort Chnawa, Luni   Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur   Fine stone temple, Mount Abu   Jain Temple Ranakpur   Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur   Chittorgarh Fort   Sacred lake Pushkar   Herds of Camels Pushkar   Elephants at Amer Fort Jaipur   Fatehpursikri Complex, Nearby Agra   Red Fort, Agra   Taj Mahal   Qutub Minar1