Rajasthan, the perfect prelude to a journey to India, redeploys you into the world out of "1001 Nights". The arcanums of the jungle, the vastness of the desert and an encounter with the proud Rajasthanis will cast a spell over adults as well as over children!

With its magnificent and luxurious-Maharajah palaces, splendid forts, elegant Havelis and haughty Rajput rulers, Rajasthan is one of the noblest areas of the country. A scenic mosaic awaits you here: from the gentleness of the green wooded Aravalli hills up to the extraordinary dryness of the Thar Desert and the small villages that are hiding in the desert, Rajasthan has much to offer.

As diverse as the region are also its inhabitants: the amicable shepherds of the Rebaris and Bishnois with their garishly turbans live here beside the Gadulliyas, a nomadic tribe of blacksmiths and musicians. The warm reception by the Rajputs, for the honor more than one's own life, is unforgettable.

We follow the roads and visit the mythical places of Rajasthan: beginning with the Taj Mahal, we will proceed towards the wild Ranthambhore and further to the grandiose Jaipur and Jodhpur, the "blue city", Jaisalmer, the "golden city" and finally to Udaipur, the "city of lakes".

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.  

Tour Duration: 14 days Season: Throughout the year Tour Customizable: Yes Number of Participants: Minimum 1; Maximum 24
	Close view of Temple tower, Madurai	Wall paintings in Mandawa	Fine stone carving in Dilwara temple, Mount Abu
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 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - 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 Agra Morning; Drive on to Agra. En route visit Sikandra, tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar Afternoon; Sightseeing of Agra 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. 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 defence work and seat of government. Over time, however, it was rebuilt, more and more to the palace, wherefore the completion lasted almost 90 years. 4. Day: From Agra to Ranthambore National Park Morning: Drive to Ranthambore National Park. En route visit to the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri and Keoladeo National Park Evening: After arriving in Ranthambore, 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 an 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. The Keoladeo National Park, which is located 55 km west of Agra in the state of Rajasthan, is also known as Ghana Bird Sanctuary Gahna. It was declared in 1985 by UNESCO as the world natural heritage. The National Park was earlier the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Bharatpur, especially the duck hunting. In the large 29 sq km area, in total over 364 species of birds are observed. In winter season the birds hibernate in the park include cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks and eagles. In summer, you see partridges, peacocks, storks, cormorants and innumerable other species of birds. A very special visitor to the national park is the Siberian crane. This species is threatened with extinction. The stock of Siberian cranes has fallen from 100 in 1976 to 5. Drive on to Ranthambore. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. 5. Day: Safari in Ranthambore National Park Early Morning at 6.00 a.m. and Afternoon at 14.15 safari to the Ranthambore National Park with a naturalist. Full meals will be served in the hotel. Ranthambore National Park: Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, on the midway between Bharatpur and Kota, the Ranthambore National Park is a prime example of the tiger conservation project in Rajasthan. Sadly, anon the program turned into the complete failure, because the government officials were involved in this park in Tiger poaching for the Chinese pharmaceutical trade. Experts estimate that now the tiger population fell to 15 animals here, although the official figure still speaks of 22 tigers. Few years ago they were 44. There is still the very good opportunity to see Tiger, but you should plan two to three safaris. The park covers about 400 square kilometers and its landscape is very beautiful. A network of lakes and rivers are fringed by steep, high cliffs. And on one of these cliffs lsituated the massive, well-preserved fortress of Ranthambore, which was built in the 10th Century AD. The fort is definitely worth a visit, and from its ramparts one has a magnificent view over the national park. Ranthambhore national park served earlier as the hunting grounds of the former Maharajas. 6. Day: From Ranthambore to Jaipur Early Morning safari to the Ranthambore National Park with a naturalist. Forenoon: visit to Ranthambore fortress Afternoon: After lunch drive on to Jaipur. Arrival and transfer to hotel. 7. 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. 8. Day: From Jaipur 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. 9. Day: From Bikaner to Jaisalmer Morning: Sightseeing of Bikaner and excursion to the rat temple at Deshnok Afternoon: Drive on through the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer. Arrival and transfer to hotel 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) 10. 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. 11. Day: From Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Morning: Drive on to Jodhpur Afternoon: Sightseeing of Jodhpur 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. 12. Day: From Jodhpur to Ranakpur to Udaipur 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. 13. Day: Explore! Udaipur Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Pichola Evening: Time at Leisure 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. 14. Day: Flight from Udaipur to Delhi Morning or Afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to New Delhi. After arrival transfer to international airport for onward journey. (We recommend subsequently beach vacation extension at one of the pristine beaches of Goa.) / (Number of days at Ranthambore National Park can be increased upon personal interest in Wildlife of India)			Akshardham Temple Night, Delhi   Bahai Lotus Temple, Delhi   Red Fort, Agra   Taj mahal, Agra   Tiger in Ranthambore   Tiger at Bandhavgarh National Park   Spotted Deers in Ranthambore   Elephant in Amer Fort, Jaipur   Observatory, Jaipur   Jungarh fort, Bikaner   Golden Fort, Jaisalmer   Haveli in Jaisalmer   Camels Thar desert in Jaisalmer   Blue Painted Houses Jodhpur   City Palace, Udaipur   Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur   City Palace Complex, Udaipur