Taj, Forts and Palaces

DAY 01: DELHI

Assisted transfer to the hotel and on arrival, check in for your stay (check in time 1400 hour).

Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It was the magnet, which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.

DAY 02: DELHI 

Begin the city's exploration with Old Delhi. A delightful combination of beautiful architecture, vibrant colors and streets selling wonderful delights.

Ride a rickshaw to make way through the narrow lanes which are busy in trading. For those who love to cook, a walk through the aromatic spice market, Khari Baoli would add an unforgettable memory of Old Delhi.

Continue to Raj Ghat- a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Visit a Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Saheb, and get some insight into this amazing religion

Afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings on the way to the Qutab Minar - the five-storied victory tower to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India

Later embark on a guided visit of Humayun’s Tomb – one of the finest example of Mughal architecture.

DAY 03: DELHI – UDAIPUR

Udaipur, the “City of Lakes” is one of India’s most beautiful locales, a patchwork of manmade lakes, ringed by low hills and dotted with lakeside palaces, pavilions and clusters of elegant whitewashed houses.

Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel.

In the evening visit the Bagore Ki Haveli. Explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family. The upper courtyard makes an atmospheric setting for the fabulous nightly Dharohar performances of Rajasthani dance.

DAY 04: UDAIPUR

Morning tour of the grand City Palace and its immediate surroundings, the vibrant Folk Art Museum and the lakeside panorama. Guided walk to visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. Stop off next at the three-storey Jagdish Temple, a wonderful Indo-Aryan temple built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Climb up stone steps flanked by sculpted elephants and admire the intricate pillars, carved ceilings, stunning frescoes and the massive black, stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.

Afternoon Later enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola.

DAY 05: UDAIPUR – NARLAI Visit the White Marble Jain Temples at Ranakpur. After Ranakpur continue drive to Narlai. Upon entering Rawla Narlai, there is a palpable sense of detachment from the outside world. Situated in Rajasthan midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, it exudes an unmistakable inimitable experience that has become a signature of this 17th century villa.

Post lunch proceed for the jeep safari to explore the beauty of the countryside.

Evening, enjoy the Step well dinner in a magical setting that is brought to life by dimly lit oil lamps that illuminate the setting through flickering light. The private dinner is laid out in a traditional manner. It promises to remain an unmatched experience to anything you will ever experience for a long time.

DAY 06: NARLAI – JODHPUR

Jodhpur is one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale.

Visit Mehrangarh fort – one of the best preserved largest fort of India. The fort is now converted into a museum showcasing the royal life of Rajputs.

Continue to visit Jaswant Thada – a milky-white marble cenotaph known for of intricately carves which are extremely thin and polished, so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the sun.

Later visit the Clock Tower Market. In the old city, the clock tower is a prominent landmark. But the main attraction is the Sadar Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture. In the distance you can see the vast bulk of the Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline for miles around.

DAY 07: JODHPUR – JAIPUR Jaipur - also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. Uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets.

Evening, time permitting, explore the local colorful bazaar of Jaipur. Your guide will help you now to explore Bapu Bazar (Market) Jaipur’s ever busy bustling market where you may buy all things quintessentially Rajasthani like salwar kameez sets, bedspreads, cushion covers and fabric.

DAY 08: JAIPUR Morning visit the imposing Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.

Next brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its beehive-like structure is interplay of red and pink sand stone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs.

Afternoon embark on a guided tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace and Observatory. This private visit of City Palace would indeed add a royal flavor in the journey.

Also visit Observatory - a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the world's largest stone sundial.

DAY 09: JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA

Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri

Continue your drive towards Agra. Visit the ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri en-route. The city which was abandoned later due to political & weather related issues was built in a scientific way using many techniques of ancient era to make this one of the most protective royal residence.

Arrive Agra by late afternoon & check-in at the hotel

Agra - A world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favorite city of the Mughals.

DAY 10: AGRA Rise early for a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory. Mughal emperor, Shahjahan built this architectural wonder to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Note: Timing subject to change based on the local sunrise timing

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later proceed to visit the Agra fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Built in 1565 by the great Mughal ruler, Akbar, the citadel consists of marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terraced pavilions.

DAY 11: AGRA – DELHI

Morning is at leisure for independent explorations.

Check out at 12 Noon Transfer to Delhi International airport to connect your flight for onward destination.

Note: International check in starts 3 hour before flight