Rajasthan was earlier called Rajputana meaning the country of the Rajputs. Later after India gained independence in 1947 all its princely states integrated into India one after the other and the state was names as Rajasthan which means the Abode of the Rajas (Kings).
Many of the palaces and forts build by the erstwhile kings were later converted into Museums or touristic forts which are now loved by tourists who are fascinated when they know about the history of those forts or palaces. Many of these establishments were also converted into Heritage Hotels which are now considered as one of the best hotel in the world.
Below itinerary gives you an experience to stay in such hotels and experience the ‘Maharaja Lifestyle’. The itinerary also covers visit to many other forts and palaces in the cities covered.
Day 01: Jaipur – Welcome to Pink City
Welcome to the land of the ‘Rajas’. Day kept to unwind and get ready for the Luxury Rajasthan Tour. Evening can be utilized to see the sound at light show at Amber Fort or to enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal for dinner at the very famous Chokhi Dhani. Overnight stay at TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE, which was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur earlier.
Day 02: Jaipur – City of Colors
Today enjoy a visit to Amber Fort which you climb on an elephant’s back. The main attractions inside this fort are The Sukh Mandir (Temple of Contentment – an aptly named pleasure chamber, cooled by a stunning water cascade) and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace). You also stop to see some of the architectural marvels of Jaipur viz The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), Jantar Mantar (The Observatory) & The City Palace complex. Overnight at RAMBAGH PALACE.
Day 03: Bikaner – Desert Citadel
Today we drive towards the west to reach the desert citadel – “Bikaner” (350 Kms / 7 Hours). Start the day by visiting the unusual Junagarh Fort. Unlike all the major forts of Rajasthan which are on hilltops, this one was built on the desert plains itself. The palace complex’s sumptuously decorated interiors are better preserved than in almost any other region. Also visit the camel breeding farm and the rat temple at Deshnok. Overnight at LAXMI NIWAS PALACE which was commissioned by His Highness Sir Ganga Singh Ji, the former Maharaja of Bikaner in 1904.
Day 04: Jaisalmer – Rolling Sand Dunes
Drive further westward and reach the golden oasis called Jaisalmer (350 Kms / 7 hours). Here it appears as if a master-craftsman took one huge piece of sandstone and patiently carved out the entire city. Evening get entertained by local traditional folk dances and cultural program over the sand dunes along with a camel ride over the dunes during sunset. Overnight at MANDIR PALACE which has been the residence of the rulers of Jaisalmer for more than 2 centuries.
Day 05: Jaisalmer – The Golden Oasis
Visit one of the most exotic forts of Rajasthan, in the first half of the day, exploring it from every nook and corner and take some delightful pictures. Also see Manak Chowk and Havelis like Patwon ki Haveli. For the second half of the day explore the beautiful manmade lake Gadsisar (the only source of water Jaisalmer had for years) & the royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh. Overnight at MANDIR PALACE.
Day 06: Jodhpur – The Blue City
Drive towards east to reach Jodhpur, the blue city (305 Kms / 6 hours). Jodhpur city was found way back in 1459. Climb up the majestic Mehrangarh fort (one of the best preserved forts with modern techniques of audio guides) and explore the various sections within. Also visit the marble cenotaph at Jaswant Thada before returning back to the hotel. Overnight at TAJ UMAID BHAWAN PALACE home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence.
Day 07: Udaipur
Drive towards south for Udaipur (270 Kms / 6 hours) en-route stop at Ranakpur to marvelous Jain Temples. The beautiful city of lakes Udaipur is often referred to as the Venice of East and more so locally as the Kashmir of Rajasthan. Overnight at TAJ LAKE PALACE which was build in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur.
Day 08: Udaipur – City of Lakes
Visit the City Palace complex, which houses a museum and a hotel. One of the most fascinating parts of the palace is the Mor Chowk (Peacock courtyard), with its walls covered with a dramatic glass mosaic relief of dancing peacocks. Also visit the Jagdish temple & the garden of the maids. Evening enjoy a romantic boat ride over lake lake Pichola with backdrop of sun set. Overnight at TAJ LAKE PALACE.
Day 09: Departure
Drop at airport for your return flight.
