16 day Indian Palaces, Forts & the Taj Mahal Tour

New Delhi, India – Arrival
Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India’s fascinating capital city! Delhi is a treasure trove of ancient culture and history. On arrival, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: The Oberoi, Delhi – premier room

Meal: Breakfast

Delhi, India
Your adventure begins today, you will explore the intricate, bustling streets of Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of Asia’s largest mosques, this monument is a wonderful introduction to the architectural splendor of northern India.

Later visit the exquisite Sikh Temple, called the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and witnesses the phenomenon where more than 10,000 people are fed each day – one of the greatest services to humanity!

Later, you will explore the intricate, Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century and considered the architectural forerunner of Agra’s Taj Mahal.

Overnight: The Oberoi, Delhi – premier room

Meal: Breakfast

Delhi, India – Jaisalmer, India
After breakfast, head to Delhi airport to board your flight to Jaisalmer, historically a crucial stop on the trading route across the stark Thar Desert. The initial sight of Jaisalmer’s honey-colored fort walls emerging from the arid desert landscape is enchanting. Time seems to stand still in Jaisalmer, where golden, crenelated walls encircle narrow streets adorned with exquisite havelis, exuding a medieval charm.

Overnight: Suryagarh Hotel, Jaisalmer – pavilion room

Meal: Breakfast

Jaisalmer, India
Start your day with a visit to Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site; a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains like a mirage from a bygone era. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow lanes towards the Jain temple and Havelis, once the mansions of wealthy traders who grew rich on the trade passed through the desert. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, jali screens, and oriole windows. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to lay the foundation of Jaisalmer. Later in the evening you will get to experience a camel ride at Thar Desert.

Overnight: Suryagarh Hotel, Jaisalmer – pavilion room

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Jaisalmer, India – Jodhpur, India
Drive to the mystical city of Jodhpur, which boasts forts and palaces that rise up against the backdrop of the Thar Desert and the walled old city. The stunning spectacle of Jodhpur is also known as the “Blue City” of Rajasthan, due to its vividly painted houses, which surround the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort.

Overnight: Raas Hotel, Jodhpur – luxury room

Meal: Breakfast 

Jodhpur, India
This morning, you will start your sightseeing adventures with a tour of the imposing  Mehrangarh Fort, the Fort of Jodhpur crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the  surrounding plain and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. Then visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful memorial in marble often described as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar’’.

Later, you will visit Bishnoi Villages, you will have the rare privilege of being welcomed into the local people’s homes and experiencing the famous opium ceremony, an essential welcome ritual in a Bishnoi home. Learn about the handicraft of this region such as the making of the dhurry (rug) and the ancient method of pot making that has survived till today.

Overnight: Raas Hotel, Jodhpur – luxury room

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Jodhpur, India – Udaipur, India
Your journey continues to Udaipur, also known as the Venice of the East, a picturesque city of lakes and many majestic palaces, which is considered to be one of India’s most beautiful cities.

You will visit Ranakpur temple, the temple has 80 domes, 29 halls, and a pavilion which has 1444 pillars. Each pillar is carved differently and is unique. All the statues in the Ranakpur temple face each other. There is a single marble rock with carvings depicting numerous snakes and tails.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas – premier room

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Udaipur, India
Today after breakfast you will explore the City Palace, and Jagdish Temple, another architectural marvel built by the Mewar dynasty. Stroll through the old city on foot, exploring its narrow lanes and bustling marketplaces and head to the Garden of the Maidens (Saheliyon Ki Bari).

Later visit Bagore ki Haveli, it is renowned for its exquisite architectural details, including intricate carvings, jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), and expansive courtyards. The haveli comprises more than 100 rooms, each adorned with period furniture and elaborate mirror work.

In the evening, enjoy a hared sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola. The picturesque boat ride provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas – premier room

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Udaipur, India – Jaipur, India
Following a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to board the flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital and gateway to India’s most flamboyant state.  In the evening, you will have the opportunity to cook your own dinner with a local family at an exclusive cooking class.

Overnight: The Oberoi Rajvilas – premier room

Meal: Breakfast & cooking demonstration with dinner

Jaipur
Your exploration of Jaipur, one of India’s most charming and colorful cities, includes a visit to the classically romantic Amber Fort, a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar Observatory, and a visit to the City Palace, which is still home of the Jaipur royal family.

Overnight: The Oberoi Rajvilas – premier room

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Jaipur – Ranthambore
Today you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park, where you and your expert trackers will search for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Spanning about 250 square miles, the forests of Ranthambore were once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur, and their desire to preserve the game in these forests is partially responsible for making Ranthambore the finest habitat in the world to see wild tigers.

Overnight: The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort – luxury glamping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ranthambore
Following breakfast today, you will explore the wildlife park during a morning and evening shared jeep safari. Ranthambore is home to magnificent predators, as well as numerous other species including the wild boar, deer, antelope, and sloth bears.

Overnight: The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort – luxury glamping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ranthambore – Agra
Today will be driven to Agra, the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the immortal Taj Mahal, which was built in 1653 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, as a monument of love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. En-route you will also see, Fatehpur Sikri, an enigmatic deserted Mughal city now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas – premier room

Meals: Breakfast

Agra
At sunrise you will get to experience the sublimity of the marvelous Taj Mahal– a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, colors, and mood. As you enter through an elaborate arched gateway you will see the monument for the first time, the wonderfully symmetrical landscaped gardens leading your eye to the intricately carved marble domes and towers.

Later visit Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, an imposing sandstone citadel on the banks of the river Yamuna, which became the prison of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and visit Mehtab bagh and Baby Taj.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas – premier room

Meals: Breakfast

Agra – New Delhi
Today you will be driven to Delhi and relax at the hotel.

Overnight: The Oberoi – premier room

Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

New Delhi
Your journey to this mystical land comes to an end as you proceed to the airport for your international flight to home. Bid farewell to India knowing this has been the trip of a lifetime.

Meal: Breakfast