Rajasthan Panorama Tour with Pushkar Fair

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where our representative will assist you and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. After check-in, all required travel documents will be handed over, and our representative will explain the tour plan and services. Later in the evening, visit the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, where selected episodes from Delhi's 5,000-year history are presented through narration, special effects and the historic setting of the fort. The show brings the city's past to life in an engaging way. Afterwards, return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visiting the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and once the principal residence of the Mughal emperors. Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, commissioned by Shah Jahan and known for its grand courtyard, domes and red sandstone and marble architecture, and Rajghat, the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue through New Delhi to see President House, an important landmark of Lutyens' Delhi and the official residence of the President of India, and India Gate, the iconic war memorial built in honour of Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, followed by Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important precursor to the Mughal garden-tomb architecture later seen in the Taj Mahal. Continue to the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its distinctive flower-like design, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site begun by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty and renowned for its soaring height and intricate Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi Temple. In the evening, you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi's historic and lively markets. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Mandawa, stopping en route at Nawalgarh in the Shekhavati region. Explore its forts and havelis decorated with frescoes, including the painted gateway leading towards the bazaar and buildings that reflect the prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Continue to medieval Mandawa and check in to a heritage hotel on arrival. Known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, Mandawa is noted for its merchant havelis and wall paintings depicting mythology, animals, dancers, religion, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes. In the evening, walk through the traditional narrow lanes to observe local houses and shops, followed by traditional music, dance and live performances by local artists during the gala dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Mandawa's notable havelis, including Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Newatia Haveli and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is known for its unusual paintings, while Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is noted for its erotic paintings and images, many now defaced. These merchant-built havelis offer a glimpse into the wealth of the region's past. Later drive to Bikaner, stopping at Deshnok to visit the Karni Mata Temple, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata and renowned for its sacred rats, intricately carved marble work and silver doors. The temple's present architectural form was developed over time, with Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner contributing to its construction and embellishment. Continue to Bikaner and transfer to the hotel. The evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, built by Raja Rai Singh and never conquered during the city's history. Its complex contains around 37 palaces, 37 bastions, two massive gates and a 7-kilometre surrounding wall. Later drive towards Jaisalmer, stopping at Pokhran to visit its massive fort. Pokhran became known when India's first nuclear test was conducted here in the 1974. Built in yellow sandstone between 1532 and 1584, the fort contains Mangal Niwas, Rani Mahal and Phool Niwas, or Flower Palace. Visit the Pokhran Museum, displaying weapons, pottery, paintings and Maharaja costumes, before continuing to Jaisalmer. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer, beginning with the Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila and Jaisalmer Fort, built on Trikuta Hill with 99 bastions and the notable Megh Durbar. Continue to the merchant havelis of Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for detailed latticework and stone carving. Visit Gadisar Lake and, if time permits, continue to Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar Lake and the temples of Ladawara. In the evening, drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the gateway to the Thar Desert, and enjoy a camel ride across the sand dunes. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Manvar in Dechu, located in the Shergarh region of the Thar Desert where some of the area's highest sand dunes are found. On arrival, transfer to the resort and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. In the early evening, transfer by camel for a Desert Safari towards the Manvar Camp Site, reaching the campsite around sunset. The desert setting continues into the evening with folk dance and music performed beneath the starlit sky, accompanied by a theme dinner. The resort itself uses local materials and techniques and reflects the architecture and atmosphere of the desert region. Dinner and overnight stay at the desert resort.

Early morning you may opt to take a jeep safari through nearby desert villages to understand local lifestyles and see village craftsmen, including carpenters, metal smiths, potters and cobblers. After the village safari, return to the resort, check out and drive to Jodhpur, en route visiting a Bishnoi Village. The Bishnois are regarded as guardians of animals, follow a vegetarian way of life and have great reverence for living things. Continue with visits to local handicrafts, including shoemakers, pottery and hand weaving, while observing men in traditional attire and women wearing ancestral silver jewellery. En route, watch and photograph wildlife such as blackbuck, chinkaras and peacocks, which are commonly seen around Bishnoi villages due to the community's traditional protection of animals. Later proceed to Jodhpur. In the evening, you may opt to explore the local market and visit authentic restaurants. One option is On the Rocks, an open-air restaurant offering Rajasthani hospitality, authentic food and folk music and dance. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Jodhpur with visits to Mehrangarh Fort, the mausoleum of Rajput King Jaswant Singh at Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and designed by Edwardian and Henry Vaughan Lanchester. Later drive towards Udaipur, stopping at Ranakpur to visit its 15th-century Jain Temples, built in intricately carved white marble with more than 100 individually carved pillars. Enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh, on your own. Continue to Udaipur and check in to the hotel. In the evening, walk through the old narrow streets to observe local homes and daily life, or opt for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Udaipur with the City Palace Complex, a major landmark and former royal residence known for its white marble architecture. Visit the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a garden associated with the royal family. Continue to Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, where traditional ornaments, outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, paintings and folk musical instruments showcase Rajasthan's cultural traditions. In the evening, travel 22 kms to Lake Bageela for a visit to the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. The temples add another layer of religious and architectural heritage to the day's exploration. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bijaipur, stopping at Chittorgarh to explore its historic fort, spread across 700 acres and associated with the Rajput traditions of romance and valour. Visit the Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory), Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Meera Temple, Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple and the State Archaeological Museum. Continue to Castle Bijaipur, a 16th-century castle associated with Rao Shakti Singhji, younger brother of Maharana Pratap. Subject to arrangements, activities here include Jeep and camel safaris, trekking, camping, boating and fishing in its lotus lake, visits to nearby Pangarh Fort and local tribal folk songs. Enjoy traditional folk dances during dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Ranthambore, one of India's prominent tiger reserves. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort and later head out on a Jungle Safari with a naturalist guide. The dry forest and watering holes provide opportunities to observe tigers in their natural habitat, while the park's setting is closely associated with the historic Ranthambore Fort, dating back to the 11th century. The fort once served as a major citadel for control of central India and still contains remnants of palaces, temples and guard structures. During the visit, also see the famous Temple of Ganesha in the fort. Return to the jungle resort, where the remainder of the evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the resort and drive to Pushkar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and explore the town around Pushkar Lake and the Temple of Lord Brahma, one of Pushkar's defining religious landmarks. Watch devotees bathing in the holy waters and offering prayers along the ghats. Later, experience the vibrant Pushkar Fair, where camels and other livestock are traded and decorated for the celebrations. The fair features cattle trading, camel races, shows and competitions, bringing together traders and visitors from across Rajasthan. Pushkar's hundreds of temples and ghats add a strong pilgrimage character to the town while the fair transforms the atmosphere with its colourful desert culture. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, spend the day at the Pushkar Fair, centred on its famous cattle and camel market. Watch camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep being decorated, traded and paraded as owners arrive from different parts of Rajasthan. The fair atmosphere includes bargaining, decorated livestock, dance shows, music performances and cattle competitions. Depending on the programme, visitors can also experience traditional contests such as the longest moustache and other local competitions that have become part of the fair's attractions. One of the highlights is the parade and beauty contest featuring elaborately decorated camels. The fair offers a direct view of Rajasthan's rural traditions, livestock culture and folk entertainment. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay in Pushkar.

After breakfast, continue experiencing the Pushkar Fair around Kartik Purnima, depending on the travel date. Thousands of devotees gather to bathe in the holy lake, traditionally associated with Lord Brahma and the sacred lotus flower. The grand finale at the mela stadium brings together the fair's religious and cultural atmosphere, with Rajasthan's folk traditions represented through music, dance, folklore and the colourful turbans worn by local men. Bards and poets entertain visitors with tales of gallantry, while cultural shows, exhibitions and movies add to the programme. You can also enjoy a hot-air balloon ride, on your own, for a view across the camel ground, town and lake. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and, after refreshment, spend the evening at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village-themed resort designed around the traditional environment of Rajasthan. The experience includes folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music and camel rides, along with traditional Rajasthani food. The setting brings together several forms of local entertainment and cuisine in one evening, making it a practical introduction to Rajasthan's village traditions and performing arts. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, a magnificent hilltop fort built in the 15th century by Rajput King Man Singh and known for its grand courtyards, palaces and blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions. Enjoy an Elephant Ride ascending Amber Fort before continuing to Nahargarh Fort, situated in the Aravalli hills and offering panoramic views across Jaipur. Return to the city to visit the royal City Palace, the historic seat of Jaipur's ruling family and a major centre of its royal heritage. Continue to Jantar Mantar, constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and containing monumental instruments designed for astronomical observations, followed by Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, with its distinctive façade of numerous small windows. Visit Birla Temple, known for its white marble architecture. Later, explore the bustling market by cycle rickshaw. In the evening, visit Amber Fort for its Light and Sound Show, which presents the history of the citadel and the Kachhwaha dynasty before their capital moved to Jaipur. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal city built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, whose blessing was associated with the birth of three sons to Emperor Akbar. Explore the Diwane e Khas, Punch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Continue to Agra and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Oswal Emporium to see its replica of the Taj Mahal, which took 10 years for the artists to build, and enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the Mughal monument built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of Mumtaz and one of the world's best-known architectural landmarks. Continue to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1576 AD and containing Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am and Meena Bazaar. See the Musamman Burj, associated with Shahjahan's imprisonment by Aurangzeb and his view towards the Taj Mahal. Later visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noorjahan in tribute to her father. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Delhi. En route, stop at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a mausoleum combining Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. Continue to Mathura, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and visit Dvarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Potara Kund and Rangbhumi. Continue to Vrindavan, 15 kms away, to visit Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Sri Radha Raman Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple and ISKCON Temple. After the visits, continue to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, the day is free for individual activities and shopping in Delhi. The city's markets offer a wide range of ready-made collections, decorative items, food products, beauty products, textiles, wooden goods, silver and bronze art, jewellery and more. Depending on your interests, explore Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Khan Market, Old Delhi Market, Chandani Chowk, Spice Market (Khari Baoli) or Delhi Haat. Later, transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for your hometown/onwards journey. On departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.