forts & palace of gujarat & rajasthan

Day 01 Abroad – Mumbai Upon arriving in Mumbai guest will be received by our representative and escortedto the hotel. The guest will be spending overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 Mumbai – Rajkot – Gondal Morning transfer to the airport to catch flight to Rajkot. Set on your journey to Rajkot by air. Our representative will meet you at the Rajkot airport and guide you with your further journey straight to Gondal (40 kms). Get welcomed and transferred to hotel. Check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 Gondal – Bhavnagar Your morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Naulakha Palace. This palace was built by Thakur Saheb Sangram singhji in the 17th century. The Palace offers an exotic view decorated with an absolute fiesta of stone carvings, which can be seen on the facades, pillars, courtyards and jarokhas balconies, a fabulous pillared courtyard, skillfully carved arches and a distinctive spiral staircase. The enormousDarbar Hall lighted by chandelier has stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and antique mirrors. Also take a look at the Vintage car collection of the Maharaja of Gondal. In the afternoon proceed to Bhavnagar (250 kms) by road. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 Bhavnagar – Palitana – Ahmedabad Early in the morning take a journey to Ahmedabad (250 kms) via Palitana. Palitanais located at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its South. The most revered hill rises in a buildup of magnificent temples totaling 863 in all that rise in marble splendor of its top. As legend goes only the Gods live on this holy hilltop city. After sundown, none may stay here, not even the priests who travel their way down the hill and leave the magnificent pinnacle to the Gods. These impressive temples were constructed over aperiod of 900 years, with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. From here you continue ahead with your journey to Ahmedabad.Upon arrival in Ahmedabad check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 Ahmedabad Your morning in Ahmedabad starts with a visit to the Jama Masjid which is famous for its attractive porticoes resting on 250 columns. Also take a tour of Sidi Sayyad's Mosque, which is famed for its sophisticated latticework of rich and elaborate design. Rest overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 Ahmedabad - Mount Abu Early in the morning take a journey to Mount Abu (230 kms) enroute visiting the famed Modhera, Patan and the havelis of Sidhpur. Modhera is famous for its Sun Temple which is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture of its period. This temple was built in 1026 A.D. It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone tank. Every inch of this beautiful monument, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. Patan is home to the famous patola silk saris.Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. Rana kivav (step well) in Patanis also a must visit place of interest. From Patan you proceed to Sidhpur. Sidhpur is located on the banks of river Saraswati. It is famous for two things - havelis of the Vohra community of Muslims and as a Hindu pilgrim center. Here you can embark on a guided walk to see the havelis along the narrow streets is rather interesting; wherein fabulous carvings and glass paintings could be seen. Here you may even find some friendly families who might take you inside a Haveli. From here you continue ahead with your drive to Mt. Abu and check-in at hotel. In the afternoon visit Dilwara Temple and Nakki Lake. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 Mount Abu - Udaipur In the morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur (190 kms) enroute visit Ranakpur Temple. Ranakpur Temples - the most fabulous piece of architecture of the 15th century Jain temples located in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the templeshere are excellently preserved and still maintain their charm and luster in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" devoted to Adinath. Here the most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are identical. Every possible surface out here is wonderfully carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Continue ahead with your drive to Udaipur and check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 Udaipur In the morning take a tour of Udaipur city which is one of India's most romantic cities. Udaipur is famous for its lovely palaces and lakes. Start your trip by visiting the City Palace and strolling through its beautiful rooms and apartments. Continue ahead on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari'. Late in the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of LakePichola. From the lake you get anenthralling view of the City Palace stretching across the east bank, while the south bank has lovely gardens running down to the waterside. (Boat ride depends upon the water level in the lake).You overnight stay is at the hotel.

Day 09 Udaipur - Deogarh In the morning travel to Deogarh (120 km). Upon your arrival in Deogarh check-in at hotel. In the afternoon visit Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D. The Mahal stands at an altitude of 2100 ft. above sea level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies offering a scenic view of the surrounding Aravalli Mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Deogarh - Jodhpur In the morning take a journey to Jodhpur (120 kms). Upon your arrival in Jodhpur you will be checking in the hotel. Embark on an afternoon city tour of Jodhpur - the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rajput clan of Rathore. The tour includes a visit to the Meherangarh Fort - one of the most remarkable& formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is erected on a high natural rock bluff overlooking bustling city below. Also visit JaswantThada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 Jodhpur - Jaisalmer In the morning travel to Jaisalmer (280 km). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon is free for your own leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Jaisalmer In the morning tour the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each exclusively decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elegant of the prominenthavelis of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-kihaveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last among the greatesthavelis was built in the late 19th century. Your morning tour ends with a visit to Gadisar Lake - the large natural oasis that attracted RawalJaisal to this site. Post lunch visit the sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride to view the sunset scene, as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It is one of the mesmerizing unforgettable experience. Stay and relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Jaisalmer - Bikaner In the morning drive to Bikaner (295 km). Check-in at hotel on arrival. Bikaner is the desert town in the north of the state and was founded in 1488 by RoaBikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. See the Junagarh Fort which constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Bikaner – Jaipur In the afternoon drive to Jaipur (260 kms). Upon your arrival in Jaipur you will be checking in the hotel. Your overnight stay is at hotel.

Day 15 Jaipur In the morning proceed on a visit to the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will be mounting caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate of the fort giving royaltyto your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort was completed in the early 18th century. It took over 100 years to be built. Although now deserted, it offers a mesmerizing insight into the day to day life of the Moghul ruling families. In the afternoon take a tour of Jaipur city.Visit the impressive City Palace, still the residence of the Maharaja. Several of the rooms of the palace are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are on display here, including a collection of weaponry. Proceed on a visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air JantarMantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Walk through the colourful bazaar before travelling back to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel

Day 16 Jaipur – Agra In the morning take a journey to Agra (221 km) by road. On the way visit the famousFatehpurSikri. FatehpurSikri is a deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Proceed to BulundDarwaza in the vicinity, considered the largest gateway in the world. Thereafter continue onwards with your journey to Agra. Upon arrivalin Agra check into the hotel. In the afternoon visit the famous Taj Mahal. This wonderful Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the everlasting memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It is counted among Seven Wonders of the World and has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The massive central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a general practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday). Proceed to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 17 Agra – Delhi In the morning you drive to Delhi (203 kms). Post arrival in Delhiyou will be checking into your hotel. Proceed for an Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi - travel past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including one of the India's greatest landmark the famous India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Then you visit the towering minaret of QutabMinar. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 Delhi In the morning after breakfast you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power.In Old Delhi you can visit ancient monuments, pass through narrow lanes and bustling bazaars. Travel past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and take the 'cycle rickshaw' for an enchanting experience from the Red Fort, through the bustling lanes of "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, live through the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. From here you proceed to Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal. Visit RajGhat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. After an eventful day you will be transferred to International airport in the evening for your journey back home.

Day 19 Delhi - Onward Destination Departure from Delhi for your journey to your destination.