Rajasthan Explorer with Taj & Golden Temple

Fully Escorted 21 Days/20 Nights

Destination Covered Delhi | Agra | Ranthambhore | Bijaipur | Udaipur | Jodhpur | Dechu | Jaisalmer |

| Bikaner | Jaipur | Amritsar | Day 01: 05-Feb (Thu) Arrive Delhi by International Flight (D) Arrive Delhi International Airport Meet on arrival by our executive. Transfer to your Hotel. Delhi discover that Indias capital is sprinkled with glittering gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinents yummiest places to eat. Check into your Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. Day 02: 06-Feb (Fri) Delhi (B, L) Breakfast at the Hotel Briefing of the tour by the Tour Manager Depart for full day guided tour of Old & New Delhi Delhi, the capital of India comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history. New Delhi is the imperial city created as India's capital by the British intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings displaying various modern style of architecture.

Drive past Red Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor famous for its architectural wonders one of which is Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan. Red Fort is famous for its delicately carved inlaid and Royal chambers. Enjoy Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi

Stop at Jama Masjid the Great Mughal Mosque (It is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were occupied in the construction of the mosque)

Then visit Raj Ghat (The memorial of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi) Lunch at Chor Bizarre a unique restaurant. Continue your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Qutab Minar is 73 meters high minaret which tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world). The tour would also include a drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House. You are invited for a Welcome Dinner to know your fellow travelers. Overnight at Hotel. Day 03: 07-Feb (Sat) Delhi Agra by Train (B) Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Delhi Railway Station in time to board your train to Agra. Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the Moslems, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. Transfer & check-in at Hotel.

Later we shall do a sightseeing tour of Agra - enjoy Tonga ride from parking of Taj Mahal We will depart for Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) Unesco Wolrd Heritage Site. Described as a most extravagant monument ever built for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is Indias most appreciated icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz.

And then you will be taken to visit AGRA FORT (sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shah Jahans time, and reworked extensively with marble & Pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'm and Dwn-e-Khs (halls of public and

private audience), Jahangir Palace, Khs Mahal and Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), Also visit local market and a marble factory where you can actually see the inlay work on marble as it was done for the construction of Taj. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Hotel. Day 04: 08-Feb (Sun) Agra Fatehpur Sikri Ranthambhore by road (280kms/6-7hrs) (B,L,D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Depart for Ranthambhore en route visiting Fatehpur Sikr The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpr Sikr about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it is visited by most tourists. The name of the place came about after the Mughal Emperor Babar defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikr . Akbar wanted to shift his head quarter to Fatehpur Sikri so he built a majestic fort. However, due to lack of water the city had to be abandoned and the head quarters returned to Agra. Continue your drive to Ranthambhore & check-in at hotel. Late lunch at the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at hotel. Day 05: 09-Feb (Mon) Ranthmabhore (B,L,D) Breakfast in the Hotel Morning & late afternoon Safari into the park by sharing Canter.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.

Lunch and Dinner would be at your hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 06: 10-Feb (Tue) Ranthambhore Bijaipur by road (280kms/5-6hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel. Depart for Bijaipur & check-in at hotel. Bijaipur village is located at the foot of Vindhyanchal Hills and is surrounded by forests of Jacaranda. The 16th-century Bijaipur Castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap Singh being run as heritage hotel is major tourist attraction of Bijaipur. This castle is blend of Colonial and Mughal architecture and showcases traditional Mewar hospitality. Jeep safari to nearby villages is a testament to rural Indian life. Overnight at Hotel. Day 07: 11-Feb (Wed) Bijaipur (B) Breakfast in the hotel Today you will enjoy a short Horse Safari. Also visit the local village on foot. Rest of the day is free to relax Overnight at Hotel. Day 08: 12-Feb (Thu) Bijaipur Udaipur by road (150kms/3-4hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Udaipur & check-in at hotel. Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia clan. The founder of Udaipur was Rana Udai Singh. The ancient capital of Mewar was Nagda, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and said that it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur. As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia Ranas, and later Maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except the Fort of Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. After India's Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state. The city's pride, the 'Lake Palace' was once a prison. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: 13-Feb Fri Udaipur (B) Breakfast in the hotel After breakfast, you will be taken on a half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur also known as City of Lakes visiting City Palace - standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the Palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other side of the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The Chinese Painting Exhibition is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other Palaces such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas built in the memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the Palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day,

Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The garden set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake has lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts specially carved for the purpose.

Afternoon is free to relax or you may like to take an optional sunset cruise on the Lake Pichola. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: 14-Feb Sat Udaipur Ranakpur Jodhpur by road (257kms/5-6hrs) (B,L) Breakfast in the hotel. Depart for Jodhpur en route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district of Rajasthan. The Ranakpur Jain Temple complex was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared hall and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. This is one of the finest examples of Jain Temples. Lunch would be provided at a local restaurant/hotel in Ranakpur. After lunch continue your drive to Jodhpur & check-in at hotel. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, and the city grew out of the profits of Opium, Sandalwood, Dates and Copper. Rathore kingdom was once known as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today its moustached men are more about smiling for the camera. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel Day 11: 15-Feb Sun Jodhpur Dechu by road (126kms/3hrs) (B,L,D) Breakfast in the hotel. Today you will go for the sightseeing of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort which lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is the most majestic and one of the largest Forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the Fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of Palanquins, Howdahs, Royal Cradles, Miniature Paintings, Musical instruments, Costumes and Furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved Cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

Jasawant Thada

The Jaswant Thada is the architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. Also visit the bustling market of Jodhpur. Depart for Dechu and check in at the

Desert Camp This evening you would enjoy camel ride to the sand dunes to see a spectacular sight of sunset in the desert. You would return to the camp for lovely entertainment followed by dinner. Overnight at Camp Day 12: 16-Feb Mon Dechu Jaisalmer by road (154kms/3hrs) (B) Early risers will enjoy another beautiful sight of sunrise in the desert After leisurely breakfast depart for Jaisalmer and check in at hotel Jaisalmer is named after its founder Rao Jaisal. Jaisalmer means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden City of India because the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area. Rest of the day is free to relax Overnight at hotel

Day 13: 17-Feb Tue Jaisalmer (B) Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting Jaisalmer Fort (Golden Fort) Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal, it is situated on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. This is a living Fort and about a quarter of city's population still lives inside the Fort. The main attractions inside the Fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain Temples and the Laxminath temple.

Also visit the famous Havelis of Jaisalmer visiting Patwon-ki-Haveli: Guman Chand Patwa (and later by his five sons), a wealthy merchant and banker who had over three hundred trading centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-storey complex took fifty years to complete. This is the largest, the most magnificent, and the most elaborate of Jaisalmer Havelis. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: It was built by the scheming Prime Minister Salim Singh in 1815. It has a beautifully arched roof capped with blue cupolas and carved brackets in the form of Peacocks.

Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes to enjoy another Camel Ride and Sunset. Overnight at hotel

Day 14: 18-Feb Wed Jaisalmer/Bikaner by road (330kms/6-7hrs) (B,L) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Bikaner and check in at hotel. Lunch at a midway restaurant.

Overnight at hotel Day 15: 19-Feb Thu Bikaner/Jaipur by road (330kms/6-7hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart of sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. Junagarh Fort is constructed between 1588 and 1593. Fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances. The main entrance to the Fort is Karan Pol [gate] that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the Sun Gate. The Fort has some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal (palace of pleasures). The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. Bhand Sagar Temple The 16th century Jain Temple, is the most important of this temple complex. The temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Parasvanath. It has elaborate ceilings and Jins engraved on the outer walls. The temple is crowned by a high grey stone tower. After finishing the tour drive to Jaipur and check in at hotel

Overnight at hotel

BIKANER- if ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization.

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is the first well planned city of India, located in the desert land of India. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city.

Day 16: 20-Feb Fri Jaipur (B, L) Breakfast at Hotel Morning depart for Amber fort - Situated atop the Aravali hills, it is the ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture. We ascend to the fort on the back of a caparisoned Elephant. Return can be on foot or by shared jeep.

Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds - This five storied building which looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honey-combed and stone windows. Originally Hawa Mahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the daily life and processions of the city,

Jantar Mantar - The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most striking instruments is the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high.

City Palace Museum - City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Visit the various galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the Rajput clan. The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping. Jaipur is known as a shoppers paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: 21-Feb Sat Jaipur (B) Breakfast in the hotel Full day free to explore the city on your own you may like to enjoy a walk in the bustling city of Jaipur or just relax at the hotel before starting the next leg of the journey which is a little faster than the previous one. Overnight at hotel Day 18: 22-Feb Sun Jaipur/Delhi by flight (B) Delhi/Amritsar by flight Breakfast in the hotel Transfer to Jaipur airport in time to connect flight to Amritsar via Delhi (Change of Plane in Delhi) Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel Amritsar city is one of the major cities of the Punjab state in India. This city was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1574. Earlier Guru Ram Das had begun building Santokhsar Sarovar, near the village of Sultanwind in 1564 (according to one source in 1570). It could not be completed before 1588. In 1574, Guru Ram Das built his residence and moved to this place. At that time, it was known as Guru Da Chakk. (Later, it came to be known as Chakk Ram Das). Overnight at hotel Day 19: 23-Feb Mon Amritsar (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for half day sightseeing tour of Amritsar

Golden Temple also called Sri Harmandir Sahib was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites for the Sikh community. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe. Although principally a pilgrimage spot for the Sikh, it is visited by people of all religions and proves to be one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar on your tour to India.

Jalianwala Bagh situated near the Golden Temple, it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919 was set on fire by General Dyer. In the late afternoon you will be taken to visit The Wagah border often called the "Berlin wall of Asia", is a ceremonial border on IndiaPakistan Border, where each evening a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags takes place. At that time there is a very energetic and thrilling parade by the Border Security Force (B.S.F), India and the Pakistan Rangers soldiers. It may appear slightly aggressive and even hostile to foreigners, but it really is entertainment for the crowd with grand stands being built on both sides. Troops of each country put on quite an entertaining show in their uniforms with their colorful turbans. Border officials from the two countries sometimes walk over to the offices on the other side for day to day affairs. Overnight at hotel Day 20: 24-Feb Tue Amritsar/Delhi by Express train at 0930/1725hrs (B,L,D) Transfer to Amritsar train station in time to board train to Delhi Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel Farwell Dinner at the hotel Overnight at hotel Day 21: 25-Feb Wed Depart/Delhi by Intl flight (B) Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out time is 12 noon. Today you will be transferred to Delhi International airport in time to connect flight to next destination

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COSTS: Costs are per person in US Dollars, as per the above program.

Share Twin Room US$ 1999 Single Room Supplement US$ 849 Above rates are calculated on the basis of minimum 10 persons in the Group. Rates may vary if the numbers reduce.

HOTELS CONSIDERED*

City Hotels

New Delhi Piccadily Agra Siris 18

Ranthambhore Ankur Resort Bijaipur Castle Bijaipur Udaipur Jaiwana Haveli Jodhpur Ratan Vilas Dechu The Oasis Camps

Jaisalmer Rang Mahal Bikaner Rajvilas Palace Jaipur Shahapura House

Amritsar Golden Tulip New Delhi (2nd Visit) IBIS Delhi airport

*In the event of any hotel not being available at the time of booking, we shall provide similar hotel.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation at the hotels specified above; Breakfast throughout the tour; 07 TDH or Buffet Lunches; 06 TDH or Buffet Dinners; Delhi-Agra train tickets (Semi Bullet Train) in AC Chair Car; All ground services by AC vehicle; Economy class domestic airfare; Local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours; Entry tickets to the monuments; Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi; Elephant ride at Amber Fort; Camel Ride; Tonga ride to Taj Mahal; Two Safaris to Ranthambore National Park by Canter (sharing basis); Horse Ride in Bijaipur; One liter Mineral Water daily (on the bus); Services of Tour Manager; Present applicable taxes as on 30th June, 2014

EXCLUSIONS Visas, travel insurance, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages during included meals, gratuities, baggage handling in the Hotels, expenses of personal nature like room service, telephone calls, laundry, internet usage etc. Checked-in baggage allowance is 15 kg per person for domestic airlines and any access charge will have to be settled directly by individual guest. PAYMENT TERMS: Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of USD 500 per person is required, along with passport copy at the time of booking the tour, to hold arrangements on definite basis. Early Bird Discount: Full payment is to be made by 30th September, 2014 to avail the early bird discount of US$ 100. Final Payment: Balance payment would be payable latest by Thursday, 27th November 2014.

CANCELLATION TERMS: In case of any cancellation or reduction of services, following cancellation terms will apply: Cancellation in booked arrangements till 71 days prior to start of services: Loss of deposit Cancellation in booked arrangements from 70 days till start of services: 100 % charge No refund is due for any arrangement once the tour has commenced. Domestic/regional flights and train are non-refundable, once issued and attract 100% penalty for any amendment or cancellation. There may be some services which require non-refundable deposits and we shall advise you the same at the time of confirmation of arrangements since these are non-negotiable and suppliers will charge penalty in case of cancellation. LIABILITY Target Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way responsible or Liable for any accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with the travel facilities arranged by the company, its employees or agents. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond our control. Target Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd reserves the right to modify any arrangements required by and made on behalf of clients and to cancel the same without notice.

Rajasthan Explorer with Taj & Golden TempleFully Escorted 21 Days/20 NightsDestination CoveredDelhi | Agra | Ranthambhore | Bijaipur | Udaipur | Jodhpur | Dechu | Jaisalmer || Bikaner | Jaipur | Amritsar |Depart for Ranthambhore en route visiting Fatehpur Sikr