Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi 12N 13D Tour

Morning / Arrival
Pick up at Delhi airport, transfer to hotel, check in, rest.
Evening
Light outing: India Gate, Rajpath, maybe Connaught Place for dinner.
Monument / City History (preview):
India Gate: War memorial built in memory of Indian soldiers who died in WWI. Central Delhi architecture etc. (for orientation).
Overnight: Delhi

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning:
Red Fort (Lal Qila):
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 1648. A major symbol of Mughal power, massive red sandstone walls. It has several halls: Diwan i Aam (public audience), Diwan i Khas (private audience), Rang Mahal, Moti Masjid, etc.
Jama Masjid:
Also built by Shah Jahan (1650 1656), one of the largest mosques in India. Three gates, two minarets, large courtyard, blend of red sandstone & white marble.
Afternoon:
Humayun’s Tomb:
Commissioned by Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum in 1565 72. First garden‐tomb in India; precursor to the Taj Mahal’s design. Charbagh (4 part garden) layout, red sandstone and white marble.
Qutub Minar:
Begun by Qutb ud din Aibak in 1192, completed by his successors. Tall tapering minaret, fluted shafts, intricate carving and inscriptions, remains of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque around it with Indo Islamic architecture.
Evening:
Depending on interest/time: Lotus Temple or Akshardham for modern architecture, or shopping in old Delhi streets.
Overnight: Delhi

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning: Depart from Delhi to Mandawa (approx 4 6 hrs depending on route).
Afternoon / Evening:
Mandawa Fort (Castle Mandawa):
Founded by Thakur Nawal Singh in 1755 AD (Vikram Samvat 1812). It dominates the town via its painted arched gateway with frescoes (e.g. Krishna & cows), rooms with frescoes, mirror work, Durbar Hall with antiques.
Walk through Mandawa Town: Havelis, painted facades:
Goenka Double Haveli: Two wings, facade with paintings of elephants, horses, religious & folk scenes, even European influences.
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli: Known for its vivid murals, erotic scenes (historically), defaced in parts. Built approx late 19th century.
Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli etc.: each with distinct styles and frescoes.
Overnight: Mandawa

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning: Depart Mandawa → Bikaner (driving). Arrive by midday / early afternoon.
Afternoon / Evening:
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner:
Constructed in late 16th century under Raja Rai Singh (1589 94). Unlike many Rajasthan forts, it is built on flat terrain, not on a hill. Contains palaces (Phool Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal), each richly decorated, frescoes, beautiful interiors, museums of weapons, paintings, artifacts.
Lalgarh Palace:
Early 20th century palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Architecture is Indo Saracenic, a combination of Rajput and Mughal and colonial influences. Use of red sandstone, domes, balconies. Partly now hotel / museum.
Overnight: Bikaner

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning: Depart Bikaner → Jaisalmer (approx 5 6 hrs).
Afternoon: Arrival, check in, rest.
Evening: Visit Gadisar Lake and enjoy sunset at the Fort or from rooftop.
Overnight: Jaisalmer

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning:
Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila):
Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Its yellow sandstone walls glow in day. Still inhabited; contains temples, shops, homes. Fort’s palaces, narrow lanes. Architecture blends Rajput & Islamic styles.
Patwon Ki Haveli:
Complex of 5 havelis built by wealthy traders. Frescoes, mirror work, ornate architecture.
Nathmal Ki Haveli / Salim Singh Ki Haveli: unique craftsmanship; carved facades, balconies.
Afternoon / Evening:
Travel to Sam Sand Dunes for desert safari: camel or jeep, enjoy sunset, then folk dance & dinner at desert camp.
Overnight: Camp / Jaisalmer

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning: Depart Jaisalmer → Jodhpur (~5 6 hrs).
Afternoon / Evening:
Clock Tower & Sardar Market: bustling local market; good for handicrafts, spices.
Mehrangarh Fort: Arrive before dusk ideally. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Massive, with thick walls, palaces inside (Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal), beautiful views over Blue City. Museum displays royal artifacts.
Overnight: Jodhpur

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning: Depart Jodhpur → Ranakpur (roughly midway).
At Ranakpur:
Ranakpur Jain Temple Complex: Built beginning in 1389 CE by Jain worshipper Dharna Shah under patronage of Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Main temple is the Chaumukha temple, 1,444 marble pillars, each distinct; Surya Temple, Suparshvanatha temple, etc. Fine marble carving, symmetrical layout.
Afternoon: After temple visit, continue to Udaipur. Check in, relax.
Evening: Optional boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight: Udaipur

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning:
City Palace, Udaipur: Begun in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. Extensive expansions by later Maharanas. Architecture incorporates Rajput, Mughal, and some European influences.
Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651; dedicated to Lord Vishnu; Indo Aryan style.
Afternoon:
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Queen’s retreat, fountains, lotus ponds, marble pavilions.
Fateh Sagar Lake: Garden & boating.
Evening:
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh): Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh as a vantage point to watch monsoon clouds and rainfall; offers panoramic view of Udaipur & surroundings.
Overnight: Udaipur

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Early Morning: Depart Udaipur → Pushkar (approx 5 6 hrs or more depending traffic).
Mid afternoon: Arrive Pushkar.
Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake: One of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma; pilgrimage importance. Lake has many ghats, sacred associations, small temples around.
Late Afternoon / Evening: Travel Pushkar → Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur, check in, rest.
Overnight: Jaipur

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Morning:
Amber Fort (Amer): Built 1592 1600s by Raja Man Singh I. Key sections: Sheesh Mahal, Diwan i Aam, Diwan i Khas, Ganesh Pol.
Jaigarh Fort (optional) / Nahargarh Fort for views.
Afternoon:
City Palace: Royal residence, museums, Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal.
Jantar Mantar: Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in early 18th century as astronomical observatory.
Hawa Mahal: Built 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, in pink sandstone, 953 windows designed to allow royal women to see the street processions without being seen.
Evening: Shopping, local cuisine.
Overnight: Jaipur

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Early Morning: Depart Jaipur → Abhaneri (~1.5 2 hrs).
Chand Baori (Abhaneri): Ancient stepwell, built around 8th 9th century by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty. Over 3,500 steps and many levels; astonishing geometry; used for water storage and community gathering.
Harshat Mata Temple nearby: temple mostly in ruins but beautiful old carvings, once dedicated to goddess of joy.
Midday / Afternoon: Proceed to Fatehpur Sikri (approx 3 4 hrs).
Fatehpur Sikri: Built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 1585 as his capital. Key sites:
Buland Darwaza: Grand gateway (1601) to commemorate victory in Gujarat.
Jama Masjid: Large mosque with courtyards & prayer halls.
Salim Chishti’s Tomb: Ornate white marble, lattice screens.
Diwan i Aam, Diwan i Khas, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace etc.
Late Evening: Depart Fatehpur Sikri → Agra. Arrive, check in.
Overnight: Agra

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Pre sunrise / Sunrise: Visit Taj Mahal. UNESCO World Heritage. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. Construction approx 1632 1653. White marble; blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian Islamic architecture. Key features: symmetrical gardens, reflecting pools, intricate inlay work.
Later Morning: Optionally visit Agra Fort: built originally by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, then modified by Shah Jahan. Includes Diwan i Aam, Diwan i Khas, Moti Masjid, Jahangiri Mahal etc.
Midday / Afternoon: Depart Agra to Delhi (approx 3 4 hrs). Arrive Delhi, possible extra local sight if time permits (depending flight).
Evening / Departure: Drop at Delhi airport / railway station.

Activities : Forts and Palaces