FRESCOES & FORTS > Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Shekhawati – Delhi > 09 Nights / 10 Days

The rich cultural past of India is reflected in the innumerable forts, palaces and other monuments across the country. This tour gives you the opportunity to discover some of the most wonderful Forts and Palaces of Delhi-Capital city of India, Agra- The city of Taj Mahal, Jaipur - The royal city of Forts & Palaces, Shekhawati - Open air art gallery of Rajasthan.

Day 03: In Agra : After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.

Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort - built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates.

Rest of the evening free to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

[Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday].

Day 04: Agra / Jaipur (250 Kms - 05 hrs): After breakfast we leisurely drive to Jaipur - the fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments.

Enroute we stop at Fatehpur Sikri - which has been described as “the world's most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. In the afternoon continue to the ‘ Pink City ' of Jaipur, arrive and check inn to the hotel.

This will be a cultural evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 : In Jaipur: After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors.

We stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) - this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.

Post lunch tour of the Maharajah's City Palace , now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes . Later we visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century.

Explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur where one can shop for Jewellery, Paintings, block prints, textiles, carpets, brassware, blue pottery etc.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

( Shekhawati Region: Mandawa, Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Ratangarh are the parts of Shekhawati region, approximately 15 to 35 Kms. From each other and in radius of hardly 75kms, so one can stay at one place and can have day return tour to all the places).

Day 06: Jaipur / Mandawa (151 kms - 03hrs): After breakfast at the hotel we leave for Mandawa - often called the ‘ open air art gallery of Rajasthan' , the region is famous for the high quality frescoes.

Arrive by lunch and transfer to the hotel. After lunch we take a half – day sightseeing tour of Mandawa to appreciate the painted havelis on the ancient and the famous silk route. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: In Delhi & Departure: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi . Including Jama Masjid – this immense mosque is the largest in India , Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire , nearby we enjoy the rickshaw Ride in the local markets of Chandni Chowk & Kinari Bazar.

In New Delhi visit 11th century Qutab Minar Tower , the India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President's House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj.

Evening enjoy Indian Classical Dances show (1900/2010hrs) and dinner at popular Delhi restaurant. Later transfer to the international airport to Board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination .