Taj Mahal & Desert Safari of Rajasthan
Delhi,Agra,aipur,Nimaj,Jodhpur,Jaisalmer,Bikaner,Alsisar,Delhi (brochure)
Day 1: Australia to Delhi (D)
Fly from Australia to New Delhi, the capital city of India. After clearing airport formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 2: Day in Delhi (B / L / D)
Today take a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Walk through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk (silver street) to arrive at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Drive through the old walled city past the famous Red Fort. Then visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi visiting the famous Qutab Minar, the tallest brick tower in India, built in the 12th century. Drive past President’s House and Parliament House and take a photo stop at the famous India Gate. Also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a white marble and gold sikh shrine still in active worship.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Agra, land of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. En-route stop at Sikandra, the tomb of mughal emperor Akbar. This afternoon, visit the white marble beauty and symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Later, visit Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces and halls of public and private audience.
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son. This afternoon, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.
Day 5: Day in Jaipur (B / L / D)
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride. This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Day 6: Jaipur to Nimaj (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Nimaj Palace, an erstwhile palace that has now been converted to a beautiful heritage hotel. This afternoon, take a jeep safari to nearby tribal village settlements. Rajasthani villagers are famous for their cultural and colourful lifestyle. You get the opportunity to interact with local villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region and see their way of life. Tonight enjoy a palatial stay at Nimaj Palace.
Day 7: Nimaj to Jodhpur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day 8: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (B / L / D)
This morning, drive further west in the heart of the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, a city founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D. En-route to Jaisalmer, visit Pokaran fort, built in the 14th century on the ancient trade route that carried salt, silk and spices to Persia and beyond. Enjoy lunch at Pokaran fort, before continuing your drive to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for fine pattu shawls, mirror work, embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets and Rajasthani silver jewellery. Spend the evening wandering around the bazaars of Jaisalmer and interacting with local artisans and craftsmen of the region.
Day 9: Day in Jaisalmer (B / L / D)
Today, explore the desert city of Jaisalmer, visiting the imposing yellow sandstone fort towering the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis (mansions) with their grand facades, fine examples of stone carving skills. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a sunset camel safari to the sand dunes of Sam, followed by cultural performance and dinner.
Day 10: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (B / L / D)
After an early breakfast, drive to Bikaner, a city renowned for it haveli’s and heritage mansions and the best riding camels in the world. This afternoon, enjoy a horse-cart ride to the old town where you visit many beautiful buildings and the majestic Junagarh Fort, built in 1588-1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh. Junagarh fort is a fine example of excellent stone carving, mirror work, carved marble panels and gold leaf paintings.
Day 11: Bikaner to Alsisar (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Alsisar, in the heart of Shekhawati region. Alsisar has some of the finest frescos and painted havelis in the region, and is a perfect place to appreciate the art of bygone era. Spend the afternoon discovering Alsisar and visiting the unique havelis of the region.
Day 12: Alsisar / Delhi to Australia (B / L / D)
After a leisurely morning, embark on your return drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
| Departure dates below are guaranteed on minimum of 4 passengers or above | Twin Share Price |
| 23Feb.2010; 23Mar.2010; | AU$ 3,430 |
| 20Apr.2010; 25May.2010; 24Aug.2010; 14Sep.2010 | AU$ 3,560 |
| 24Nov.2009; 01Dec.2009; 26Jan.2010; | AU$ 4,080 |
| 23Nov2010; 07Dec 2010; 25Jan 2011; | AU$ 4,330 |
| 22Feb 2011; 29Mar 2011; 26Apr 2011 | AU$ 3,780 |
Single Room Supplement: AU$ 970,
Land Only: AU$ 2,510
Price includes:
International and India domestic economy airfares.
Australia/ India airport and departure tax;
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 4*/ heritage hotels or best available hotel in the region.
All meals included (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All monument entrance fees included.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours. English speaking escort to accompany the group for minimum group size of 8 passengers.
Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur, subject to availability; else, jeep ride will be provided.
Jeep safari to tribal village settlements near Nimaj.
Horse cart ride at Bikaner.
Camel safari to the sand dunes of Sam followed by cultural entertainment and dinner in Jaisalmer
India visa fee for Australian passport holder;
Price excludes:
Air fuel surcharge $380 at brochure printing (subject to airline fluctuation).
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above.
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