India - Colorful Rajasthan

Rajasthan resembles a kaleidoscope of incredibly vast proportions, where the mosaic never repeats itself, no matter how many times you turn it. The state's area is larger than that of New Zealand and Ireland combined, and in terms of historical landmarks, no other Indian state can compare, thanks to the Great Mughals and Rajputs. India boasts many cities: big and tiny, modern and lost in medieval times, but only Rajasthan is famous for its colorful cities. Above the yellow sands of Thar, impregnable honey-colored forts rise on hills, and the palaces of maharajas are surrounded by multicolored residential quarters – pink in Jaipur, blue in Jodhpur, and white in Udaipur. Like unwritten paintings by Monet and Van Gogh.

Guaranteed Tour to India + Visa to India as a Gift

The package includes:

• 10 nights of accommodation according to the chosen category.
• 10 breakfasts and dinners.
• Air-conditioned transportation along the route.
• Russian-speaking guide for the excursion program.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• Boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments.
• All taxes and fees.
• Group transfer upon arrival from Tuesday 12:00 PM to Wednesday 07:00 AM. If the client arrives at a different time, an individual transfer must be booked.
• Group transfer on the last day of the tour to the airport or a hotel near the airport (if the client has booked an extra night in Delhi).

Not included in the package:

• Airfares. We will find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• Personal expenses.
• Transportation on days without a program.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Medical insurance.

Visa to India is provided as a gift.

Sightseeing Highlights:

• Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (from outside), Qutub Minar, Akshardham Temple.
• Pushkar: Brahma Temple and Lake.
• Udaipur: City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, boat ride on Lake Pichola.
• Ranakpur: Jain Temples.
• Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace.
• Jaipur: Amber Fort, elephant ride up to the fort, City Palace, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal).
• Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Fatehpur Sikri, Galtaji, Abhaneri (Stepwell), Temple of Goddess Happiness (Harshat Mata).

Program:

Day 1: Tuesday. Departure to Delhi (international flight).

Seven hundred years ago, the Italian merchant Marco Polo, after traveling through Hindustan, wrote "The Book of Wonders of the World". Today, a direct flight to India takes less time than reading this foliant. And over the centuries, the wonders have only multiplied. Arrival in Delhi on a regular flight of one of the international airlines. After completing formalities and collecting baggage at New Delhi Airport (Terminal 3), you will be met by a representative of our company. You will receive a traditional Indian welcome "Swagat" with a garland of flowers. After the welcome, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

Note: Hotel confirmed from 13:00 on Tuesday, the sightseeing program starts from Wednesday.

Day 2. Wednesday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi is the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers flourished on its royal land over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in many monuments, from the Lodi Kings' mausoleum of the 13th century to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament Building or the Presidential Palace. The program includes a visit to India Gate, the Presidential Palace, Government buildings (from outside), Lotus Temple (from outside), and Akshardham Temple, as well as Qutub Minar, a 72-meter minaret built in the 12th-14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions, symbolizing Muslim sovereignty in Delhi. We will also visit Akshardham, one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records. The palace's height is 42 m, width and length 94 and 106 m. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 majestic domes, 20 quadrangular towers, and more than 20 thousand statues. Around the building are sculptures of 148 elephants. The outer part of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the inner part is made of white marble, symbolizing purity and the Absolute. In fact, it's not just a temple but a whole complex with a light and sound fountain, sculptures, and canals where you can boat.

Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 3. Thursday. Delhi – Pushkar (Train Shatabdi Express departure 06:05 - arrival 12:45) - Ajmer - Pushkar (15 km / 40 minutes)

After breakfast, departure to Pushkar. The city is sacred to Hindus and holds the status of "tirtharaj," the king of all pilgrimage sites. The Brahma Temple, dedicated to the god-creator Brahma, is one of the few in India dedicated to him. According to legend, Pushkar was built where the god Brahma dropped a lotus flower that killed a demon. The lake was formed by waters that flowed from three places touched by the lotus. Pilgrims can cleanse their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake. Around the lake are 52 ghats, steps. It is believed that Varaha Ghat was visited by the god Vishnu in his incarnation as a boar. Upon arrival, we visit the Mausoleum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and check into the hotel. Then, visit the Brahma Temple and the Lake.

Night and dinner in Pushkar.

Day 4. Friday. Pushkar – Udaipur (250 km – 5 hours)

After breakfast, depart for Udaipur – the White City. In Sanskrit, its name translates to "City of the Rising Sun." After the destruction of the previous capital of the Mewar kingdom, Chittorgarh, Maharaja Udai Singh founded a new one on the shores of lakes in 1559. It is no wonder that such an amazing place gave birth to the graceful beauty Bagheera from Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Check into the hotel. Night and dinner in Udaipur.

Day 5. Saturday. Udaipur

In the morning, after breakfast, a tour of Udaipur. The monumental City Palace complex was built along Lake Pichola starting from the 16th century. It is now a city within a city, consisting of eleven palaces connected over centuries by 22 Rajputs. Hence, there is such a mix of styles, squares, streets, and museums. The total area of the complex is 2 hectares.

The program continues to Saheliyon Ki Bari or "Garden of Maidens," which was laid out for the women rulers in the 18th century. Fountains, gardens with roses, and lotus pools create a romantic atmosphere for strolling. Next, we visit Jagdish Temple, located slightly north of the City Palace. Built in 1652, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu, with its outer walls adorned with carvings of figures of the god and scenes from Krishna's life. The spacious hall - mandapa leads to the sanctuary, which houses a statue of Jagannath carved from black volcanic stone. In a small raised altar in front of the temple stands a bronze image of Garuda, the airborne vehicle of the god Vishnu.

At sunset, there will be an opportunity for a short boat ride on the man-made Lake Pichola. It has two islands with snow-white structures - Jag Niwas, on one of which a fashionable hotel opened, managed to "shine" in a Bond film. Night and dinner in Udaipur.

Day 6. Sunday. Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (290 km - 6 hours)

After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur via Ranakpur, where we will visit the small Sun Temple and the magnificent Jain temple complex. The main temple of Ranakpur is almost entirely built of white marble and is dedicated to the first of the twenty-four tirthankaras (ford-maker) Adinath, who attained enlightenment. It lies in the Aravali Valley, about a hundred kilometers from Udaipur. The temple consists of 29 halls, supported by 1444 columns, each 12 meters high. None of them repeats another and does not obscure the view of the tirthankara statue. The temple is called the Rishabdeva Temple, but it also has another name - Chaturmukha (four-faced). According to legend, the temple was built in the 15th century by four believers over fifty years.

From the city of white, we move to the blue city, where we will check into the hotel. Jodhpur is a brilliant blend of modern and traditional architecture reflected in its numerous palaces. Charming forts, temples, and other royal buildings retain their medieval character and will share it with us.

Day 7: Monday - Jodhpur to Jaipur

In the morning, after breakfast, we will explore Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences with 347 rooms, will be our first stop. Managed by the Taj Group, this palace is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh. Its distinctive architecture blends traditional Indo-Saracenic styles with Art Deco interiors, fashionable during its construction. Part of the palace houses a museum showcasing paintings, weaponry, and curious personal collections of the rulers. The remaining section serves as the private residence of the heir of Jodhpur's rulers, currently the twenty-fourth generation Dalil Singh.

Mehrangarh Fort stands as one of the most impregnable forts in the country, perched atop a 125-meter rocky hill. Its walls, 36 meters high and 21 meters wide, were initiated by Rao Jodha in the 15th century. English writer Joseph Kipling described Mehrangarh Fort as "the work of fairies, angels, and giants." Over time, surrounding settlements began to unify under the protection of this formidable fortress. Despite numerous attempts, the fort remained unconquered until it finally came under the rule of the Mughal Empire in 1544. According to local legend, Maharaja Rao Jodha decreed that houses in the city inhabited by Brahmins, members of the highest caste, be painted blue in honor of the god Krishna. While locals attribute the city's unique blue hue to various reasons, such as cooling effects or mosquito repellence, the houses' distinct color remains a symbol of marital fidelity. After the rulers' deaths, their wives were required to commit sati—a ritual self-immolation. In 1847, upon the death of Jodhpur's Maharaja Man Singh, all fifteen wives expressed their desire to follow him. Before ascending the funeral pyre, they dipped their palms in henna and pressed them against the wall. Subsequently, their handprints were carved into stone, symbolizing spousal fidelity. Enthusiasts of fingerprinting can view these imprints by entering the fort from the west through the Iron Gates. Inside, the Pleasure Palace, Pearl Palace, and Palace of Flowers are located. These structures are separated by small courtyards. The fort's museum is notable, featuring a golden royal throne, magnificent miniatures, ivory artifacts, jewelry, luxurious clothing, and numerous examples of weaponry. We will conclude our tour by visiting Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Crafted from white marble, it is adorned with exquisite carvings.

After the excursion, we depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Our gaze will be greeted by the legendary "Pink City." Maharaja Jai Singh II built a new city based on Vedic principles of shilpa shastra, the Hindu equivalent of feng shui. The city's layout is a rectangle oriented on an east-west axis, known as "Nandanvatar." Rajasthan is considered the homeland of the Roma—its vibrancy envelops us in the Middle Ages with the colorful saris of street fortune-tellers, kilograms of jewelry, earrings in their noses and ears, bracelets on their hands and feet. Shops of craftsmen, blacksmiths' workshops, trading pavilions, and nomadic wagons. British guides try to convince that the city became known as the "pink" city in 1875 when the ruler of Jaipur ordered the houses painted pink in honor of Prince Albert's visit, the husband of Queen Victoria. In reality, local sandstone was used during construction, giving the city its famous terracotta hue. Night and dinner at the Jaipur hotel.

Optional: Dinner with a traditional dance show and introduction to nighttime Jaipur.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jaipur by visiting one of Jaipur's famous hotels for an evening program. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city's iconic architectural landmarks, which are particularly impressive in the evening light.

You will marvel at the stunning views of Jaipur's iconic architectural landmarks. Among the most remarkable are the facades of the Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Albert Hall (all views from the side).

After the walk, you will enjoy dinner at one of Jaipur's best restaurants, where you can enjoy a performance of traditional Rajasthan dances.

Cost: US$ 70 per person.

Day 8: Tuesday - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit Amber Fort (Amber Fort). Amber Fort is located 11 km north of Jaipur. Once the ancient capital of the state of Jaipur was located on the hills of Aravalli. The construction of the magnificent fort-palace began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort is a grand complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. Above all this rises the whimsical honey-colored palace-fortress. You will feel the magic of bygone eras as you ascend to the fort's peaks on the backs of elephants. Along the way, your ears will be delighted by musicians. From the top of the Maharaja's apartments, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the narrow gorge. In the second half of the day, we will tour the city with a visit to the unique Jantar Mantar observatory, a magnificent structure built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728, which houses the world's largest sundials. In the museums of the City Palace, you can see beautiful collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. Observation from the side of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This five-story building of pink stone, adorned with columns and balconies, was built in 1799. The intricate relief of the palace with thousands of latticed windows on the carved facade is considered a symbol of Jaipur.

Jaipur is famous for its textiles and is also the main jewelry center in India, so it is no coincidence that the annual international exhibition of precious stones and jewelry is held here. You will appreciate the sophistication of local jewelry by visiting a jewelry workshop. Ladies here will be able to try on authentic Indian sarees, and gentlemen traditional Indian attire - kurta.

In the evening in Jaipur, we will visit Birla Temple, which is a modern architectural wonder. The majestic temple is located at the foot of Moti Dungri Hill in Jaipur. Constructed entirely of high-quality white marble, the temple is framed by carved sculptures and statues of gods. It is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. The three main domes of the temple provide a clear representation of secular India, depicting different approaches to the country's religions. The temple also has beautifully crafted statues of Ganesha and other Hindu gods. Alongside the statues of the gods, one can also find statues of great thinkers and philosophers, such as Buddha and Socrates. Night and dinner at the Jaipur hotel.

Day 9: Wednesday - Jaipur to Galta Ji, Abhaneri, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra (250 km - 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, we depart from the hotel. Today's final destination is the city of Agra. But the first stop on today's journey is the temple complex of Galta Ji, also known as the Monkey Temple, 10 km from Jaipur. It is notable for its unusual architecture, sacred springs, and a population of monkeys. The temple complex consists of the Main temple and the Sun temple, as well as several sacred pools where pilgrims from all over India come to bathe. Galta Ji is a true kingdom of monkeys, who feel like true masters here.

In Abhaneri, you will encounter the stepwell - Chand Baori, built in the 7th century. The sight of Chand Baori is astonishing—such stepwells were uniquely constructed in India, making similar architecture visible only here. Chand Baori, furthermore, is the deepest stepwell of its kind. This astonishing structure, consisting of thousands of descending steps leading down to the water, makes it hard to believe that this grand and ingenious structure is simply a well, meant to provide water to people. You will see the Harshat Mata Temple (Goddess of Happiness) with medieval Indian architecture and also visit the "ghost city" of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a city built in a desert location of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar, and it was only a glimmer of its majestic past. Shortly, it served as the capital of the Great Mughals, after which the residents abandoned it due to lack of water. Perhaps thanks to this circumstance, we can see it today in its pristine beauty. Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel, dinner at the Agra hotel.

Day 10. Thursday. Agra.

After breakfast, excursion in Agra, the majestic city, capital of the Great Mughal Empire. Agra continues to attract beauty seekers from all over the world, offering an unforgettable visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The palace was constructed by 20,000 artisans over 22 years. A thousand elephants transported white marble for its construction. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its embellishment. The floral ornamentation of jade, agate, malachite, opal, obsidian, and mother-of-pearl, skillfully integrated into the perfect symmetry of the ivory-white palace, evokes a sense of lightness and weightlessness. Next, a trip to Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Here Shah Jahan spent his final years in confinement, treacherously betrayed by his son, gazing out from his room at the ivory-white Taj Mahal. The fort's immense walls conceal magnificent architectural structures – masterpieces of Indian and Muslim craftsmen. In the second half of the day, visit another grand Mughal architectural monument, the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. Then visit Itimad-ud-Daulah - a small elegant garden mausoleum, built by his daughter Nur Jahan, the beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Construction began in 1622 and lasted six years. The tomb combines white marble, colored mosaic, stone inlay, and lattice work. Stylistically, it is the most innovative Mughal construction of the 15th century, bridging the transition from massive red sandstone structures of Akbar's era to the sensually refined buildings of Shah Jahan's time (Taj Mahal). After a rich sightseeing program, you can visit a marble workshop where furniture and souvenirs made of semi-precious stone-inlaid marble are crafted. This is a unique opportunity to observe the work of artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. Return to the hotel. Night and dinner at the Agra hotel.

OPTIONALLY (upon request): Theatrical show in Agra

"Mohabbat the Taj" - a beautiful saga of love. The performance narrates the legendary love story of a royal couple, with vibrant costumes, captivating songs, and dances, featuring the world's largest replica of the Taj Mahal on stage. The show portrays the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the history of the Taj Mahal's creation. Audio translation in Russian is included in the price.

Duration of the show - 80 minutes.

Price: US$ 60 per person (Platinum class tickets).

Day 11. Friday. Agra – Vrindavan – Delhi. (220 km – 5 hours)

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi. En route, we will stop in Vrindavan, known as the "city of five thousand temples." Vrindavan is a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavism followers, associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna (temples are closed between 12:00 and 16:00). We will visit the spiritual complex of Prem Mandir and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple.

Upon arrival in Delhi, we will visit Bangla Sahib, the famous Sikh gurdwara (temple), renowned for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside the complex is a large pond known as the "Sarovar," whose water is considered sacred by Sikhs and is known as "amrit." The gurdwara was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, along with nine other Sikh temples, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. After visiting the gurdwara, you will have time for shopping in Delhi. Then we will proceed for dinner. After dinner – transfer to the airport. (Accommodation in hotel is not provided).

Day 12. Saturday. Departure from Delhi (International flight)

Price quoted per person in DBL room.

Price for SGL - 1809 €.

Extra bed - 1268 €.

Additional night stay in Delhi (Option):

• Single Room - 95 €.
• DBL/ Twin Room - 100 €.
• Extra bed - 24 €.
• Additional dinner at the hotel - 18 €.
• Additional transfer - 35 € per car up to 2 persons / 45 € per car up to 4 persons

Mandatory surcharge for Christmas Dinner on 24.12.2024: 95 euros per person

Mandatory surcharge for New Year's Eve Dinner on 31.12.2024: 120 euros per person

Expected hotels as per the program:

• Delhi - Golden Suites / Regenta Suite / Fox Trail or similar
• Pushkar - Pushkar Bagh or similar Udaipur - Raj Kuber / Mewargarh or similar
• Jodhpur - Aarunya Royale / Zone By Park or similar
• Jaipur - Park Ocean / Fern Residency / Inde Signature / Zone by Park or similar
• Agra - Regenta Palace / Royale Regent / PL Palace / Howard fern or similar

The company reserves the right to change hotels to ensure compliance with standards if rooms in the specified hotels are unavailable. Standard check-in time at hotels is 13:00, check-out time is 12:00. Travel times are indicative and may vary depending on traffic.