Royal Rajasthan

Jaipur, the current capital of Rajasthan has several palaces and forts to flaunt the imprint of Royalty that has been living here for centuries. City Palace – Located in the heart of the Pink city, a complex of several royal structures & buildings such as Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), Mubarak Mahal (The Auspicious Palace) and Maharani Mahal (The Queen Palace), the City Palace, Jaipur was built in the early 18th Century. Today, it is a museum but large portions of the palace are still Royal residence. The palace and museum, both are open for visitors from 10 to 5.

• Hawa Mahal – Also known as the Palace of Winds, The Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary structure and a feat of engineering of the 18th century. Upon a wish of Maharana Sawai Pratap Singh, the palace was built in the design of a crown (in red & pink sandstone) and has a five story exterior with 953 small windows, which acts upon the principle of Venturi effect and keeps the entire palace cool during summers.
• Jal Mahal – Built right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal (Water Palace) can be called a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Again, a five story building, which when the lake gets water during the monsoon, is submerged up to four stories and only the top floor stays visible. Located only a few kilometers from the city of Jaipur, it is a must see for every tourist visiting Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer. Famous for its carved havelis (grand mansions), Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and the city is one of the most exotic ones in India. After reaching Jaisalmer, check in to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, go for a sightseeing tour of the city covering the stunning Jain temples inside the Sonar Quila. The palace museum inside this fort exhibits a rich collection of imperial dresses and artefacts belonging to the royal family of Jaisalmer. You will see havelis with convoluted designs and latticed windows such as Patwaon-ki-Haveli and the Gadisar Lake, which are a treat to watch during sunset. Later in the evening, drive 40 kilometres away from Jaisalmer to the sand dunes and enjoy the camel ride/camel cart ride to the Sunset Point and Sam Sand Dunes. Return to Jaisalmer and stay overnight at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is also known as the blue city as most of the houses here are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a 10 kilometres long wall, which has 101 bastions and seven gates. On your tour of Jodhpur, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, which was built on a steep hill. The fort is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential complexes. Later, proceed to visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. You can also stroll down the markets of Jodhpur. Stay overnight at the hotel in Jodhpur.

• Built over an extensive period of 400 years and being contributed by generations of Rajput Kings, the City Palace, Udaipur, is a major tourist attraction of the city. Famous James Bond film, Octopussy was shot mostly in the palace which house several structures including Dilkhush Mahal (Palace of Joy), Badi Mahal, Amar Vilas and Durbar Hall. Part of the palace runs as a museum and the rest is still being used by the current Royal Family.
• Jag Mandir – A palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir was built during the 16th and 17th century as a leisure palace for the Royals and their guests. The Three Storey palace consists of Gul Mahal, Jag Mandir (The Main Palace), Darikhana and Barah Pathron ka Mahal (The Palace of 12 Stones).

After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour with a visit to Saheliyon-Ki-Bari . Next, you proceed to visit magnificent Jagdish Temple, Bagor ki Haveli and Sajjangarh Stay overnight at the hotel in Udaipur.

Tour ends with sweet memories.