In this tour you will follow the seductive scent of cardamom down an alley bustling with activity—sari-clad women browsing exotic fruits at an open market, children darting in and out of doorways in delighted play. The next, you are taking a private boat tour on the glassy blue waters of Lake Pichola, or enjoying afternoon tea at the home of a famous colonel. At Agra, you stand in silent awe at the greatest monument ever built to love … the majestic Taj Mahal. This is India, in all its exotic, sensual, diverse magnificence. And visiting this magical place with us, you will see and experience more of India than you ever dreamed possible.

King of Wonders Tours Itinerary
Duration: 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destinations: Delhi- Agra - Jaipur- Pushkar- Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur -Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa- Delhi

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax at hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 2:Delhi - Agra (By Road 203 Kms/4 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.

Reach Agra in the afternoon.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 3:Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr)
fter breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.

JAIPUR- The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 4 Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE- Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

CITY PALACE- A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL- The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at PUSHKAR PALACE.

PUSHKAR- Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon days.

Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.

Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 6 Pushkar - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr) :
Visit the BRAHMA TEMPLE - The only one in the world.Start early after breakfast for Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat-topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravallis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravallis hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north bind the National Park. Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.

Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Day 7 Ranthambhore:
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Day 8 Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr) :
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel. Start for KOTA.

Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT- On the banks of the Chambal river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.

Day 9 Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr) :
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi.

36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravallis hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In 1193 AD when Prithviraj Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravallis hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.

Day 10 Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr) :
Start for Udaipur after breakfast.Reach and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 11 Udaipur :
Breakfast at hotel.Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 12 Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100 km/2 hr) :
After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.Reach Kumbalgarh.

Day 13 Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4 hr):
roceed in the morning after a leisurely breakfast and reach Jodhpur.Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.

Day 14 Jodhpur :
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathores of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 15 Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr):
Proceed for Jaisalmer. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

Day 16 Jaisalmer:
fter a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

Day 17 Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr) :
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.Check in at hotel.

BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.

Day 18 Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr) :
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.

The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.

Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.

Day 19 Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr) :
Breakfast at hotel.Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.

Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight will be at Delhi.

TOUR ENDS

Some Suggested Tours

Delhi City Tours	Taj Mahal Tours Agra	Pink City Tours Jaipur
Rajasthan Rajputana Tours	Tours of North India	North India Wildlife Sanctuaries
Golden Triangle Tour Extensions	Tiger Tour India	Colors of India Tour