Rajasthan Forten&Paleizen Rondreis door met de Gouden Woestijn

Namaste, Welcome to India! On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Na het ontbijt in het hotel vertrek je naar Jaipur. Bij aankomst in Jaipur, check-in in je hotel. De rest van de dag vrij te besteden, maak later op de avond een wandeling over de prachtige markt van de historische ommuurde roze stad Jaipur, waar de oude manieren van leven ononderbroken voortduren. Overnachting in het hotel.

Na het ontbijt in het hotel vertrek je voor een begeleide dagtour door Jaipur. Begin je sightseeing met de iconische attractie van Rajasthan "Amber Fort and Palace", een UNESCO werelderfgoedsite, gebouwd door Raja Man Singh in 1592 in rode zandsteen en marmer. Het prachtige fort bestaat uit een uitgebreid paleiscomplex, verdeeld in verschillende secties. Het staat op de top van een gemakkelijk te beklimmen berg, die vlak naast het prachtige Maota meer ligt. Het majestueuze uiterlijk van het fort en de geografische voordelen maken het een bijzondere plek om te bezoeken. Na Amber Fort bezoek je Jal Mahal (Waterpaleis), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, de Hawa Mahal (Paleis der Winden), Albert Hall Museum en Birla Mandir. Overnachting in het hotel.

Na het ontbijt in het hotel vertrek je naar Chittorgarh. Bij aankomst check je in in het hotel. Ontspan in het hotel, later bezoek je Chittorgarh Fort - het grootste fort in India en Azië, en het perfecte voorbeeld van Rajput dapperheid. Het fort werd van 1303 tot 1568 3 keer geplunderd door Mughal indringers en de Hindoe heersers vochten fel om hun onafhankelijkheid te bewaren. In het Chittorgarh Fort bezoek je Rana Kumbha's Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Victory Tower, Meerabai Temple, Tower of Fame, Padmini's Palace, Chittorgarh Museum, & Jaimal en Patta Palaces. Overnachting in het hotel.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey to Udaipur. Upon arrival, explore the mesmerizing Sahasra Bahu Temples, 10th-century Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Nagda. These temples are celebrated for their intricate carvings and remarkable architecture. Next, visit the revered Shri Ekling Ji Temple, an 8th-century marvel dedicated to Lord Ekling Ji, known for its spiritual significance and stunning craftsmanship. In the evening, unwind with a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, soaking in the tranquil beauty of Udaipur's iconic landmarks. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a stunning garden designed for the royal ladies of Udaipur. Next, head to the Museum of Folk Art, where you can explore an extensive collection of traditional costumes, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, musical instruments, and paintings. Proceed to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in India. Here, you’ll discover a sprawling collection of palaces and mansions added by four generations of Maharajas. Don’t miss the palace museum, showcasing intricate peacock mosaics and exquisite miniature wall paintings depicting Indian mythology. Conclude your day with a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, admiring the picturesque surroundings before returning to the hotel. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur. On the way, visit the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, the second most significant fort of the Mewar rulers and renowned for its massive wall, the second largest in the world after the Great Wall of China. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, the fort’s grandeur is remarkable. Later, Continue your journey to Jodhpur, where you will check in at your hotel upon arrival. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Jodhpur, starting with Mehrangarh Fort, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Perched on a 150-meter-high hill, this fort is one of Rajasthan’s most impressive and well-preserved. Note the seven gates, including the Jayapol (Victory Gate), built to commemorate victories over Jaipur and Bikaner, You can still see the battle scars on the second gate of the fort. Visit Jaswant Thada, the elegant marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, followed by Mandore Garden, the Clock Tower, and Sardar Market. Conclude with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum, part of the world’s largest private residence, which also houses a luxury hotel and royal quarters. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on your journey to Osian, fondly referred to as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan' for its stunning and intricate temple architecture. Upon arriving at Osian, settle into the desert camps and take a moment to unwind amidst the serene surroundings. Later, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region by visiting the significant Jain and Hindu shrines, including the Surya Temple, the Sachiya Mata Temple, and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira, each offering a glimpse into Rajasthan's rich history and devotion.

As the sun sets, experience the magic of the golden sand dunes with a thrilling Camel Safari, soaking in the breathtaking desert vistas. Conclude your evening with vibrant cultural activities, including mesmerizing traditional dance performances by local Rajasthani artists at the dunes. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp in Osian.

After breakfast at the camp, leave for Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to rest and relax. In the evening, enjoy a Camel Safari and take in the beautiful sunset over the Rajasthan desert. Experience cultural activities and traditional dance performances by local Rajasthani artists in the Thar Desert. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day guided tour of Jaisalmer. Start with the Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156, and one of the few forts in the world where a significant portion of the city’s population still lives. Explore the exquisite Jain temples within the fort, the palace museum with its collection of royal artifacts, and the intricately designed Patwaon-ki-Haveli. Continue to Gadisar Lake, a key attraction of the city, and visit the Bara Bagh Temples, where you’ll find royal chhatri cenotaphs set against a serene mango grove. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, depart for Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, and explore Lalgarh Palace, a heritage hotel constructed by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh between 1902 and 1926. Continue to Bhandasar Jain Temple, known for its stunning wall paintings and intricate artwork, and then visit the National Research Centre on Camels to learn about these fascinating animals. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour to discover Mandawa’s renowned painted havelis. These vibrant mansions, adorned with intricate murals and frescoes, offer a glimpse into the artistic heritage of this charming town. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the unique atmosphere of Mandawa. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Na het ontbijt in het hotel vertrek je naar New Delhi. Bij aankomst check je in bij het hotel. Rest van de dag ter vrije besteding. Overnachting in het hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer you to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for your onward journey.