Classic Rajasthan

Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Samode - Agra - Delhi

Starting from the Delhi, the capital of modern India, this itinerary takes you across the state, bringing alive the vibrant colors of the desert state. Delhi is also the hub of India's amazing LGBT communities. Our craefully planned tour will enable you to interact and mingle with Delhi's gay communities. Visit Osiyan on the sand dunes and the great kingdoms of the Rajputana- Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner,Udaipur, and Jaipur where even so many years after democracy handed power to the people, the old ways live on.

 

Today, many of the forts and palaces have opened their doors to visitor as luxury hotels and resorts. Often run by members of erstwhile ruling families, these have given a new lease of life not only to building but also to the culture. Staying here is to almost travel back in to the time- to an era that was gracious, graceful and romantic. In most places, erstwhile rulers are still addressed as 'father', 'protector', 'provider of the food', and command both respect and loyalty and though the pomp of ceremony many not compare with what it was in the old days, just a glimpse of the shadow of a royal lifestyle can be a fascinating and memorable experience.

 

Throughout the duration of your tour in India, you will either choose to travel on your own or as a part of a larger gay group. All our guides are gays or gay welcoming, similarly all our host hotels in India welcome LGBT travellers. 

 

Detailed Itinerary:

  

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi

 

After arrival at the capital city, you transfer to the hotel and stay there overnight.

 

Day 02: Delhi

 

This morning you take a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi.

   

You will visit the Qutab Minar, a pillar monument built in 1199, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), and Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. You would also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre.

 

As for Old Delhi, you will visit Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, while driving past the bustling Chandni Chowk market and the Red Fort.  The day would end with a visit to a gay night club in Delhi where you can party and get to know the LGBT lifestyle in India.

 

Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa

 

The drive to Mandawa takes about five hours, which gives you the afternoon to explore the famous havelis of the region.

   

Afternoon visit to Mandawa city, Nawalgarh and Dundlod. Mandawa town was founded in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and is still the home of his descendants. Mandawa houses a collection of armories, costumes of ancestors, canons from 1820, ancient coins, numismatic collection and many other interesting items preserved in a museum. Mandawa castle, one of the finest castles of Rajasthan is now a beautiful hotel. Mandawa has beautiful frescoes, havelis & mansions. The stay will be overnight at Mandawa.

 

Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner

 

Four hours by road to North West of Mandawa brings you to Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort and the camel breeding farm are on the not-to – be missed list here. The city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing   old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by  Raja  Rai Singh,  the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37  pavilions, a  line  of  balconies  and aerial windows  of  varying  designs.  An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. The stay will be overnight Bikaner.

   

Day 05: Bikaner - Jaisalmer

 

Since you will be spending two nights in this beautiful desert town, the first day gives you a break from sightseeing but Transport is at your disposal to visit Sam Dunes & enjoy camel ride there. The stay will be overnight at Jaisalmer.

 

Day 06: Jaisalmer

 

The day is devoted to exploring the town, spectacular forts, havelis and temples. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar, in burnished sandstone, is an intricately molded wonderland - a city of gilded magic. As the sunsets, the sky goes up in flames and night descends softly, creating a new monument every evening. People still live in these ancient buildings dating from 12th to 15th century. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Visit the different Havelis. The stay will be overnight at Jaisalmer.

 

Day 07: Jaisalmer - Osian

 

Experience desert at at Osian with a camel safari, fiery sunset and nights cold enough to gather around a bonfire. The stay will be overnight at Osian.

 

Day 08: Osian - Jodhpur

 

Travel to Jodhpur. Visit the Meharangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium  built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens. The stay will be overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 09: Jodhpur - Udaipur

 

Stop at the little village of Ranakpur that has some outstanding intricately carved temples. 98 km from Udaipur, the Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quiet and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The magic of light and shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions.

 

At Udaipur the evening is at leisure for you to enjoy as you will. The stay will be overnight at Udaipur.

 

Day 10: Udaipur

 

The day is devoted to exploring this lake city, famous for its palaces, lakes, museums, temples and gardens.

   

Visit the city palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari (Queen’s resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (Folk Art Museum). The stay will be overnight at Udaipur.

  

Day 11: Udaipur - Deogarh

 

The magnificent Deogarh Palace now functions as a heritage hotel. Visit the village for an intimate experience of rural life.

 

Day 12: Deogarh - Samode

 

Located just outside Jaipur this lovely little village is the perfect place from where to explore the city. The stay will be overnight at Samode.

 

Day 13: Samode

 

A morning excursion to the ramparts of Amber Fort gives you the afternoon to visit sites and tour the bustling lanes of Jaipur`s bazaars.

 

Visit the ancient capital of the state - Amber Fort while riding an elephant. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. The capital of Rajasthan was given a color coat of pink a century again honor of a visiting Prince and ever since, it has retained this color. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 yrs old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, Observatory and Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. The stay will be overnight at Samode.

 

Day 14: Samode - Agra

 

On the drive to Agra you will halt at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.

 

Fatehpur Sikri is 40 kms from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.                             

    

Evening is at leisure at Agra. The stay will be overnight at Agra.

 

Day 15: Agra - Delhi & Departure

 

Morning visit the world famous and magnificent Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, visit the Agra Fort & the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father.

 

After the visit drive back to Delhi in the afternoon. Arrive Delhi & transfer to airport to board flight for onward journey.

 

 

 

Package cost in USD :-

Cost for single traveller :- 3750

Cost per person on twin sharing :- 2200