India with Haveli ExplorationImmerse yourself in the royal grandeur of India with our Haveli tour. Stay in historic havelis, explore majestic palaces, and witness the rich cultural heritage of India. Book your royal retreat now and experience the opulence of a bygone era.
Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel where our representative will help you check-in and brief you about the following tours. Have some free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone.
After breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide will pick you up in the hotel lobby then head to Old Delhi for the magnificent Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque; then catch a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw. View the Red Fort before driving to New Delhi for the tallest stone tower in India, 800-year-old Qutub Minar surrounded by an ancient Hindu and Muslim complex. Continue to Raj Ghat - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive among the city landmarks of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings. Finish today with an insight into the local religion at a colorful Hindu temple - Laxmi Narayan Temple. Tips: Female tourists are asked to wear robes before entering Jama Masjid. If you don't have one, you can rent one from the temple, which costs 50 rupees.
After breakfast, proceed to Mandawa, the capital of Shekhawati region, famous for its old merchant mansions and beautiful fresco art. Stopovers for a rest or photo opportunity can be taken at your request en-route. On arrival, settle down at the hotel and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Note: Driving times in the program are approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
After breakfast, enjoy your walking tour of Mandawa to discover many hidden havelis (mansions). The Shekhavati area is like an open art gallery in India and your private guide's commentary will definitely enhance your impression. Later in the afternoon enjoy a camel ride into the surrounding sand dunes.
Continue travelling to rural Rajasthan to discover the small village of Samode nestled among rugged hills where cobbled narrow streets curve up till you reach the fairytale palace. This superbly restored eighteenth-century palace was put on the map by its starring role in the 1984 mini-series 'The Far Pavilions'. This palace will be your home for the night!
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short drive to the 'pink city' of Jaipur. On arrival proceed for sightseeing at the Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State. Situated just to the north of Jaipur, Amber Fort overlooks the city from a spar of the Aravali Hills. From the parking area below the Fort, you take the short walk up the steep path to the entrance courtyard, which leads to a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. Inside, you'll also experience the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Your afternoon city tour of Jaipur includes a brief stop at the façade of the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and your tour guide shows you the best angle for a perfect picture. Continue to the City Palace Museum & Jantar Mantar - the largest stone observatory in the world still in service today. Checking the local time by the giant sundial by yourself is interesting. Drive through the pink rose residential & business areas before you are escorted to your hotel.
This morning we will head east to Agra, en-route briefly exploring the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs), one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Lunch time after that and then continue to Agra. Check in to your hotel on arrival and the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Today you start with an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) which frees you from the crowds and heat of daytime; this white-marble world wonder was built by a great emperor in memory of his beloved. Later visit the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle. Tips: A strict security check is carried out before entering the Taj Mahal. Foods, plastic bags, chargers, etc are all prohibited. We suggest you catch the sunrise view in the early morning as the temperature is relatively cool and this avoids the peak time.
Say goodbye to India today. After breakfast, you will be escorted to Delhi airport directly for your international flight.