Rajasthan

Hop on to your train from Mumbai or Pune towards Abu Road over a restful overnight journey. Rajasthan’s rich history and culture is envied all over the world. Home to the world’s oldest civilization, the Indus Valley Civilization, the land of kings never ceases to mesmerize. Overnight rail journey

Arrive at Mount Abu and check into your hotel. After a relaxed afternoon, head down to one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, Lake Nakki. The lake is equally famous for its romantic picturesque view as it is for being the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. Hop on to one of the many boats at the lake and relax as you watch the sun set over Mount Abu. Overnight Stay at Mount Abu

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a paradise for the thousands that throng the heritage site all year long. Located in the southwestern portion of the Aravalli mountain range, at a height of 1300m, Mount Abu is equally a tourist spot and a spiritual retreat. Begin your day at the Brahmakumari Vinavati Ashram, a spiritual home and meditation center. Head next to the ancient Arbuja Devi Temple before being awe-struck by the marvelous brilliance of Jain architecture at the Dilwara Temples. Built with the finest of marbles, the carvings on the walls are intricate and praise worthy. Enjoy the evening at your leisure to explore the tourist destination at Mount Abu. Overnight Stay at Mount Abu

Wake up to a scrumptious breakfast fare. As you drive down to Udaipur, take in sights of historical importance at the Haldighat Pass. En-route, visit the 17th century temple of Nathdwara- a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit the Eklinji temple complex; a complex of 108 temples dedicated to the various forms of Lord Shiva. This 8th century marvel is sure to mesmerize anyone visiting it. Overnight stay at Udaipur

Udaipur beauty and aura was such that it was the most coveted capital for the kings of Rajasthan. Visit the memorial created for Maharana Pratap Singh atop the Moti Magri hill. Take in the sights of ‘Sahaeliyon ki Bari’- Garden of the maidens. The garden was built for the 48 attendants of the Queen to relax and spend their time away from the doldrums of the palace. Post lunch, visit the palace complex located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace of Udaipur. Built over a period of 400 years, the complex is a architectural reminiscence of Rajasthani and Mughal brilliance. Also visit the world’s largest private collection of crystal ware- Heritage Crystal Gallery. Overnight at Udaipur

After a rich Rajasthani fare for breakfast, head out to visit one of India’s largest forts- Chittorgarh Fort. Spread over 700 acres and overlooking the Berach river, the fort is worth every minute worth visiting. Visit the ‘Vijaya Stamba’ or ‘Tower of victory’ erected to commemorate the victory of the Mewar King over the Kings of Gujarat in the 15th century. Leave for Ajmer and visit Mira mandir and Padmini Palace en-route. Overnight stay at Ajmer

Ajmer is home to the grave of one of the greatest Sufi practitioners, Khwaja Mauluddin Chisti. The Darga Shariff is a monument erected around the grave of Mauluddin Chisti and is thronged by visitors. Head out to Pushkar to visit one of the very few existing temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. Be mesmerized in stories of love, deceit, rituals and beliefs as you learn of the history of one of India’s largest spiritual hub- Pushkar. Post sunset, leave for Ranthambore. Overnight stay at Ranthambore

No visit to Rajasthan is complete without seeing the states prized possessions, the tigers of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary. Pegged as India’s best tourist destination to view tigers, the 400 square km protected area provides visitors with ample sightings of not only tigers, but also of leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chitals. Post lunch, head down to the most colorful city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Overnight stay at Pahalgam

Spend your day soaking in the various heritage sites of the ‘Pink City’. Vibrant, colorful and rich, Jaipur’s culture and architectural supremacy has been embodied in its heritage site of Hawa Mahal. Built in the 18th century, the ‘Palace of winds’ was so designed so that a continuous flow of wind is maintained across all its rooms naturally providing an air conditioning effect in the sweltering heat of Rajasthan. Head down to visit the Jantar Mantar- an World UNESCO Heritage site which houses the collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh. Visit the famous Amer fort and Birla Mandir before heading to the streets of Jaipur to buy some souvenirs. Overnight stay at Jaipur

As the tour concludes, look back at your time spent in Rajasthan over a brilliant spread for breakfast. Tour Ends