Varanasi – Agra [Taj Mahal] & Rajasthan Tour From Kolkata [12 Days]

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel in Kolkata and will take you for Kolkata city tour. Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era. Experience a visit to Victoria Memorial. this grand white marble building, erected in the commencing of the 20th century is devoted to Queen Victoria and has a lush green maidan (lawn) in its frontage. The Victoria Memorial is architecturally striking; it combines British and Mughal design, along with essentials of Venetian, Egyptian, Islamic, and other architecture. Next opt for a visit to the New Market zone and learn about the history of this shopping mecca. Legitimately constructed in the 1870s, it once housed the most vital vendors of the British era. Feel free to pick up a few things, too! In time you will be decided to board overnight train for Varanasi. Night is on board [ Train berth is with basic beds ]

On arrival at Varanasi this morning get transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. [Note check in time at the hotel is around 1200 hours so room is subject to availability at time of check in. However we have arranged breakfast till the room gets ready for check in] Situated on the banks of the massive Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi, one of the ancient in India, symbolizes much of the mythos and culture of Hinduism and has been a center for the devotion of Shiva for over 1,200 years. Many trusts that this is the site where the divine and significant worlds collide, offering it a mystical property that is heightened by the countless thousands of believers who voyage here to bathe in the sanctified waters of the River Ganges. In the evening join a memorable aarti ceremony on the banks of the river. The stunning ceremony comprises rituals accomplished by numerous priests, to the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras. Your opinion on Hinduism and the worship of the River Ganges will be much richer after the ritual and it is not to be ignored. Night stay is in Varanasi

A spectacular early morning boat ride along the holy Ganges past some of the numerous ghats that line the banks, involving some that are used exclusively for public cremations. Later this mid-afternoon visit the Buddhist places at Sarnath where Buddha conveyed his first sermon after getting enlightenment In the evening you will be transferred to Varanasi railway station to board overnight train for Agra. Night is on board [ Train berth is with basic beds ]

On arrival at Agra this morning get transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. [Note check in time at the hotel is around 1200 hours so room is subject to availability at time of check in. However we have arranged breakfast till the room gets ready for check in] Agra was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much of its splendor can be credited to the foresight and supremacy of Akbar the Great and his grandson, Shan Jahan. This morning visit three of India’s most stunning buildings, the Itmad-ud-Daulah ( Baby Taj ), the impressive sandstone edifice of Agra Fort and the glorious marble splendour of the Taj Mahal, said to symbolize the era of Moghul architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra fort is profusely blessed with astounding array of palaces and mosques, whereas the marble grandeur of the Taj Mahal needs no summary. About Taj Mahal [Closed on Friday’s] Constructed by Shah Jahan to honour the remembrance of his wife, Mumtaz, the Taj is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, taking over 20 years to build. We first stop over at the Taj Mahal for sunrise which is the most fairy-tale and peaceful of times to understand the legendary beauty of this honor to love. Explore Agra which is one of those oldest living cities of India where the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort illustrate the traditional culture of medieval era.

Morning head on for Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri which was made the political capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar from the period of 1571 to 1585. The capital was later shifted to the city of Agra. There are majestic buildings built by Akbar in FatehpurSikri. There is a fort in the site which is a blend of Mughal and Persian architecture. Continue for Jaipur. En route stop at Abhaneri step wells.The place is popular for the Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple. Abhaneri is prominent for ‘Baoris‘, step wells which were invented by the natives to harvest rainwater. These tanks were used as cool places of retreat and as water reservoirs during parched times of the year. Harshat Mata Temple, dedicated to the goddess Harshat Mata, serves as the other tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Razed during the 10th century, the remains of the temple still boast architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India. Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. According to myth, the goddess is always cheerful, and she imparts her joy and happiness to the whole village. Check in at the hotel . Overnight stay Jaipur

Today first stopover on your trip is the Amer Fort, an ethereal exemplar of Rajput architecture. Housed in this part of Rajasthan, this formidable, magnificent, honey-hued fort is complete pleasure for your eyes. Built in red sandstone, by Raja Man Singh, the fortress has four significant segments each with a courtyard and a main entrance designed in fascinating architecture. Next spot is a striking resemblance of Mughlai and Rajasthani architectural style, City Palace, standing loftily in the mid of the old city. The palace has been designed in a way that the four gates on different sides offer a complete protection from the outside chaos. Each gate represents a season: the Peacock gate signifies autumn, the Lotus Gate represents summer, the Green gate embodies spring, and finally the Rose gate depicts winter. Then head out to explore Rajasthan’s capital which includes a visit to the market and the beehive-like Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities without being seen by the public. Your evening is free, so perhaps ask to point out the best place to grab dal baati (dal served with wheat rolls). Night stay is in Jaipur

In the morning have breakfast and drive to Bikaner to explore Juna Garh fort, Haveli, Old Bazar, & famous Jain Mandir. After visiting you will be driven away for staying in a home stay of Bikaner village. Enjoy the local delicacies of the Rajasthan village Night stay is in Sam sand dunes in Bikaner

In the morning have breakfast at home stay and drive to starting point of camel safari. In the afternoon you will be served hot lunch while doing safari. If you are photograph lover then you have ample opportunity to photograph wildlife of desert, where Chinkara (Gazzal), Desert Fox, Blue Bull, Rabbits, Vultures, Eagles, Falcons, Demossil Cranes, Sandgrouse and verity of other animals can be sited. Dinner will be severed at camp. Overnight in the tent.

We move towards Jodhpur today, the second largest city of Rajasthan. Once the capital of Marwar, it is is now a cocktail of old and contemporary. On arrival check in at your hotel and then head away to learn secrets of Rajasthan dishes. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Today, have a fulfilling breakfast as it is going to be a long day with so many itineraries lined up. The expedition starts with Meherangarh Fort located on a low sandstone hill, at a height of 120 meters. It being one of the largest forts of not only Rajasthan as well as India is a place of utter interest. With menacing thick walls and intricate carvings, this turret is one treat to the eyes. Explore Moti Mahal, as we say the Pearl palace, built by Raja Sur Singh, is a resemblance of elegance and beauty. Mounted by Maharaja Abhaya Singh, the Phool Mahal – the palace of flowers, used to be a private and an exclusive chamber for pleasure. Next stopover is at Jaswant Thada, built by Sardar Singh in 1889, in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The complete structure is made out of polished thin marble sheets that create an enchanting aura when sunlight reflects on it. In time drive to Udaipur – the city of lakes in Rajasthan for overnight stay.

Referred to as the Venice of East, it used to be the historic capital of Mewar in 1559, founded by Rana Udai Singh. Bestowing glorious events from the past, the city offers moderate history lessons. Located around azure water lakes, standing in the lap of nature, Udaipur is certainly the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Lake Pichola, the most picturesque lake in Udaipur, offers a scenic with architecturally flattered City Palace standing on the banks of the lake. Visit to the palace and then carry on to. Jagdish Temple, erected by Maharana Jagat Singh, falls under the list of biggest shrines in Udaiupur. Based on Indo-Aryan style, this place of worship, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, has been built long ago, but, the excellence of the artistry is still there at its finest form. With long enduring list of places to visit in this part of imposing Rajasthan, it has always been a fascinating tourist destination. Before the night falls in, we will drive you to the Fatehsagar Lake with its history spanning in the years of 1678, and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir sited at the Chetak Circle. With antique gathering of Rajasthani Folk articles, this museum is indeed an exhilarating sightseeing. In the evening enjoy Rajasthan folk dance show. Night stay is in Udaipur

In time get transferred to Udaipur airport / railway station to board flight / train for your next destination. Tour Ends