Rajasthan has an air of openness that’s hard to replicate, often it’s only the large open desert, tracts of semi-arid land or lush green that `becomes’ your traveling companion. This monotony is broken by the sight of dramatic forts perched on hill tops in different parts of the state. Scenes change dramatically at village entrances or market places where a riot of colors can be seen all around.

Join Hector D’souza on a dramatic journey spanning thirteen days, beginning in the City of Romance, Udaipur & ending at the country’s capital- Delhi. En-route be astounded by magnificent offerings – be it celebration of the color festival, floating in a hot-air balloon, enjoying a three dimension stupendous view of the world heritage site – The Taj Mahal or conversing with an Indologist over a cup of steaming tea (our national drink!). Take in magnificent sights along the way, some of which are world heritage monuments. With over three decades of experience – L’orient Travels offers you fine hotels, professional guides, a variety of supplements to ensure you have an invigorating experience.

You’ve introduced us to the soul & beauty of your country with kindness & skill, thank you. Kay & Walt Hays

Highlights of your tour

Visit the 19^th century Monsoon Palace of Sajangarh at Udaipur resting on top of a hill (335 meters above the lakes) followed by evening boat ride on Lake Pichola, artificially created in the 14^th century. Boats stop at the elegant Jagmandir Palace –temporary residence of Shah Jehan & Mumtaz. From here Shah Jehan proclaimed himself Emperor on hearing of his father’s (Jehangir) demise.

Highlights of your tour

City Palace built in 16^th century – one of the best preserved living palaces in India, renowned for Peacock Court with peacock mosaics, Pearl Palace, fine wall paintings, mirror work & beautiful courtyard. Outstanding views of countryside & lake. Visit the restored 18^th century mansion on the banks of lake. Late afternoon excursion to the 10^th century mother-in-law & daughter-in-law (Saas Bahu) temple at Nagda with brilliant carvings & friezes from Hinduism

Highlights of your tour

Dedicated to Adhinatha & built by two brothers, Raunakpur Jain Temple was built in early 15^th century. Highlights are 1444 carved pillars of musicians & dancers, no two of which are alike. Finely carved marble work enthrals your senses!

Highlights of your tour

Short trekking tour of 15^th century unconquered Kumbalgarh Fort known for its amazing fortifications & often compared to the Great Wall of China. Also consists of Cloud Palace, Pagoda Pol & Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva

Highlights of your tour

Stay at the 17th century Deogarh Palace with themed rooms & stained glass windows as well as an absorbing view of the surrounding Aravali range from the roof top. An hour long steam engine ride rounds up an eventful day in the heart of rural India.

Highlights of your tour

Watch an enthralling sun set over the Thar Desert at Jaisalmer on camel back. Listen to Desert Folk Music skilfully & effortlessly strung by local musicians, watch a traditional `snake’ dance on the dunes. The variety in itself will engulf you.

Highlights of your tour

A living fort, Jaisal Fort has many intricately carved mansions & temples, Jaisal Palaces & 99 imposing bastions around its periphery. Carved from Jurassic sandstone the mansion captures the mood & attention of many a visitor. Items made from camel bone & hide are there for the asking. Also visit, Patwon ki Haveli a special mansion, as the roof is built in the shape of a peacock. Consisting of 38 balconies, each having its own intricate design, this mansion is also known as `Jehaz Mahal’ as the frontage resembles a ship’s stern.

Highlights of your tour

Made famous for its riding breeches known as Jodhpuris, Rajasthan’s second largest city, Jodhpur offers a variety of attractions ranging from the impressive Mehrangarh Fort to the marble cenotaphs of Jaswant Thada memorial. Meant to give employment to the locals during the famine of 1930’s, Umaid Bhawan remains one of India’s finest palaces. Visit lesser known camel herder settlements in non-descript hamlets in the afternoon

Highlights of your tour

Visit the 17^th century Amber Fort with an elephant ride followed with a visit to the City Palace: among the many royal items on display are two huge silver urns which carried the waters of River Ganga during the Maharaja Madho Singh’s travel to London in 1902 to attend the coronation of Edward VII

Also view a brilliantly carved facade containing ornamented latticed windows, the Palace of Winds predictably stirs the senses for its artistry, design & subtle grandeur

Highlights of your tour

How about a hot air balloon ride across Jaipur? Enjoy a bird’s eye view of hill forts, lakes & city palaces
Enjoy India’s most celebrated event – the festival of colors – `Holi’. Mid-morning converge at a traditional home, mingle with residents, learn about the festival origins, enjoy the bonhomie while celebrating the festival. Round off the day with glasses of chilled beer/ Indian wines.

Highlights of your tour

Your specialist guide ensures no monument is left unseen at Agra, be it the Baby Taj or the viewing room at Agra Fort, while regaling you with titbits, anecdotes & figures about India’s most visited touristic destination – the glowing city of Agra. Sign off for the day an enchanting three dimension sunset view of the glorious Taj Mahal while sipping beer from a rooftop terrace.

Highlights of your tour

Watch the rays of the rising sun cast its light on the eastern face of the Taj Mahal, a monument built to celebrate love. Mid-morning depart for Delhi, en-route visit Sikandra’s Tomb at Sikandra.

Highlights of your tour

Meander across the lanes & by lanes of Old Delhi in a cycle rickshaw. Later visit the largest mosque in India – Jama Masjid (17^th century) built by Shah Jehan. Pay a tribute to the apostle of peace – Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the cremation site. As you move towards Lutyen’s Delhi, discover the changing skyline, symmetrical gardens, dome shaped Presidents Palace, the circular Parliament House & the Secretariat. Once the tallest tower in the world, Qutub Minar built over 800 years ago retains its majestic grandeur to this day, forming part of your post lunch sightseeing program followed by the House of Universal Faith- Lotus Temple. End your day with a visit to an elegant mausoleum – the Humayun’s Tomb & compared to the Taj Mahal in terms of visual & aesthetic appeal. Besides the important tomb of Emperor Humayun it also contains graves of lesser mortals.