FORTS, PALACES & TEMPLES OF INDIA TOUR

Places to go, things to see, attractions

Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur -Udaipur -
Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra

Delhi

The list of things to do in Delhi is endless and you'll surely discover many interesting things to do on your own. Here's an abbreviated list of some of the most popular tourist activities:

Eat Dilli-ki-Chaat – Delhi’s tangy local street food in Old Delhi

Visit the Red Fort - a great sandstone carcass of the last days of the Mughal empire and the British era

For a modern architectural marvel completed in 1986, visit the Lotus Temple (Bahai House of Worship), constructed out of marble and in the shape of a lotus flower. It remains one of the most visited sites in the entire world.

Stroll through Humayun’s Tomb which combines Persian style with local craftsmanship, encircled by the symmetrical Mughal gardens

Hear Qawwalis (devotional music) sung at dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya (one of Islam’s holiest tombs) at around sunset

Visit the Imperial Hotel - it's like taking a voyage back into the days of the Raj, with polished hallways hung with chandeliers and works of art

Explore the confusing and narrow streets of the Old Delhi bazaars

Get your clothes tailor-made in Khan Market – a fraction of the cost of the West with emphasis on quality

Visit the former home of Indira Gandhi and learn about India’s most powerful dynasty

Wander around Lodhi Gardens on a Sunday afternoon - a people-watchers paradise

Discover the district of Hauz Khas - crumbling Mughal tombs and tempting art, antique and fashion boutiques

Ride out to peaceful Qutb Minar - well-known and easily spotted for its towering minaret resembling an ornate factory chimney

Visit the Jama Masjid, climb the mosque’s minaret, then enjoy a classic non-veg meal at nearby culinary institutions Karim’s or Al-Jawahar, famous for their roasted meat kebabs

Feast your eyes on the wealth of Indian Art at the National Museum

Visit Gandhi’s simple tomb in its tranquil gardens – said to be the most peaceful place in all Delhi

Mandawa

The towns of the Shekhawati region are known for their painted havelis. This region has been recognised as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world - many of them depicting mythological and historical themes. Most of the buildings were constructed during 18th century to early 20th century.

Bikaner

Junagarh Fort - built in the 1500s by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, the forst serves as a museum which displays historical weapons and ornaments. This is a revered fort as it's believed one of its kings saved the Hindus from being converted to Islam by emperor Aurangjeb.

Laxmi Niwas Palace - a former residential palace built in Indi-Saracenic style, it was designed by the British architect, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and completed in 1926. It is now a luxury hotel.

Lalgarh - another fort of the Rajputana family

Karni Mata Temple - 32 kilometres from Bikaner, this is a temple of a local deity, "Karni Mata". This temple has a rat infestation but the locals believe them to be holy and the white ones to be very auspicious. Be careful while walking inside the temple, you might accidentally step on a rat.

Shivbari Temple - this centuries old Shiva temple has two gigantic water reservoirs

Gajner Palace - an incomparable jewel in the Thar Desert built on the embankment of a lake and spread over 6000 acres. Gajner Palace was used as a hunting resort by the former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj

Jaisalmer

GadiSar Lake - a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints. Boat rides are offered. Nearby is the Desert Cultural Centre.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) - colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structure. The interior of this fort is amazing, especially the great classical interiors and designs of the havelis. An added attraction: 7 beautifully curved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century. All the temples are interconnected.

Jeep Safaris to the Dunes - every evening

Camel Safaris - for a couple hours or a couple of weeks

Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort - built in the 1500s, it's the largest fort in Rajasthan. Jodphur was literally built around the fort. Fort Palaces include:

Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall) - pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall) - just what the name says.
Phool Mahal (Flower Hall) - tThe most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
Zenana Deodi - the inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
Chamunda Mataji Temple - tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha's favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.

A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they'll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable Turban Gallery.

Flying Fox & the Chokelao Garden - zip line tours

Jaswant ThadaJaswant Thada - royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake.

Umaid Bhawan Palace - completed in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel

Khejarla Fort - located 85 km away, the 400 year old fort offers guests an enlivening experience. The stunning red sandstone monument is an example of the Rajput architecture. The Fort offers picturesque settings, latticework friezes, and intricate Jharoka.

Kailana Lake - a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city
Ranisar Padamsar - Ranisar was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Ranisar - near Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh.
Gulab Sagar Lake - Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.
Baba Ramdev Temple - Masuria Hills.
Ganesh Temple - Ratanada.
Mahamandir Temple - Mahamandir Chauraha.
Pal Balaji Temple - Pal Gaon.
Santoshi Mata Temple - Lal Sagar.
Isqkiya Gajanan Ji Temple - Juni Mandi.

Udaipur

Udaipur City Palace - one of the most beautiful palatial structures, this elegant palace was originally built entirely out of granite and marble and rises 30 meters above Lake Pichola. Inside smaller palaces, museums and gardens are to be found. The interiors are adorned with balconies, towers and cupolas exhibiting delicate mirror and marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver and inlay work of leftover colored glass. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the Udaipur city from its upper terraces. Days can be spent exploring the interior of this grand Palace.

Fateh Sagar Lake - An artificial lake with three small islands: 1) Nehru Park Island; 2) the second island houses a public park with an impressive water-jet fountain; and, 3) the third island is the address for the Udaipur Solar Observatory.

Pichola Lake - An artificial fresh water lake created in the 1362. The lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats. The famous Lake Palace (now converted into a heritage hotel) is located in the middle of the lake.

Saheliyon ki Badi - Garden of the Maids - this garden has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place.

Horseback Riding - what camel riding is in Jaisalmer, horseback riding is in Udaipur, a must! Situated in the middle of the Aravalli-Mountains, Udaipur offers a fantastic landscape and unrivaled views. Various operators offer horse rides.

Ropeway - spend the evening overlooking the city lights from the high altitude. Udaipur's ropeway services provide a birdseye view of the city. The ride is about 500m up. At the top of the ride there are restaurants to take a break and enjoy the views.

Pushkar

Temples: Bramha Temple, Rangji Temple, Chamunda Temple, Pap Mochini Temple, Panchkund Shiva Temple, Savitri Temple - all in walking distance
Pushkar Lake - a beautiful, sanctified spot to visit - believed to have been created the day of the earth's creation. A very holy place of pilgrimage for the Hindus. Surrounded by 52 different ghats to bathe in.
Pushkar Fair - a "don't miss" if you happen to be around in October. The town is transformed into a camel-fest and crafts fair. Camel breeders spend weeks of every month transporting their camels here from every corner of Rajasthan. It's a whirlwind of excitement and fun.

Jaipur

Amber Fort
City Palace
Jai Mahal Lake Palace
Hawa Mahal
Jantar Mantar
Monkey Temple
Jaigarh Fort
Elephant Rides
Tiger Fort
The Entrance of City Walls
Ramgagh Palace

Agra

Taj Mahal

Agra Fort - this majestic fort has sixteen palaces, has served as a home to six Mughal Emperors and offers a breathtaking view of the dominant Taj. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Itmad-ud-dualah - known as the ‘Baby Taj’. This look-alike was commissioned by Queen Noor Jahan as a tribute to her father

Fatehpur Sikri - another UNESCO World Heritage Site - you will find the highest gateway in the world, Buland Darwaza (Grand Entrance) and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. The Sufi Saint’s revered resting place attracts millions of people every year. It is widely believed that all your prayers will be answered here. And when one day they are, you must return to the shrine to perform a small ritual.

Dhobi Ghat - carpeted with yards of fabric in more colours known to man, it is an unlikely but popular destination. This part of the river, where washer-folk scrub their laundry, attracts photographers as well as filmmakers from all across the world. Locations in and around it were recently seen in Slumdog Millionaire.