Detailed Sightseeing

Agra :

• Jama Masjid Agra - Jama Masjid in Agra is opposite the Agra fort, is one of the larger mosques in India and a most visited monument after Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

• Agra Fort - Agra Fort is a UNESCO World heritage site and one of the most visited monuments after Taj Mahal. There are several areas to explore and a guided visit can take upto an hour and a half to explore. Diwan-e-aam, Diwaan-e-khaas, Khas Mahal (white marble palace, one of the best examples of painting on marble), Sheesh Mahal, Mina Masjid, Moti Masjid are some of the areas that are worth a visit.

• Taj Mahal - The Taj Mahal is often the reason to visit India. Its a monument built by Shahjehan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and became symbol of love world over. Taj Mahal today is a major attraction and one of the original seven wonders of the world.

• Mehtab Bagh - Mehtab Bagh overlooks The Taj Mahal from otherside of the river and offers excellent views. The Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna opposite the Taj and the Agra Fort

• Fatehpur Sikri - Built during the 16th century, the Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collection of Mughal architecture in India. Fatehpur Sikri often referred to as the lost city and has a number of monuments to visit.

• Bird watching in Bharatpur - Keoladeo national park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has been the most organized bird sanctuaries in India. Bharatpur remains an attraction for anyone traveling on Agra - Jaipur route. Over the years 380 resident and migrant species of birds have been recorded in the area.

Bikaner :

• Junagadh Fort - Junagadh Fort is a 16th century fort at 1.5 kms from city centre and kind of dominates city landscape and popular for tourists to arrive for a visit. Fort wears an old look and has some interesting history.

• Lallgarh Palace Complex - Lallgarh Palace complex is home to some most exquisite palaces there could be. Lallgarh Palace, now a heritage hotel has tall ceilings, large rooms and staying here is nothing short of an experience. Laxmi Niwas Palace here has rooms with most intricately carved interiors. There is a heritage museum as well that is open to all visitors.

• Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke - The world famous shrine of Karni Mata can be found in the town of Deshnoke 30 km south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is famous for rats which can be seen everywhere in the temple.

Jaipur :

• Jantar Mantar Observatory - The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built in 18th century. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of few such other built in that period and is considered one of the world heritage site.

• Hawa Mahal - Hawa Mahal is a unique five-storey building built in 1799 akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas. The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen, since they had to observe strict "purdah". Its a popular monument to visit for guests arriving at Jaipur for its unique architecture and views around the area.

• City Palace Jaipur - City Palace is a palace complex in Jaipur which was the seat of the royal family of Jaipur. The Chandra Mahal palace now houses a museum (Sawai Mansingh Museum) but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. The palace complex incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.

• Moti Doongri - Moti Dungri Temple is a Lord Ganesha temple and a major attraction in Jaipur. Set on a hilltop, the temple is well visited all through the year.

• Jal Mahal - Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. The Jal Mahal palace is considered an architectural beauty built in the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Number of birds seen around the lake makes it a good place for a bird watcher to arrive in winter.

• Amer Fort - Amer Fort is located in Amer, 12 kilometres from Jaipur. It is one of the principal tourist attractions of Jaipur, located high on a hill. Amer Fort was built in 18th century and is known for its artistic style. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront. The fort is a must for its different areas, its spread over 4 levels and its aesthetic ambiance. The areas comprise Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. There is also a stepwell nearby that could be an interesting visit for any traveller.

• Mehandipur Balaji Temple - Sri Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa is a Lord Hanuman Temple and renowned pilgrim centre at 60 kms from Jaipur, just off Agra Road.

• Abhaneri Stepwells - Abhaneri is a village at 95 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra road and home to Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple. Abhaneri is a popular stopr for travellers on Jaipur - Agra route on the Golden Triangle circuit.

Jaisalmer :

• Jaisalmer Fort - Jaisalmer fort is one of the rare living forts with a sizeable community living inside the fort. It has a few heritage hotels that allow guests to experience living in a fort, temples and an entire community that has been living there for generations. Fort offers views of the Jaisalmer and Thar desert beyond.

• Patwon Ki Haveli - Patwon ki Haveli is a short walk from Jaisalmer fort and town centre and is an exquisitely carved residence of the rich merchants in the area and now open to visitors to marvel. A definite must visit for photographers and heritage travellers.

• Gadisar Lake - Gadisar lake is just a walk from Patwon ki Haveli and rest of town centre and kind of place best to visit around Sunset for good views and a bit of boating.

• Sam Sand Dunes - Sam Sand Dunes at about 40 kms from Jaisalmer are renowned for the touristy desert experience that it offers. There are number of camps set around here alongwith Camel owners who provide a ride to guests arriving to the desert. Its recommended to arrive here in evening before sunset and enjoy sunset on sand dunes and then proceed to one of the camps for an evening entertainment and ethnic Rajasthani dinner experience.

• Ramdevra Temple - Ramdevra lies on the Jodhpur - Jaisalmer route at about 120 kms Short of Jaisalmer near Pokhran. Ramdevra is home to the temple of Baba Ramdevji. Devotees from all over visit the temple all round the year. Ramdeora Fair is held here in the months of August and February and is attended by devotees in large numbers from all over India..

Jodhpur :

• Mehrangarh Fort - Mehrangarh Fort is one of its kind fort that stands as the most prominent and visited monument in the city. Its vast, has a number of halls / rooms that are worth a visit and there is even a museum in there which displays weaponary and many artefacts from the royal past. Its a kind of must visit for anyone arriving to Jodhpur for its sheer grandeur.

• Jaswant Thada - A quiet place and a well kept Royal Cenotaph enroute Mehrangarh Fort and offers excellent views of the fort and area around.

• Mandore Gardens - The Mandore gardens, with its charming collection of temples, memorials and high rock terraces. The gardens house cenotaphs of many royal family members. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a Hall of Heroes and a temple to 33 crore Gods.

• Bishnoi Village - Bishnoi Villages around Jodhpur have a mix of craftm culture and wildlife. Guests have option to visit craft centres or just take a drive around and there is a good possibility that one can spot Nilgai, jackal, gazelles, antilopes etc. The area is excellent for bird watching as well in winter. There are ethnic resort around the area that are excellent for a traditional evening Rajasthani dinner over cultural programme.

• Shri Osiya Mataji - Sachiya Mata Temple (Also known as Shri Osiya Mataji) is a renowned local pilgrimage and considered main deity for some of the local communities of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

• Osiyan Jain Temples - Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. It is an important Jain pilgrimage center for the Oswal Jain community.

• Osian Desert Experience - For guests arriving at Jodhpur and not having time to drive to Jaisalmer, Osian represents an excellent alternative to experience Thar desert. Sand dunes near Osian are home to several camps who conduct evening entertainment programmes, camel rides and even overnight camping in desert villages.

• Ramdevra Temple - Ramdevra lies on the Jodhpur - Jaisalmer route at about 120 kms Short of Jaisalmer near Pokhran. Ramdevra is home to the temple of Baba Ramdevji. Devotees from all over visit the temple all round the year. Ramdeora Fair is held here in the months of August and February and is attended by devotees in large numbers from all over India..

Sam :

• Sam Sand Dunes - Sam Sand Dunes at about 40 kms from Jaisalmer are renowned for the touristy desert experience that it offers. There are number of camps set around here alongwith Camel owners who provide a ride to guests arriving to the desert. Its recommended to arrive here in evening before sunset and enjoy sunset on sand dunes and then proceed to one of the camps for an evening entertainment and ethnic Rajasthani dinner experience.

Udaipur :

• Jagdish Temple - Jagdish temple is a 400 year old Lord Krishna Temple with impressive architecture. It is situated right in middle of Udaipur old city and a popular visit for all guests arriving here.

• Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway - Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway is a popular ride up the hill to the Karni Mata temple and enroute offers views of the area around. It can get crowded during season.

• Vintage Car Museum - Vintage Car Museum has number of vintage classic cars on display from Royal family garages. Cars are maintained well and therefore a popular tourist visit place.

• Shilpgram - Shilpgram is 3 kms west of Udaipur and is a Rural Arts and Crafts Complex spread over 70 acressurrounded by hills. the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex that depicts lifestyles the rural folk. Shilpdarshan is where performing artists and craftsmen are used to draw from the interior villages of the member states. They are regularly invited to exhibit their skill and to demonstrate their crafts, and sell their masterpieces in order to have direct access to the buyers.

• Bagore Ki Haveli - Bagore Ki Haveli offers a cultural show by the Lake Pichola between 7 and 8 PM that is recommended for all travellers to the area for a bit of experience and a bit of photo opportunity of capturing the area in the evening.

• City Palace - City Palace is a very popular sightseeing area offering multiple galleries, rooms and antiques on display. Guests looking at deeper insights must opt for a guide.

• Lake Pichola - Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. It is located in the heart of the city around which City Palace, Shivniwas and Fateh Prakash palace are situated. Pichola is also renowned for having the Lake Palace, the famous heritage hotel in the centre of the lake. Boating here is nothing short of experience.

• Fatehsagar Lake - Fatehsagar lake is a quieter and less happening lake in Udaipur as compared to Lake Pichola. There are number of hotels around it but otherwise its not much of a destination except a few photo ops in evenings.

• Sajjan Garh - Its a 9 km excursion up a hill where excellent views of the countryside, udaipur city and its lakes can be captured. Excellent option for an evening visit. The area also doubles up as an option for local picnickers. The reserve forest area is home to wildlife and is demarcated as Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Eklingji Temples - Eklingji Temple (25 kms from Udaipur) is dedicated to Lord Ekling (Shiva) and was founded by Acharya Viswaroopa contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya. There is another temple called Nathon Ka Mandir in the temple complex with inscriptions dating back to the 10th century CE. There are two more temples are that are visited in Eklingji Sas Bahu Temple - built in the 10th century; this temple is dedicated to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and has intricate carvings including some erotic figures. Adbudji Jain temple is a temple in ruins dating back to the 17th century and houses a black marble statue of Shanti Nath

• Haldighati Museum - The Haldighati Museum (50 kms from Udaipur) opened up in its current avataar in 2003. It depics story of Maharana Pratap and his battles with the Mughal.

• Ranakpur Jain Temple - Ranakpur is renowned for Jain Temple Complex. This is white marble temple with 1444 pillars and intricate carving. Three Jain Temples to Rishabhadeva, Neminath and Parsvanath, and the dharamshalas, stand close to each other in a walled enclosure. It is one of the "Luncheon" sectors of Rajasthan where guests on the Udaipur-Jodhpur Route stop over for lunch and marvel at the Ranakpur temple Complex.

• Chittaurgarh Fort - One of the most massive forts there is in Rajasthan and all over India and must visit enroute on Jaipur - Udaipur Route. Chittorgarh fort is also called as Water Fort. The fort had 84 water bodies, out of which only a few exist today. The fort spreads over 700 hectares, 40 per cent of which are given over to water bodies that can store incredible amounts of water. Fort once was abuzz with life and there are lot of monuments in a semi ruined state.