Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Pushkar - Bundi -
Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa -
Delhi
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the
international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the
present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture
of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is
India.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.
First half of the day relax at hotel. Proceed for a half day
tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail
visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and
the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the
Moghul Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk. NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour
of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the
Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath,
past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the
President's Residence and would end with a drive through the
Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur Continue your drive to Jaipur and on
arrival check-in Hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be
traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai
Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today,
epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a
bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and
history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity.
Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use
of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in
honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4: Agra - Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur.
Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in
1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate
expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over
one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the
Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of
the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different
parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized
astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure
of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork
and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and
windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women. Visit a rug factory and see
the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the
gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon
and relax. Check in at PUSHKAR PALACE.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique
gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a
search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely
spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the
only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends,
it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people
coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds
from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja
Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the
world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500
temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless
architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace
and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.
The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the
world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references
in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats,
which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each
Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing
and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over
different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose
garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose
is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied
terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to
a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of
fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon
days.
Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Pushkar - Bundi
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Brahma Temple. (The one and only in the world).
Offer Pujas at the holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi. The town's medieval character, Taragarh
Fort and the palace below are captivating. The Chitrashala in
the palace has rooms covered with miniature paintings
depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and his consort
Radha. Stay at an old hunting Haveli - ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE
TARAGARH FORT COMPOUND for a beautiful experience. The hotel
is of no star category but the experience will be better as
this is the only hotel in the Fort Complex.
In the evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up
with burning torches and traditional dinner prepared of game
is served. Truly unforgettable experience.
Overnight at Bundi.
Day 7: Bundi - Kota - Udaipur
Start for KOTA after Breakfast.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of
the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also
for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting
scenes.
Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal
river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city
palace complex, which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM
containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by
one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam
around the same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal
and Chatter Bilas.
Proceed for Udaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure
lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision
in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a
fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and
writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples,
gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor
of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an
enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 8: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at
City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls
and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble
balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish
Temple and the local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters
of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the
city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the
middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir
Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake.
Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES,dating back to the 15th
century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29
halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and
sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the
Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the
imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the
emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state,
it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore
clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the
epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD
Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall
-10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert
beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh
Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a
hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive
rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature
paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant
Thada Memorial. Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a
rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India.
Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great
desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside.
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage
is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow
sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the
amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it,
according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan,
foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan
would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy
was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of
the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at
Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the
Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing
tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the
Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all
built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the
JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is
the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi
Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical
Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the
sunset from the dunes, (Same camels to be used for Safari -
getting to know the camels) as the sky is set on fire. It can
be an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes.
Overnight at Village.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Camel Safari
Proceed on camel backs early in the morning into the
desert and reach midway between Khuri and Jaisalmer.
Camp for overnight stay.
Day 13: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
Continue your camel safari for the first half of the day
and reach closer to Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Due to weather
conditions in August - one and half day should be enough.
Return to Jaisalmer and proceed straight to Bikaner. (The road
is very good and the journey will be comfortable and relaxing)
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the
north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand
dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the
city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned
for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the
desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling
heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels
are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important
source of water are other attractions of the city. These are
built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of
the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 14: Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur,
founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by
Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.
The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the
camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner
Palace - the palace on the lake.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 15: Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for Mandawa. The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually
rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the
town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious
collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial
costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies
worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this
town. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao
Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle,
now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an
interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and
antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during
evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the
season. A two hundred and forty year old fortess, that has
been converted by the family into a fine example of
traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the
leading business families of the country. Though they no
longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the
visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli,
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and
Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major
part of the day looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and after Farewell Dinner and freshening up
- proceed straight to the airport for flight back home with
sweet memories of India.
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