Destination : Delhi - Mandawa
- Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar
- Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
Duration :
17 Nights / 18 Days
Colourful Rajasthan - as the name
specify is a journey through one of the most popular state of
India.Rajasthan - the land of the Rajputs is a fascinating desert land whose
ruggedness hides many a touching tale of valour and sacrifice, is rife with
colour and gaiety, art and pegeantry.The courage, chivalry, pride, honour,
love and culture of its legendry heroes, women and princess are remembered
in the mighty forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and beautiful
lakes and gardens make it a land of breathtaking variety.Cranvan - loads of
camel riders make their way across the sands, exotic water - birds fill the
scheduled sanctuaries.The women here wear bright and clolourful dresses with
lots of silver jewellery.
This journey is through this beautiful
state of Rajasthan travelling through Mandawa - a old Shekhawati village of
Frescos, Bikaner -city of Forts and onward to the sand dune city of the
Jaisalmer - which houses the second largest desert - the Thar and continuing
to Jodhpur - which houses the largest private residence in the world - the
Umaid Bhawan Palace. From here we drive to Kumbalgarh enrouting via Ranakpur
famous for the temple complex.The next halt is the city of lakes - Udaipur
and onward to the quiet little town of Pushkar - which houses the only
Brahma Temple - the creator of the universe.From here to the Pink city -
Jaipur and via Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - the abandon city and one time
capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar to the city of Taj Mahal - Agra.
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHIUpon arrival at Indra Gandhi International
Airport Treminal 2 you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel. Upon
arrival at the hotel you are received with a traditional welcome of TIKKA
and ARTI. Rest of the day is relaxing and for free activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI This
morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan the
Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the
famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and
two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular
structure that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the
Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to
commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine
pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and
Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work.
Overnight
at the Hotel.
DAY 03 : DELHI - MANDAWA
After breakfast we leave for Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert which used
to be a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved
houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style - wooden doors,
bamboo thatched roofs, mud plastered walls and floors, ethnic decor etc.
DAY 04 : MANDAWA - BIKANER Early
breakfast and then drive to Bikaner. The drive is through desert country,
with scanty vegetation. Upon arrival checkin to the Hotel. The endless
monotony of the desert is broken by the fort and palaces of Bikaner.The
city's deity is Karni Mata.The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to
mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice.
Other places of interest are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh Palace.
Evening visit the local market.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 05 : BIKANER - JAISALMER After breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer
today, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a
golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in some
splendor, dominating the amber - hued city. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must
for any traveller to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a
bustling center from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches of
sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Few
places in India could rival the medieval charm and magnificence of
Jaisalmer. The rich and beautiful palaces and havelis of Jaisalmer shimmer
against the relentless monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were known
for their valour and their beautiful havelis and temples has assumed the air
of virtual museum.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 06 :
JAISALMER Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire
township within its ramparts. Lovely havelis dot the enchanting network of
narrow lanes. Among the sights you'll visit : Nathmalji - Ki- Haveli and
Patwaon ki Haveli, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between
the 12th and 13th Centuries; and five interconnected palaces. The fort is
approached through four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and
Hawa Pol.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 07 :
JAISALMER This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we drive to
Sam, a desert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical desert villages, which
have a sprinkling of huts. We move on to Sam where we explore the desert on
camel back. . No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the
picturesque dunes of Sam The ripples on the wind - caressed dunes are a
photographer's delight.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 08 : JAISALMER - JODHPUR After breakfast we start a scenic
drive to Jodhpur including visits to interesting Hindu and Jain Temples at
Osiyan . Jodhpur the gateway to the Thar desert , the city is known for its
striking forts, stately palaces and gracious building. Arrive Jodhpur, The
second largest city in Rajasthan, standing on the edge of the Thar Desert.
The old city was founded by Rao Jodha, its walls with seven gates and
countless bastions and towers were built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th Century
when Jodhpur was a booming trading town. To this day Jodhpur still fulfills
its historical role as the area's main trading center for wood, cattle,
camels, cotton, sals, hides and agricultural crops. Jodhpur is called the "Blue
City" for the characteristic plea indigo color of its traditional
homes. The enormous UMAID BHAWAN PALACE was once the largest private
residence in the world, have in 347 rooms and using over 2.5 million cubic
feet of sandstone and marble. Jodhpur's former ruling family still lives in
this opulent palace / museum/ hotel.
Afternoon stroll in the city and
mix with the local people.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 09 : JODHPUR There are many great fortresses throughout
Rajasthan, but non compare with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, built atop a
400 ft. promontory. Within this invisible citadel are magnificent palaces
with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. These
palaces houses a fabulous collection of possessions of Indian royalty,
including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature
paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Below the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built
1899 for Mahrajaha Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of
Jodhpur. Proceed into the heart of the bazaars for a view of local artisans
at work as well as locals shopping of their wares.
Later part of the
day we set out on a fascinating drive to Rohetgarh, a neighboring royal
village.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10 :
JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - KUMBALGARH After breakfast leave for
Kumbalgarh enroute we visit Ranakpur which is situated between Jodhpur ,
Mount Abu , Udaipur. Here we visit the famous Ranakpur Temple Complex, one
of the biggest and most important cluster of Jain Temple in India. Nestled
in the Aravalli Range.The Chaumukha temple , or Four Faced Temple is the
main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century.Built in
marble , the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two
of which are alike. After visiting the Ranakpur we continue our drive to
Kumbalgarh. Rana Kumbha , the legendary Mewari Hero, an astute and a great
builder constructed 32 of the 84 fortesses in Mewar.Of these , the most
imposing one, is Kumbalgarh - set amidst 36 Kms of the twenty feet thick
ramparts and 365 temples.It is a place for serenity and calm of the
countryside away from the madding crowd.
Overnight at the Fort.
DAY 11 :
KUMBALGARH - UDAIPUR Early breakfast and then we enjoy the exciting
visit to the adjoining wildlife sanctuary which boasts of panthers, wild-
boars, antelope, deer etc. and meet the local tribals BHIL & GARASIAS.
After visiting we continue our drive to Udaipur and upon arrival checkinto
at hotel.
Evening we take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 12 : UDAIPUR Built along three lakes and ringed by green hills,
Udaipur (pop, 366.000) is known as the 'Venice of the East' The City's
palaces, gardens, ghats, temples and painted houses match the beauty of the
setting. This morning we'll visit the towering City Palace, the largest in
Rajasthan, and the Saheliyon ki Bari ( Garden of the Maidens.) Once for
bidden to all but he queen and her ladies.From here we visit the e superb
Jagdish Temple noted for its elephant - motif carvings The afternoon is at
leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 13 :
UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR After an early breakfast we drive towards Pushkar
- a quiet little town ,on the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern
Rajasthan. A city of 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself
on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation , BRAHMA
and is therefore believed to be the centre of the creation of the world.
Afternoon is spent visiting the ghats and the temples.
Overnight at
the Pushkar Resorts.
DAY 14 : PUSHKAR - JAIPUR
After a relaxed breakfast we start our journey for Jaipur popularly known as
the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed
in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture
- Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your pre booked Hotel.
Afternoon - tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace
in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal
architecture. The Palace of winds - a five storied structure of pink
sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking
the main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the
ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life.
DAY 15 : JAIPUR The capital of Rajasthan is the most colourful city
in India. Today morning we visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which
is a super example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow
elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful
buildings. Afternoon is spent visit the local bazaar.
In the
evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an ethnic village atmosphere is
recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers, arobats,
snake charmers, puppeteers etc.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 16 :
JAIPUR - BHARATPUR - FATEHPURSIKRI - AGRA This morning travel to
Bharatpur for a tour of the world famous bird sanctuary here. The reserve
bosts of river 300 species of resident and migratory birds. From here we
drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri ( ghost capital) for a tour of
the magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect
preservation. We continue our journey for Agra and upon arrival check into
Hotel.
DAY 17 : AGRA - DELHI Agra was
the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. This
morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister
and father-in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design
foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three
generations by the moghul emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go at
sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan
in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale,
flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the
water channel are truly breathtaking.
After visiting the Agra city we
leave for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we go for a farewell Dinner in Haus
Khas Village complex and then checkinto our Prebooked Hotel.
Overnight
at the Hotel.
DAY 18 : LEAVE DELHI
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India,
we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back
home.
Seasons in India
Formalities
