Destination : Delhi -
Mandawa - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Manwar - Jodhpur - Ranakpur -
Deogarh - Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Duration
: 13 Nights / 14 days
Day01 : Arrival Delhi.Arrive
Delhi and transfer to Hotel and overnight at the Hotel.
Day
02 : Delhi - MandawaMorning : Halfday : City sightseeing
tour of New Delhi visiting
Humayun's Tomb (1565 A.D.), aptly called the
predecessor of the Taj
Mahal. Drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 A.D.),
and visit the Qutub
Minar, 72 metres high and one of the perfect towers
of the Persian world. Nearby, amidst the ruins of the Quwut-ul-Islam Mosque
stands the Iron Pillar, which has stood the vagaries of the weather and not
rusted over 1500 years. An orientation drive through New Delhi includes the
Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), Govt. Building (1921-30 A.D.) and Birla
Laxmi Narayan temple (1938 A.D.). Drive past Jantar-Mantar
Astronomical
Observatory (1717 A.D.) and through Connaught Place,
New Delhi's main
shopping center. Afternoon : Leave by surface for Mandawa (approx. 260 Kms.
and 5-6 Hrs. drive).
Arrive Mandawa and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight
at the Hotel
Day 03 : Mandawa - Nawalgarh -
Bikaner Morning : Sightseeing of Mandawa City visiting the
semidesert Shekhawati region lies in the triangular area between Delhi,
Jaipur and Bikaner. Starting around the 14th century, a number of Muslim
clans moved into the area and the towns which developed in the region became
important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of
Gujarat.
The town have still not lost its charm, i.e. the
beautiful havelis (mansions) constructed by the merchants of the region.
Most of the buildings date from the 18th century to early this century, and
the entire area has been dubbed by some as the open air gallery of Rajasthan".
There are also forts a couple of minor castles, baolis (stepwells),
chhatris, and handful of mosques. Camelride an optional.After the
sightseeing of Mandawa leave for Bikaner enroute visiting Nawalgarh town.
The main building in this town is the fort founded in 1737 but today largely
disfigured by modern accretions. It houses banks and some government
offices. Havelis of interest include the Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, built in
1920's, the Aath Havelis, the Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, the Bhagton ki Haveli
and Khandelwal Bhawan.
Late evening arrive Bikaner and transfer to
Hotel.
Day 04 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer Breakfast
at the Hotel.
Morning : City sightseeing of Bikaner This town north of
state was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of
Jodhpur. The old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and, like
Jaisalmer, it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade
routes. The old city is encircled by a 7 km. Long city wall with five
entrance gates, constructed in the 18th century. Leave for Jaisalmer (approx
325 Kms. - 6 Bikaner is famous for Junagarh fort and Camel Research and
Breeding Farm. Afternoon :Hrs. drive). Arrive Jaisalmer and transfer to
Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 05 : JaisalmerMorning
: Halfday city sightseeing tour Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any
museum, fort or palace that you're likely to visit in India. There are homes
and hotels hidden in the laneways, and shops and stalls swaddled in the
kaleidoscopic mirrors and embroideries of brilliant Rajasthani cloth. This
Fort was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisal and reinforced by
subsequent rulers, the fort crowns the 80m-high Trikuta Hill. Continue your
sightseeing tour visiting Patwon Ki Haveli this most elaborate and
magnificient of all Jaisalmer Havelis stands in a narrow lane. Its divided
in 6 apartments. There are remnants of paintings on some the inside walls as
well as some mirror work. Gadi Sagar - this tank south of the city walls was
once the water supply of the city and there are many small temples and
shrine around it. After that a small visit to the Chhtries (Cinotaphs).
Afternoon free at leisure.Late afternoon : Visit to Sam Sand Dunes where you
can also enjoy the Camel Ride (on direct payment). Evening witness Sunset at
the Dunes. Late evening : return to your Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 06 :
Jaisalmer - ManwarBreakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer by surface
for Manwar. Check-in at the Hotel.
Afternoon : Jeep Excursion to Tribal
areas to visit Bishnoi Villages.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day
07 : Manwar - Jodhpur Breakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for
Jodhpur. Check-in at the Hotel. Afternoon : City sightseeing of Jodhpur :
Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall
nearly 10 kms (6miles) in length, with seven gates. Dominating the city is
an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. In olden days, the fortress
must have been well nigh impregnable, for the rocky base on which it is
built is scraped on every side. Within the walls are royal palaces of old,
with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Sightseeing of
Jodhpur includes visit to Fort, Palaces, Armoury and Jaswant Tara.
Day
08 : Ranakpur - DeogarhBreakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for
Deogarh.
The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 kms. North of
Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. It
is tucket away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range and is certainly
worth seeing. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple,
dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted and
well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two
alike.
After sightseeing leave for Deogarh - a remote village of
Rajasthan where you will be accommodated at Deogarh Castle. Overnight at the
Fort.
Day
09 : Deogarh - UdaipurBreakfast at the Castle.
Morning :
Visit The atmospheric little town of Deogarh (pronounced 'Dev-gar') is 135
kms. north of Udaipur and has a wonderful castle that has been converted
into a hotel. It makes an ideal stopover between Udaipur and Jodhpur and is
a great place to catch up on some serious relaxation. Visit Anjaneshwar
Mahadev, an extraordinary cave temple believed to be around 2000 years old.
Day 10 : UdaipurFull day city
sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as
romantic as Udaipur. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the
final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals
any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the
whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Morning : City sightseeing
visiting Saheliyon ki Bari, or Garden of the maids of Honour is in the north
of the city. This small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks,
marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. City Place : The imposing City
Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
This Fort Palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city's founder.
The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine
views over the lake nd the city from the upper terraces.The Late afternoon :
Boatride on Lake Pichola (optional). Boatrides which regularly leaves from
the City Palace jetty (known as Bansi Ghat) are popular. During boatride you
will also visit Jagmandir Island which was commenced by Maharana Karan
Singh, but takes its name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-52) who made a
number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan,
derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after
staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11 : Udaipur - Ajmer
- PushkarBreakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for Ajmer.
Afternoon : Arrive Ajmer and visit the famous Holy Place called Dargah Ajmer
Sharif. Approx. 130 kms. South-west of Jaipur is Ajmer, a burgeoning town on
the shore of the Ana Sagar, flanked by barren hills. Ajmer is a major center
for Muslim pilgrims during the fast of Ramadan, and has some impressive
Muslim architecture. The Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi Saint, Khawaja
Muin-ud-din Chisti. Ajmer is also famous for Pushkar which is still a
bewitching little town. It is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11
kms. From Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain.
Pushkar is also best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here each
October/November.
Evening Check-in at Hotel Pushkar Resort.
Overnight
at the Hotel.
Day 12 :
Pushkar - Jaipur After early breakfast at the Hotel Leave for
Jaipur. Afternoon : City Sightseeing : The City Palace which now houses a
museum containing reare manuscripts, painting and an armoury; the
Observatory - built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft.
high; the Museum amidst the Ram Niwas Palace Gardens founded in 1876 with a
large collection of antiques; the Palace of Winds, a landmark of Jaipur made
of pink sandstone and unique design. Drive around Pink City.
Overnight
at the Hotel
Day 13 : Jaipur - Agra. Breakfast
at the Hotel.
Morning : Leave with your luggage for Agra
enroute visiting Amber Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. AMBER : 12 kms (7 miles)
from Jaipur, lies Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the
entrance to a rocky mountain grove. Built in the 17th century, the palace is
a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. The Jai Mandir (Hall of
Victory) is so delicately commented with fine inlay work that glows. The
fort of Jaigarh, crowning the summit of a peak is of amazing beauty and
grandeur, (Amber Palace and Observatory will remain closed on 26 the
January, 15th Aught, 2nd October and the day following the Festival of Holi
in March). Take a joy ride on elephant back to Amber Fort.
After
visit of Amber Fort proceed for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
FATEHPUR
SIKRI : The deserted city of Emperor Akbar literally means "The
City of Victory" the audience halls; palaces and the mosques are still
in a state of perfection as are the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal
and the Buland Darwaza. The city lies on a rocky outcrop and its sandstone
ramparts with bastions and gates enclosed an irregular rectangular area,
which is open on the north-west, overlooking a vast reservoir and contains a
big range of halls, palaces, offices, gardens, pleasure-resorts, baths,
mosques and tombs. Evening : Arrive Agra and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight
at the Hotel.
Day 14 : Agra - Delhi. Breakfast
at the Hotel.
Morning : THE TAJ MAHAL : One of the Seven
Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved
consort Mumtaz Mahal (Anjuman Bano Begum), this beautiful mausoleum is pure
white marble and an architectural marvel. The Taj is noted for its graceful
proportions and perfect balance between the claims of architecture and
ornamentation. The square tomb with chamfered corners is built on a raised
terrace with tall minarets at its four corners, as in Humanyun's Tomb, the
tomb chamber is octagonal, with subsidiary chambers at the angels. In the
basement are the graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, enclosed within
railings of perforated screens. Remains closed on Fridays to all the
visitors.AGRA FORT : Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques
and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Akbari
Mahal, Mina Bazaar, Moti Masjid and Jasmine Tower reflect the skills of the
ancient Indian architects and artists.
Afternoon : Leave
for Delhi enroute visiting Sikandra.
SIKANDRA : The tomb of
Akbar the Great, built in red sandstone inlaid with marble is a striking
sight. The tomb is in the center of a large garden which is enclosed by
battlemented walls, divided into squares and provided with channels and
fountains in the fashion of Moghul Gardens.
Evening :
Arrive Delhi and if the time permits visit Old Delhi
SIGHTSEEING OF
OLD DELHI : Visit Jama Mosque 91650 A.D.) And drive through fabled
Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), the main area of the old city. Visit the
Red Ford (1639-48 A.D.), built by the builder of the Taj Mahal-Shah Jehan,
and famous for its delicately carved, inlaid and marbled Royal Chambers, Raj
Ghat, where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated (1948
A.D.), Gandhi Memorial Museum (Closed on Mondays), Feroze Shah Kotla (1354
A.D.) - ruins of the old fortress and also the Ashok Pillar (300 B.C.).
After sightseeing leave for International Airport to connect your
flight for onward journey.
Seasons in India
Formalities
Amarnath Yatra
