Destination : Delhi -
Mandawa - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Manwar - Jodhpur - Ranakpur -
Deogarh - Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Samode - Delhi
Duration
: 12 Nights / 13 days
Day 01 : Delhi
Transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Mandawa Morning : 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.
Overnight at the 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. Bikaner is famous
for Junagarh fort and Camel Research and Breeding Farm. Afternoon : Leave
for Jaisalmer (approx 325 Kms. - 6 Hrs. drive). Arrive Jaisalmer and
transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day
05 : Jaisalmer Morning : 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 - Manwar Breakfast 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 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Deogarh Breakfast 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 : Udaipur
Full 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 - Pushkar Breakfast 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 - Samode - DelhiBreakfast
at the Hotel.
Morning : Leave with your luggage for Samode
enroute visiting Amber Fort 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.
Afternoon : Arrive Samode and
visit Samode :This small village is nestled among rugged hills about 50 kms.
North of Jaipur (Diversion of around 11 kms. From Delhi/Jaipur Highway).
(Basically it's not actually a palace, as it wasn't owned by a ruler but a
noble-man). This building was owned by the Rawal of Samode. The highlight of
the building is the exquisite Diwan-i.-khas, which is covered with original
paintings and mirrorwork. Late afternoon : Leave for Delhi.
Evening
: Arrive Delhi and leave straight to Airport to connect your flight for
onward journey.
Seasons in India
Formalities
