Destination : Delhi -
Mandawa - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur -
Chittorgarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
Duration
: 12 Nights / 13 days
Day
01 : Arrival Delhi. Arrival and transfer to Hotel. Overnight in
Delhi
Day 02 : Delhi - MandawaMorning
: Half day : 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 : 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 - Jodhpur Breakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for
Jodhpur.
Afternoon : Arrive Jodhpur and check-in at the Hotel
and sightseeing tour of Jodhpur which 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 Thada. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 07 :
Jodhpur - Ranakpur - UdaipurBreakfast at the Hotel. Leave for
Udaipur en-route visiting Ranakpur Temples. 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. Afternoon : Leave for Udaipur.
Arrive Udaipur and check-in at the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day
08 : UdaipurMorning : 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 Palace : 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 09 : Udaipur -
Chittorgarh - PushkarBreakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for
Pushkar enroute visiting Chittorgarh. The sprawling hilltop fort of
Chittorgarh epitomizes the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput Chivalry.
Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and,
on each occasion, the end came in Rajput Fashion as Jauhar was declared in
the face of impossible odds. The men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom
and rode out from the fort to certain death, while the women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre. Honour was always more
important than death. The fort stands on a 280 hectare site on top of a
180-m high hill, which rises abruptly from the surrounding plain.
Arrive
Pushkar and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10 :
Pushkar - JaipurMorning : City sightseeing of Pushkar and
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. Afternoon : Leave for Jaipur,
arrive Jaipur and check-in at the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day
11 : JaipurBreakfast at the Hotel followed by full day sightseeing
of Jaipur. 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. 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 a unique design. Drive around the Pink City. Overnight at
the Hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri -
AgraBreakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface 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. Late afternoon
: Arrive Agra and in the afternoon visit world famous 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.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13 :
Agra - Delhi Breakfast at the Hotel and leave with your luggage for
Delhi enroute visiting Red Fort (Agra Fort) and Sikandra. 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. 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. After sightseeing leave for Delhi. Late afternoon : Arrive Delhi
and if the time permits continue with the city sightseeing of 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
