Camels, Villages, Royalty, Tigers & Taj
Duration : 13 Nights & 14 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Ranthambhore
- Agra - Delhi
Day 1 Delhi:
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. 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. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite
culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi - Jaisalmer:
By Overnight Train
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
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.
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk. (OPTIONAL)
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.
In the evening proceed to the station for train to Jaisalmer. Overnight will
be on the train.
Day 3 Jaisalmer:
Arrive by noon
Reach Jaisalmer and check in at the hotel.
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.
In the evening enjoy a dinner at the fort.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 4 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, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical
Rajasthani Desert Village.
Ride your camel into the desert and view the sunset from the dunes, as the
sky is set on fire. Reach the camp village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at the camp
Day 5 Jaisalmer:
Breakfast will be at the camp.
Start a short safari and then by afternoon reach your vehicle (waiting for
you) and drive to Jaisalmer.
Relax at the hotel. Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur:
By Road
300 km/6 hr
Proceed for Jodhpur after breakfast.
Reach Jodhpur by late afternoon as you will take a short excursion to visit
the OSIYAN TEMPLES.
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.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 7 Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed
for morning 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.
Afternoon go for a village safari 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.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Day 8 Jodhpur - Jaipur:
By Road
280 km/6 hr
After breakfast drive to Jaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA
warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes.
However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealthand authority
locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus,
many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the
British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthancapital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder
Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally
translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought
this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink
City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however,
form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given
a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty)
and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways
include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony,
which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 9 Jaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Morning excursion will be taken to the Amber
Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
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. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
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. It is a 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.
Free in the evening or you can visit the CHOKI DANI VILLAGE for a SIT DOWN
dinner of authentic Rajasthani Cuisine. This will be a totally vegetarian
meal though if you plan to go there.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 Jaipur - Ranthambhore:
By Road
180 km/3 hr
Drive to Ranthambhore after breakfast.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast,
arid
and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur.
Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. It
has come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the
documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges.
An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya
plateaus meet the Aravali Hill Ranges meanders through the Reserve. The National
Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Proceed for the afternoon game drive into the forest.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 11 Ranthambhore:
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort /
lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could
also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari.
The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort
/ lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will
be at Ranthambhore.
Day 12 Ranthambhore - Agra:
By Road
221 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and
palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
AGRA:
Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village
of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the
name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught
up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow
galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city
of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects
its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Overnight will be in Agra.
Day 13 Agra - Delhi:
By Road
201 km/4 hr
Visit TAJ MAHAL at sunrise.
TAJ MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the
memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died
while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion,
after giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that
all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months.
When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:first,
that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he
be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in
1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to
work on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when
the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired
it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Visit the following sites and if you have any interesting monument in your
mind.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort
is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect
Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
Start for Delhi by lunch and reach by early evening. Overnight will be in
Delhi.
Day 14 Delhi - Home:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
The day will be spent at leisure or for last minute shopping. Proceed in time
to the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.
Camels, Villages, Royalty, Tigers & Taj, Indian Wildlife Tours
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