Colourful Rajasthan
Duration : 14 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur -
Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the night or midnight. 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. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope -
that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.
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.
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 and the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra (By Road 201 km in 6 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon.
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. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing.
Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its
stunning
design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for
its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work
ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the 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.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Spend night at Agra.
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 km in 6 hr)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. 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.
Reach and check in at hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back
to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known
as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
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
05: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
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 it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
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. Visit a rug factory and see the
ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing
process.
Proceed for a WALK of the OLD CITY or shopping. In the evening relax at the
hotel. Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur - Deogarh (By Road 240 km in 5 hr)
Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east
of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal
barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar.
Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to
a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh
is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures
adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art
form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms
to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one
of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands
atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and
the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements,
domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from
the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than
surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family
residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted
with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And
the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to
the guests.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner
Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family
is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors
the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made
Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.
Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers.
Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.
Day 07: Deogarh - Udaipur (By Road 221 km in 6 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Visit the Brahma Temple. (The one and only in the world) Offer Pujas at the
holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and
beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing
sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
08: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local
folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically
above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir
Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time
at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur - Jodhpur (By Road 260 km in 6 hr)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars,
none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate
friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple
of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Jodhpur.
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 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 330 km in 5 hr)
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.
Proceed to Jaisalmer after lunch.
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.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: 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, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert
Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, (Same camels to
be used for Safari - getting to know the camels) as the sky is set on fire.
It can be an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting
tunes.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 12: Jaisalmer - Bikaner (By Road 340 km in 5 hr)
Proceed for Bikaner after breakfast. Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert
State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval
splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel
country,
the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the
desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting
grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner
- an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are
built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners
and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 13: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 180 km in 3 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert
town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed
between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake.
Drive to Mandawa after lunch.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A
breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa.
Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes
can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani,
Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh,
descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle,
now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection
of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come
to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season.
It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress that has been converted by the
family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business
families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers
are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli,
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli
are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 14: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 250 km in 6 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and after Farewell Dinner and freshening up - proceed straight
to the airport for flight back home with sweet memories of India.
Colourful Rajasthan, Luxury Tours in India
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