DELHI >> MANDAWA >> BIKANER >> JAISALMER >> JODHPUR >> RANAKPUR >> KUMBALGARH >> UDAIPUR >> PUSHKAR >> JAIPUR >> BHARATPUR >> FATEHPUR SIKRI >> AGRA >> DELHI
Colourful
Rajasthan - as the name specify is a journey through one of the most
popular state of India.Rajasthan - the land of the Rajputs is a fascinating
desert land whose ruggedness hides many a touching tale of valour and sacrifice,
is rife with colour and gaiety, art and pegeantry.The courage, chivalry, pride,
honour, love and culture of its legendry heroes, women and princess are
remembered in the mighty forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and
beautiful lakes and gardens make it a land of breathtaking variety.Cranvan -
loads of camel riders make their way across the sands, exotic water - birds fill
the scheduled sanctuaries.The women here wear bright and clolourful dresses with
lots of silver jewellery.
This journey is through this beautiful state of
Rajasthan travelling through Mandawa - a old Shekhawati village of Frescos,
Bikaner -city of Forts and onward to the sand dune city of the Jaisalmer - which
houses the second largest desert - the Thar and continuing to Jodhpur - which
houses the largest private residence in the world - the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
From here we drive to Kumbalgarh enrouting via Ranakpur famous for the temple
complex.The next halt is the city of lakes - Udaipur and onward to the quiet
little town of Pushkar - which houses the only Brahma Temple - the creator of
the universe.From here to the Pink city - Jaipur and via Bharatpur - Fatehpur
Sikri - the abandon city and one time capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar to the
city of Taj Mahal - Agra.
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DAY 01 :
ARRIVE DELHIUpon
arrival at Indra Gandhi International Airport Treminal 2 you are met and
transferred to your prebooked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are received
with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day is relaxing and
for free activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 :
DELHIThis morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah
Jehan the Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting
the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and
two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red
Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure
that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental
building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to commemorate the
arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated
platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50
artists and craftspeople at work.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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NOWDAY 03 :
DELHI - MANDAWAAfter
breakfast we leave for Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert which used to be a
medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved houses of
medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style - wooden doors, bamboo thatched
roofs, mud plastered walls and floors, ethnic decor etc.
DAY 04 : MANDAWA - BIKANEREarly
breakfast and then drive to Bikaner. The drive is through desert country, with
scanty vegetation. Upon arrival checkin to the Hotel. The endless monotony of
the desert is broken by the fort and palaces of Bikaner.The city's deity is
Karni Mata.The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to mice in the belief
that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice. Other places of interest
are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh Palace.
Evening visit the local
market.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 05 : BIKANER - JAISALMERAfter
breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising from the heart
of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow
sandstone stands in some splendor, dominating the amber - hued city. A visit to
Jaisalmer is a must for any traveller to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the
desert, is a bustling center from where one can trek across the beautiful
stretches of sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and
reservoirs. Few places in India could rival the medieval charm and magnificence
of Jaisalmer. The rich and beautiful palaces and havelis of Jaisalmer shimmer
against the relentless monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were known for
their valour and their beautiful havelis and temples has assumed the air of
virtual museum.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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DAY 06 : JAISALMERVisit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within
its ramparts. Lovely havelis dot the enchanting network of narrow lanes. Among
the sights you'll visit : Nathmalji - Ki- Haveli and Patwaon ki Haveli, three
beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th Centuries;
and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways -
Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 07 : JAISALMERThis morning, after a
leisurely breakfast, we drive to Sam, a desert outpost. Enroute we visit a few
typical desert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. We move on to Sam
where we explore the desert on camel back. . No trip to Jaisalmer is complete
without a trip to the picturesque dunes of Sam The ripples on the wind -
caressed dunes are a photographer's delight.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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NOWDAY 08 :
JAISALMER - JODHPURAfter
breakfast we start a scenic drive to Jodhpur including visits to interesting
Hindu and Jain Temples at Osiyan . Jodhpur the gateway to the Thar desert , the
city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces and gracious building.
Arrive Jodhpur, The second largest city in Rajasthan, standing on the edge of
the Thar Desert. The old city was founded by Rao Jodha, its walls with seven
gates and countless bastions and towers were built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th
Century when Jodhpur was a booming trading town. To this day Jodhpur still
fulfills its historical role as the area's main trading center for wood, cattle,
camels, cotton, sals, hides and agricultural crops. Jodhpur is called the "Blue
City" for the characteristic plea indigo color of its traditional homes. The
enormous UMAID BHAWAN PALACE was once the largest private residence in the
world, have in 347 rooms and using over 2.5 million cubic feet of sandstone and
marble. Jodhpur's former ruling family still lives in this opulent palace /
museum/ hotel.
Afternoon stroll in the city and mix with the local
people.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 09 :
JODHPURThere are many great fortresses throughout Rajasthan, but non compare
with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, built atop a 400 ft. promontory. Within this
invisible citadel are magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels,
latticed windows and evocative names. These palaces houses a fabulous collection
of possessions of Indian royalty, including a superb collection of palanquins,
elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments,
costumes and furniture. Below the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful
marble cenotaph built 1899 for Mahrajaha Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to
other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
Proceed into the heart of the bazaars for a view
of local artisans at work as well as locals shopping of their wares.
Later
part of the day we set out on a fascinating drive to Rohetgarh, a neighboring
royal village.
Overnight at the hotel.
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NOWDAY 10 : JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - KUMBALGARHAfter
breakfast leave for Kumbalgarh enroute we visit Ranakpur which is situated
between Jodhpur , Mount Abu , Udaipur. Here we visit the famous Ranakpur Temple
Complex, one of the biggest and most important cluster of Jain Temple in India.
Nestled in the Aravalli Range.The Chaumukha temple , or Four Faced Temple is the
main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century.Built in marble ,
the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are
alike. After visiting the Ranakpur we continue our drive to Kumbalgarh. Rana
Kumbha , the legendary Mewari Hero, an astute and a great builder constructed 32
of the 84 fortesses in Mewar.Of these , the most imposing one, is Kumbalgarh -
set amidst 36 Kms of the twenty feet thick ramparts and 365 temples.It is a
place for serenity and calm of the countryside away from the madding
crowd.
Overnight at the Fort.
DAY 11 : KUMBALGARH - UDAIPUREarly
breakfast and then we enjoy the exciting visit to the adjoining wildlife
sanctuary which boasts of panthers, wild- boars, antelope, deer etc. and meet
the local tribals BHIL & GARASIAS. After visiting we continue our drive to
Udaipur and upon arrival checkinto at hotel.
Evening we take a boat ride on
the Lake Pichola.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 12 :
UDAIPURBuilt along three lakes and ringed by green hills, Udaipur (pop,
366.000) is known as the 'Venice of the East' The City's palaces, gardens,
ghats, temples and painted houses match the beauty of the setting. This morning
we'll visit the towering City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan, and the
Saheliyon ki Bari ( Garden of the Maidens.) Once for bidden to all but he queen
and her ladies.From here we visit the e superb Jagdish Temple noted for its
elephant - motif carvings The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the
Hotel.
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NOWDAY 13 :
UDAIPUR - PUSHKARAfter
an early breakfast we drive towards Pushkar - a quiet little town ,on the edge
of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan. A city of 500 temples and 52
bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the only temple of the
Hindu God of Creation , BRAHMA and is therefore believed to be the centre of the
creation of the world. Afternoon is spent visiting the ghats and the temples.
Overnight at the Pushkar Resorts.
DAY 14 : PUSHKAR - JAIPURAfter
a relaxed breakfast we start our journey for Jaipur popularly known as the Pink
City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed in
accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture -
Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your pre booked
Hotel.
Afternoon - tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace in
the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The
Palace of winds - a five storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal
and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city.
It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch
everyday life.
DAY 15 : JAIPURThe capital of
Rajasthan is the most colourful city in India. Today morning we visit the Amber
Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a super example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu)
style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which
houses several graceful buildings.
Afternoon is spent visit the local
bazaar.
In the evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an ethnic village
atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers,
arobats, snake charmers, puppeteers etc.
Overnight at the Hotel.
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DAY 16 : JAIPUR - BHARATPUR -
FATEHPURSIKRI - AGRAThis
morning travel to Bharatpur for a tour of the world famous bird sanctuary here.
The reserve bosts of river 300 species of resident and migratory birds. From
here we drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri ( ghost capital) for a tour
of the magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect
preservation. We continue our journey for Agra and upon arrival check into
Hotel.
DAY 17 : AGRA - DELHIAgra was the
capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. This morning
we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father-in
- law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj
Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three generations by the moghul
emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the
mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white
marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly
breathtaking.
After visiting the Agra city we leave for Delhi. Upon arrival
in Delhi we go for a farewell Dinner in Haus Khas Village complex and then
checkinto our Prebooked Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 18
: LEAVE DELHIAfter what will have been a majestic way to see and
experience royal India, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for
our flight back home.
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