Day 02 :
DELHI - AGRA
Post breakfast , commence the four hours long road travel to Agra, The
land of immortal Taj.
Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Enjoy battery van ride
to the Taj.
Taj Mahal - One of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by
Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The
symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s
second Wife).
Agra Fort - After Taj we will visit Agra fort Baby Taj - The
interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Also visit
Sikandra. Overnight will be at Agra.
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.
Day 03 : AGRA - JAIPUR
Leisure;y
wake up and post breakfast, you journey will commence this morning with
a short drive to The
Fatehpur Sikri , the capital of
the Mughal rulers from 1571-1585, before it was shifted to Agra due to
lack of water resources. Sightseeing of the monument . 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 it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest
gateway in the world. Reach and check in at hotel. Continue the four
hour long road travel to the Pink City - JAIPUR.
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 - Beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. 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.
Roam in the old city and explore Jaipur. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 04 : JAIPUR HOLIDAYS - JAIPUR
The Soul of Splendid Rajasthan - Full day guided tour of The Pink City
Morning at 0800Hrs. The guide shall meet you at the hotel to take you
onto the city tour of the Pink city . Visit the impressive Amber Fort (
12 Kms. from Jaipur) . At the foot of the hill , mount on to the
Elephant for the slow but steady climb upto the main gate .
Amer Fort - Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating
blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century by
Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built in red sandstone and
white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments,
the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai
Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the prominent areas
of interest.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city - Your tour includes the
imposing Maharajah's City palace, still home for the maharaja although
severakl of the rooms are open to public. Many antiques and artifacts
belonging to the ruling family are housed here.
Visit the
Hawa Mahal (the ornamental facade of this "palace
of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five storey structure of
pink sandstone encrusted with fine trellis work and balconies has 953
niches and windows.), Open air Jantar Mantar - Royal observatory (built
in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft. High; Albert
museum (the museum amidst the Ram Niwas palace gardens founded in 1876
with a large collection of antiques)
Enjoy a stroll through the colourful Johari bazaar (the main bazaar in
the old city, for jewellery and saris).
Village visit and dinner at the Chowki Dhani. Overnight at the hotel
Day 05 : JAIPUR - UDAIPUR ( The
city of Lakes)
Udaipur
is the jewel of MEWAR - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Drive through the desert to the city of Lakes, On arrival , 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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 06 : UDAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel. There is no other place in India which appeals more
to the poets and painters, Travellers and writers , than Udaipur , the
lovely lake side capital of Mewar.
Udaipur today is one of the most picturesque cities in India, set as it
is on three beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills. The city's inherent
romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of
heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor.
It is the key city of Rajasthan's southern region of Mewar. Mewar is a
hilly, forested region, in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of
Marwar (Jodhpur).
The
City Palace is a blend of stern Rajput military
architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on
the inside. Set on a hill overlooking the Pichola Lake it is a sprawling
edifice made up of at least four separate inter-connecting palaces,
built over a period of nearly 3 centuries. The Palace museum contains a
wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry. One of the more unusual
moments in the colorful history of Udaipur was when it was used as a
location for shooting the James Bond film, Octopussy.
Visit City Palace, the
largest Palace complex Museum of Rajasthan.
Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. Towards sunset proceed
on a cruise on Lake Pichola, and visit the Jag Mandir Palace.
Return to Hotel and Overnight.
|
Vacation Review
"The sand in Rajasthan is embellished with Forts and Havelis
standing tall on it and host a slide show or its visitors altogether
with turban, moustaches and women under veil."
»
Clemente Beppe, Italy |
Day 07 :UDAIPUR - JODHPUR
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.
Jodhpur - The powerful Rathor clan ruled the Kindgom of
Jodhpur. The Rathors trace their ancestry back to Lord Rama, the hero of
the epic Ramayana. Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan
with a population of 650000.
Evening at leisure , Relax in the hotel . Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 08 :Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep 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.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond,
home of the Rathors of Marwar.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
» Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep hill,
Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the
grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard
sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
PALACES
» Umaid Bhawan Palace - The only palace built
in 20th century under the famine relief programme, has now been
converted into a hotel with some parts being retained as a museum.
» Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal
cenotaph is built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed
here. Overnight at Jodhpur.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS FORTS AND PALACES
» The Jaisalmer Fort - The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort
'Sonar Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town.
» Manak Chowk and Havelis - A main marketplace outside the
fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis".
» Havelis : Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis',
all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a
different façade.
LAKES
» Gadsisar Sagar Tank - A scenic rain water lake with
numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for
outings.
TEMPLES
» Jain Temples - The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain
Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and
Sambhavnathji.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the
typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as
the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst
Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day
11 : JAISALMER - BIKANER
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via
NAGAUR. Check in at hotel.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. This
Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on
the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the
Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of
Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The
challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh'
as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.
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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 12: BIKANER - MANDAWA
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Today enjoy city tour covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588
and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37
bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain
temple, is the most important of this temple complex, Camel Breeding
Farm - a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have
perhaps the first taste of camel's milk. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : BIKANER - MANDAWA
Depart for Mandawa. Reach and check in at hotel., Afternoon Guided tour
of Delhi to commence post lunch. Mandawa : a compact little town of
Shekhavati region, Arrive and check in into hotel. In the afternoon
visit Havelis & beautiful frescoes. The medieval fort of Mandawa
gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway
adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Drive to
Nawalgarh - the town where the finest of the Shekhavati's frescoes can
be seen. It's havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous
Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli
complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani
haveli.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 13 : MANDAWA - DELHI
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local
village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 14 : DELHI HOLIDAYS
Full day guide tour of Delhi
Delhi , the capital of the country , and one of the India's fastest
growing cities. Post breakfast , the day shall begin with the
sightseeing of Old Delhi.
Old
Delhi owes it's origins to moghul emperor Shah Jahan. It offers
monuments , narrow rowded streets within it's granite walls and bustling
bazaars.. The main structure is the Red fort built of red sandstone; it
houses the famous Diwan-e-khas, the beautiful audience chamber where the
moghul emperor Shah Jahan held court seated on the peacock throne.
On Board the Rickshaw Ride, for a unique experience through the Chandni
Chowk or the silver street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this
busy avenue heading west from the Red fort.. Opposite the fort is the
largest mosque in India - the Jama Masjid and as you walk down its
steps, you walk into the teeming market place famous for brocades,
braids, silver, manuscripts etc.
Continuing the tour of Old delhi, visit Raj Ghat (Where the Father of
Nation, Mahatma Ghandi was cremated) .
Post lunch , commenced the City tour of New Delhi . Drive past the
state Government buildings designed by Lutyens, visiting Rajpath leading
up from the war memorial arch India gate, up to the imposing
presidential palace - the Rashtrapati bhawan - built on Raisina hill and
flanked by the secretariat buildings.
Landscaped parks and formal gardens surround old monuments all over the
city- mausoleum of Humayun.
End the tour at the tower Minaret of Qutab Minar . The earliest Muslim
city of India is 15 kms from Rashtrapati bhawan which is dominated by
the Qutab Minar, which is an amazing 2000 yrs old pure iron pillar
erected in 4 AD which has never rusted.
Transfer to the Airport for the connecting flight back home / onward
destination
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