Glory of RajasthanDuration
: 16 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Pushkar -
Bundi - Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01: Delhi
On
arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will meet/assist/transfer you to
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 at hotel.
Day 02: DelhiBreakfast
at hotel. First half of the day relax at hotel. Proceed for a half 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
the 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, the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight
at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur Drive to Jaipur
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in 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. 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.
Overnight
in Jaipur.
Day 04: : Agra - Jaipur Breakfast 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. It's 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. Its 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.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05:
Jaipur - Pushkar Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar
by noon and relax. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
PUSHKAR
- Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord
Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth,
performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the
site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends,
it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all
over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The
consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims
from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over
500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural
heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts
a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest
cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with
references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats,
which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its
own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has
over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles.
The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is
exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan
with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in
the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and
full moon days.
Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Pushkar - Bundi
After breakfast at hotel proceed to visit the Lord Brahma Temple. (The one and
only in the world). Offer Pujas at the holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed
for BUNDI. The town's medieval character, Taragarh Fort and the palace below
are captivating. The Chitrashala in the palace has rooms covered with
miniature paintings depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and his
consort Radha. Stay at an old hunting Haveli - ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE
TARAGARH FORT COMPOUND for a beautiful experience. The hotel is of no star
category but the experience will be better as this is the only hotel in the
Fort Complex.
In the evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up with
burning torches and traditional dinner prepared of game is served. Truly unforgettable
experience.
Overnight at Bundi.
Day 07: Bundi - Kota - Udaipur 
After Breakfast at
hotel, leave by surface for KOTA - Rajasthan's largest industrial town
situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees
and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the CITY PALACE and FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river close to
the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the RAO
MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR
- in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of
Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual
experience. Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal
and Chatter Bilas.
Proceed for Udaipur. On arrival at Udaipur
transfer to 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 at Udaipur.
Day
08: Udaipur After breakfast 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 he
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 at Udaipur.
Day 09: 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.
On arrival check in to hotel.
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.
Afternoon
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 visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur - JaisalmerMorning 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.
Leave
by surface to Jaisalmer. 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.
On arrival
check in to hotel. Overnight 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).
Visit the famous 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 at
Village.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Proceed on Camel Safari
early in the morning into the desert and reach midway between Khuri and
Jaisalmer. Camp for overnight stay.
Day 13: Jaisalmer -
Bikaner Continue your camel safari for the first half of the day
and reach closer to Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Due to weather conditions in
August - one and half day should be enough.
Return to Jaisalmer and
proceed straight to Bikaner. (The road is very good and the journey will be
comfortable and relaxing). On arrival at Bikaner, 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 at Bikaner.
Day
14: Bikaner After breakfast 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.
Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 15 : Bikaner - Mandawa 
After breakfast
leave by surface for Mandawa. 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. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji,
who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms 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. A
two hundred and forty year old fortess, 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 at Mandawa.
Day 16 : Mandawa - Delhi Breakfast
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.
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