Rajasthan Maharaja Palaces
Duration : 16 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Mukundgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer
- Khimsar - Jodhpur - Rohetgarh or Luni - Udaipur - Mumbai
Day 1 Delhi
Flight to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.
Day 2 Delhi
In Delhi's 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital
of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and
the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars
exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.
After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
Visit the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra
to Delhi. Red Fort - the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone
is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces
and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque)
made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India's largest
mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on
the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated
following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst
of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed
with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Afternoon visit New Delhi.
Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century.
An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj
Mahal. The Qutub Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started
in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the
base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's
residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed
by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist
stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340
rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes
and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways
are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with "Liberty
will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It
is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed". The Parliament
House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers
for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India
Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world
war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of
1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan
Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces' losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of
1971.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
IMP: RED FORT IS CLOSED ON MONDAY.
Day 3 Delhi/Agra (200 km)
After breakfast drive to Agra. En-route visit Sikandra, 9 kilometer before Agra,
the mausoleum of the great Mughal King Akbar (1556-1605).
Proceed to the hotel on arrival in Agra. Check in at the hotel.
Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the
Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for
its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed
it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.
Today, afternoon visit the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653),
a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj
Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers
from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant
monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious
stones.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.
IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.
Day 4 Agra/Jaipur (246 km)
After breakfast visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank
of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century and completed
by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years
in this fort, before his death. The fort is crescent-shaped and the perimeter
is 2.4 km long.
After sightseeing of Agra Fort drive to Jaipur. Enroute sightseeing of Fatehpur
Sikri. 40 km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city
built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his
vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly
preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire's splendor.
Further drive to Jaipur. After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was built in
the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient
Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made
attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour
of the visit of Prince Albert.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 5 Jaipur
After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route,
make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building
with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so
that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city
without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated
130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the
ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride
to the top of the Palace fort.
Return to Jaipur.
Afternoon visit the "Pink City" of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies
the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections
of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.
Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments
are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring
the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and
each gives an accurate reading.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 6 Jaipur/Mukundgarh
After breakfast, your road journey to Mukundgarh via Nawalgarh, takes you through
the beautiful country side, with small village hamlets, herds of cattle, sheep
and goats, camel caravans and the village folk with colorful dresses that brighten
the atmosphere of the desert. You find yourself in Shekavati province. It got
its recognition in 1471 by Rao Shekhaji. Homeland of many Marwari merchants,
it became rich because of its strategic positioning on the East-West silk route.
Camel caravans of rich Marwari merchants who made huge profits passed this region,
carrying spices, precious stones, silks and carpets passed this region. The
region is known for its Puhka Havelis, lavishly painted with frescos of religious
stories, folk and historical themes. The whole area is an `open art gallery'.
Many of the haveli's now stand as mute examples of a rich art, long forgotten.
Overnight in hotel in Mukundgarh.
Day 7 Mukundgarh/Bikaner
Early morning leave for Bikaner. Drive through typical desert country to Bikaner
in the middle of the Rajasthan's Thar Desert. After arrival check-in to the
hotel at Bikaner.
Bikaner founded by Rao Bika in 1488. An oasis town among scrub and sand dunes.
The walled city retains a medieval air and sandstone architecture. Afternoon
tour of Bikaner takes you to visit the Junagarh Fort which is unusual, because
other major forts of Rajasthan were built on hilltops, but this fort is built
on the desert plain, surrounded by a moat.
Proceed to the Camel Breeding Farm 9 km southeast of Bikaner. It claims to be
the only one in Asia. A great sight in the afternoon, to see hundreds of camels
as they return from grazing. The British army had a camel corps drawn from Bikaner
during WWI
Evening free.
Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.
Day 8 Bikaner/Jaisalmer
A full day's drive to Jaisalmer, in the midst of the Thar desert. The drive
passes by dry vegetation, with villages of colorfully dressed people. Plenty
of camels, camel-carts, sheep and goats pass you by.
Before you arrive Jaisalmer, which would be late evening, on the way from a
distance, you can experience the unique view of the fort and the beautiful city
Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 9 Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer across the hot barren desert is magical as the city shimmers like
a mirage. The golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely
carved buildings, through which camel carts trundge leisurely, has an extraordinarily
medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The fort inside perched on its hilltop
contains some gems of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants'
havelis are scattered through the town.
The Havelis (mansions of the rich merchants) have beautifully carved facades,
jali screens and oriel windows overhanging the streets below. Visit Salim Singh
Haveli (17 century) which is especially attractive with peacock brackets. Nathumal
Haveli (1885) was built for the prime minister. Patwon Haveli (1805) is a group
of five, built for five brothers. Possibly the finest in town. They have fine
murals and carved pillars. A profusion of balconies cover the front wall.
Afternoon is free.
Overnight at the hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 10 Jaisalmer/Khimsar
Further drive to Khimsar. En route, visit Osian, the temple city that contains
the largest group of 8th to 10th century Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan.
Upon arrival at Khimsar, check-in to the castle turned hotel. Standing on the
edge of the desert, Khimsar was founded by the Jain saint Mahavir 2500 years
ago. The remote, battle scarred, 15th century moated castle had a zenana added
mid 18th century and a regal wing added in 1940s.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Khimsar.
Day 11 Khimsar/Jodhpur
After early breakfast set out for on the drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second
largest city of Rajasthan, once the capital of Marwar, sprawls around the massively
impressive cliff top Meherangarh Fort. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Late afternoon, visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone
hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459 . From the top of the fort one can get a bird's
eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred
to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed
to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah
Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the
end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 12 Jodhpur/Rohetgarh or Luni
Drive to Rohet Garh or Luni. Enroute you might see some wild animals, like Deers,
Blue Bulls, Rabbits, etc.
Overnight in the house of Thakur Sahib of Rohet/ Luni.
Day 13 Rohetgarh or Luni/ Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur, the wonderful 3 temples
of the Jain sect dating back to the 14th/15th century. The unforgettable main
Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took
65 years to complete. It is one of the five holy Jain pilgrimage centres, and
has one of the best temple complexes. One can enjoy a good lunch (on direct
payment) amid the 19th century walled orchard the Maharani Bagh Orchard belonging
to the Royal family. The orchard is full of bougainvillea and fruit trees predominantly
mangoes.
A beautiful two hours drive will bring you to Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in
to the hotel. Rest of the day free.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
Day 14 Udaipur
The city of Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali hills of south
Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city - with its lakes, gardens, temples
and palaces - an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned
fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with
doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jali screens,
massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops. The legendary Ranas who
ruled, traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.
This morning visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by
Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a
blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal
family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple - (1651) was built
by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture.
A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entrance steps.
Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe.
Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies
of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
Afternoon boat ride on the Pichola Lake
Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
Day 15 Udaipur/Mumbai
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai. After arrival transfer to
hotel.
Mumbai is India's most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre.
This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire's entrance
to its `Crown Jewel'. Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called
Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.
This afternoon a short tour Mumbai city, rich blend of East and West. The tour
includes the 26 mtr high British-built Arch "Gateway of India", Mumbai's
landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine
Drive dubbed as the Queen's Necklace is Mumbai's most popular promenades and
a favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a
picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located
on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers
of silence' the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private
house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a
museum and research library with 20,000 volumes.
Day 16 Mumbai/Home
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
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