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-: Exotic Rajasthan Tour :-
Duration of Trip -::- 14 Days / 13Nights.
Key Places covered -::- Delhi , Agra , Jaipur , Deogarh
, Udaipur , Ranakpur , Jodhpur , Jaisalmer , Bikaner , Mandawa , Delhi.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international
airport in Delhi late in the evening. 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 - Agra : By Road 201 Kms/4 hr
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra in the afternoon.
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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).
Overnight will be at Agra.
 Day
03: Agra - Jaipur By Road 221 Kms/6 hr
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.-
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's
son, accessed the throne at the tenderage of 14. While hunting around Sikri
his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated
Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar,
who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him
in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar
ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision.
As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur
Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas,
Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue drive to Jaipur and reach by late afternoon. Check in at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western
deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the
KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made
fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth
and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central
power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors
and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting
that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’.
Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original
plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in
honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
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 04 : Jaipur
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur after breakfast.
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 its 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.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Deogarh: By Road 200 km/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 06 : Deogarh - Udaipur By Road 120 km/2 hr
-Breakfast will be at the palace.
Proceed for sightseeing of the place around the town.
ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV : It is an extraordinary cave temple
believed to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island
in the Raghosagar Lake.
GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace situated over a hillock
is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around Raghosagar
Lake, the palace is around 200 years old. Enjoy a toy train ride and drive
to 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
07: 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.
Spend night at Udaipur.
Day 08: Udaipur - Jodhpur By Road 260 km/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 theSun God with its erotic sculptures.
Just before reaching Jodhpur stop at the BISHNOI VILLAGE. Have a rare glimpse
into the rich culture and true essence of India.
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 J-odha-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.
Relax in the hotel and overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 09: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer By Road 300 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Start 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 for 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.
Reach and check in at hotel.
In the late 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.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10 : 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.
Also visit the ROYAL CENOTAPHS and relax in the evening.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 11 Jaisalmer to Bikaner By Road 330 km/5 hr
Proceed to Bikaner after breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
BIKANER - 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.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this
desert town in the North of the state in 1488.
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.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 12 Bikaner - Mandawa By Road 140 km/3 hr
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh,
a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.
Proceed 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. 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. This 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.
Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day
13 Mandawa - Delhi By Road 260 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the 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.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Leave for
Delhi and reach by evening.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 14: Delhi - Home
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will
begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama
Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s
largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna
was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak.
The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and
which is vi-ewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of
a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New
Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division
between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British
and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi
also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition
where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours
and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best
of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest
stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India
Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi
Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening at
1800 hr after checking out of the hotel. After the show you will have FAREWELL
DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of
India.
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