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-: Taj, Tigers, Tradition and Tranquility :-
Key Places covered -::- 10 Days
Duration of Trip -::- Delhi , Agra ,
Ranthambhore , Jaipur , Udaipur , Delhi.
Perceiving the elegant marvel of white marble, the Taj Mahal, with very
own eyes, and watching a majestic tiger prowling in a jungle, are indeed
very exciting, entertaining, and enthralling. Rajasthan has been a place
of historic palaces, forts, temples, quite esoteric in architectural beauty,
and also a place of rich traditions and cultures. The Pink City, Jaipur,
and the City of Lake, Udaipur, for their magnificent palaces and limpid
lakes, are prominent among the world tourists. Stay in luxury palaces like
a king of the past.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international
airport in Delhi . 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 the hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
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 viewed
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.
Spend night at Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
By road 201 km in 4 hr
Transfer to station by Executive for train to Agra .
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.
Proceed for sightseeing.-
Visit the 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 - 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.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors
of which are considered better than the Taj.
Shopping or relax in the evening.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Ranthambhore
By road 250 km in 6 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
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 its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the
world.
Continue drive to Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the
heart of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park
Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky
gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where
the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas
in the north.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle
way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings,
frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences
of tiger's activities are very exciting.-
Reach and relax at the beautiful resort.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 05 : Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park.
Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort
/ lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could
also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari.
The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort
/ lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will
be at Ranthambhore.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Ranthambhore
By road 175 km in 4 hr
Enjoy the morning safari into the National park tracking tigers.
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Drive to Jaipur.
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
building-s. 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 07 Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort 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. At the
foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but
steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured
fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the
lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently.
Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery,
pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 08 -Jaipur - Udaipur
By Air
Flight : 9W 3401
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 0715 hr
Arrival : 0810 hr
Take flight to Udaipur in the morning.
Reach Udaipur and check in at LAKE PALACE .
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 Pichhola
is an enticing sight.
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.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09 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 , the
royal cenotaphs and the local folk Museum.
Enjoy the hotel and overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 10 Udaipur - Delhi
-Flight : 9W 708
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1530 hr
Arrival : 1640 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to
Delhi . Reach and check in at hotel. Spend the afternoon in last minute
shopping.
Proceed to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the FAREWELL DINNER.
Board the flight for home with sweet memories of India .
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