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 at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road
250 Kms/6 hr) Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra in the afternoon.
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 it's 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 at Agra.
Day 03: Agra -
Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at 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 it's
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the
world.
Reach and check in at 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 at Jaipur.
Day 04: 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 Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3
hr)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and
relax. Check in at PUSHKAR PALACE.
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 - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr) Visit the
BRAHMA TEMPLE - The only one in the world.
Start early
after breakfast for 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.
Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger
in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger
sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come
to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the
documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
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 ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park
is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 07: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight
at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road
140 km/3 hr) Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at
hotel.
Start 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.
Overnight at Kota.
Day
09: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi.
36 km from Kota is a
tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a
rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had
Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi
and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three
sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In
1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed
Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became
allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the
Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus
establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of
Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side
of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four
gateways.
Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a
thickly wooded hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir
that once supplied water to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is
one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent
edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some
of the superb Bundi murals.
CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating
pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals. Elaborate colorful
paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila'
-- the Radha-Krishna story.
SUKH MAHAL is a magnificent
summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a
beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the
Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Proceed to CHITTAURGARH.
THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR - The pride and glory of
Rajasthan, CHITTAUR echoes with the tales of romance and valor
unique to the Rajput tradition. This is a ruined citadel, where the
royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular CHATTRIS. This fortified settlement has been ravaged
thrice and each time the outcome was 'JAUHAR' -when women and
children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men
donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a
certain death.
After visiting the FORT proceed to stay at
the BIJAIPUR CASTLE SUITE.
Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day 10: Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Start
for Udaipur after breakfast.
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 at Udaipur.
Day 11: Udaipur
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 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100
km/2 hr)
After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.
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 Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of
thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable
medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past
glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea
level, the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha
(1419-63 AD) and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh,
lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort,
encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven
ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high
watchtowers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it
an impregnable structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI
HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day 13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur
(By Road 150 km/4 hr)
Proceed
in the morning after a leisurely breakfast and 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 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.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 14: 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, 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.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By
Road 300 km/5 hr)
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.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 16: 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.
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 17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
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. 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 18: Bikaner - Mandawa (By
Road 140 km/3 hr)
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. 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. 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.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 19: Mandawa - Delhi (By
Road 260 km/5 hr) Breakfast 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.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the
local village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at
Delhi.
Day 20: Delhi Breakfast at Delhi.
Proceed for a full 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.
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.
Relax in the
evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 21: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last
minute shopping.
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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