Day 01: Arrive in Delhi (in the evening)
On arrival, our local guide will meet and assist you at the airport
and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel, Ashok Country Resort.
Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi: India's capital & a major gateway to the
country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which
successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its
strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive
dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects
the legacy the British left behind. The division between New &
Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British
& the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he
will invariably confront the city's past.
Day 02: Delhi-Mandawa (Shekhawati)
After breakfast, make a half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit the
Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon, leave Delhi for
Mandawa. Arrive in Mandawa and check in at the Castle Mandawa *
hotel.
Shekhawati: Starting around 14th century, a number
of Muslim clans moved into the area and the town which developed in
the region became important trading posts on the caravan routes
emanating from the ports of Gujrat. The merchants prospered and in
later years, encouraged by the British, established themselves as
traders across the country. Although the towns have long since lost
any importance they may once have had, what they have not lost is
the amazing painted 'havelis' (houses) built by the merchants. Most
of the buildings date from the 18th century to early this century.
Day 03: Nawalgarh/Mandawa - Bikaner
In the morning, visit the 'Havelis' of Nawalgarh & Mandawa, and
then in the afternoon, transfer to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in
at the Gajner Palace* for overnight.
Bikaner: city is bolstered by imposing walls and
has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque.
Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long
range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of
varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal
Temple. The Royal Chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and
births were once celebrated.
Day 04: Bikaner-Jaisalmer
In the morning, visit the Junagadh Fort and the Camel Breeding Farm
Camel Breeding Farm - 10 km away, an institute for research work on
camels. The first of its kind in Asia, you can see camels of all
types, sizes & ages. In the afternoon, leave Bikaner for
Jaisalmer. On arrival, check in at the Gorbandh Palace.
Jaisalmer: Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is
Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded
on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement
came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers & for the
aesthetic sense represented by their palaces & havelis.
Day 05: Jaisalmer
After breakfast, go on take a city tour of Jaisalmer. See the
Citadel - the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the
population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to
15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved
pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had
once supplied water to the city; the temples and archways around it
have been built by a courtesan. Later in the evening take an
excursion to Sam - 45 km away, is known for its sand dunes & is
the venue for the Desert festival. Get the actual feel of the desert
by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes.
Day 06: Jaisalmer-Rohet
After breakfast, transfer to Rohetgarh. Upon arrival, check in at
Rohetgarh Hotel * and after a short rest, in the afternoon, visit
Jodhpur: Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the
stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the
former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of
Rajasthan, after Jaipur. The town was once known as Marwar, which
means 'Land of Death', probably, referring to the harsh desert
climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the
desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different
directions. A flourishing trading center in the 16th century,
Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels
and salt. It showcases some very fine mementoes of its glorious past
- palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and
historical value.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means "Majestic
Fort", located at the very center of the city. There are, in
all, three gates, each built to commemorate a particular victory, as
well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical
instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts'
ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex lies this
white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to
be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower - the city
center.
Day 07: Rohet - Ranakpur
After breakfast, transfer to Ranakpur, upon arrival, check in at
Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat *. After lunch, visit Ranakpur Jain
Temples.
Ranakpur: The cluster of temples, made of
intricately sculpted white marble, came across as a marvelous feat
of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they
were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble.
The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which is
similarly carved.
Day 08: Ranakpur - Udaipur
In the morning, leave Ranakpur and transfer to Udaipur. Upon
arrival, check in at the Shikarbadi Hotel*
Udaipur: "The Venice of the East",
Udaipur is an enchanting city. From lakes in the midst of sandy
terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds, the
surprises are endless. And, in the lakes, or by their edges, are
palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the
other. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is surrounded by the
Aravalli mountain ranges situated on the edge of three lakes.
Day 09: Udaipur
Witness the Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion
Ki Bari (Queen's resort for the maids of honor), City Palace.
Day 10: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Bijaipur
After breakfast, leave Chittorgarh for Bijaipur, en-route visit
Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh: The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh
epitomizes the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry.
Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger
enemy and, on each occasion, the end came in a textbook Rajput
fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds. The
men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort
to certain death, while the women and children immolated themselves
on a huge funeral pyre as honor was always more important than
death. The first defeat occurred in 1303, the second in 1535 and
this time the carnage was immense. It is said that 13,000 Rajput
women and 33,000 Rajput warriors died following the declaration of
Jauhar. The final sack came in 1568, when Mugha emperor Akbar, took
the town. In 1616, Jehangir return Chittor to the Rajputs but there
was no attempt at resettlement.
After the visit, continue the journey to Bijaipur. Upon arrival,
check in at the Castle Bijaipur Hotel* for an overnight stay. The
rest of the day is free for individual activities such as exploring
a castle and its surroundings.
Day 11: Bijaipur - Kota - Bundi
In the morning, transfer to Bundi, en-route visit Kota.
Kota: Following the Rajput conquest of this area of
Rajasthan in the 12th century, Bundi was chosen as the capital with
Kota as the land grant of the ruler's eldest son. The situation
continued till 1624 when Kota became a separate state, remaining so
until it was integrated into Rajasthan following independence.
Building of the city began in 1264 following the defeat of Bhil
chieftains but Kota didn't reach its present size until well into
the 17th century when Rao Madho Singh, a son of the ruler of Bundi,
was made ruler of Kota by the Mughal Emperor - Jehangir.
Visit the City Palace - Rao Madho Singh Museum and then continue
driving to Bundi. Upon arrival, check in at Haveli Braj Bhushanjee *
Day 12: Bundi - Jaipur
In the morning, go on the trip to visit Bundi, the capital of a
major princely state during the heyday of the Rajputs. Although its
importance dwindled with the rise of Kota during Mughal times, Bundi
is a picturesque little town whose medieval atmosphere more or less
remains. Then, visit the Taragarh Fort - built in 1354 & the
Palace - Only two parts of the outer perimeter of the Palace, known
variously as Chitra Mahal & Ummed Mahal. The rest of the Palace,
which houses the bulk of the absolutely superb Bundi murals, can
only be visited with special permission by the royal family.
Afternoon, transfer to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at Alsisar
Haveli *
Jaipur: The capital city of the state of Rajasthan,
also know as "Pink City" owes its name, its foundation and
planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The
city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city sits on a dry lake bed in
a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills
surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls.
Day 13: Jaipur
After breakfast, have an excursion to Amber Fort - the ancient
capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from
his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The
construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the
Rajput commander of Akbar's army. The fort is a superb example of
Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and
overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts.
Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with
mirrors, Jai Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back,
the hill, on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon, take city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar -
the observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728; the City Palace which is
a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum
with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware
and weapons dating back to the 15th century; the fa?ade of Hawa
Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799.
Day 14: Jaipur - Neemrana
Transfer to Neemrana, upon arrival; check in at the Neemrana
Fort-Palace Hotel. Spend the day at leisure; you are free to explore
the Fort
Day 15: Neemrana - Delhi
Transfer to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the Ashok Country
Resort. Afternoon, take a half day city tour of New Delhi. Witness
the India Gate, drive pass Presidents House & the Parliament,
Visit Humayun's Tomb & Qutab Minar.
Day 16: Depart Delhi
Evening, transfer to the international airport to board on your
onward/return flight.
Price per person in US Dollars
Check Rate - Contact Us
Check the List of Hotels used in
tour category
Price includes:
- All transfers, excursions & sightseeing as per the above
tour program in a non A/C car.
- Hotel accommodations are based on twin sharing room basis only
and inclusive of all taxes & services charges.
- Hotel accommodation for 15 nights Check-Out : 1200 hrs (Noon)
- All overnights in Palace/Heritage Hotels (Except Delhi)
- Local English speaking guide for all sightseeing &
excursions (No guide in Pushkar)
- Elephant ride at Fort Amber
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
- Govt. Service Tax.
Price excludes:
- Any kind of insurance, airfare, visa fees, camera-video fees,
entrance fees to monuments, meals, airport tax, mineral water,
table drinks or any other personal expenses in nature.
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