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 for an overnight stay.
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-Nawalgarh/Mandawa (Shekhawati)
After breakfast, go on a half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit the
Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Afternoon, leave Delhi for
Nawalgarh/Mandawa. Arrive Nawalgarh/Mandawa and check in at the
pre-booked 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
Morning trip is the visit at the 'Havelis' of Nawalgarh &
Mandawa, and in the afternoon, transfer to Bikaner. Upon arrival,
check in at pre-booked Hotel for overnight stay.
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 & aerial windows of
varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal
Temple. The Royal Chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings &
births were once celebrated.
DAY 04: Bikaner-Jaisalmer
After breakfast, 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 pre-booked Hotel. The Rest of the
day is free at your leisure.
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 and for the
aesthetic sense represented by their palaces & havelis.
DAY 05: Jaisalmer
Morning, 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 & 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-Jodhpur
After breakfast, transfer to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at your
pre-booked hotel.
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.
Afternoon, 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: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Mount Abu
Morning, transfer to Mt. Abu, en-route visit Jain temples at
Ranakpur.
Ranakpur: The cluster of temples, made of
intricately sculpted white marble, comes across as a marvelous feat
of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they
were built in 1460, so well preserved and sparkling is the marble.
The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which is
similarly carved. After the visit, continue driving to Mt. Abu. On
arrival, check in pre-booked hotel.
DAY 08: Mount Abu - Udaipur
Morning, visit Mt. Abu - the Dilwara Jain temples, one of the finest
examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex includes 02
temples in which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed
heights. Afternoon, transfer to 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, Visit
Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for the maids of honor) & the
City Palace
In the evening, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
DAY 10: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar
After breakfast, leave Udaipur for Pushkar, 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 dorned 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 driving to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check
in at your pre-booked hotel for overnight stay. Afternoon, visit the
holy city of Pushkar.
DAY 11: Pushkar - Jaipur
Afternoon, leave Pushkar for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the
pre-booked hotel.
Jaipur: The capital city of the state of Rajasthan,
also known 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.
Afternoon, 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 12: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, take a short 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.
In the afternoon, leave Jaipur for Agra, en-route visit the
abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old
capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to
scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama
Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which
are still preserved in its original glory, credit of which goes to
Lord Curzon.
Continue driving to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at your
pre-booked hotel
DAY 13: Agra
Visit the Agra Fort containing the halls of Private & Public
audience, Itmad-ud-Daulah followed by the visit to the highlight of
the day - Taj Mahal, built by the Mogul emperor Shahjehan in 1630
for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, perhaps
the most perfect architecture in the world.
DAY 14: Agra-Delhi
In the morning, transfer to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at your
pre-booked hotel and spend the afternoon with the visit to New Delhi
- Drive pass Presidents House & the Parliament, witness the
India Gate & visit Humayun's Tomb & Qutab Minar.
Evening, transfer to the 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 accommodations for 13 nights Check-Out : 1200 hrs (Noon)
- 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.
|
