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India
- the land to travel to, a haven of tourism delights,
a civilization to tour through. Tourists come to India
for its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance,
diversity of terrain and in search of that special
something, an extra punch that only India promises and
delivers. Teeming with over a billion people who voice
over a million concerns in fifteen hundred different
languages, India is where people live with variety,
thrive on diversity and are too familiar with
largeness to let it boggle them. Mud huts and mansions
face off across city streets. Lurid luxury and limp
living are inhabitants of the same lane.
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Exclusive Rajasthan Tour |
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Tour
Duratation |
16
Nights / 17 Days |
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Places to be covered |
Delhi
- Mandawa - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni -
Udaipur - Deogarh - Khajrela - Pushkar - Jaipur -
Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi |
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi international
airport, you would be met by our
representative and given assistance for
transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free
for independent activities. Overnight in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
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Overnight in Delhi. Delhi - the capital of
India, is a fascinating city with complexities
and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where
the past co-exists with the present. Many
dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich
in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is
not only the present metropolis of India but
also a Necropolis. Because of its location,
being on the banks of the river Yamuna, many
cities have risen and fallen over the last
five millenniums.
Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower of Victory that
was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin
Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands
the Iron Pillar, which dates backto the 4th
century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in
the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled
scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all
these centuries. The tomb of Humayun - the
magnificent structure in red sandstone and
white marble is one of the finest examples of
the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj
Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome
and refined elegance are characteristic of
Mughal architecture. Also visit India Gate,
the memorial of the First World War and the
road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi
Bhawan -the residence of the President of
India which is flanked by the houses of
Parliament and the Government Secretariat
buildings.
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Old
Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort -Shah
Jehan's elegant citadel in red sandstone,
which was built as an octagon measuring 900m
by 550m and surrounded by a 9 meter deep moat
which was at its inception fed by the waters
of the Yamuna river. The fort is entered from
the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage
called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum
house) at the end of this passage marks the
entrance to the royal enclosure. A spacious
lawn leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared
Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas - the
Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met
select visitors and the Pearl Mosque built by
Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, the last of the
"Great Mughals". Very near the Fort is the
Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India's largest
mosque, also built by Shah Jahan. Take an
interesting rickshaw ride through the famous
bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to
both the Fort and the Mosque. Time permitting
also visit Raj Ghat - the memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Morning: Drive to Mandawa and on arrival,
check in at hotel. Rest of the day visit
Havelis in and around Mandawa. Overnight in
Mandawa Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy
having a fascination uniquely of its own. The
open-air art galley, as it is popularly
called, is famous for its plethora of painted
havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich
artistic tradition of this region. It is
famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich
merchants of the region, display a unique
architectural style that evolved around the
courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the
women folk and protection from the heat of the
long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted
predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green
and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that
adorn their walls.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner - Gajner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival
check in at Gajner Palace. Bikaner, the royal
fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the
North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval
splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the
city is renowned for the best riding camels in
the world. This city stands on a slightly
raised ground and is circumscribed by a
seven-km long embattled wall with five gates.
The magnificent forts and palaces, in
reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy,
bear testimony to its rich historical and
architectural legacy. Undulating lanes,
colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful
folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting
experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in
1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in
Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with
pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved
balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over
the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand
Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal,
Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life
the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum
has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian
manuscripts and miniature painting.
Day 05 : Gajner - Jaisalmer
In the morning enjoy the surrounding of Ganjer
Palace. After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer.
Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit this perfect Rajput
walled desert city which is like a golden
jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Rising
from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is
the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort
etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its
awesome splendour. The life within the citadel
conjures up images of medieval majesty visible
in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent
palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert
life of men women cattle and camels. The 80
meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the
entire township within its ramparts. It has
enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite
havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples
of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort
is approached through four gateways -Akhaiya
Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some
of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all
intricately latticed, are strewn all over
Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The
Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh
all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are
exquisite works of art. A camel safari through
the interesting and remote desert villages of
Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the
Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The
villages are very special, as different
communities inhabit them.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni
After early breakfast, drive to Luni enroute
visiting Jodhpur city. Fort Chanwa of Luni is
an exceptional example of Elegance and
Symmetry in Indian architecture of the last
century. The entire fortress is carved out of
the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with
its ornately carved lattice work friezes and
intricate Jherokas it exquisitely captures the
romance and grace of a bygone age. The Fort is
composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards,
towers, water-wheels, stables, passages and
unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and
panoramic roof tops spanning the village below
and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional
paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect
the skill of the master craftsmen and the
bygone days. The village of Luni nestles in
the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of
activity with its many artisans fashioning
metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and
demonstrating the skills passed down over the
centuries by their ancestors. The Fort has
been beautifully restored to its former glory
by its owners Maharaj Dilip singhji, the
youngest son of H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singhji
and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been
created and decorated with its own particular
charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and
gardens all offer a setting and ambiance set
to capture your heart.
Day 08 : Luni - Udaipur
Early morning visit the surrounding villages
and witness their daily lifestyle of living
and enjoy cup of tea / coffee with them.
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Udaipur.
Upon arrival in Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur
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Morning, city tour of Udaipur - the romantic
Lake City in Southern Rajasthan, famous for
the stunning white marble Palace built on an
island in the Lake Pichola. It was the former
Palace of the Maharana and now converted to
one of the most glamorous hotels in India. The
tour will cover the magnificent City Palace,
the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a
drive around the other nearby lakes. Udaipur,
the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar -a
kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200
years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a
heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry.
Their reflection of these building in the
placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an
enticing sight.
Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit
the City Palace, a majestic architectural
marvel that is perched on a hill and towers
over Lake Pichola. The Palace is a majestic
conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions,
terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging
gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding
creation of art. Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala
Museum, which has an interesting collection of
Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments,
puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and
deities. Later visit Saheliyon-ki-bari the
"Ladies Garden", with its rich foliage and
intricately designed fountains.
Afternoon: Enjoy a Boat cruise on Lake
Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace
Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the
lake and the interesting buildings on the
banks. The view of the city palace from the
lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir
island where the Maharana of Udaipur once gave
Shah Jehan sanctuary
Day 10: Udaipur - Deogarh
After breakfast drive to Deoagrh enroute
visiting Ranakpur Temples. Lunch at Maharani
Bagh. Upon arrival in Deogarh.
Day 11: Deogarh - Khajrela
After breakfast drive to Khajrela. Overnight
at Khajrela.
Day 12 : Khajrela - Pushkar
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar(260 kms/06hrs)
and on arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the
day guided visit to Lake and Bramha temple.
Overnight in Pushkar Surrounded by hills on
three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer,
abounds in temples. of these the most famous
is the Brahma temple - the only temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Once
a year, during the Kartik Purnima, the entire
region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and
Cattle Fair. There is a week long celebration
with an explosion of fun, frolic, games and
laughter with threads of religious fervour.
Bedecked and festooned cattle wait in the
clouds of sand and the pious gather at the
break of dawn to take a dip in the holy
Pushkar Lake to absolve themselves of all
their sins.
Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Afternoon
tour of "Pink City" - Surrounded on three
sides by the rugged Aravali hills, Jaipur is
the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. It takes
its name from the prince, soldier and
astronomer Jai Singh II who moved his capital
here in 1727.
Day 14 : Jaipur
Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on
a ridge just outside Jaipur City. 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. Jaipur, the vibrant
capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as
the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured
buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry
lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape,
surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts
and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis
is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a
feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has
retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered
by several influences - the mughal being the
most prominent. The region's strong cultural
heritage is distinctly evident even today. The
city is a visitor's delight. From the
intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the
graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open
air observatory of outsized astronomical
instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with
shopsand business establishments on both sides
to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the
colorful fountains of life to the sublime
Birla Temple; from the architectural delight
of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 15 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra enroute visiting
Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - the
impressive sandstone fortress was built in the
16th century and only occupied for a few years
before being abandoned, leaving the buildings
in virtually perfect conditions. Upon arrival
in Agra.
Day 16 : Agra - Delhi
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Breakfast at hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red
Fort and Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built
by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his
beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful
mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a
work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master
builders, who came from all over Asia to join
in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz,
Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India
s finest; was quarried at Makrana near
Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones
were imported from distant lands : Jasper from
Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise
from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon,
Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia,
Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia,
Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl
from the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Delhi - Abroad
Morning city sightseeing tour. Afternoon
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