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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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Extansive Rajasthan Tour |
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Tour
Duratation |
22
Nights / 23 Days |
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Places to be covered |
Delhi
- Mathura - Vrindaban - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar -
Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh -
Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur -
Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi |
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 - Mathura - Vrindaban
- Agra
Book this Tour
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Visit Mathura and Vrindaban - LORD KRISHNA'S
ABODE. Take a round of the ASHRAMS and
TEMPLES. Have lunch and proceed to Agra.
Reach Agra in the evening.
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
relax. Overnight at Agra.
Day 03: Agra
After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. 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 04: Agra - Jaipur
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 05: 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 06: Jaipur - Pushkar
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 07: Pushkar - Ranthambhore
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 08: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.Overnight
at Ranthambhore.
Day 09: Ranthambhore - Kota
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 10: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh
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 11: Bijaipur - Udaipur
Book this Tour
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 12: 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 13: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh
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 14: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur
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 15: 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 16: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
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 17: 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 18: Safari
Breakfast at the camp. Start for JHAMBA CAMPS
through the desert in the jeeps. Reach in the
afternoon and overnight on camp.
Day 19: Safari to Bikaner
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 20: Bikaner - Mandawa
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 21: Mandawa - Delhi
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 22: Delhi
Book this Tour
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 23: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the
city and finish last minute shopping. |
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