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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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Fort
& Havelis Tour |
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Tour
Duratation |
17
Nights / 18 Days |
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Places to be covered |
Delhi
- Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
- Luni - Udaipur - Dungarpur - Deogarh - Pushkar -
Jaipur - Agra - Delhi |
Day 01 -
Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting
and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi Full day sightseeing tour
of New Delhi and Old Delhi
New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of
the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th
century AD ) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument
believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India
Gata, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a
memorial to soldiers, drives past Parliament
House, President's House, Secretariat
Building, Laxminarayan Temple and The
Connaught Place. Old Delhi, constitutes
of Red Fort built by Emperor Shahjehaan in
1638 AD, Jama Mosque largest mosque in India
also built by Shahjehan, Raj Ghat and Shanti
van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and drives past Chandni
Chowk, the main congested shopping hub of Old
Delhi
Day 03 - Dellhi/Samode, 260 kms
Book this Tour
In the morning, drive to Samode Palace. On
arrival, check-in at the hotel.Samode Palace,
Samode - its history goes back more than four
and half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of
Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house of
Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one
of his twelve sons-Gopal Singhji along with
the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled
picturesquely on rugged hills, Samode Palace
with its stately grandeur and frescoed walls
is one of the most impressive small places in
whole of Rajasthan. The palace is full of
architectural delights - the paintings on the
walls of Sultan Mahal, the dinning room with
its stained glass windows, the Durbar Hall
with its painted ceilings, intricately carved
walls, Chandeliers give the palace its old
world charm. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 - Samode - Mandawa, 135
kms(Shekhawati)
Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check-in at
Mandawa Casle.
Mandawa Castle, Mandawa - Towering high above
the town of Mandawa, this rugged handsome fort
guides the tired and weary traveller to its
portals. 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. In the afternoon,
sightseeing tour of Mandawa.
Day 05 - Mandawa - Bikaner, 200 kms
Drive to Bikaner and on arrival, check-in at
BHANWAR NIWAS PALACE. Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner -
built in the early 20th century by Seth
Bhanwarlalji Rampuria is one of the most
interesting havelies located in Bikaner. This
hotel has very interesting rooms like the blue
drawing room, entrance hall, grand staircase
and the library. The bar is a converted Baori,
or underground rain water tank. The hotel has
14 elegantly furnished comfortable rooms.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour. BIKANER -
stands on the northern tip of the desert
triangle. Junagadh Fort built around 1587 to
protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions
within, the fort is one of its kind. Today
Junagadh houses a museum of valuable miniature
paintings and other rare items that are
several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace-the
imposing red sandstone monument is a
successful blend of oriental facade, designed
by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh.
The 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar
and Sandeshwar; and their gold leaf paintings
are noteworthy.
Day 06 - Bikaner - Jaisalmer, 325 kms
Drive to Jaisalmer stopping en-route at Osian
to visit temples. Arrive Jaisalmer and
check-in at FORT RAJWADA hotel.
Day 07 - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - much has been written about this
city but nothing can prepare the visitor for
the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert
City. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the
city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands
almost 100 metres over the city with its 99
bastions, several entrances, a group of Jain
Temples from 12th to 15th century. The other
places of interest include Tazia Tower with
its five tiered splendour, each storey graced
by a delicately carved balcony for its
intricately latticed and conspicuous facades.
Late afternoon, visit Sam Dunes for sun-set
view and camel ride. Return to the hotel for
overnight stay.
Day 08 - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur, 287 kms
In the morning drive, to Jodhpur. JODHPUR -
The former capital of Marwar state was founded
in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort
spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill
and looking down 125 metre, the fort appears
rugged and impenetrable from the outside but
houses some of the most intricately adorned
palaces with exquisitely carved panels and
latticed windows, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal are some of the important areas
to visit A collection of royal cenotaphs,
built in while marble, lies very close to the
fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses
portraits of rulers of Jodhpur. Overnight at
AJIT BHAWAN hotel.
Day 09 - Jodhpur - Luni, 35 kms
On arrival, check-in at FORT CHANWA Luni Fort
Chanwa - located 35 kms from Jodhpur belongs
to Maharaja Dalip Singh, youngest son of
Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Over a
hundred years old, this heritage hotel has
ornately carved lattice work friezes and
intricate jharokhas. The small village at Luni
is home to many artisans who work with metal,
clay or wood. Afternoon Jeep Safari to Bishnoi
Village A Bishnoi village-steeped in history :
this 450 year old tribe has a distinctive way
of life. They are environmentalists in the
fundamental sense, preserving the wilds in
scientific and local routines evolved over the
centuries of living with nature by nature. In
villages of other tribes, one can witness the
opium ceremony - a ritual by which guests are
traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and
women carry on about their chores and one can
catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. A
drive through the starkly beautiful landscape
could encounter the agile black buck, wild
camel and flights of rare birds
Day 10 - Luni - Ranakpur - Udaipur, 280
kms
Book this Tour
Drive to Udaipur visiting en-route Ranakpur.
RANAKPUR - The Jain community. like several
others, had always enjoyed the patronage of
the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few
important positions were held by the Jains. In
15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a
large stretch of land in a quite and
picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to
the Jains. This area came to be known as
Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is
one of the five main holy places of the Jains.
Although over 500 years old, these temples are
well preserved almost in perfect condition.
The central temple is the CHAUMUKHA temple,
dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain
tirthankar (saint). This temple is the most
complex and extensive in design. It has 29
halls , 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is
interesting is that no two pillars are alike.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Morning city sightseeing tour. Udaipur-
Sightseeing tour of Udaipur, one of the most
beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better
known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana
Udaipur, the places of interest include City
Palace which has several carved balconies,
arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal,
Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas.
Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari
(queen's resort for the friends). Afternoon at
leisure.
Day 12 - Udaipur - Dungarpur, 120 kms
Morning leave for Dungarpur, founded in the
13th century and rose to fame under the
Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs. The Udai
Bilas Palace was enlarged by in 1940 Maharawal
Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings
around the "Ek-Thambia Mahal' literally,
one-pillared palace) and thus created the
famous 'courtyard'. Now a hotel with
furnishing from the 20th century art deco
style, marble bathrooms with English fixtures.
Afternoon visit Dungarpur, a bird Watcher's
Paradise. Migratory birds can be seen in
abundance from November to February. The
places to see around are Juna Mahal built in
13th century, Bijayarajeshwar temple and 12th
century temple of Deo Somnath(25 km).
Day 13 - Dungarpur - Deogarh, 255 kms
Drive to Deogarh and on arrival, check-in at
Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh Mahal located 135 km
from Udaipur on Udaipur-Ajmer route, on a
hillock and encircled by the town was built in
1670 AD by Rawar Dwarkadasji of the Sisodia
dynasty . Constructed by the famed Sompura
architects, well known for their talents,
Deogarh is a testimony to their skilled
craftsmanship. There are five floors and over
200 rooms in this Castle, numerous balconies,
carved pillars and extensive use of marble has
added to its attraction. Only 22 rooms have
been renovated maintaining the old décor.
Day 14 - Deogarh - Pushkar, 145 kms
Drive to Pushkar and on arrival, check-in at
the hotel. Pushkar, this sacred town lies 11
km north east of Ajmer and 130 km from Jaipur.
According to mythology, Pushkar Lake is
supposed to to have appeared miraculously when
a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord
Brahma and dropped into this valley. On Kartik
Poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to bathe
in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. The
fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its
visual impact. Colourful bazaars are set up,
camels are paraded and also bough and sold.
Besides colourful bazaars, shops selling
sweets, snacks, handicrafts, sports for
children, camel carts and other trading
activities of utensils, hardware.
Overnight at Pushkar Palce situated on the
banks of Pushkar Lake, a family run hotel in
heritage category.
Day 15 - Pushkar - Jaipur, 142 kms
Drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in
Samode haveli. Samode Haveli, Jaipur built by
Rawal Sheo Soinghji, a Prime Minister in the
royal court of Jaipur. The Haveli is the
result of around 200 years of construction in
phases, by its occupants. The haveli with 18
rooms and 2 suites has some beautiful
frescoes, arched windows and intricate wall
designs. It is located in the heart of the
walled city. In the afternoon city sightseeing
tour. Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja
Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years
ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the
home of the erstwhile royal family, the
Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or
the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja
Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part
of Jaipur city
Day 16 - Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a
picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating
blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built
in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh in red
sandstone and white marble, the palace complex
has some very interesting apartments. Jai
Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol
and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent
areas of interest. Elephants are provided to
ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 - Jaipur - Agra, 235 kms
Drive to Agra visiting enroute Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this
beautiful city is interesting. There, in a
grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint , Sheikh
Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his
renown, asked of the blessings of a son, and
when a son was born, not only was the child
named Salim, the site for a mighty and
ambitious project - a city - was chosen near
the residence of the saint erected in k1569.
The shortage of water lead to the desertion of
this city. Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti,
Panch Mahal and other Palaces. Arrive Agra and
check-in at JAYPEE PALACE hotel Overnight at
the hotel.
Day 18 - Agra - Delhi drive, 204 kms
Book this Tour
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra, the
home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable
poem in white marble is the first expression
of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for his queen
Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was
completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the imposing
structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is
replete with priceless examples of
craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including
the beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed
and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Tomb of
Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by
Empress Nur Jehan, in memory of her father,
Ghias-id-Din Beg., it is considered a
precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Afternoon drive to Delhi airport for flight to
onward destination. |
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