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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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Imperial
Rajasthan |
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Tour Duratation
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23
Nights / 24 Days |
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Places
to be covered |
Jaipur - Mandawa -
Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu -
Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur -
Agra - Delhi
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Day 01: Jaipur -
Breakfast at hotel.
Reach Jaipur. A warm welcome at the
station/airport or hotel(if arriving by
surface) by COMPASS local tour manager.
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 - 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 02: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Book this Tour
Proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort.
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 to JAIGARH FORT.
JAIGARH FORT - Jaigarh used to be the
royal arsenal. The view of the city of Jaipur
from this picturesque fort on top of a hill is
truly an experience of a lifetime.
Return to city.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 03: Jaipur
Proceed for morning sightseeing of Jaipur
covering the important palaces and monuments.
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.
Shopping in the city. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 04: Jaipur - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel.
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.
Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard,
you leave behind all traces of the present,
becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War
scarred turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons
that seem to look down at you, as silent
retainers in green appear to whisk you away,
the tails of their orange 'safas' flapping in
the gentle breeze, mark your arrival to the
fanciest destination in Shekhawati.
Caparisoned camels and horses saunter in,
carrying the guests as musicians blow horns
and drums roll the Royal Welcome. In the
Castle, step into an arched open-fronted
verandah and wander in the under the high
ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where
the walls adorned with ancient portraits of
the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era that
was royal, rich and resplendent.
Relax for the evening. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 05: Mandawa
From Castle Mandawa you will 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.
Shopping in the evening and spending time with
the local villagers.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 06: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach
Bikaner and check in at hotel.
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 07: Bikaner
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.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 08: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel.
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.
sssReach and check in at hotel. Overnight at
Jaisalmer.
Day 09: 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.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10: Jaisalmer
Day will be free to explore the culture of
this unique city.
In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes
and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village.
Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the
dunes, as the sky is set on fire. It can be an
unforgettable experience.
Return to the village to drive back to
Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani dinner served in
the village amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes. Overnight at
Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Book this Tour
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach
and check in at hotel.
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
MehrangarhFort 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 evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 12: 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.
Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 13: Jodhpur - Mt Abu
Proceed to Mt Abu after breakfast. Reach Mt.
Abu. Transfer to hotel.
At 1,200 meters, Mount Abu is the highest
point of the Aravalli range passing through
Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan.
It is build around a lake and is surrounded by
forested hills. According to the legend, the
place derives its name from ARBUDA, a serpent
who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva's
bull NANDI. Besides having all the features of
a pleasant hill resort, this place is also
famous for the DILWARA TEMPLES and many more
archeological remains. There are romantic
royal retreats and relics of the Raj.
Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit the
temples and the museum in the afternoon.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day 14: Mt. Abu
Day will be at Mt Abu. Visit the Dilwara
Temples during the day. The architecture of
these temples is very interesting and famous.
Relax during the evening.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day 15: Mount Abu - Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Udaipur. 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
Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled
by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 16: Udaipur
Proceed for day 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. Overnight at Udaipur.
In the afternoon, proceed for motor-launch
cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the 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.
Relax or shopping in the afternoon. Overnight
at Udaipur.
Day 17: Udaipur - Chittaurgarh
After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh.
The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur
echoes with the tales of romance and valor
unique to the Rajput tradition. 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.
Proceed for sightseeing of CHITTAURGARH FORT -
Believed to have been constructed by the Mori
rulers in the 7th century, this fort is
located on a 180m high hill, covering 700
acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris" lie between
several monumental gates. Visit PADMINI PALACE
- The palace of the legendary queen of Mewar.
Overnight at Chittaurgarh.
Day 18: Chittaurgarh - Kota
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed to Kota in Western Rajasthan.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River
lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the
majestic medieval age and modern
industrialization, temples and untouched
wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces
and splendid temples. Kota dates back over
several centuries but still retains its past
glory, present day edifices and heavy
industries. The industries have made it the
industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th
century AD when the HADA Chieftain, Rao Deva,
conquered the territory and founded Bundi and
Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD
during the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh,
gave the smaller principality of Kota to his
son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a
hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
Relax for the day. Overnight at Kota.
Day 19: Kota
Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style
palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal,
was build in the early nineties. The palace
has large spacious rooms that are tastefully
done up with antique furniture. An intresting
feature of the palace is the fact that almost
all the rooms overlook the Chambal river
providing an arrresting view of the mighty
river.
Umed Bhawan Palace is one of the most
beautiful palaces of Kota. Built in 1009 by
Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota. This palace was
designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent many
years in Rajasthan. The overall design of the
palace is European. There is an Edwardian
drawing room, a billiard room and a very well
laid out garden surrounding the palace.There
are long corridors, courtyard and Italian
marble floors.
Chambel Garden The lush green garden at Amar
Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While
absorbing the ambience of the place one can
enjoy a boat ride.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated in the old
palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput
paintings of the Kota school, exquisite
sculptures and other valuable antiques. The
museum is the treasure house of artistic items
used by the rulers of kota.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 20: Kota - Sawai Madhopur
Proceed to Sawai Madhopur after a relaxing
breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Lying on the main Delhi - Mumbai railway line,
Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world
renowned Ranthambhore National Park - the
famous Tiger Reserve, just 12 kms away from
here. Ranthambhore has been a witness to the
rise and fall of many rulers and a series of
battle scenes. In the 13th century AD, Govinda,
the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over
the reign of the land. Later his successor
Vagbhatta, beautified the city and built a
noteworthy temple at Jhain. In the middle of
the 5th century AD, Rana Kumbha captured the
fort and gifted it to his son to be occupied
later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal
Emperors, Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor
Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho
Singh I of Jaipur in 1740's and since then it
was maintained as the hunting preserve of the
Maharaja. (Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of
Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting
parties who stayed here.
Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday
in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambore is
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 Aravallis,
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 River
Chambal in the South and the River Banas in
the North bind the National Park.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry
deciduous type further classified as Dhok
climax forest because of the predominance of
Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly
everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree,
capable of withstanding prolonged droughts.
The leaf of this tree is good fodder and they
are browsed by herbivores, and form a
significant part of their diet. Even the dry,
fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source
of nutrition.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation
including Duckweed, lilies and lotus. A haven
for a multitude of wild animals, the Park
boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards,
the elusive hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars,
crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over
300 species of birds, from the majestic
Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden
Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord
over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by
nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore
tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even
evidences of tiger's activities are very
exciting.
Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life
with over 300 species of birds. In fact, for a
keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore and its
surrounding areas are paradise. Birds like
Greylag geese, Bar headed geese, Painted
stork, Pochards, Gadwall, Mallard, Tawny
Eagle, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle, the
rare Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser
Flamingoes and many more are regular winter
migrants which come from their nesting grounds
north of Himalayas to Ranthambhore and
surrounding areas.
During summers also there are many migratory
species of birds that come to this region from
southern parts of India and Srilanka. Such
species include Indian Pitta, Asian Paradise
Flycatcher, Painted Snipe, Common Hawk Cuckoo
(or Brain Fever Bird) and Golden Oriole.
Besides Tiger, there are many other animals to
observe, understand and enjoy, Elegant and
graceful Spotted Deer, huge Sambar, Crocodiles
basking around the banks of the lakes,
Vultures soaring in the sky, Crested Serpent
Eagle scanning the ground from its perch or
the kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the pools
are all the interest for a visitor with
sensitivity.
Relax for the day.
Overnight at resort.
Day 21: Sawai Madhopur -
Game drives can be availed through the day as
per annexure given at the end of the
itinerary.
Overnight at resort.
Day 22: Sawai Madhopur - Agra
Proceed by surface for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra and check into hotel.
Badal Singh established the city of Taj in
1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as
Agraban. This city in those days was
considered to be the sister-city of Mathura,
which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra
came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose
this place beside the RIVER YAMUNA to be their
capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his
capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to
capture not only Agra but also laid the
foundation of the Mughal empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era, which
was to see Agra at its zenith during the reign
of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was
during Akbar's period that Agra became the
center of art, culture and commerce and
learning.This trend reached its height when
Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th
century Agra witnessed a frenzied building
activity and it was during this time when the
symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The
buildings made during this era were purely in
the contemporary Mughal style and of very high
quality. The same is still reflected in
whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow
lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai
cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating
master pieces with their skill all remind of
the Mughal royalty which this city had once
experienced. Today whatever remains, has
become a major tourist attraction which has
taken Agra again to the heights of glory but
this time as a major tourist destination of
India.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 23: Agra - Delhi
Book this Tour
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing.
Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven
Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan
in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj
Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the
memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second
Wife).
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.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The
interiors of which are considered better than
the Taj.
Proceed to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy
city of Mathura. Reach Delhi and check in at
hotel.
India's capital and a major gateway to the
country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling
metropolis which successfully combines in its
fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic
location was one of the prime reasons why
successive dynasties chose it as their seat of
power. It is not surprising then, that what
constitutes Delhi is a conglomerate of seven
cities. Down the ages the region in and around
modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid 11th
century, siri established by Allauddin Khilji,
tughlakabad and Ferozabad built by the
Tughlaks followed by the city of the lodhis
and then came Shahjahanabad, capital of the
Mughals under Shah Jehan. New Delhi also
reflects the legacy the British left behind.
The division between new and old Delhi is the
distinction between the capitals of the
British and the Mughals respectively. So,
wherever the visitor goes he will invariably
confront the city's past.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 24: Delhi - Home - Breakfast at
hotel.
Proceed for day tour of Old & New Delhi.
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