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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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Rajasthan Rural Paradise |
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Tour
Duratation |
24
Nights / 25 Days |
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Places to be covered |
Delhi
- Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Kota - Bundi -
Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Kumbalgarh - Ranakpur -
Jodhpur - Jaisalmer -Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi |
Day 01: 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 will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra
Book this Tour
By Road: 201 Kms/4 hr
Relax in the hotel. Proceed for Agra after a
late breakfast. 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 overnight will be in Agra.
Day 03: Agra
Start sightseeing of Agra City after breakfast
Taj Mahal: Little
needs to be said about this architectural
wonder, which is always the soul raison-d'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 its 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 Itmad-ud-Dullah's Tomb built by Empress
Noor Jahan in memory of her father (The
interiors of which are considered better than
the Taj). Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur
By Road: 221 Kms/6 hr
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 its 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 its character and history - A
beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. It is 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
will be at Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
Breakfast will be 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. Its forbidding exterior belies an
inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds its 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. It is a
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.
Overnight will
be at Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur - Pushkar
By Road: 140-km/3 hr
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach
Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at hotel.
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 Khwaja 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. Spend night at Pushkar.
Day 07: Pushkar - Kota
By Road: 240-km/6 hr
Enjoy two-day safaris (two private safaris) at
Ranthambore. Start for Kota after lunch.
Kota - Rajasthan's largest industrial
town situated on the banks of the river
Chambal is well known for its Kota saris 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
Government Museum and the famous Gardens of
Chambal and Chatter Bilas.Overnight will be at
Kota.
Day 08: Kota - Bundi - Kota
Day Excursion
Start for Bundi after breakfast. 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.
Overnight will be in Kota.
Day 09: Kota - Chittorgarh
By Road: 150-km/3 hr
Proceed to Chittorgarh after breakfast. The
epitome of romance and valor and pride and
glory of Rajasthan, Chittor 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 Bijapur
Castle. Overnight will be at the Castle.
Day 10: Bijaipur - Udaipur
By Road: 180-km/5 hr
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 and spend night at Udaipur.
Day 11: Udaipur
Book this Tour
Breakfast will be 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 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. Spend some time at the Jag
Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur - Mount Abu
By Road: 180-km/4 hr
Proceed to Mount Abu after breakfast. A
pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested
hills. Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren
dessert that's Rajasthan. Situated at the
southern tip of the Aravalli range, the hill
retreat owes its cool climate to its rich
flora covering the entire hillside that
includes coniferous trees and flowering
shrubs. The road leading to Mt. Abu is a
curved one characterized by arid region dotted
with huge rocks in weird shapes and high
velocity winds. The only hill station in
Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more that just a
summer retreat. It is a stunning array of
exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, going back
11th -13th centuries, make it a popular
pilgrimage centre. 'Abu' according to a
legend, stands for the son of Himalayan,
deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful
serpent that rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of
Lord Shiva, from a chasm. Mount Abu has been
home to many sages and saints. Most famous of
them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to
have created four Agnikula Rajput clans from a
fire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire
sacrifice, to protect the earth from the
demons. The yagna was performed beside the
natural springs situated below Abu, emerging
from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence
the site was called Gaumukh.A natural spring
flowing through a sculpted cow's head gives
the shrine its name. The famous 'yagna' of
Sage Vashishtha was performed here. A
beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada -
the mighty serpent, stands against the
beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent
marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull
rescued by Arbuada. Relax in the evening or
take a boat ride in Nakki Lake. Overnight will
be at Mount Abu.
Day 13: Mount Abu
Proceed for sightseeing of Dilwara Temples.
These beautifully carved temples built between
11th and 13th century AD is sheer elegance in
marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.
The Vimal Vasahi Temple is the oldest of these
dedicated to the first Tirthankaras. Built in
1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah - a merchant and
representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it
is a superb example of temple architecture.
The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev
and large courtyard with 52 small shrines,
each housing a beautiful statue of
tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars
form the entrance to the courtyard. The Luna
Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd
Tirthankaras - Neminath, was built in 1231
A.D. by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal,
Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of
Gujarat - belonging to the Porwal Jain
community. With door casings, pillars,
architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the
temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.
Relax in the evening or explore other places
in Mount Abu. Overnight will be in Mount Abu.
Day 14: Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Rohetgarh
By Road: 200-km/4 hr
After breakfast drive to Ranakpur. 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. Complete sightseeing and proceed
to stay in a beautiful hotel - Rohetgarh.
Rohet is
a fortified desert home of the descendants of
the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat
clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir"
(Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in
1622 A.D. by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, as a
mark of appreciation for his bravery in
battle. Generations of valiant noblemen have
built this heritage home where,
notwithstanding the inroads of modernity,
aristocratic values are respected. The visitor
of today experiences the famed warmth of
courteous Rajput hospitality. Brilliantly
plumed peacocks strut about, perching
themselves under finely carved stone archways
and the wind whispers through the neem tree
groves and bougainvilleas. Within these times
weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped
gardens and flowers in bloom - your Oasis in
the arid land of Marwar.
Rohetgarh is a
recognized Heritage Hotel. Rare among hotels
it has remained a family home, where the
members of the erstwhile ruling family welcome
you personally as their honored guest. Its
elegantly appointed rooms have their own
individual character and furnishings. Rooms
are air-conditioned and have attached
bathrooms and modern facilities. The drawing
room has ornately carved wooden ceiling,
traditional lamps and old photographs. You are
invited to relax in spacious balcony lounges
decorated with historic trophies and
artifacts. There is a beautifully designed
swimming pool with four charming pavilions at
each corner where musicians perform in the
evenings as dinner is served by the poolside.
Often, folk dancers enliven the evenings with
their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms. Over
night will be at Rohetgarh.
Day 15: Rohetgarh - Jodhpur
By Road: 40-km/1 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed in the
morning after sightseeing of the villages 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 will be at Jodhpur.
Day 16:
Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning 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. Afternoon 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. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 17: Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer
By Road: 300 km / 6 hr
Proceed to Osian after breakfast.
Osian was a religious and trading center
between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sixteen
Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period
are located here. Dominated by the Jains
during this period, the town has special
significance for Jains because it is
associated with the origin of the Oswal Jain
community of merchants who became very wealthy
through trade. This wealth enabled them to
build the beautiful temples. Built from local
sandstone, the buildings have withstood time
and are in excellent condition. Reach and
complete sightseeing of the temples. 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 will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 18: 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-Havelis, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and
Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Sam Sand
Dunes for a short Camel Ride visiting the
typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the
sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on
fire. Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst
Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 19: Jaisalmer
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day taking excursion to Lodurva
Village "Lost Village in the Sand" and in the
evening spend time at the fort. This will be a
beautiful experience. Overnight will be in
Jaisalmer.
Day 20: Jaisalmer to Bikaner
By Road: 330-km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to
Bikaner. 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 minaret towers on
each of the Four Corners and can be noticed
even from a distance. Relax in the evening.
Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 21:
Bikaner
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after
breakfast.
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
Mughal 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. Overnight will be
in Bikaner.
Day 22: Bikaner - Mandawa
By Road: 140-km/3 hr
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 havelis worth a visit are
Chowkhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this
town. This was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal
Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also
founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now
a 51-room 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. It is a two
hundred and forty year old fortress, which has
been converted by the family into a fine
example of traditional hospitality. Reach and
check in at hotel. Overnight will be at
Mandawa.
Day 23: Mandawa - Delhi
By Road: 260-km/5 hr
Breakfast will be 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.
Leave for Delhi after lunch and reach by
evening. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 24: Delhi
Book this Tour
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi
after breakfast.
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 Mughal Empire. Enjoy
the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to
Chandini 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 will be at
Delhi.
Day 25: Delhi - Home
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Day will be
free to explore the city and finish last
minute shopping. Proceed for the Dances Of
India Show in the evening at 1800 hr after
checking out of the hotel. After the show you
will have Farewell Dinner before reaching the
airport for flight home with sweet memories of
India. |
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