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01 : Arrive Delhi
02 : Sightseeing of Delhi
03 : Drive to Mandawa
04 : Visit fort and palaces of Bikaner
05 : Drive to Jaisalmer
06 : Visit Jaisalmer Fort.
07 : Drive to Sam, a desert outpost
08 : Sightseeing of Jodhpur
09 : Visit Mehrangarh Fort - Jodhpur
10 : Visit Ranakpur Temple Complex
11 : Visit Wildlife sanctuary at Udaipur
12 : Sightseeing of Udaipur
13 : Drive towards Pushkar
14 : Visit City Palace Jaipur
15 : Sightseeing of Jaipur
16 : Visit Bharatpur bird sanctuary
17 : Visit Taj Mahal - Agra
18 : Board flight for onward journey
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Duration : 17 Nights / 18 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur -
Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra - Delhi
Day 1 » Arrive Delhi :
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 2 you are met
and transferred to your pre booked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are
received with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day is
relaxing and for free activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 » Delhi :
This
morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan the
Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the
famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and
two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Laxmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that's
just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental
building to Qutub Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to commemorate the
arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an
elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street
with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3 » Delhi - Mandawa :
After breakfast we leave for Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert which
used to be a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved
houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style - wooden doors,
bamboo thatched roofs, mud plastered walls and floors, ethnic decor etc.
Day 4 » Mandawa - Bikaner :
Early breakfast and then drive to Bikaner. The drive is through desert
country, with scanty vegetation. Upon arrival checking to the Hotel. The
endless monotony of the desert is broken by the fort and palaces of
Bikaner.The city's deity is Karni Mata.The temple dedicated to her provides
sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn
as mice. Other places of interest are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh
Palace. Evening visit the local market.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5 » Bikaner -
Jaisalmer :
After breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising from
the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort
etched in yellow sandstone stands in some splendor, dominating the amber -
hued city. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveller to Rajasthan.
Here, on the edge of the desert, is a bustling center from where one can
trek across the beautiful stretches of sand on camels or, paradoxically,
enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Few places in India could rival the
medieval charm and magnificence of Jaisalmer. The rich and beautiful palaces
and haveli of Jaisalmer shimmer against the relentless monotony of the Thar
Desert. Its rulers were known for their valour and their beautiful haveli
and temples has assumed the air of virtual museum.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day
6 » Jaisalmer :
Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its
ramparts. Lovely haveli dot the enchanting network of narrow lanes. Among
the sights you'll visit : Nathmalji - Ki- Haveli and Patwaon ki Haveli,
three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th
Centuries; and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through
four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7 » Jaisalmer :
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Sam, a desert
outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical desert villages, which have a
sprinkling of huts. We move on to Sam where we explore the desert on camel
back. . No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the picturesque
dunes of Sam The ripples on the wind - caressed dunes are a photographer's
delight. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8 » Jaisalmer - Jodhpur :
After breakfast we start a scenic drive to Jodhpur including visits to
interesting Hindu and Jain Temples at Osiyan . Jodhpur the gateway to the
Thar desert , the city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces and
gracious building. Arrive Jodhpur, The second largest city in Rajasthan,
standing on the edge of the Thar Desert. The old city was founded by Rao
Jodha, its walls with seven gates and countless bastions and towers were
built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th Century when Jodhpur was a booming trading
town. To this day Jodhpur still fulfills its historical role as the area's
main trading center for wood, cattle, camels, cotton, sals, hides and
agricultural crops. Jodhpur is called the "Blue City" for the
characteristic plea indigo color of its traditional homes. The enormous
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE was once the largest private residence in the world,
have in 347 rooms and using over 2.5 million cubic feet of sandstone and
marble. Jodhpur's former ruling family still lives in this opulent palace /
museum/ hotel. Afternoon stroll in the city and mix with the local people.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9 » Jodhpur :
There are many great fortresses throughout Rajasthan, but non compare with
the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, built atop a 400 ft. promontory. Within this
invisible citadel are magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels,
latticed windows and evocative names. These palaces houses a fabulous
collection of possessions of Indian royalty, including a superb collection
of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools,
musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Below the fort, visit the
Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built 1899 for Mahrajaha Jaswant
Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Proceed into the
heart of the bazaars for a view of local artisans at work as well as locals
shopping of their wares.
Later part of the day we set out on a fascinating drive to Rohetgarh, a
neighboring royal village.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day
10 » Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh :
After breakfast leave for Kumbalgarh enroute we visit Ranakpur which is
situated between Jodhpur , Mount Abu , Udaipur. Here we visit the famous
Ranakpur Temple Complex, one of the biggest and most important cluster of
Jain Temple in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range.The Chaumukha temple ,
or Four Faced Temple is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the
15th century.Built in marble , the temple has 29 halls supported by more
than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike. After visiting the Ranakpur we
continue our drive to Kumbalgarh. Rana Kumbha , the legendary Mewari Hero,
an astute and a great builder constructed 32 of the 84 fortesses in Mewar.Of
these , the most imposing one, is Kumbalgarh - set amidst 36 Kms of the
twenty feet thick ramparts and 365 temples.It is a place for serenity and
calm of the countryside away from the madding crowd. Overnight at the Fort.
Day 11 » Kumbalgarh - Udaipur :
Early breakfast and then we enjoy the exciting visit to the adjoining
wildlife sanctuary which boasts of panthers, wild- boars, antelope, deer
etc. and meet the local tribals BHIL & GARASIAS. After visiting we
continue our drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check into at hotel. Evening
we take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12 » Udaipur :
Built along three lakes and ringed by green hills, Udaipur (pop, 366.000)
is known as the 'Venice of the East' The City's palaces, gardens, ghats,
temples and painted houses match the beauty of the setting. This morning
we'll visit the towering City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan, and the
Saheliyon ki Bari ( Garden of the Maidens.) Once forbidden to all but he
queen and her ladies.From here we visit the e superb Jagdish Temple noted
for its elephant - motif carvings The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at
the Hotel.
Day 13 » Udaipur -
Pushkar :
After an early breakfast we drive towards Pushkar - a quiet little town ,on
the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan. A city of 500
temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the
only temple of the Hindu God of Creation , BRAHMA and is therefore believed
to be the centre of the creation of the world. Afternoon is spent visiting
the ghats and the temples. Overnight at the Pushkar Resorts.
Day 14 » Pushkar - Jaipur :
After a relaxed breakfast we start our journey for Jaipur popularly known
as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on
architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your pre
booked Hotel.
Afternoon - tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace in the
heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The
Palace of winds - a five storied structure of pink sandstone has
semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main
street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the
royal household to watch everyday life.
Day
15 » Jaipur :
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colourful city in India. Today morning
we visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a super example of
Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to
the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings. Afternoon is
spent visit the local bazaar. In the evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an
ethnic village atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil
lamps, folk dancers, acrobats, snake charmers, puppeteers etc. Overnight at
the Hotel.
Day 16 » Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpur sikri - Agra :
This morning travel to Bharatpur for a tour of the world famous bird
sanctuary here. The reserve bosts of river 300 species of resident and
migratory birds. From here we drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri (
ghost capital) for a tour of the magnificent and world heritage buildings
still in a state of perfect preservation. We continue our journey for Agra
and upon arrival check into Hotel.
Day 17 » Agra - Delhi :
Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th
centuries. This morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's
chief minister and father-in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its
design foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over
three generations by the moghul emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go
at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah
Jahan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous
scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection
in the water channel are truly breathtaking.
After visiting the Agra city we leave for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we
go for a farewell Dinner in Haus Khas Village complex and then check into
our pre booked Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 18 » Leave Delhi :
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India,
we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back
home.
;)
01 : Arrive Delhi
