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Royal Raja Tour
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Destinations: Delhi
- Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur
- Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 1: 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 will be at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi - Agra (By Road 250
Kms/6 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra in the
afternoon.
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 proceed for sightseeing.
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 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 Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 3: 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 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 will
be at Jaipur.
Day 4: 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
will be at Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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 will be at hotel.
Day 6:
Pushkar - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
Visit the BRAHMA TEMPLE
- The only one in the world.
Start early after breakfast for Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravallis 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 Aravallis, from wide
and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great
Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravallis hill ranges, meanders
through the Reserve. The rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north bind
the National Park.
Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 7: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight will be at
Ranthambhore.
Day 8: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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
will be at Kota.
Day 9: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180
km/5 hr)
 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 Aravallis hills on
the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In
1193 AD when Prithviraj 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 Aravallis 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
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. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
 Day
11: 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 will
be at Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100 km/2 hr)
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 Aravallis ranges, the formidable medieval citadel-
Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge,
1914 meters 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 northwest 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
13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4 hr)
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. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses
the city.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 14: 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 Rathores 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 will be at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
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 16: 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 17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330
km/5 hr)
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 will be Bikaner.
Day 18: Bikaner
- Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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 will
be at Mandawa.
 Day
19: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
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 will be at Delhi.
Day 20: Delhi
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 will be at Delhi.
Day 21: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day 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.
TOUR ENDS
Royal
Raja Tour,
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