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Royal Rajasthan
Holidays
Duration: 17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi -
Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa -
Delhi
Day 01: 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 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road
201 Km/4 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 03: Agra
- Jaipur (By Road 221 Km/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 is the capital of the state of Rajasthan
a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs
that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly
belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput
princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their
wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central
power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and
also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of
Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the
title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one
and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable
than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan,
but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State
Visit from Prince Albert.
 This
evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed
in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the
temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu
pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi.
Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being
lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and
spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day
04: Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast.
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.
Continue sightseeing.
 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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore
independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver
jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05: 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 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 06:
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 Aravalis 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. Most of the resorts
are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.
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 Aravalis, 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 range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound
by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
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.
Overnight will be in Ranthambhore.
Day 07:
Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the
National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return
to the resort / lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen
up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for
a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have
lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening
1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.
Dinner will be
at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed
for the morning SAFARI.
Start for KOTA after breakfast.
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 09: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180
km/5 hr)
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.
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.
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. Spend night at Udaipur.
 Day
11: Udaipur
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 - Jodhpur
(By Road 240 km/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
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.
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 13: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300
km/5 hr)
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.
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 14: 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.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
 Day
15: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be
at the camp. 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 minareted 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 16: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3
hr)
Breakfast will be 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. It was 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. 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 17:
Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the 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 and reach by evening. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 18:
Delhi
 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 Moghul
Empire.
Enjoy the 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.
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
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