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Royal & Rustic Rajasthan Holidays
Duration:
19 Nights / 20 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Bundi
- Kota - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Narlai - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner
- Mandawa - Delhi
Destination
Information
 DELHI:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Taj Mahal, Agra
As Taj Mahal is to India ….
this country’s most famous architectural wonder so is the Statue of Liberty
to America, the pyramids to Egypt and the leaning tower of Pisa to Italy. Variously
defined as `A materialized vision of loveliness’; This poignant Mughal mausoleum
was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal,
whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair
is said to have turned grey overnight. Construction of the Taj began in the same
year and was not completed until 1653. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful
from almost any angle, it's the close-up detail which is really astounding. Semiprecious
stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns using a process known
as pietra dura.
 Fatehpur
Sikri -
A world heritage site which exceptional testimony to the
development of various artistic expression, which are of outstanding value. Fatehpur
Sikri is the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. It is very difficult to express
the architectural grandeur of this city as one can only experience the aura of
these forts. Famously known as the city of Ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal
Emperor. Fatehpur Sikri is a place worth visiting to discover how once the city
could have been which has now turned into ruins.
JAIPUR:
Jaipur
the capital city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan is one of the most
vibrant and colorful cities of India. Famous for its colorful culture, forts,
palaces, and lakes the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. Jaipur
is a planned city which is made all the more attractive by the pink wash that
most buildings are periodically given. Besides, it remains the only city in the
world that symbolizes the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular
sectors. 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.
Sight Seeing in Jaipur
Amber
fort Palace -
The Amber Fort in Rajasthan built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Perched high on a barren
ridge, it commands extensive views over a deep narrow valley and the wider plains
beyond. The building was finally completed in the early18th century when the threat
of Mughal domination was receding. Amber was once, the capital of the Mina tribes,
believed to be the original inhabitants of this region. Located up on the hills
that surround Jaipur, the fort, sprawled along the Maotha Lake, boasts of a massive
complex gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces that recall
the glory and wealth.
 Hawa
Mahal -
The Hawa Mahal (literal meaning, palace of the winds) is an
important landmark of the city of Jaipur, the pink city of India. It is an interesting
building, although it is actually little more than a façade. This honeycombed
building was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal household to
watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
Jantar Mantar
-
Jantar Mantar is the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai
Singh in India. Jai Singh was a great admirer of progresses and research made
in the fields of science and technology. There is a very interesting story behind
the construction of this observatory, considered as the largest stone observatory
in the world.
City Palace -
In the heart of the city is situated
the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The City Palace
is marked by projecting balconies, arches on slender pillars, and ornate entrances.
The city palace has an exclusive part devoted to the arms and ammunitions used
by the royal family in the past.
PUSHKAR:
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.
 BUNDI:
The Undiscovered Splendour at a distance from Kota is a tiny picturesque town,
Bundi, which is one of the unexplored cities, with a rich historical wealth. Once
a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an off shoot of the famous
Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 AD, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was
defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar
and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal
Valley and over powered 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. Monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis,
temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with carved pillars, along with
a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous
for its intricate carvings and murals.
KOTA:
 The
city of Kota is situated at a center of the southeastern region of Rajasthan a
very region widely known as Hadaoli the land of the Hadas. Kota lies along the
banks of the Chambal river. The historical places and temples are getting surrounded
with signs of modern development. . Kota is on a high sloping tableland forming
a part of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from southeast to northwest
axis of the town. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom
of Bundi. It became a separate princely state in the 17th century. Apart from
the several monuments that reflect the erstwhile glory of the town, Kota is also
known for its palaces and gardens. Kota - an amazing example of majestic medieval
age and modern industrialization. Its wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces
and splendid temples of past centuries retain their former glory. Its present-day
edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
CHITTAURGARH:
Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and
valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past
lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'. The
ascent to this awesome hill fort is by a torturous winding road defended by seven
fortified gateways with each turn of the road having a legend of the sacrifice
of a brave soldier. Particularly touching are the cenotaphs of two teenaged Rajput
chieftains Jaimal and Patta who led the fortress' defence against the might of
the Mughal Emperor Akbar. An outstanding feature of the fort is the Vijaysthambha
(Tower of Victory)
profusely carved with images of gods and godesses; this
nine-storied architectural masterpiece is visible from the plains below for miles
around. Chittaur's blood-soaked earth silently screams a long history of valour,
chivalry and glorious death.
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.
UDAIPUR:
 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. 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.
NARLAI:
Rajasthan stark and sensuous, beckons you
to its Aravalli hills, where the sheer magic of Narlai midway between Jodhpur
and Udaipur awaits you. It is situated in an ancient dwelling, at the foot of
a hill, dotted with caves and temples. Comfortable with a period style the deluxe
suites offer a homely atmosphere.
RANAKPUR:
 Ranakpur
is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when
he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction.
Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is
one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty.
These temples were constructed in the AD 1439. Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan
is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an
exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges. There are four subsidiary
shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with
no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various
dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight.
JODHPUR:
Founded in 1459 AD., by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur Nestling within the
depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once
the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of
Rajasthan, The town was once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably,
referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned
off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions.
Jodhpur is one of the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt. It showcases
some very fine mementoes of its glorious past - palaces, temples and other elegant
monuments of architectural and historical value.
JAISALMER:
Jaisalmer is situated in the western most part of the state of Rajasthan, the
heart of the great Thar Desert. It’s neighboring Pakistan on its western
side. Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched
by outside influences and even during the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last
sign the instrument of agreement with the British. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful
culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.
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.
BIKANER:
 The
city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name
Bikaner. Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on
the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore
prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who
had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted
and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the
city of Bikaner came into existence. The city is surrounded by great walls, and
dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor the pervades
the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country. The city is renowned
for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner is famous Carpet-weaving and
blanker making center, also known for pottery making and the manufacture of sugar
candy.
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.
TOUR ENDS
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& Rustic Rajasthan Holidays,
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