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Rajasthan
Heritage Holidays
Duration: 20 Nights / 21
Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Mahensar - Bikaner - Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur - Rohet - Narlai - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Kishangarh - Delhi
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on
arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. 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 at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.
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.
Overnight at
Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra (By Road 201 Kms/4 hr)
After Breakfast
proceed to Agra.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Visit the TAJ
MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
 The
fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory of his second
wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her
husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving birth to
their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard
were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still
alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the
Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children;
and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first
and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years.
Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The Iranian architect Istad
Usa designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments
are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to
keep his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that
it was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost
an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only
alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to
be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later.
After Taj we will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After
Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 4: Agra - Jaipur
Early morning sunrise visit of TAJ MAHAL
from the other side of the river Yamuna.
 Drive
to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route after breakfast.
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.
Continue your
drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in 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 in Jaipur.
Day 5: 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
at Jaipur.
Day 6: Jaipur - Mahensar
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed
to the village of Mahensar.
En-route visit the town of Mandawa which
lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted arched gateway with lord Krishna and
his cows adorns the entrance that leads to the bazaar. Look up at the beautiful
Shekhawati temples and wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants
are adorned with elaborate frescoes.
Reach and you will be welcomed
at the MAHENSAR CASTLE by the last THAKUR (Ruler) of Mahensar.
Relax
for the day in the beautifully frescoed suite room of the Castle.
Overnight
at Mahensar.
D ay
7: Mahensar - Bikaner
Check out after breakfast and proceed for Bikaner.
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
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 at Bikaner.
Day 8: Bikaner
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 IN BIKANER - The only one in Asia.
Overnight at Bikaner.
 Day
9: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake. Have tea there and proceed
to 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 at Jaisalmer.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10: 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, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the
typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the
dunes, (Same camels to be used for Safari - getting to know the camels) as the
sky is set on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience.
Return to
the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer
Morning visit
the deserted village of KULDHARA. The village was vacated overnight by the villagers
who used to be regularly tortured by the king. Some people believe that they fled
because of a bad omen on the village. But both the schools of thought agree that
there are riches buried under the grounds.
Return to hotel in Jaisalmer
for the night.
Day 12: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet
Breakfast
at hotel. Proceed to Rohet.
Visit the city of Jodhpur on your way.
 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. 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.
Reach Rohet.
Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants
of the 16th century Rather of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir"
(Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him as a mark of appreciation for his bravery
in battle. Generations of valiant noble men 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 bougainvillea.
Within these time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers
in bloom - ROHET GARH.
Rohet Garh is a recognized Heritage Hotel in
India. Rare among hotels it has remained a family home, where the members of the
erstwhile ruling family welcomes you personally as their honored guest. Its elegantly
appointed rooms have their own individual character and furnishings. Most of them
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 verandah 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.
Relax at Rohet.
Overnight at ROHET
GARH.
Day 13: Rohet - Narlai
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.
After breakfast
drive to Narlai.
Visit Kumbalgarh on your way - a picturesque town on
a hillock surrounded by forest. This place is famous for the hunting folklore.
Reach Narlai and check in at RAWLA NARLAI.
Overnight at Narlai.
Day 14: Narlai - Bijaipur
After breakfast drive to Bijaipur.
 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 and check into BIJAIPUR CASTLE.
The castle is one of the best preserved and cannot be described but experienced.
Overnight at Bijaipur.
Day 15: Bijaipur
Breakfast
at hotel.
Relax during the day enjoying Rajasthani hospitality. Meet
the villagers and enjoy the different customs. Go on a village visit on carts.
Proceed for Jungle Safari in the evening from the Castle. Enjoy a theme
dinner after you come back from the safari.
Overnight at the BIJAIPUR
CASTLE.
Day 16: Bijaipur - Udaipur
After a relaxing breakfast,
proceed to Udaipur.
En-route you will visit the Historic Chittor Fort. CHITTORGARH
FORT - Believed to have been constructed by the Mori rulers in the 7th century,
this fort is located on a 180m high hill, covering 700 acres. "Tablets"
and "Chattris" lie between several monumental gates. Visit PADMINI PALACE
- The palace of the legendary queen of Mewar.
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
Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udiapur is the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight
at Udaipur.
Day 17: 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.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 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.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 18: Udaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax.
 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 at hotel.
Day 19: Pushkar - Kishangarh
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day visit of the PUSHKAR FAIR.
Drive
to Kishangarh in the evening - a short distance away.
KISHANGARH is
situated on the National Highway 8 in the Center of Rajasthan, 100 Km South West
of Jaipur. It is primarily known for its world famous Miniature Paintings and
Handicrafts and for the largest marble and granite cutting industry in the Country.
Around the fort of Kishangarh is the moat and garden - on which "Phool Mahal"
was built in AD 1870 and was the Palace of the flowers for the Maharaja's of Kishangarh
A private residence of the Royal Family of Kishangarh opens for the discerning
traveler. The Palace has lovely views of centuries old "Gundalao Lake"
- where herons fly and peacocks strut in fanned delight. The lake water beneath
the graceful Palace is a paradise to flamingoes, pelicans, wild duck and the SARUS
CRANE.
Check in at Palace and relax. Overnight at Kishangarh.
Day 20: Kishangarh - Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi.
Reach by evening and relax.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 21:
Delhi: Departure from hotel
Breakfast at hotel.
Day to be spent at
leisure and evening check out by 1800 hrs and proceed for Farewell Dinner and
tour debrief. Transfer to airport for flight home.
TOUR ENDS
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