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Colorful Rajasthan With Taj Mahal
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi:
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 will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with
a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive
past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws,
one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking
the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of
Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence
of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects
the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old
Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the
Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi
also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all
tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all
its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying
to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone
tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing
India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan,
the President's residence.
Spend night at Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra:
By road 201 km in 4 hr
Transfer to station by Compass Executive for train to Agra.
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.
Proceed for sightseeing.

Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World
was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj
Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal
(Shah Jahan's second Wife).
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.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which
are considered better than the Taj.
Shopping or relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur:
By road 221 km in 6 hr
Breakfast will bwqe at hotel.
Drive to 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 its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund
Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Jaipur.

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 05 : 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. At the foot of the hill you will mount your
caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main
gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort,
completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build
and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the
lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
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 06 : Jaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road 280 km/06 hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur.
Stop at Pushkar on your way.
Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts
those in search of some respite from the tumult of India. Pushkar
is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer
but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain.
The town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its
many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important
pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on
a spiritual search).

Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might
expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted
by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma
Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated
to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway
is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally
chosen Pushkar as its site.
Enjoy the BRAHMA TEMPLE and the holy lake.
Continue drive to Jodhpur after lunch and reach by late afternoon
or early evening.
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.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 07 : Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
In the morning visit Mehrangarh Fort (1459 AD) by Rao Jodha who
considered themselves the descendents of Lord Rama. In this palace
you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After
this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Take a walking tour of the old town and return at the hotel late
in the afternoon after lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace with palace
museum visit.
In the evening proceed for shopping in the old city or relax at
the hotel.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 08 : Jodhpur - Udaipur:
By Road 250km/05hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Udaipur.
Visit Ranakpur en route. A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating
back to the 15th century is part of the itinerary. 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.
Enjoy a village drive in a jeep enjoying the rural culture of the
rustic country side.
Reach Udaipur 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 Pichhola is an enticing
sight.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09 : Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur in the morning, 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.
In the evening proceed for a 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.
Visit the 300-year-old Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs of
the Rajput kings.
Relax in the evening at the beautiful hotel. Overnight will be
at Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur - Delhi:
By Air Flight Number : 9W 708 / IT 603
Airline : Jet Airways / Kingfisher Airlines
Aircraft : Boeing 737 / Airbus 320
Departure : 1540 / 1535 hr
Arrival : 1630 / 1655 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy the morning at the city or in the hotel and proceed in time
for an afternoon flight to Delhi.
Reach and enjoy last minute shopping in Delhi. Reach the international
airport in time for your flight home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
THE PACAGE INCLUDES:
a) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
b) ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
c) AIR-CONDITIONED SUV AT DISPOSAL WITH DRIVER ,
d) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
e) MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
f) DAILY BREAKFASTS,
g) ECONOMY AIRFARE FROM UDAIPUR TO DELHI BY JET OR KINGFISHER,
h) ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
i) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA,
j) RICKSHAW RIDE IN OLD DELHI,
k) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
l) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
m) ALL PARKING, ROAD TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.
SUGGESTED HOTELS :
| City |
5 Star Deluxe hotels |
5 Star Luxury hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
The Park / Nikko /
Claridges |
Imperial / The Oberoi |
02 |
| Agra |
Hilton Trident / Taj
View |
Amarvilas |
01 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rajvilas / Rambagh
Palace |
02 |
| Jodhpur |
Taj Hari Mahal |
Umaid Bhawan Palace |
02 |
| Udaipur |
Fateh Prakash Palace
/ Laxmi Niwas Palace |
Lake Palace / Udaivilas |
02 |
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
| OCCUPANCY DETAILS |
WITH 5 STAR DELUXE
HOTELS
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WITH 5 STAR LUXURY
HOTELS |
| Sharing a double room |
2222 |
4444 |
The above are per person rates and are valid for minimum two persons
traveling together. Please note that lunches and dinners are not included
along with monument entrances, camera fees, tips and personal expenses.
The hotels at the time of quotation are subject to availability.
Colorful Rajasthan With Taj Mahal, Special Offers
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