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Exotic Rajasthan
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: DELHI - AGRA - JAIPUR - DEOGARH - UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR
- 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 Kms/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 Kms/6 hr
 After
breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur
Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad
Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of
14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the
songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din
Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was
without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him
in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude
Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his
supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his
capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like
the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house,
Marian's house and the Panchmahal. Continue drive to Jaipur and
reach by late afternoon. 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 excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur 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. 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. 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. 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 05 : Jaipur - Deogarh:
By Road 200 km/5 hr
Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast. Deogarh lies on the borders
of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur.
Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal
barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital
of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the
ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or
for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature
painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection
of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be
seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to
browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is
just one of them. Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in
the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding
view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn
across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets,
jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the
town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is
cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka
Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity.
The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts
 and
festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of
these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always
remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the
present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied
by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and
personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected
in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage
Hospitality in Rajasthan. Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting
the villagers. Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.
Day 06 : Deogarh - Udaipur:
By Road 120 km/2 hr
Breakfast will be at the palace. Proceed for sightseeing of
the place around the town.
ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV: It is an extraordinary cave temple believed
to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island
in the Raghosagar Lake.
GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace situated over a hillock
is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around
Raghosagar Lake, the palace is around 200 years old. Enjoy a toy
train ride and drive to Udaipur. 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 07 : 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. Spend night at Udaipur.
Day 08 : Udaipur - Jodhpur:
 By
Road 260 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. Just before
reaching Jodhpur stop at the BISHNOI VILLAGE. Have a rare glimpse
into the rich culture and true essence of India.
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 overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 09 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer:
By Road 300 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start 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. In the late 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 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. Also visit the ROYAL
CENOTAPHS and relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 11 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner:
By Road 330 km/5 hr
Proceed to Bikaner after breakfast. Reach and 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. Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur,
founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. 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 12 : Bikaner - Mandawa:
By Road 140 km/3 hr Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after
breakfast. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. 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 room 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. This is a two hundred and forty year old fortress 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 13 : 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 14 : Delhi - Home:
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
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. 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
Packages Include:
a) DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) CAR AT DISPOSAL FROM AIRPORT TO AIRPORT,
d) DRIVER FOR THE FULL TOUR,
e) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
f) MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE,
g) DAILY BREAKFASTS,
h) MONUMENT ENTRANCES AT ALL PLACES,
i) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA, UDAIPUR, (WATER LEVEL PERMITTING)
j) SAND DUNE CAMEL RIDE AND VILLAGE DINNER AT JAISALMER,
k) MINERAL BOTTLED WATER WHILE ON TOUR AND DRIVES,
l) TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING,
m) ELEPHANT BACK ASCENT AT AMER FORT, JAIPUR AND
n) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
HOTELS :
| City |
Deluxe Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
Claridges |
Imperial / The Oberoi |
01 |
| Agra |
Hilton Trident |
Amarvilas |
01 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rajvilas |
02 |
| Deogahr |
Deogarh Mahal |
Deogarh Mahal |
01 |
| Udaipur |
Fateh Prakash Palace |
Udaivilas |
02 |
| Jodhpur |
Taj Hari Mahal |
Umaid Bhawan |
01 |
| Jaisalmer |
Taj Rawal Kot |
Fort Rajwada |
02 |
| Bikaner |
Laxmi Niwas Palace |
Laxmi Niwas Palace |
01 |
| Mandawa |
Mandawa castle |
Mandawa castle |
01 |
| Delhi |
Radisson |
The Grand |
01 |
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
| OCCUPANCY DETAILS |
Tour price with
deluxe hotels
|
Tour Price with
luxury hotels |
| In a double room |
2099 |
3333 |
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included along with camera,
etc. fees at the monuments and personal expenses. The tour price is
valid for minimum two persons traveling together. All hotels mentioned
are subject to availability at the time of quotation and prices are
on per person basis for minimum two adults traveling together and
sharing a room. The car included in the tour cost is a SUV which will
be very comfortable.
Exotic Rajasthan , Special Offers
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