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Rajasthan Exotic Tours
Duration: 16 Nights / 17 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.
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 in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi:
Breakfast will be at 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.
In the evening you will proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW. Overnight
will be at Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra:
By Road 201 Kms/4 hr
Proceed for Agra in the morning after breakfast. Reach and check
in at hotel.
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 of the MOGHUL CITY.
 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 04 : Agra - Bharatpur:
By Road 55 km in 1 hr
Bharatpur - Ranthambhore:
TRAIN NAME : JAN SHATABDI
TRAIN NO. : 2060
DEPARTURE : 1547 HRS
ARRIVAL : 1752 HRS
Breakfast will be at the 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.
Drive till Bharatpur and take train to 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.
Reach and in the evening retire early. Overnight will be at the
resort.
Day 05 : 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 06 : Ranthambhore - Jaipur:
By Road 175 Kms/4 hr
Enjoy the morning safari at the park.
Drive to jaipur after breakfast and reach by afternoon. Check in
at hotel and have lunch.
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 07 : Jaipur:
Breakfast will be 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. 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.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 08 : Jaipur - Deogarh:
By Road 250 km/4 hr
In the morning drive to Deogarh after breakfast through the heart
of Rajasthan.
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 09 : 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 and spend night at Udaipur.
Day 10 : 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 11 : Udaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road 280 km/6 hr
Start for Jodhpur after breakfast.
 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.
Continue drive to Jodhpur and reach by 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 12 : Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
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.
Relax at the beautiful PALACE HOTEL and overnight will be at the
palace.
Day 13 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer:
By Road 300 km/6 hr
Proceed for Jaisalmer after breakfast.
 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.
Enjoy a short camel ride (optional if you want) at sunset and then
check in at your deluxe tented camp in the desert.
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. Return back to the hotel and overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 15 : Jaisalmer - Bikaner:
By Road 330 km/6 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel and then start for 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 180 km/4 hr
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.
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 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. 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 250 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at 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.
Reach by evening and proceed for FAREWELL DINNER and freshening
up. Drive to the airport for flight home with sweet memories of
India.
TOUR ENDS
THE TOUR INCLUDES:
- SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
- DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
- AIR-CONDITIONED CAR AT DISPOSAL WITH DRIVER,
- ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE / ESCORT FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
- MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
- DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
- DANCES OF INDIA SHOW IN DELHI,
- PRIVATE BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR,
- ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR,
- TIGER SAFARIS IN JEEPS AT RANTHAMBHORE,
- NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES,
- FOREST GUIDE CUM TIGER TRACKER FOR ALL SAFARIS,
- AIR-CONDITIONED FIRST CLASS TRAIN TRAVEL WHERE APPLICABLE,
- ASSISTANCE AT THE STATIONS WHERE APPLICABLE,
- 24 HOUR MOBILE PHONE CONTACT WITH TOUR MANAGER,
- PERSONAL CAMELS FOR THE SHORT CAMEL RIDE & DINNER AT SAND DUNES
AND
- ALL PARKING, ROAD TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.
SUGGESTED HOTELS :
| City |
Deluxe Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
Claridges / Nikko
| Imperial / The Oberoi |
02 |
| Agra |
Taj View | Amarvilas
|
01 |
| Ranthambhore |
Taj SM Lodge | Vanyavilas
|
02 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rambagh Palace / Rajvilas |
02 |
| Deogarh |
Deogarh Mahal | Deogarh
Mahal |
01 |
| Udaipur |
Fateh Prakash Palace
| Lake Palace |
02 |
| Jodhpur |
Ajit Bhawan Palace
| Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace |
02 |
| Jaisalmer |
Taj Rawalkot | Fort
Rajwada |
02 |
| Bikaner |
Bhanwar Niwas | Laxmi
Niwas Palace |
01 |
| Mandawa |
Mandawa castle | Mandawa
Castle |
01 |
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
| PARTICULARS |
TOUR PRICE WITH
DELUXE HOTELS |
TOUR PRICE WITH
LUXURY HOTELS |
| On twin sharing |
2299 |
4666 |
All prices are net and per person valid for two people traveling together.
Please note that only personal expenses along with tips, entrances,
camera charges at the monuments, etc. are not included. Lunches and
dinners are not included. All hotels are subject to availability at
the time of quotation. The tour is also available with three star
(budget) or four & basic five star (first class) hotels.
Rajasthan Exotic Tours, Special Offers
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