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Day 01
/ Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi, meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Night stay in Delhi.
Day 02:
Delhi - Mathura - Vrindaban - Agra
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Visit Mathura and Vrindaban - LORD KRISHNA'S ABODE. Take a round of
the ASHRAMS and TEMPLES. Have lunch and proceed to Agra.
Reach Agra in the evening.
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 relax. Overnight at Agra.
Day 03: Agra
After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. 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 it's 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 at Agra.
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at 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 it's
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the
world.
Reach and check in at 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 at Jaipur.
Day 05: 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 06: Jaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for
Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in
at PUSHKAR PALACE.
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 07: Pushkar - Ranthambhore
Visit the BRAHMA TEMPLE - The only one in the world.
Start early after breakfast for 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.
Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger
in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger
sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come
to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the
documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
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 ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National
Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the
north.
Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 09: Ranthambhore - Kota
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel.
Start for KOTA.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the
river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a
miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river
close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex,
which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of
the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of
the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the
same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and
Chatter Bilas.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 10: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi.
36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the
unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of
Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous
Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the
Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive
wall with four gateways. In 1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was
defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked
shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young
warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered 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.
Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill
is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied
water to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most
impressive forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine
example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb
Bundi murals.
CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature
murals. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes
from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story.
SUKH MAHAL is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake
amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground
tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old
palace.
Proceed to CHITTAURGARH.
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
SUITE.
Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day 11: Bijaipur - Udaipur
Start for Udaipur after
breakfast.
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 at Udaipur.
Day 12: 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.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of
Lake Pichola. From he 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 at Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh
After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.
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 Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli
ranges, the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary
sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914
metres high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century
AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of
Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven
majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded
bastions and high watchtowers strengthen the crenellated walls of
the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day 14: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur
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 at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur
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.
Afternoon 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.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 16: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
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. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 17: 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, 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 the
SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 18: Safari
Breakfast at the camp.
Start for JHAMBA CAMPS through the desert in the jeeps. Reach in
the afternoon and overnight on camp.
Day 19: Safari to Bikaner
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner
via NAGAUR.
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 at Bikaner.
Day 20: Bikaner - Mandawa
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 -
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. 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.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 21: Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast 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.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief.
Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 22: Delhi
Breakfast at Delhi.
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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 23: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last
minute shopping.
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.
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