Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Khimsar - Nagaur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Deogarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra – Day 1 - Delhi / Mandawa (260 km / 6 hrs)  Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi.
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.
Upon arrival in Delhi depart by coach for Mandawa.
Arrive and check-in at the hotel.
Mandawa Castle, located in the desert town of Mandawa, the hotel emerges like a mirage. The castle is a favourite attraction with tourists from the world over, who come to see the painted havelies and frescoes of Shekhawati.
The castle creates an ambience of royalty and magnificence for the guests coming to stay here. A painted, arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Three large gates lead one to the cannon-guarded interior of the fort. The terrace of the Castle holds a breathtaking view of the town and the semiarid plains beyond.
Afternoon explore the castle and In-house museum which has an interesting numistic collection, old documents, costumes of ancestors and silver objects. Visit the village and see the frescoes painting work on walls of the old havelies. Evening witness the puppet show followed by a special dinner.
Overnight at the hotel. Day 2 - Mandawa / Bikaner (185 kms / 4 hrs 30m)  Depart by coach for Bikaner.
Arrive and check-in at Hotel Lalgarh Palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. Dexterous carving in red sandstone specially intricate filigree work is the chief attraction here. It is today the residence of Her Highness Rajmata Sushila Kumari.
Afternoon visit 16th century Junagarh fort housing old palace, Jain Temple and a Mosque. the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 windows of varying designs.
Overnight at hotel. Day 3 - Bikaner / Khimsar (157 kms / 3 hrs 45min)  Depart by coach for Khimsar. Enroute visit Nagaur.
In the midst of the burning, blowing yellow sands of Thar Desert, is an inconspicuous little town called Nagaur, the venue of the second largest cattle fair in Rajasthan. Nagaur is one of the most picturesque of the Rajput townships, cordoned in by massive ramparts, the entrance to the town lies through stately gates. At the main entrance to the town is a complex of royal cenotaphs including the beautiful cenotaph of Amar Singh. Inside the fort are Moti Mahal, Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal, and a ‘Baradari’ with a pool having painted murals in the Nagaur style.
During the cattle fair the town is set ablaze with colours and festivities. Once a year, usually when the winter calms down the fiery desert heat, a cattle fair is held here, on of the largest in India. Thousands of horses, cattle, camels and other livestock are brought in for buying and selling and rural folk from the neighbouring areas depend on it for their thereafter, proceed for Khimsar.
Khimsar, Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert lies a unique 16th Century Khimsar Fort. The royal lineage still reside in this historic Fort.
Arrive and check-in at the hotel for overnight stay. Day 4 - Khimsar / Nagaur / Khimsar  Morning visit Nagaur Fair. Return to Khimsar.
Afternoon take a Jeep Safari to photograph the herds of the famous Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) and the highly protected rare Black Buck leaping into the thin desert air. The Neelgai or Blue Bull can be sighted in abundance. Followed by Picnic tea atop the famous Sand-dunes of Panchla. As you sip tea, watch evening sunset behind the marvellous dunes.
Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 5 - Khimsar / Jaisalmer (305 kms / 7 hrs) Depart by car for Jaisalmer. En route visit Osian where the famous 8th century Jain temples reflect the richness of architecture-characteristic of India’s renaissance period.Upon arrival in Jaisalmer visit an architectural dream in the lonely silence of the desert. Visit Gadisar lake, the Sonar Fort, Amarsagar and Barabagh. On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel. Day 6 - Jaisalmer  Full day at the Desert festival.
See the pulsating drama in the dazzling sands, the myriad - hued ghagharas swirling with the rhythm of tinkling pajebs. The smiling faces framed in jewels and veils. The blazing turbans reflecting a passion for colours. The proud mustaches reminding of the valour and romance of a chequered history. On camel back explore Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Ki Haveli, some of the beautiful mansions.
The sound of bells and bangles mingling with the ecstatic uproar. The incredible feats of the acrobats. the charging Camels and an oblivious crowd in the magic circle of golden dust. The magical spell makes the fantasies real, experience it yourself.
Overnight stay at hotel. Day 7 - Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (290 kms / 6 hrs 30 min)  Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Jodhpur
On arrival , Check in & lunch at hotel . 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 Rajput 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. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.After Lunch proceed on sightseeing 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.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel. Day 8 - Jodhpur / Deogarh (170 kms / 4hrs)  Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast.
DEOGARH - 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. Day 9 - Deogarh / Udaipur (140 kms / 3 hrs)  Breakfast will be at the place.
Proceed for sighseeing of the place around the town.
ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV: It is an extraordinary cave temple believed to be 2000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island in the Raghosagar Lake.
GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace is 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 the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmend in by the lush hill of the ARAVALLIES. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for theimagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy tales palaces, lake temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flovour of 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 MEWER – 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 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 stay at the Udaipur Day 11 - Udaipur / Pushkar (250 kms / 6 hrs) Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check In at hotel.
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.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel. Day 12 - Pushkar / Jaipur (By Road 140 km/3 hr)  Breakfast at hotel. Sight seeing of Pushkar and straight drive to Jaipur.
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 characte 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. Afternoon , 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 stay at Jaipur. Day 13 - 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. Jaipur is considered as a shopper’s paradise for Textile & Jewelers. Afternoon, free time will be given for shopping.
Overnight stay at Jaipur. Day 14 - Jodhpur / Deogarh (170 kms / 4hrs) Breakfast at Hotel, drive to Agra en-route visiting “Abhaneri” & “Fatehpur Sikri”
Abhaneri: hardly any people knows (including most of the travel agent from India too) a place call “Abhaneri" situated between Agra & Jaipur. Is famuse for 8th Centuary temple & a special 8th Centuary Monument called " Chand Baouri" is about 100 feet deep open well with flights of steps on three side , no body has been able to count the steps. One can see the royal toilets with carved windows and Jhrokhas, which was used by the king & queen Fatehpur Sikri : abandoned Mughal city of built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. After lunch visit the one of the most beautiful wonder in the world.
The Taj Mahal ( Please note that Taj Mahal is closed on Friday), which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. later on proceed for remaining sight seeing of Agra , which include, Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.
On arrival at Agra, Check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Agra. Day 15 - Agra / Delhi (204 kms / 4hrs 30m) After breakfast at hotel, depart by surface for Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi and proceed with lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed with the sightseeing tour of New Delhi, with drive past India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) the Rastrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House and visit Qutab Minar.
After dinner in time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. Day 13 - 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. Jaipur is considered as a shopper’s paradise for Textile & Jewelers. Afternoon, free time will be given for shopping.
Overnight stay at Jaipur. Day 14 - Jodhpur / Deogarh (170 kms / 4hrs)  Breakfast at Hotel, drive to Agra en-route visiting “Abhaneri” & “Fatehpur Sikri”
Abhaneri: hardly any people knows (including most of the travel agent from India too) a place call “Abhaneri" situated between Agra & Jaipur. Is famuse for 8th Centuary temple & a special 8th Centuary Monument called " Chand Baouri" is about 100 feet deep open well with flights of steps on three side , no body has been able to count the steps. One can see the royal toilets with carved windows and Jhrokhas, which was used by the king & queen Fatehpur Sikri : abandoned Mughal city of built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. After lunch visit the one of the most beautiful wonder in the world.
The Taj Mahal ( Please note that Taj Mahal is closed on Friday), which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. later on proceed for remaining sight seeing of Agra , which include, Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.
On arrival at Agra, Check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Agra. Day 15 - Agra / Delhi (204 kms / 4hrs 30m)  After breakfast at hotel, depart by surface for Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi and proceed with lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed with the sightseeing tour of New Delhi, with drive past India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) the Rastrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House and visit Qutab Minar.
After dinner in time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Khimsar - Nagaur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Deogarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra – Delhi Introduction  Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilisations that flourished for more than three thousand years. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence.
Delhi is the capital of India. The city is actually consisting of two parts. Old Delhi was capital of the Muslim India in between 17th and 19th centuries. Many monuments, forts, Mosques etc. can be seen in old Delhi. British lately created the other part of the City New Delhi as the capital of India... Jaisalmer Introduction  The Jaisalmername Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Legend has it that Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 A.D. After consulting a local hermit by the name of Eesul. Tricuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva to establish this new capital.
Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Jodhpur Introduction  Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur . The town was once known as Marwar, which means Land of Death probably, referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions.
Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur Udaipur Introduction  The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an 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 flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight... Jaipur Introduction  The Rose Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the capital of Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the first-time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical at sunset.
The Old City (Known as the Pink City) is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 Agra Introduction  Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal.
The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes... |
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