Incredible Rajasthan Tour
Duration: 18 Nights / 19 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur
- Deogarh - Jaipur Agra Khajuraho Varanasi
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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 at Delhi.
Day 02
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 Humayuns Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue
- Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the Presidents
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi - Mandawa:
By Road
260 km/5 hr
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 04
Mandawa - Bikaner:
By Road
140 km/3 hr
After Breakfast drive to Bikaner. 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
citys 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.
Reach and 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.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05
Bikaner - Jaisalmer:
By Road
300 km/6 hr
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 06
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 07
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur:
By Road
285 km/5 hr
After Breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Reach and transfer to the 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 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 08
Jodhpur Ranakpur - Udaipur:
By Road
265 km/5 hr
Start for Udaipur 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.
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 09
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 10
Udaipur Deogarh:
By Road
175 km/3 hr
Drive to Deogarh and On arrival, check-in at Deogarh Mahal. It is an archtectural
marvel. Visit the typical traditional village, lake, temple.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11
Deogarh - Jaipur:
By Road
275 km/5 hr
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City Jaipur.
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 12
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. Its 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.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13
Jaipur Fatepursikri - Agra:
By Road
265 km/5 hr
After Breakfast drive to Agra, 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 its
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
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.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 14
Agra
Early in the morning proceed for the sightseeing of Taj Mahal.
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 Itmadullahs Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15:
Agra Khajuraho
By Train - Shatabdi Express
Dep time: 0758 hrs Arr Time: 1035 Hrs
Morning after breakfast transfer to railways station for train to Jhansi.
Upon arrival in Jhansi you will be received by our representative. Continue
your journey towards Khajuraho.
Jhansi Orchha Khajuraho
By road 180 kms 4 hrs
Enroute visit Orchha, now a small hamlet in the state of Madhya Pradesh but
once the capital of the formidable Bundela kings in medieval times. Attractions
include Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Rai Parveen Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj
Temple, and Laxmi Narayan Temple.
On arrival at Khajuraho check into hotel. Spend rest of the day on leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16:
Khajuraho
After breakfast explore the Temple complex Proceed for the city tour in the
Morning. Khajuraho is famous world over for the erotic temples built in the
medieval times by the mighty kingdom of Chandelas with inspiration taken from
Kamsutra - the celebrated Indian treatise on sex. The temples are divided
into three groups Eastern, Western, and Southern. Kandariya Mahadeo is the
most celebrated of all temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for erotic
sculpture on its walls.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17:
Khajuraho Varanasi:
Flight Number: 9W 334
Dep: 1330 Hrs Arr: 1410 Hrs
In the afternoon our company representative will give you transfer to airport
for the flight to Varanasi. Before departure do the sightseeing of Khajurahoi.
On arrival check in the hotel. Afternoon on leisure. Evening visit the Temple
and explore the Pooja Ceremony.
Overnight at hotel.
About Varanasi
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest rever Ganges, Varanasi is
the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India.
It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara
or Vishwanatha. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction
and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation
from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A
simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms
life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara jyotirlinga
has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India.
Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga
scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to
Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind,
the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodinent of our timeless cultural
traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all
great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand,
Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other
spiritual personalities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts visitors not
only from India but abroad as well and thereby symbolises man's desire to
live in peace snd harmony with one another. Vishwanath being a supreme repository
of this spiritual truth thus strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood
and fellow feeling at the national as wll as global levels. On January 28,
1983 the Temple was taken over by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and it's management
eversince stands entrusted to a Trust with Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. Former
Kashi Naresh, as president and an Executive Committee with Divisional Commissioner
as Chairman. The Temple in the present shape was built way back in 1780 by
Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhan was
built up infront of the Temple by the then collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at
the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the
Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.
Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious
affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of
Temple.
Ghats
Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras, is older than traditions. The divine grace of
this city lies is unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural
elements. Ghats of Varanasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity.
It is a city witch liberate soul from human body to ultimate. The much quoted
Sanskrit Skloka Proclame ' Kasyam maranam mukti' (death in Kashi is Liberation).
In fact the extension of this belief could be visualised in early concept
of ' Pancha Trirtha' symbolically identified with the human body it is explicitly
equated with the fire elements (Panch Tattva) of witch body is composed interesting
people now defining as all the Ghats are points on the divine cosmic road
( 12th Zodiacs X 7cakras of body thus 98 ) represents its manifest transcendential
dimension. That is how this frame shows a cosmic order and harmonic relationship
between micro cosmos (divine order) and micro cosmos (human order)through
the interlink of mesocosmos ( the physical order of ghats). The Gahadvala
inscriptions ( c.12th cent) mention only five ghats . A mid 17th cent.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18:
Varanasi - Delhi - Home: (2.30 Am Morning flight)
By flight: 9W-724 Dep: 14:40 Arr:1600
Enjoy boating on the river Ganges in the dawn. Explore the city of Varanasi
- the Spiritual capital of India after breakfast. Visit Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath
Temple and other places.
In the afternoon company representative will give you transfer to the airport
for the flight to Delhi. Reach and Explore the Delhi market. Proceed for the
DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening. After the show you will have FAREWELL
DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of
India.
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