Incredible Taj -
Rajasthan
Vacation Tours
Discover Rajasthan
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambore - Kota
- Bundi - Chittourgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - 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 at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road 250 Kms/6 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 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 03: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr)
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 ofgrowing 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 04: 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 05: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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 theworld 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 06: Pushkar - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
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 07: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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 09: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
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 10: Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
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 11: 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 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100 km/2 hr)
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 13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4 hr)
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 14: 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 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 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 16: 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 17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
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 18: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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 19: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
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 20: 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 21: 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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