Rajasthan - A land of Royal Past
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Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Places to Visit : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer
- Jhalamand Garh - Udaipur - Jojawar - Pacheshwar Garh – Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra
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The State of Rajasthan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of India.
Rajasthan's many princely states, impressive forts and magnificent palaces set
in the Thar desert evoke uniquely colourful images of medieval India. Rajasthan
means land of Rajas or Kings but was also called as Rajputana "the country
of Rajputs". The Aravali mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges
of the world, extending from north to south, divides the state into two natural
regions. Aravali range and the Thar Desert are the two most contrasting features
of Rajasthan's geographical make-up. Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan reflect
the vigour and life style of its people. Vibrant colours, music and festivities
make the golden sand come alive. Veiled, bejewelled women sing and dance to
devotional rhythms. Rajasthan has a fair for every religious occasion, for every
change of season and for every harvest. The kingdom of Rajputs is as the tales
of the thousand and One Nights and it will make your Tour an unforgettable memory.
Day
01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport.
Day 02 : Delhi - Mandawa (257 Kms)
Early morning drive to Mandawa, located South West of Delhi. On arrival, we
assist you to check in at our Hotel. Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched
gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can
wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with
elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the
Marwari community.
Day 03 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Morning drive to Bikaner (180 km).
Bikaner - this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by
Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh
Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul
Emperor Akbar's army.
Overnight at hotel Lallgarh Palace.
Day 04 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer (320 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Late afternoon visit the sand dunes and a Camel ride to view the sunset, as
the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It
can be an unforgettable experience.
Overnight at Thar Wildreness, Sam Sandunes (Jaisalmer)
Day 05 : Jaisalmer
Morning visit the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each richly
decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House
of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis
of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last of
the great havelis was built in the late 19th century. End the morning with a
visit to Gadisar Lake the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal to
this site. Late afternoon visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals in Barra bagh
where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best place from which to watch
the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph the fort.
Overnight at Thar Wildreness, Sam Sandunes (Jaisalmer).
Day
06 : Jaisalmer - Jhalamand Garh
After breakfast drive to Jhalamand Garh ,Jodhpur (290 Kms)
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Jhalamand garh seems to rise out of the Narwar
plains like a sentinel. A sturdy fort, it is quite simple and uses very little
ornamentation to break the almost forbidding exterior. The interiors too are
simple and neat where the guests can look forward to genuine Rajput hospitality.
In the surrounding area has several interesting temples, cenotaphs and Mehran
garh Fort and for the more adventurous - camels are available to explore the
countryside and visit Bisnoi villages.
Overnight at Jhalamand Garh.
Day 07 : Jhalamand Garh - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur (250 km), en route visit Ranakpur Jain temples.
Ranakpur Temples: the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in
the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the
temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre
is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive
features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly
alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved
with Jain images. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of
the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Thereafter continue drive to Udaipur
and check-in at hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters
of Lake Pichola. >From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace
stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running
down to the waterside.
Overnight at the hotel Ram Pratap Palace.
Day 08 : Udaipur - Jojawar
Morning City tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed
for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering
through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of
Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari". Later proceed further to Jojawar (120
Kms) Rawla Jojawar A heritage hotel, beautifully situate at the foothills of
Aravalli Range, has a panoramic view of reserved game sanctuary. It's the perfect
destination for a vacationer looking for old world charm of princely fiefdoms
of yesteryear. Having played host to some of the most elite guests during the
British Raj the Rawla`s rich tradition of hospitality continues. Evening at
leisure to explore the destination on your own
Overnight at hotel Rawla Jojawar
Day 09 : Jojawar - Pacheshwar Garh
After a leisurely breakfast we check out from the hotel and drive to Pacheshwar
Garh, A well-preserved tranquil fort with its massive ramparts imposing gates,
intricate balconies and spacious apartments, adorned with antique frescos of
exquisite beauty. Upon arrival we check in at the fort hotel. Evening sightseeing
includes a visit to the royal cenotaphs, built on the banks of Pumpa Sagar lake,
ancient temples and intimate exposure to the village- life, where you can watch
the village craftsmen and artisans creating delicate blue pottery, cosy carpets,
colorful tie and dye, and terra-cotta. Nomadic ' Gadia- Luhars (iron-smiths)
tempering the red-hot iron carrying their entire household in a single bullock-craft
can also be watched here.
Overnight at the hotel
Day
10 : Pacheshwar Garh - Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (90 kms), upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon
city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within
surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will
include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several
of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging
to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You
will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air
Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a
stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Over night at Khandwa Haveli,Jaipur
Day 11 : Jaipur - Ranthambore
Morning visit the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur
City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the
slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time
honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100
years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into
the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon drive to Ranthambore
(156 kms). Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Rajasthan's most renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is 400 sq kms of dry deciduous
forest, perfect natural habitat for tigers, and is set in the Aravalli and Vindhya
hills, dotted with pavilions and dominated by a hilltop fort. Ranthambore was
one of the hunting preserves of the former rulers of Jaipur and because of this
the Maharajas ensured the environment was preserved and the forest and their
inhabitants well protected. It has a good population of tiger and their prey
species, and has been declared a "Project Tiger" reserve. Wildlife
includes blue bull, black buck, spotted deer or cheetal, wild boar, a large
variety of bird species and, if very lucky, the rarely seen leopard.
Overnight at hotel Ranthambore Safari Lodge.
Day 12 : Ranthambore
Early morning and late afternoon you will be escorted on a game viewing in the
sanctuary by canter.
Overnight at hotel Ranthambore Safari Lodge.
Day
13 : Ranthambore - Agra
After an early breakfast we check out from the hotel and drive to Agra (294
Kms) via Bharatpur & fatehpur Sikri
Upon arrival in Bharatpur proceed by cycle rickshaws to the famous Keoladeo
Ghana Bird Sanctuary which is a wonder of the natural world and no less worth
seeing than the marble mausoleum of the Taj. Here over 350 species of birds
find refuge in the 29 sq. kms of shallow lakes & wood lands of the park.
A third of them are migrants many of whom spend winter in Bharatpur before returning
to their breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Central Asia. Later we
drive to hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace for lunch and later drive to Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was
built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned,
leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra - check into the hotel. Howard Park Plaza
Day 14 : Agra - Delhi
Post breakfast we check out from the hotel and start our sightseeing tour of
Red Fort and the famous Taj Mahal. Visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of
the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as
his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has
imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Taj Mahal - This most
famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his
wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as
the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken
when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The
central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. (Taj
Mahal is closed on Friday).
Later we drive to Delhi (203 Kms). Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and
transferred to the you will be taken for a farewell Dinner near International
Airport and transfer to International flight back to your country.
NOTE: VISA IS COMPULSORY TO TRAVEL TO INDIA FOR ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS.
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