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DAY
01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met & assisted
with your baggages at the airport by our executive and transferred to
your prebooked Hotel.
DAY 02 :
DELHI
After breakfast, full day city tour of Delhi : India’s capital & a
major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis
which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern.
Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties
chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the
British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the
distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’
past.
Visit Jama
Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction
was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; drive past Red Fort,
which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638
to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example
of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President
House, Connaught Place. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.
DAY
03 : DELHI -
AGRA
(210 Kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit Sikandra - Four kilometers
before Agra is the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This structure is
a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The
tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are
built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.
Afternoon, visit the highlight of the tour - The Taj Mahal
- Epitome of Love, One of the Seven Wonders of the World - was built by
Shah Jahan (King of the World) for his beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal (the
exalted of the Palace). Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and
20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects,
inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all
across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason
was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and
an inlay specialist from Delhi. The marble, India's finest was quarried
at Makrana near Jodhpur, Jasper from Punjab, the garnets from Bundelkhand,
Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan
and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen,
Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from
the Indian Ocean. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like
a queen’s jewel-box. NOTE : TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
Visit Red fort, Built principally as a military establishment by
Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into
a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was
built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive
fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi
Red fort. The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces, gardens, halls
of private & public audience of the fort echo the story of the Mughal
Empire.
Itmad-ud-daulah, which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622
and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband,
Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.
DAY
04 : AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR (240
Kms., approx. 06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Jaipur, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal
city of Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms before Agra, built predominantly
in Red Sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the
Mughals, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.
Witness the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim
Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its
original glory.
Continue drive to Jaipur -
The
Pink City : Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome
its distinguished guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor
inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled
the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed
Jaipur to Pink city. Since then the PINK color is associated with hospitality
in Rajput culture. The
capital city of the state of Rajasthan owes its name, its foundation
and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The
city of Jaipur has broad avenues & sits on a dry lake bed in a wild
and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by
fortresses and crenellated
walls. Upon
arrival, check-in at prebooked
Hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 05 :
JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness the façade
of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799.
Amber Fort - The ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh
decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the
plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. The fort is a superb example of
Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking
a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or
the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of
Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar – the observatory
built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728 ; the City Palace which
is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum
with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and
weapons dating back to the 15th century.
DAY
06 : JAIPUR - RANTHAMBORE
Morning, drive to Ranthambore -
Located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, this is
one of the finest places to view animals, especially as they are used to
being stared at here.The park covers an area of Approximately 400 sq Km
and if combined it with the area of sawai man singh
sanctuary area,
it is around 500 Sq. km. Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project
Tiger". It
got it's status of a National Park in 1981.
Ranthambore
National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras.
There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide
perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest
inhabitants. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the
park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over
the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature,
history and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been
known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous
for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human
presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for
tourists, as they get to see the tigers often. This National park is
a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers excellent
accommodation and internal transportation facilities. The park remains
open every year from October to May. Famous for the exciting and frequent
tiger sightings captured dramatically in several books, this park is today
affected by ecological pressures and poaching. In Nutshell,
Ranthambore National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's
dream.
DAY
07 : RANTHAMBORE
Morning
and afternoon, Jungle Safari to witness the wild life. The Park
contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it. Primarily
the population consists of... Animals : Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas,
Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals,
Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian
Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats,
Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian
Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian
Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small
Indian Civets and Common mongoose. The amphibian species only consist
of the Common India Toad and the Common Frog. The park is most famous
for it's diurnal tigers. The park also has a large number of marsh
crocs Reptiles: Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise,
Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian
Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers,
Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.
DAY 08 : RANTHAMBORE - BUNDI
Drive
to Bundi - one of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth.
Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the
famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 A.D. when
Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan
nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other
young warriors move 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 separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either
side of the river Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Bundi
is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals. Interesting
monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples
with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a
picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Arrive
Bundi & check-in at prebooked Hotel
DAY
09 : BUNDI
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River
lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and
modern industrialisation temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts,
opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries
retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have
made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when
the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi
and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the
Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the
smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota
became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. The commanding fort
stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams-
Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old
palace,dating back to the time when Kota was under the control of Hada
Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall is ornate with
beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures
of the Kota school are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices
of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag Mandir-and island
Palace, a splendid haveli (mandion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal
cenotaphs. Upon
arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel
DAY
10 : BUNDI
- PUSHKAR
After
breakfast, leave for Pushkar. the holy lake of Pushkar is believed to
have been created by Lord Brahma himself. It is as important as Banaras
or Puri. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at
least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage is considered complete without
a dip in the holy Pushkar lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and
52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma
is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined,
it is also the venue of one of the country's most colorful cattle fairs
- the Pushkar Fair.
Arrive Pushkar and check-in at prebooked
hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Pushkar the mystical
city.
DAY
11 : PUSHKAR
- CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR
Morning, leave for Udaipur, enroute visit Chittorgarh
: The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomises the whole romantic,
doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. Three times in its long history, Chittor
was sacked by a stronger enemy and, on each occasion, the end came in a
textbook Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible
odds. The
men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort to
certain death, while the women and children immolated themselves on a huge
funeral pyre as honour was always more important than death. The first
defeat occurred in 1303, the second in 1535 and this time the carnage was
immense. It is said that 13,000 Rajput women and 33,000 Rajput warriors
died following the declaration of Jauhar. The final sack came in 1568,
when Mugha emperor Akbar, took the town. In 1616, Jehangir return Chittor
to the Rajputs but there was no attempt at resettlement.
Continue drive to Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur
is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in
poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces,
temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls,
relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection
in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination.
Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice
of East. Arrive Udaipur in the evening and check-in at prebooked
Hotel.
DAY
12 : UDAIPUR
After
breakfast, visit the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace which
is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan ; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo
Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of
Honour, which is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants
& lotus pool.
Afternoon, free. In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola.
DAY 13 :
UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - MT. ABU
(275 kms., approx. 07 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Mt. Abu, enroute visiting the Jain temples at
Ranakpur : The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white
marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture. It would take
anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well
preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on
1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly carved.
Continue drive to Mt. Abu - It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom
of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the
region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then
Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana.
Afternoon, explore Mt. Abu - Visit the Dilwara Temples - wondrously
carved in marble, the temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints.
Built between the 11th and 13th century, are famous for their superb
carvings in marble. The
complex included 02 temples, the older of which is the Vimal Visahi built
in 1031 and is dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath. The later
Tejpal temple was built in 1230 AD and is dedicated to Neminath - the 22nd
tirthankar.
Enjoy lovely view of the setting sun, South-West of Nakki lake, where the
sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks,
steps lead up to high terrace which offers an awe inspiring view of the
setting sun.
DAY 14 :
MT. ABU - JODHPUR
(264 kms., approx. 07 hrs. drive)
Drive
to Jodhpur - A flourishing trading center of the 16th century, the fortress
city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was
founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha who claimed to be descendent of Lord Rama.
The massive fort Mehrangarh-came first and around it grew the city of
Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless
bastions. Arrive Jodhpur and check in at prebooked
hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY
15 : JODHPUR - JAISALMER
Morning, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic Fort”,
located at the very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates
, each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce
the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture
& cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved. Jaswant Thada :
Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899,
in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's
rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower
– the city centre.
Afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer - The desert citadel is truly a golden
fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the
city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local
hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his
vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest. In Medieval
times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route
linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti
Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on
passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle
DAY 16 :
JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer.
Visit the citadel - the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth
of the population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th
to 15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved
pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once
supplied water to the city ; the temples & archways around it have
been built by a courtesan.
Afternoon, excursion to Sam
- 45 km away, is known for its sand dunes & is the venue for the Desert
festival. Get the actual feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on
the sand dunes and witness a magnificent
sunset on the sand dunes.
DAY
17 : JAISALMER - BIKANER
Morning, drive to Bikaner - dates back to 1488 when a Rathore
prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of
Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur.
Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with
scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates
the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city
is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts
of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the
world.
Afternoon, city tour of Bikaner. Visit the Junagarh Fort which was
contructed between 1588 and 1593 by a general in the army of the Mughal
Emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986m long wall with 37 bastions and two
entrances ; Camel Breeding Farm, managed by goverment this camel breeding
station is probably unique in Asia and has thousands of camels.
DAY
18 : BIKANER - MANDAWA
After breakfast, excursion to Deshnoke - a small village situated
32 km south from Bikaner city. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata.
Karni Mata, considered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga lived here in
the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. Originally the village
was called 'dus- nok' meaning ten corners as it was formed by taking
ten corners of ten villages. The temple is also famous for its holy
rodents who are revered as 'Kabas'. It is considered highly
fortunate if a Kaba runs over your feet !!
After
breakfast, transfer to Mandawa (Shekhawati) - The semi-desert region
lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur & Bikaner. This
region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim
clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into
important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of
Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) most of which
date back from the 18th century
DAY
19 : MANDAWA - DELHI
Morning,
explore the Havelis (Mansions) of Shekhwati. The
towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such
is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open
art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora
of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and
fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early
20th century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis
that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms of
fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures, complimenting
the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescos
depicting mythological themes and that of huge animals. Some later day
frescos shows the arrival of the British and highlighting steam locomotives
and train doubtlessly for the benefit of those members of the household
who did not travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced
mode of transport.
Afternoon, drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at your prebooked
Hotel
DAY
20 : DEPART DELHI
Morning, Transfer to the airport to board onward/return flight.
This itinerary
can be modified as per your requirements. For any modification,
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