Day
01/ Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi , Meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel.
Night stay in Delhi.
Day
02/ Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of New
Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the
Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th century
Qutab Minar ,India Gate and the grand government buildings, the
President?s House, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial . Also visit Laxmi Narayan
temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Night stay in Delhi.
Day
03/ Delhi- Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur & transfer to hotel. Later sightseeing
of Jaipur covering 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- 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.Also
visit 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. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day
04/ Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort. 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.Also visit Jaigarh Fort
- Jaigarh used to be the royal arsenal. The view of the city of
Jaipur from this picturesque fort on top of a hill is truly an experience
of a lifetime. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day
5/ Jaipur - Mandawa
After breakfast drive to 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.Arrive Mandawa & transfer to hotel.
Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all
traces of the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War
scarred turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons that seem to look down
at you, as silent retainers in green appear to whisk you away, the
tails of their orange 'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze, mark
your arrival to the fanciest destination in Shekhawati. Caparisoned
camels and horses saunter in, carrying the guests as musicians blow
horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome. In the Castle, step into
an arched open-fronted verandah and wander in the under the high
ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where the walls adorned with
ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era that
was royal, rich and resplendent.
Afternoon 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. Night stay in Mandawa.
Day
06/ Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast drive to 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. Arrive Bikaner & transfer to hotel.
Later visit the Junagarh Fort ,constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army
and the Karnimata Temple at Deshnok. Also visit the prestigious
camel breeding farm in the evening.Night stay in Bikaner.
Day
07/ Bikaner -Jaisalmer
After Breakfast drive to 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. Arrive Jaisalmer & transfer to
hotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day
08/ 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, Also visit the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli
, Gandhi Sagar Tank and Barabagh Hill. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day
09/ Jaisalmer
In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani
Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes,
as the sky is set on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village to drive back to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani
dinner served in the village amidst Rajasthani musicians playing
haunting tunes. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day
10/ Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to 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.
Arrive Jodhpur & transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night
stay in Jodhpur.
Day
11/ 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. Later visit
Jaswant Thada Memorial & the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Night stay
in Jodhpur.
Day
12/ Jodhpur - Mt Abu
After breakfast drive to Mount Abu -At 1,200 meters, Mount Abu is
the highest point of the Aravalli range passing through Rajasthan.
The only hill resort of Rajasthan. It is build around a lake and
is surrounded by forested hills. According to the legend, the place
derives its name from ARBUDA, a serpent who descended to the spot
to rescue Shiva's bull NANDI. Besides having all the features of
a pleasant hill resort, this place is also famous for the DILWARA
TEMPLES and many more archeological remains. There are romantic
royal retreats and relics of the Raj. Enjoy boating at the Nakki
Lake and visit the temples and the museum. Night stay in Mount Abu.
Day
13/ Mt. Abu
Morning proceed for day long sightseeing at Mt Abu. Visit the Dilwara
Temples during the day. The architecture of these temples is very
interesting and famous. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Mount
Abu.
Day
14/ Mount Abu - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur -The city of Dawn, Udaipur is the
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 Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel
of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Arrive Udaipur & transfer to hotel.Later 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.Evening at leisure.
Night stay in Udaipur.
Day
15/ Udaipur
Morning proceed for day 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. Night stay
in Udaipur.
Day
16/ Udaipur - Chittaurgarh
After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh- The pride and glory of Rajasthan,
Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valor unique to the
Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel - Where the royal past lives
in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.
Arrive Chittaurgarh & transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing
of Chittaurgarh Fort -Believed to have been constructed by the Mori
rulers in the 7th century, this fort is located on a 180m high hill,
covering 700 acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris"
lie between several monumental gates. Also visit Padmini Palace
- The palace of the legendary queen of Mewar. Night stay in Chittaurgarh.
Day
17/ Chittaurgarh - Kota
Morning drive to Kota -Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River
lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age
and modern industrialization, temples and untouched wealth of impressive
forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples. Kota dates back over
several centuries but still retains its past glory, present day
edifices and heavy industries. The industries have made it the industrial
heartland of Rajasthan. Arrive Kota & transfer to hotel. Later
sightseeing of Kota covering Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style
palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal, was build in the
early nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are tastefully
done up with antique furniture. An intresting feature of the palace
is the fact that almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river
providing an arrresting view of the mighty river.
Umed Bhawan Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota.
There are long corridors, courtyard and Italian marble floors.
Chambel Garden The lush green garden at Amar Niwas makes a lovely
picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy
a boat ride.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated in the old palace, it houses
a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school, exquisite
sculptures and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure
house of artistic items used by the rulers of kota. Night stay in
Kota.
Day
18/ Kota - Ranthambhore
After breakfast drive to Ranthambhore - the famous Tiger Reserve,
is perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild.
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.
The River Chambal in the South and the River Banas in the North
bind the National Park.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type further classified
as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus
pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree,
capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaf of this tree
is good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant
part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them,
are rich source of nutrition.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed, lilies
and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts
of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive hyenas, sloth bears,
wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species
of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic
Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a
subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore
tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance.
However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.
Day at leisure . Night stay in Ranthmbhore.
Day
19/ Ranthambhore
Morning & Afternoon Jungle safari by Canter. Night stay in Ranthmbhore.
Day
20/ Ranthambhore-Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra- Badal Singh established the city
of Taj in 1475. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai
cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with
their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had
once experienced. Arrive Agra & transfer to hotel. Night stay
in Agra.
Day
21/ Agra - Delhi
Morning at sunrise visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders
of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed
in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory
of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).
Also visit 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.
Later drive to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy city of Mathura.
Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day
22/ Departure
Transfer to airport to connect the onward flight.