Heritage Hotels Special
Discover the diverse cultures, scenic
beauty and Historcal Places of Rajasthan.
Tour Ref.# HT0015/RV BOOK NOW
Special Feature: Stay Beautiful Castles, Forts, Havelis & Maharaja Palace in Rajasthan.
Price: 15 nights from US$
1765 (per person)
Destination: Rajasthan with Uttar Pradesh & Delhi
Departure Date: As per the client's choice
Transportation : Air-conditioned Car with an expert driver
ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will
be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival
lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel. Assistance for check-in will be
provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi
After breakfast full day city tour of Delhi which is India's
bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties as well as
the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and
sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj
Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.
First of all visit India Gate which
is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m
high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in
World War I. Today, an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, to
honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of
1971. Also visit Rajghat (the
cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ). In the late afternoon visit Qutab Minar which
is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. It is a magnificent structure whose
construction started in 1199 by a Muslim King Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named)
and was finished by his heir IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front
of it since 5th century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron
Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something, it is granted. Later on
drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi -
Mandawa
After breakfast, morning free to explore the surroundings, then drive to Mandawa
which is which is known for its famous mansions and havelis. Arrive Mandawa and check-in
into hotel Castle Mandawa which is one of the finest castles of Rajasthan. The
Castle was originally the home of a noble, but now it is a heritage hotel that still
retains it medieval theme. The rooms at this palace have paintings depicting Krishna in
his childhood and youth. The walls of the rooms at this palace have intricate carvings and
paintings along with mirror work. The castle still has a lot of antiques and paintings
that can be seen in the huge hall, which used to be the Durbar hall.
In the afternoon 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. Enroute you can shop for the colorful art and crafts of Rajasthan: tied
and dyed textiles, metal handicrafts, carved wooden artefacts and more. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 04 - Mandawa
- Nawalgarh
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Nawalgarh which
is rightly referred to as the Open Air Gallery. There is art all around. Nawalgarh is
renowned all over the world for its exquisitely painted havelis that are beautifully
designed and carved. The havelis are the mansions that boast of the beautifully carved
wooden gates and the painted walls. The ornate iron and brass fittings revealed the
affluence of the owner of the haveli. The marvelous murals have been painted on both the
sides of the walls. The paintings were further decorated with small pieces of mirror, gold
and silver leaves. Arrive Mandawa and check-in into hotel. In the
afternoon visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 05 -
Nawalgarh - Kuchaman
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kuchaman. On arrival
check-in into hotel Kuchaman Fort which is one of the most spectacular
and luxurious Fort hotels of Rajasthan. The Kuchaman Fort was established as a
"chowki" [garrison] by the Gurjar Pratiharas sometime between 450 to 750 A.D.
Like a gigantic beast astride a triangular cliff, crouching, waiting to pounce on enemies,
real or imagined. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel.
You can explore Kuchaman Fort. The
Fort was built to control the ancient trade route from Central Asia. In 950 A.D. the
Chuhans of Ajmer drove out the Gurjar Pratiharas, to open a new chapter in the history of
Kuchaman Fort. In the following centuries, the Gaurs won and controlled the fort, until
they surrendered it to the might of the Rathores. Being Suryavanshi Kshatriyas who trace
their lineage back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, the Rathores brought to
the fort their long and glorious traditions. A new life came to the Fort, enriching its
colorful history.
At the Kuchaman Fort you discover tales of courage and valor woven into the very fabric of
its formidable ramparts; with their 32 bastions that house cannon points, their thousands
of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were once showered upon attacking armies, and
their strategic 10 gates, each with its own soulful story. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 06 -
Kuchaman - Bikaner
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Bikaner - the camel
city. On arrival check-in into hotel.After check-in enjoy half
day city tour covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja
Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances. Visit Anup
Mahal which is one of the most impressive rooms in the complex. And Badal
Mahal or Cloud Palace's walls are painted with a fresco of rain clouds. Also
visit Bhand Sagar Temple - Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the
23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Other important temples of Bikaner include the
Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple. Also visit Camel
Breeding Farm - a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have perhaps
the first taste of camel’s milk. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 07 - Bikaner
- Jaisalmer
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer
- The Citadel City. On the way we pass camel carts, vibrant and colorful
Rajasthani women carrying produce to the market, and men sporting brightly colored turbans
usually sitting groups just passing the time of the day. On arrival check in into hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you
can explore the local markets for shopping. Shop for
exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curios shop, traditional rugs, hand-woven blankets
and shawls in typical Rajasthani colours and weave are also available. Mirror work,
embroidered articles, silver jewellery, trinkets and curious are other buys of Jaisalmer.
The main shopping areas
are Sadar Bazar, Sonaron ka Bas, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazar etc.Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 08 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing. Visit the Jaisalmer
Fort - The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old,
crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city,
nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. The fort stands almost 30 meters over the city and
houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol,
Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within it are many beautiful havelies and a group
of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Later on visit Manak
Chowk and Havelis - Outside the fort is the main market place
called Manak Chowk, which is the center of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk
into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found. Each haveli's facade
differs from other. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the
havelis of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality.
Havelis - Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are
stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade. The beautiful mansions built
by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine
sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Also visit Patwon ki Haveli -
is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It stands in a narrow
lane and one of its apartments is painted with beautiful murals - unfortunately, at
present, the building is closed up and not lived in.
In the late afternoon we have arranged Sunset
camel ride to the Sam Sand Dunes. A trip to Jaisalmer is in
incomplete without this visit to most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is
unceasingly carving out scenic patterns on this desert sand. truly the essence of the
desert, the ripples of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the Sam Sand
Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into desert life from Jaisalmer itself! Camel
rides on the Sand Dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset. Overnight
at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 09 -
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur - The
Desert enchantment. Arrive Jodhpur and check-in into hotel. In the
afternoon half day city sightseeing of Jodhpur city which is the second largest city of
Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput
chief Rao Jodha in 1459. The city was the erstwhile capital of the Marwar state. A
10-km-long wall made of stone and built about a century after the city was founded,
surrounds the old city. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are
surrounded by defensive battlements.
Covering Mehrangarh fort which is one of the
largest forts in India. The fort has been a witness to the Mehrangarh Fort,
Jodhpursplendour of a bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the
fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri
sculptures. To enter the Mehrangarh fort, seven gates have to be crossed. Also visit Jaswanthada
- The 19th century royal cenotaph and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens.
After that a visit Ummed Bhawan Palace. A part of Umaid Bhawan
Palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to
the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery
and trophies. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Jodhpur
- Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kumbhalgarh
where you explore one of the most majestic forts of India. 13 mountain peaks surround the
impregnable fortress of Kumbalgarh (54 Kms) at a height of 3281 ft. Seven towering
gateways pierce the massive walls of this prominent fortress of Mewar . The young Udai
Singh founder of Udaipur took shelter here from his treacherous uncles. Emperor Akbar was
defeated by these impregnable walls dotted with cannonballs.
Later on continue drive to Ranakpur
which is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an
exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the
tourists coming to this region. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Ranakpur
- Udaipur
After breakfast visit Ranakpur Jain Temples complex,
one of the biggest and the most important cluster of Jain temples
in India. Nestled in the Aravalli range. The Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple, is
the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built in marble, the
temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike. The
two other Jain temples in the complex are Neminath and Parasnath temple.
In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and drive
to Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar - The City of
Dreams which is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills
and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes - it is bewitching in all its details.
Narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature
mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola. Udaipur's inherent romance and beauty
and its remarkable past bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to
enthrall the visitor.
On arrival check-in into hotel. The rest of the day
free to explore this city of lakes on your own. In the evening enjoy boat ride on
the picturesque Lake Pichola, cruising past the spectacular City Palace,
Jag Mandir Island and the famous Jag Niwas Island.Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Udaipur
After breakfast visit City Palace - the largest palace complex in
Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Jagdish
Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a black stone
image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Folk Art Museum has
an interesting exhibition of folk arts including dresses, dolls, masks, musical
instruments, paintings, and puppets. Pratap Smarak, located atop the Moti Magri or Pearl
Hill overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, is a memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap.
In the afternoon an excursion to Eklingji
& Nagda temples. Eklingji, It is famous for the beautifully sculpted
temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls built in 734 A.D.The temples are
dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar ruler. The walled complex encloses
an elaborately pillared hall or mandap under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced
image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Nagda, This ancient place in Mewar was the
capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificient torana exquisitely carvedwith graceful
apsaras. This ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the
Sas-Bahu temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Udaipur - Deogarh
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Deogarh
which is situated on the right bank of the Betwa, at the western end of theLalitpur range
of hills. The cliffs immediately overhanging the bank rise to a height of 300 feet and
form along steep ridge of red sandstone. The river takes a deep curve to the west at this
juncture and passesthrough the extremely picturesque country side.
On arrival check-in into Hotel Deogarh
Mahal which is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a
hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes,
strewn across the countryside.With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and
huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 14 - Deogarh
- Jaipur - Kanota
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Arrive
Jaipur and enjoy half day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance of
color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well
planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system.
The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation.
Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu
treatise on architecture. This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are
painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with
white borders and motifs.
Covering Hawa Mahal or
"Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually
little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old
city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal,
honeycombed, sandstone windows. The City Palace which is blend of Mughal
and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The
palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of textiles, paintings,
manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar
Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai
Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.
Then, proceed 15 kms
further towards east. Arrive Kanota and check into hotel Royal Castle
Kanota which was built in the 18th century by Thakur Zorawar Singh Champawat. It is
well equipped with cannons and armory as it had been built as the last defence for the
city of Jaipur. The fort has a unique library of over 10,000 rare books, manuscripts and
miniatures. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 15 - Kanota
- Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast check-out from drive to Agra. En-route visit Fatehpur
Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of
his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at
Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant,
containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland
Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs.
Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass
over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for
eternity."
Arrive and check in into
hotel. In the afternoon visit Agra Red Fort which is surrounded by a 70
feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including
the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used by his son
Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by a double barricaded
wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and
its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely
carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 16 - Agra -
Delhi (Departure)
Early morning visit Taj Mahal which is India’s most
fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the
Yamuna river, this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his
wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in
this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen
in the same mausoleum. The Taj is most enthralling in the quietness of early morning. With
the rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for
photography. Come back to hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon
check-out from the hotel and drive back to Delhi en-route visiting Sikandra. Arrive Delhi
and car with driver will be at your disposal until transfer to Airport to board
International flight. (Breakfast) |
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