Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
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.
Covering India gate (war memorial), Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ) and Red Fort - Delhi's most magnificent monument. After that visit The National Museum is one of India's most prestigious institutions. The galleries of the museum follow a historical and chronological sequence. The Indus Valley Gallery displays many antiquities excavated from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, like terracotta toys, images and pots, jewellery, seals, bronze and copper implements and sculpture. Later on drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Later on visit Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi - Agra
After breakfast check-out and you depart on a four hours drive to Agra. Arrive Agra
and check-in into hotel. Later on 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.
In the late afternoon visit the 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. With the Sunset the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 04 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur -
Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and we take you to on a visit to 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."
After continue drive to Jaipur. Enroute visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. The marshes here are home to over 360 species of birds including the Siberian cranes that come to spend the winter here. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 05 - Jaipur
After breakfast full 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.
Morning we take you to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Ascend on elephant back to the hill, on which the fort is situated. In the afternoon visiting 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. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. 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. On display there are two huge urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental. 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. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 06 - Jaipur - Pushkar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar - the city of Brahma.
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The
charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas,
that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of
Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi
Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the
inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.
Enjoy a peaceful day in the idyllic village around the holy Pushkar Lake. One can walk around the entire lake in about an hour. There is drumming every evening at sunset from the 52 ghats surrounding the lake. Visit various temples and the sacred lake. ( Pushkar fair is world famous and normally is during the months of October or November.) Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - Pushkar -
Chittorgarh - Udaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur.
En-route visit Chittorgarh. The sprawling hilltop fort of Chittorgarh
epitomises the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput Chivalry. Thrice Chittor was sacked
by a stronger enemy and on each occasion, the end came in textbook Rajput fashion as
jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds. Visit Chittorgarh Fort
- The indomitable pride of Chittorgarh, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways
built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m. high
hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chattris within are impressive reminders
of the Rajput heroism. The fort has many magnificent monuments, all fine examples of the
Rajput architecture. Also visit other palaces and visit that very spot
where Rani Padmini committed Johar.
Later on continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-in into hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore this city of lakes on your own. Or you may enjoy our optional 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 08 - Udaipur
Morning city tour visiting City Palace - the largest palace complex
in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. A
part of the palace is converted into a museum. Then visit Jagdish Temple,
drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for her friends). Later on
visit Ahar - The ancient capital of sisodias, 3 Km from udaipur, Ahar boasts of a
profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities
including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are
displayed in a small Govt. museum.
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 09 - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and driver to Ranakpur.
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.
Later on continue drive to Jodhpur - The Desert enchantment. Arrive and check-in into hotel. In the afternoon visit Mehrangarh fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada - The 19th century royal cenotaph and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
After breakfast check-out
from the hotel and visit Ummed Bhawan
Palace. A portion of the Ummed Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum.
The architectural splendors of these remnants will enthrall you. Later on continue 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. Car and
driver will be at your disposal. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast half day sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Almost 900 years old,
Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert,
and still today, one's first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of
the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden
crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite havelies, has a medieval
ambience. The fort encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or
lattice worked screens, carved doors and flora carvings, and elaborately carved 12th to
16th century Jain temples. The havelies in both the fort and the town are
exceptional. Similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants, the havelies were the mansions
of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, jali screens
and oriel windows, each with an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments.
To see the beauty of the Thar Desert take a camel ride to Sam Sand Dunes.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Jaisalmer - Khimsar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Khimsar - which
is steeped in history. Founded 2500 years ago by the Jain Saint Mahaveer this is the
starting point of the great Indian Desert. The founder of the castle which was built in
mid 15th century was Prince Karamsi. On arrival check-in into Hotel Khimsar Fort. Perched
on the edge on the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at
Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind
one of the glorious past of this place. Relax and pamper yourself with an Kerala
aromatherapy massage by expert masseurs. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Khimsar - Deshnok - Gajner
After an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and visit
Khimsar town. See the rural Rajasthan on Village Tour.
Later on drive to Deshnok, the temple is dedicated to Karni Mata
-an incarnation of Durga. The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble
carvings that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singhji The most attractive feature of temple
are the rodents who scamper freely within the premises and if one touches your feet its
considered auspicious.
After that continue drive to Gajner. On arrival check-in into hotel Gajner Palace, just a 30-minute drive from Bikaner, is today a grand heritage palace of the HRH Group. The Gajner Palace, often described as an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert 'built by maharajah Ganga Singh of Bikaner stands on the banks of a lake. The palace was used by the maharajah for his extravaganza sporting the architecture is truly out standing as manifested in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokas and screens, demonstrating a marvel of craftsmanship. Over the years, royalty, both Indian and international, viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary, providing shelter to chinkara, blackbuck, neelgai and wildboar. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 14 - Gajner - Mandawa
After breakfast you have an option to see Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Later on drive to Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa
and check-in into hotel Castle Mandawa. Mandawa castle, one of the finest castles
of Rajasthan is now a beautiful hotel. Mandawa has beautiful frescoes,
havelis & mansions.
In the afternoon 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. 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 15 - Mandawa - Delhi (Departure)
After breakfast visit painted havelis & mansions. Also visit Mandawa
Town for capturing the rural life in your camera. Later on continue drive to
Delhi. Arrive Delhi and car with driver will be at your disposal
until transfer to IGI Airport to catch flight for onward destination. (Breakfast)