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SELECTED PLACES OF RAJASTHAN

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Splendours of Rajasthan
Discover the diverse cultures, scenic beauty and Historcal Places of Rajasthan.
Tour Ref.# HT0017/RV  BOOK NOW

Special Feature: Stay Beautiful Castles, Forts, Havelis & Maharaja Palace in Rajasthan & capture the rural life in your camera.
Price: 17 nights from US$ 1895 (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
Arrive 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 your hotel and assistance for check-in will be provided. 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 Red Fort - Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jehan, in 1638 A.D. Enclosed in this glorious Fort is Diwan-i-am, the hall meant for public audiences; Diwan-i-Khas, where private audiences were granted; Rang Mahal, the water cooled apartment of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque, a lovely, ornate dream in white marble. Later on vist 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 ). 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.

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 - Agra
After breakfast check-out and 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.

Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for shopping. Agra is also known for its fabulous handicrafts such as Marble and soft stone inlay work, gold thread embroidery (zari and zardozi), metalware, exquisite hand -knotted silk and woollen carpets and leather goods including bags, shoes and clothing The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in zari embroidery work. Semi-precious and precious jewelry in Mughal style is also available. In the evening you taste the Non Veg./Veg. specialities prepared by the expert Chefs. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 04 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur - Jaipur
Early morning 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. 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.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. 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." 

Also visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. You will enjoy a Rickshaw ride inside the Sanctuary for Bird Watching. Bharatpur is world renowned for its World Heritage listed Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes, come here to spend the winters. Other common bird life to be seen are cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and herons that can be spotted all over the park.

Arrive Jaipur and check-in into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for souvinir shopping the Jaipur is famous for- Jewellery, precious stones, paintings, hand printed textiles etc. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

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.

First we take you to Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthanfort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

In the afternoon 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. 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, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. 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.

In the evening we have arranged your dinner at Indiana Restaurant. Enjoy your hot & delicious dinner with Rajasthani folk dances & music. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 06 - Jaipur - Mandawa
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Mandawa which is which is known for its famous mansions and havelis. Arrive Mandawa and check-in into hotel.

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. En-route 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 07 - Mandawa - Kuchaman
After breakfast visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. In the afternoon check-out from 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 08 - Kuchaman - Deshnok - Bikaner
After breakfast check-out and 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. Later on continue drive to Bikaner. On arrival check-in into hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to relax. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 09 - Bikaner - Khimsar
After breakfast check-out 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. Later on visit Khimsar town. See the rural Rajasthan on Village Tour. You have an option to relax and pamper yourself with an Kerala aromatherapy massage by expert masseurs. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 10 - Khimsar - 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 11 - Jodhpur - Rohet
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Rohetgarh which is famous for its fort of 17th century which is now a luxury heritage hotel. We will be welcomed by the royal family personally. You are invited to relax in spacious varand lounges decorated with historic trophies or you can relax at the beautifully designed swimming pool. There is a beautifully designed swimming pool with four charming pavilions at each corner where musicians perform in the evenings as dinner is served by the poolside. Often, folk dancers enliven the evenings with their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms.

In the afternoon enjoy a half day Jeep Safari to explore Bishnoi villages. Rohetgarh has pioneered a unique tour, which introduces its guests to local cultures and traditions. Because of the host family's special bond with different communities among the local people which goes back several generations you are taken into homes and received with warmth and affection, an experience which often eludes the ordinary tourist. Guests interact with various communities living in the area and share and understand their worlds, the Bhishnois, protectors of nature for five centuries and arguably the world's first ecologists, responsible for the survival of species such as the black-buck antelope: the semi nomadic Raika shepherds of Marwar whose brilliant crimson and marigold costumes would put modern designers to shame: as also the Paliwals and the Meghwals, the farmers and weavers. In the late afternoon come back to hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 12 - Rohet - Ranakpur - Mt. Abu
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive 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 check-out from the hotel and drive to Mt. Abu. Famous for its exquisitively carved marble temples, Mount Abu (1219 metres) is a pretty hill resort in the State of Rajasthan. In this hot state, it is one of the few hill stations and is hence very popular with the locals and foreigners alike. Arrive and check-in into hotel. Later on visit Nakki Lake which is virtually in the heart of Mount Abu and is a big attraction with tourists. The lake takes its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a god, using only his nails, or nakh. It's a pleasant stroll around the lake - look for the strange rock formations. On the lake there is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack bar. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 13 - Mt. Abu
After breakfast full day city tour visit Delwara Jain Temples - These remarkable Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction and among the finest examples includes two temples in which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights. They are built with white marble stones. Each has a walled courtyard. In the center of the courtyard is the cell with the image of the deity. Around the courtyard there are numerous small shrines containing one or more images of the Tirthankaras. All these temples seem to have been constructed by the ministers of the Solanki rulers of Gujarat from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The ceilings of Dilwara temples have magnificient carvings and has an ornamented central pendant. The pendant of the dome comes down and ends in a drop or point. It symbolizes the divine grace coming down to fulfill human aspirations. Guru Shikhar - The peak of Guru Shikhar, the highest point in Rajasthan, lies about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh. It commands a bird eye view of Abu and the surrounding areas. Temples located in this area are the ' Mira temple ' and ' Chaumundi temple '. In the evening see Sunset Point for excellent photography. Overnight Hotel.(Breakfast)

Day 14 - Mt. Abu - Udaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur where you will see some of India’s most beautiful palaces. On arrival check-in into hotel.

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 15 - Udaipur
After breakfast morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast and exquisite City Palace of the Maharana. Amber, Jade, and colored glass give the palace a sparkling, yet ethereal quality. Also visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We’ll drive past Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the maids-of-Honor. Also visit Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum (Folk Art Museum) - The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses,ornaments,puppets,masks,dolls,folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Later on a meeting with Royalty in Udaipur and perhaps see their private collections of art. (Meeting to be confirmed and subject to the availability of the Maharana of Udaipur or other royalty) Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel OR you can explore the local markets for shopping. Car & driver will be at your disposal. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 16 - Udaipur - Chittorgarh
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to 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.  On arrival check-in into hotel Bassi Fort which glorifies the history of Chundawat clan was built in the 16th Century by Thakur Jaimal of Sisodia dynasty, cousin of Maharana Pratap, the founder of Bassi principality.

In the afternoon 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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 17 - Chittorgarh - 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.

On arrival check-in into hotel Pushkar Palace which is a Heritage property built by Maharaja of Kishangarh about 400 year ago. In a majestic and impossing setting amist hills, the hotel building itself is modelled in traditional Rajasthani style. 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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 18 - Pushkar - Neemrana - Delhi (Departure)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. We have arranged your lunch at Neemrana fort which is India's oldest heritage resort. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year-old Aravalli ranges, the property covers 25 acres/10 hectares. The stepped palaces of this architectural jewel is cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares. After lunch continue drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and departure transfer to International Airport to catch flight for onward destination. (Breakfast)