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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 : Indias 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, 04-05 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
Mahals final resting-place was ornamented like a queens
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, 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 contractors
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 Akbars 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 - PUSHKAR (150 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
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
07 : PUSHKAR - CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR (310 KMS, 06-07 HRS DRIVE)
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
08 : 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
09 : UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR (275 KMS, 06-07 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur, 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 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.
DAY
10 : JODHPUR - JAISALMER (333 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
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
11 : JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the 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
12 : JAISALMER - BIKANER (333 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
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
13 : BIKANER - MANDAWA (190 KMS, 04 HRS DRIVE)
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
14 : MANDAWA - DELHI (300 KMS, 06-07 HRS DRIVE)
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
15 : 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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