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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, 05-06 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 - RANTHAMBORE (180 KMS, 03-04 HRS DRIVE)
Morning, drive to Ranthambore - Located at the junction of the Aravalli
and Vindhya hill range, this is one of the finest places to view
animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here.The
park covers an area of Approximately 400 sq Km and if combined it
with the area of sawai man singh sanctuary area, it is around 500
Sq. km. Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary
in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger".
It got it's status of a National Park in 1981. Ranthambore National
Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras. There
are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect
relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants.
A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park
atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over
the jungle, which
give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history
and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known
to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous
for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of
human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent
for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often. This National
park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers
excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities.
The park remains open every year from October to May. Famous for
the exciting and frequent tiger sightings captured dramatically
in several books, this park is today affected by ecological pressures
and poaching. In Nutshell, Ranthambore National park is a wildlife
enthusiast and photographer's dream.
DAY
07 : RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon, Jungle Safari to witness the wild life. The
Park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within
it. Primarily the population consists of... Animals : Tigers, Leopards,
Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs,
Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks,
Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets
or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm
Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes,
Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared
Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and
Common mongoose. The amphibian species only consist of the Common
India Toad and the Common Frog. The park is most famous for it's
diurnal tigers. The park also has a large number of marsh crocs
Reptiles: Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise,
Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles,
Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel's
Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.
DAY
08 : RANTHAMBORE - BUNDI (130 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
Drive to Bundi - one of the unexplored cities with a rich historical
wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an
offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed
Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies
to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal
valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing
their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed
two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river
Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three
sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four
gateways. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces,
havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved
pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town,
add to its charm. Arrive Bundi & check-in at prebooked Hotel
DAY
09 : BUNDI
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing
juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation
temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces
and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the
past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have made
it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan. The history of the city
dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao
Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later,
in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller
principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became
a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. The commanding fort
stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many
dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar.
An old palace,dating back to the time when Kota was under the control
of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall
is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors.
Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall.
Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan
Palace,Jag Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid haveli (mandion)
with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs. Upon arrival, check-in
at prebooked Hotel
DAY
10 : BUNDI - PUSHKAR (210 KMS, 04 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
11 : PUSHKAR - CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR (310 KMS, 07-08 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
12 : 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
13 : UDAIPUR
- RANAKPUR - MT. ABU (225 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Mt. Abu, 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 Mt. Abu - It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of
Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of
the region. After that, it was leased by the British government
from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the
resident to Rajputana.
Afternoon,
explore Mt. Abu - Visit the Dilwara Temples - wondrously carved
in marble, the temples enshrine various Jain tirthankaras, saints.
Built between the 11th and 13th century, are famous for their superb
carvings in marble. The complex included 02 temples, the older of
which is the Vimal Visahi built in 1031 and is dedicated to the
first tirthankar, Adinath. The later Tejpal temple was built in
1230 AD and is dedicated to Neminath - the 22nd tirthankar. Enjoy
lovely view of the setting sun, South-West of Nakki lake, where
the sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain
peaks, steps lead up to high terrace which offers an awe inspiring
view of the setting sun.
DAY
14 : MT. ABU - JODHPUR (264 KMS, 06-07 HRS DRIVE)
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. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY
15 : 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
16 : JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit 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
17 : 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
18 : 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
19 : 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
20 : 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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