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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., approx. 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., approx. 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 (135 kms., approx. 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
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 - MT. ABU (275 kms., approx. 07 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
10 : MT. ABU - JODHPUR (264 kms., approx. 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
11 : JODHPUR - JAISALMER
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
12 : 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
13 : JAISALMER - BIKANER
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
14 : BIKANER - MANDAWA
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 !!
Afternoon,
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
15 : MANDAWA - DELHI
Morning, explore
the Havelis (Mansions) of Shekhawati. 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
16 : 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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