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Day
01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Arrival in
Delhi before or after midnight. The cosmopolitan
city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the travellers
to India. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative
and transferred to your hotel.
Day
02: New Delhi
Today's morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we have
sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw ride parallel
to the
Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road
and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat",
the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and
Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the
famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial
example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub
Minar" which is 71 meter high and was constructed in
1199.Before we proceed to the hotel we have a drive through
New Delhi where we see the
India Gate, Government Buildings
and Embassies.
Day 03: New Delhi - Shekhawati (about 260 km)
In the morning we leave New Delhi and drive to
Shekhawati
region. Arrive in Shekhawati in the evening. Shekhawati
lies in the North East region of Rajasthan and is the homeland
of marwaris. The Marwaris form one of the most important
merchant and business groups in India, they developed their
business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the
coast between India and Central Asia. Marwaris enjoyed protections
by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis.
Day
04: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati
area. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively
decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often
covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes
from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area
we proceed to
Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we
visit the
Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red
sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing
the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces
are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 05: Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer
via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions.
The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. Very
often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the
antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running Chinkara
is the most common among them. We have a stop enroute at
a village to observe the traditional life of the villages
in Rajasthan. We arrive in Jaisalmer in the late evening.
Day
06: Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's
crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets
lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city
unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand
mansions). In medieval times, its prosperity was due to
its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt,
Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful
culture and this city remains one of the most exotic cities
not only in Rajasthan but also in the whole of India. Some
of the visitors called this city "a living museum".
We have a walk through the old city and visit the
Fort and
the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km.
away from Jaisalmer to
Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset
before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Khuri - Jaisalmer (about 40 km)
Today we will drive to Khuri. It is an oasis village located
in the sand dunes. We will have camel ride in the sand
dunes of Khuri. After having camel ride we will drive
back to Jaisalmer. Evening free for leisure.
Day
08: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive to
Jodhpur. The city was once the capital
of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur
is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also
known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old
city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge
10 km long wall, which has 101 bastions and seven gates.
Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading
route and the marwaris get benefited from the passing traffic
of opium, copper and silk, which was traded to China. We
will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh
Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in
India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments
within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph
built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk
through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
Day
09: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (about 190 km)
Take up early morning safari in the desert countryside.
Drive to
Ranakpur in the afternoon. Ranakpur is known for
its superbly carved marble
Jain Temples. An enormous basement
of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary
shrines, twenty-four pillared halls. The total number of
columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no
two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during
the 15th century. Arrive at Ranakpur in the evening.
Day
10: Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 90 km)
Today we drive to
Udaipur. Udaipur is also known as the
city of sunrise. It is called the romantic city of Rajasthan.
This city is built around shimmering, clear, blue water
lakes that reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari.
This garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with
extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden
of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has
a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks,
dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display.
After a break we proceed to
City Palace, the biggest Palace
in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution,
is so carefully planned and integrated with the original
buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not
conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes
the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings
of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit
a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature
paintings done. In the evening we have a boat ride on the
lake Pichola. The famous
Lake Palace of Udaipur was the
summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known
in the west.
Day 11: Udaipur - Jaipur (about 425 km)
Today we take leave from the city of sunrise and drive to
the Pink City
Jaipur.
This city owes its name, foundations
and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer,
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan
and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious
stones. In the afternoon we visit the
City Palace, which
is still the formal residence of the royal family, built
in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In
the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection
of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to
Jantar Mantar, a
stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable
observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets
of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day
12: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of
Amber,
laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital
of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved
to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress
on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit
the
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD,
it contains 953 small casements with each having its own
balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the
ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In
the afternoon we have a walk through the Colourful Bazaars
of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing
work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening
we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi
Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble.
We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.
Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music
and dance.
Day
13: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about
260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and
drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages
in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit
Fatehpur
Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time,
constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This
wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned
as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally
stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late
evening arrival in
Agra.
Day 14: Agra
Today we start our sightseeing by a visit to the
Agra Fort,
built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction
of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign
and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah
Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque.
After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most
beautiful monument of India, the
Taj Mahal, an enduring
monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty.
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52,
as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal
(Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving
birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal
to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of
Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay
work, which is still being done in Agra by the descendants
of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day
15: Agra - New Delhi (about 200 km)
In the morning, after having our breakfast we drive to New
Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of
the day at leisure.
Day
16: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour send us an
e-mail !
(Please mention the tour name and days in your E-Mail).
Our
Services Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
Rooms
on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Rickshaw Ride in Delhi.
Elephant
Ride in Amber.
Camel Ride in Jaisalmer.
Boat ride in Udaipur.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and
dance in Jaipur.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking or languages of
your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations representative.
All
Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an
individual air-conditioned bus (Except
Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
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