The State
of Rajasthan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Region of
India. Rajasthan's many princely states, impressive forts and
magnificent palaces set in the Thar desert evoke uniquely
colourful images of medieval India. Rajasthan means land of Rajas
(or Kings) but also called Rajputana "the country of Rajputs" .The
Aravali mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges of the
world, extending from north to south, divides the state into two
natural regions. Aravali range
and the Thar Desert are the two most contrasting features of
Rajasthan's geographical make-up. Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan
reflect the vigour and life style of its people. Vibrant colours,
music and festivities make the golden sand come alive. Veiled,
bejewelled women sing and dance to devotional rhythms. Rajasthan has
a fair for every religious occasion, for every change of season and
for every harvest. The kingdom of Rajputs is as the tales of the
Thousand and One Nights and it will make your Tour an unforgettable
memory.
Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around
Midnight arrival in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi
is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon 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. 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. Delhi -
Jaipur (about 270 km)
Today we 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.
Day 04.
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 visit the City Palace
that 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. Later we have a
walk through the colourful Bazaar 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.
Qutub
Minar Delhi
Amber
Fort Jaipur
Day 05. Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 km)
Morning
at leisure. In the afternoon drive to
Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
Day 06. Shekhawati - Bikaner
(about 190 km)
In the
morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area.
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. These 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 07.
Bikaner - Jaisalmer
(about
330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer.
Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the
antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running chinkara
are 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 08. 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 city not only in Rajasthan but 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.
Juangarh Fort Bikaner
Patwon Ki Haveli Jaislamer
Day 09. Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive to
Jodhpur via
Osian. Osian is a great centre of
Hindu and Jain religions. The
oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. The Jodhpur 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 got benefit from the passing traffic
of opium, copper, 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 10. Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive
to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit
Ranakpur. 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. We have a break
in Ranakpur before proceeding further for
Udaipur. Udaipur is called
the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering,
clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali
ranges.
Day 11. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. 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 further to visit the
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.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
City
Palace, Udaipur
Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to
Pushkar. Pushkar being one of
the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient
religious town. The only
temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus
making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar
has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which
takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is
transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims
come to bath in the holy water of
Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle
and camel markets take place here where Farmers, breeders and camel
traders buy and sell. (if this tour takes place during the time
of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of
one and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for
one more day making it 17 days tour).
Day 13. Pushkar - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra (about 350 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. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14. Agra
We start today 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.
Brahma Temple Pushkar
Taj
Mahal, Agra
Day 15. Agra - Delhi (about
200 km)
In the morning, after having our Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival
in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity
for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 16. Flight to Home
Around
Midnight flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail !
Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
About Hotels:
We provide
you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the
table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided
by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all
five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3
and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3
star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us
remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever
possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old
Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later
renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all
individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair
of olden Maharaja days.
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 Drive in Delhi.
Elephant
Ride in Amber. Camel Safari 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.
We always
look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for
your individual trip.
If you are willing
to travel in a group - the Group
Departure dates are available !
Check
our
Festival calendarto know about
the dates of various festivals of
Rajasthan during your travel !
Visit Rajasthan Tours for more Tours &
information on
Rajasthan !
If you are a
group over 15 people please e-mail us
with the number of participants and the wished
dates
to enableus to workout the tour
cost !
Please have a
look at our References
to read the testimonials of tourists & guests
who have traveled with us.
Please
also check our FAQ
page to get more information.
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the 
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