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The Golden Triangle
Tour with Winter & Summer Festival Mount Abu |
(16
Days / 15 Nights)
(Delhi-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Mount Abu-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Pachewar-Ranthambore-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra-Delhi)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click
here) |
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Introduction to the Winter Festival in Mount Abu, Rajasthan
The lovely and lone hill station of Mount Abu in Rajasthan is
a fabulous place for a great vacation. Apart from providing
respite from the scorching heat, it also gives one a chance to
witness the marvelous Dilwara temples. And if your visit
coincides with the Winter Festival then there can be nothing
like it. An ode to Rajasthani life and culture, it promises
lot of fun and frolic for those who participate in it.
Acquaint yourself with the culture of the land, get a taste of
the quintessential warmth and hospitality with which these
jolly and cheerful people welcome visitors to their land,
actively participate in the various activities and thereby
partake of the delight of being a part of the Winter Festival
in Rajasthan, India.
AT 1,200 meters. Mount Abu is the highest point of the
Aravalli range passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort
of Rajasthan, it is mainly built around a lake and surrounded
by forests hills. .Mount Abu is not only rated among the best
hill station of the country but is also an important Rajput
and Jain Pilgrim center. The town forms an amphitheater around
Nakki lake, which is believed to be dug out by the Gods with
their nail (nakh). built between 11th and 13th centuries.
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Activities:
On the occasion of the Winter Festival, miscellaneous
exhilarating performances are presented by the gifted artistes
of Rajasthan. Folk music and dance the Gair, Ghooomar and Daph,
spellbind the audience with their performances. Other programs
like cricket matches, water sports, rowing competitions also
form an essential part of the festivities.
Innumerable diyas or lamps are lit and set afloat on the Nakki
Lake. This ceremony popularly ascribed as Deepdaan proffers an
incredible sight. Many colorful processions feature in the
Winter Festival. One of these parades marks the launch of the
Winter Festival. The cavalcade starts from Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation's Hotel Shikhar and then proceeds
towards Nakki Lake Chowk. The locals earnestly participate in
it and the following events where performances are put up by
the folk artistes of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.
All the three days of the Winter Festival, a dazzling display
fire works enthrall the viewers.
History of the Winter Festival in Mount Abu, Rajasthan
The Winter
Festival is a result of the joint initiative taken by the
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Municipal
Board of Tamil Nadu to lure tourists as well as to give the
citizens a break from the monotony of everyday existence.
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Celebration details
The winter Festival of Mount Abu is a three day festival where
there are lots of Water sports being held along with
Rajasthani folk and classical dances. Several cultural
programs along with games and colorful processions are also
held on this occasion. There are hundreds of local and
International tourists who come and enjoy this auspicious
event. This festival starts with a ritual procession from the
Hotel Shikhar and ends at the Nakki Lake Chowk.
This festival is celebrated by the people of Mount Abu with
lots of kindness and happiness as they welcome all the
tourists in a very heartfelt manner. Their colorful and exotic
culture along with their hostility makes this event a very
memorable experience.
Location
of Winter Festival
Mount Abu is about 185 kms away from Udaipur and 336 kms from
Jodhpur. Dabok Airport in Udaipur is the nearest Airport which
is 210 Kms from Mount Abu. Mount Abu has a broad Gauge Railway
line therefore its railway station lies between Delhi and
Mumbai. Mount Abu being a hill station is well connected with
cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Ajmer.
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Summer
Festival of Mount Abu In Rajasthan, India
The Summer festival of Rajasthan celebrates the warmth and
cheerfulness of the people of hill station, their colorful
life and vivacious nature, who welcome the tourist from the
depth of their hearts. Mount Abu of Rajasthan is a major
pilgrim tourist center located near Udaipur in south-west of
the state of Rajasthan in India and also happens to be the
only Hill Station of Rajasthan. This beautiful paradise comes
alive with festivities every summer in the Hindu month of Aashadh
(May June).
The summer festival of Mt.Abu of
Rajasthan is held every year during Buddha Poornima in the
month of May or June.
The steep
rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant
climate of Mount Abu of Rajasthan make it an ideal |
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location for the Summer festival of
Rajasthan. The festival of Rajasthan goes on for three-day and
showcases the traditions, culture and the tribal life of
Rajasthan. The hospitality of the people, their colorful
culture and exotic location made this festival a never to be
forgotten experience.
Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevail in this
tiny hill resort and the tourists have ample time to relax and
enjoy. The Summer festival of Rajasthan is a feast of folk and
classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of
Rajasthan. The Summer Festival of Rajasthan features dance
forms like the ballads, Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances,
which enchant the spectators with their grace and variety. The
hospitality of the people, their lively culture and exotic
location make this Summer festival a memorable experience
during your tours to Rajasthan. This Summer festival of
Rajasthan is one of the most popular fairs and festivals of
Rajasthan.
This Summer festival of Rajasthan begins with a ceremonial
procession, which starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and
gather at the Nakki Lake Chowk followed by folk performances
from artists of Rajasthan and Gujarat states. The grand finale
of the Festival of Rajasthan is a display of dazzling fire
works all three days. This three day colourful festival is
organized by the Rajasthan Tourism, Municipal Board, Mt.Abu &
District Administration.
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Festivities of the Summer Festival of Mount
Abu in
Rajasthan, India
Mount Abu Summer festival of Rajasthan commences with the
singing of a ballad which is followed by folk dances which
mesmerize the spectators. Exciting boat race is organized on
the Nakki Lake that adds variety to the festival of Rajasthan.
The Rowing Competition at the Nakki Lake enjoys extreme
respect and belief within the locals due to the legend
attached to the Nakki Lake according to which it is believed
that the Gods formed the lake-bed by digging it with their
fingernails (called nakh in Hindi language) hence the name
Nakki Lake. The second and third day of the Summer festival of
Rajasthan is more attractive as various competitions are
organized for the whole day. Skating Race, skater's Show, CRPF
Band Show, Boat Race, Horse Race, Tug of War, Panihari Matka
Race and Deepdan add more enthusiasm to the Summer festival of
Rajasthan.
Festivities start from the morning hours so its a good idea
to grab a cup of tea and a seat at one of the sidewalk cafes
for breakfast as these talented locals entertain the morning
crowd. Around lunchtime teams of locals and tourists
participate in boat races along the splendid Nakki Lake.
Selected streets are cordoned off for roller skating races
(skates can be rented for less than $1) that catapult you past
the food vendors and street performers and into the warm
afternoon breeze.
As evening approaches the outdoor Sham-e-Qawwali Indian music
extravaganza takes over the town center. The famous Qawwals or
high pitch singers from all over the state come to perform
here and captivate the audience with their vocal skills. The
grand finale of the summer festival of Mount Abu of Rajasthan
is a display of dazzling fireworks which catches the fancy of
every tourist.
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Winter Festival in the
Coming Years
29-31 December, Every
Year
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Summer
Festival in the Coming Years
02-04 May, 2015
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 the 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 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.
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Day 03. Delhi - Jaipur (about
270 km
/
5- hours)
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. 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, the
largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex
instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Gangaur Festivals
holds a special significance for the Rajasthanis. It is celebrated in honour
of Gauri, the goddess of abundance. Young girls adorned in their best
clothes pray for a spouse of their choice. The married ladies pray for the
welfare of their husbands. This spring festival is celebrated with great
enthusiasm and zeal all over Rajasthan.
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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 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 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.
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Day 05. Jaipur - Jodhpur
(about 345 km
/ 6-7 hours)
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 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.
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Day 06. Jodhpur - Mount Abu (about 250 km
/ 5-6 hours)
Today we drive from Jodhpur to
Mount Abu by a road which curves uphill through the coniferous trees and
flowering shrubs. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan nestling
in the bosom of the picturesque Aravali mountains. Entire hill side in Mount
Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus, date-palm, silk, cotton and
lime trees. Arrival in the late afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 07. Mount Abu
Mount Abu is a famous pilgrimage centre for Jains as the most famous Dilwara
Jain temples are situated here. In the morning we visit the
Dilwara Jain Temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th
and 13th centuries. We will visit Vimal Vasahi, the oldest temple, built in
1031 A. D. Vimal Vasahi is an outstanding example of Jain temple
architecture and famous for its superb carvings in marble. In the afternoon
we will have a walk at the focal point of the town,
Nakki Lake. This artificial lake is ringed by hills and overhung by the
enormous Toad Rock. We will walk through the Bazaar up to Sunset Point from
where the best mountain view can be savoured and we enjoy the sunset as the
sun gradually drowns itself in the azure sky between two mountain peaks.
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Day
08. Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 230 km
/ 4-5 hours)
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.
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Day 09. 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 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.
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Day 10. Udaipur - Pachewar
(about 350 kms
/ 6-7 hours)
Today we leave Udaipur
drive to Pachewar. Pachewar is a mute yet vibrant village situated 90 kms.
away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. The 300 years old
picturesque fort of Pachewar has now been converted into a luxurious
heritage hotel with all modern amenities, where one can witness great
traditions of royal hospitality. It is located at a distance of 105 kms.
from Jaipur Airport and 90 kms. from Railway Station. Built in Indo-European
style, Hotel Pachewar Garh is undoubtedly one of the most popular Heritage
Hotels in Rajasthan. The fort houses intricate balconies and spacious
apartments adorned with elegant antique frescoes.
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Day 11. Pachewar Ranthambore (about 190 kms
/ 4 hours)
Today after the breakfast we leave for
Ranthambore. Ranthambore is known for the
world famous Ranthambore National park. After a break and refreshment at our
hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the
Ranthambore National park on a Jeep.
Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali
mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains the biggest
attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. |
Day 12. Ranthambore
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. If we are lucky
enough we might have an audience with the tiger which are numerous in the
park.
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Day 13. Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra (about 250 km
/ 5-6 hours)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep
Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave
Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields,
small towns and villages to 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.
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Day 15. Agra -
Delhi
(about 200 km
/ 4 hours)
In the morning after having 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.
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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.
Up
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Proposed
Hotels |
Nights |
Indo Vacations Inclusions:
Accommodation in a double room with shower
/bath & WC in the hotels as indicated.
Half board (breakfast and dinner
in the booked Hotels).
Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Elephant ride in
Amber.
Boat ride in Udaipur.
Jungle Safari
in Ranthambore
Breakfast & Dinner in the Hotel during the
tour.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of
Indian music and dance.
An experienced English speaking Tour Guide /
Tour Escort for the local sightseeing throughout the whole tour (An Accompanying Tour Escort will
be provided on the group strength above 10 traveler).
An air-conditioned vehicle, including
insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur
(experienced, reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour.
All entrance fees
of the mouments as per the tour itineray.
All
taxes.
Not included are:
Camera fees, gratitude, drinks and personal
expenses of any nature!
Note:
We suggest that you book the international
flights in your country as this is mostly cheaper.
Please note you will need a visitor visa for
India. We recommend to apply for the same well in advance.
For individual travelers joining the group will
not be charged extra for both the airport transfers (advance notice required)
If the desired travelers do not register for the
tour An option will be available to operate
the group tour with less people with some extra
charges. These charges will be informed well in advance and till then there is no
obligation or no cancellation charges of registration.
Registration for the group tour with Indo
Vacations is without any cost. Only at the time
of confirmation we will send you the travel
documents and ask for 25 % of the total amount as advance payment. The due amount can be paid
after your arrival in India. (more information is available on query).
Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes
which may be beyond our control.
Testimonials &
References from the customers who already
traveled with us!
|
Hotel
Madhuban by Peppermint, Delhi (Deluxe) |
Delhi
3 |
Hotel Peppermint, Jaipur (4 Star) |
Jaipur
2 |
Hotel Devi
Bhawan, Jodhpur (Heritage) |
Jodhpur
1 |
Hotel The Palace, Mount Abu
(Heritage) |
Mount Abu
2 |
Hotel Rampratap Palace (Deluxe) |
Udaipur
2 |
Fort Pachewar (Heritage) |
Pachewar
1 |
Hotel Tiger Den (Resort) |
Ranthambore
2 |
Hotel
Howard Park Plaza (Four Star) |
Agra
2 |
Total Nights |
15 |
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.
Details for the vehicles used are available at
the below given links:
For 1 person Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 2 person Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 person Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 - 5 person Tavera Chevrolet / Toyota
Innova - (6 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tavera.htm;
http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm
For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm;
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