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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.
D
Day 02. Delhi -
Agra (about 180 KM)
In the morning we have sightseeing in Delhi. Sightseeing in 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. After having sightseeing we drive to
Agra. Arrival in Agra in
the evening.
BD
Day 03. 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.
BD
Day 04. Agra
- Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (about 260 KM)
Today we leave
Agra, drive to the Pink City Jaipur.
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. In the evening arrive in 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. BD
Day 05.
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.
BD
Day 06.
Jaipur - Pushkar (about 145 KM)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to
Pushkar,
an ancient religious town. Pushkar is one of the most religious
places for Hindus. 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. In Pushkar after
having a small break we visit the
temple of God Brahma and visit the
Pushkar
Lake.
BD
Day 07.
Pushkar - Udaipur (about 301 KM)
After having breakfast drive to
Udaipur.
Udaipur is called the romantic city of
Rajasthan. This city is built
around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green
hills of the Aravali ranges. Arrive in Udaipur by the evening. Rest
of the day at leisure.
BD
Day 08.
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.
BD
Day 09.
Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur (about 275 KM)
In the
morning after having breakfast we drive to
Jodhpur.
En route we visit to Ranakpur.
Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain
Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000
square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared
halls. The total number of columns is 1444, all of which are
intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples
were built during the 15th century. Later Proceed to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur 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.
BD
Day 10.
Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 290 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. After visiting Osian, we proceed
further for Jaisalmer. In medieval times Jaisalmer 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. We have the rest of the day
at leisure and therefore enough time to relax.
BD
Day 11.
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). 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.
BD
Day 12.
Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330 KM)
Today early morning we drive through the desert and proceed for
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.
BD
Day 13.
Bikaner - Mandawa (about 190 KM)
After having our Breakfast we take leave from Bikaner and drive to
Mandawa (Shekhawati region). Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
Shekhawati is 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.
BD
Day 14.
Mandawa - Delhi (about 270 KM)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Mandawa (Shekhawati) area. Marwaris enjoyed protections by
Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The hovels 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 Delhi.
BD
Day 15. Flight to
home
Today you will
transfer to airport for flight to home.
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.
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