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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. 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.
BD
Day 03.
Delhi - Shekhawati (about 268 km)
Morning at
leisure. In the afternoon drive
to
Shekhawati region. Arrival in Shekhawati in
the evening.
BD
Day 04. 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.
BD
Day 05. 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.
BD
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 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
to Khuri Village framed
Sam dunes
around 40 km. away from Jaisalmer where we enjoy the
sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
BD
Day 07. 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.
BD
Day 08 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.
BD
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 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.
BD
Day 10. 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).
BD
Day 10. Pushkar
Camel
Festival.
Day 12.
Pushkar - Jaipur (about 145 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.
BD
Day
13. 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 14. Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra (about 250 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.
BD
Day 15. 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 16. 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).
BD
Day 17. Flight to Home
Around
Midnight flight to home destination.
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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