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The Historical Rajasthan Tour
enables one to know about the
culture, tradition and lifestyle in the state of Rajasthan. During this tour
you will visit various beautiful palaces, forts and temples in
Rajasthan and some parts of North India. In this tour you will
visit various historical places in Rajasthan like Jaipur,
Mandawa, Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Deogarh, Rohetgarh, Ranakpur, Mount Abu,
Udaipur, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Kota, Ranthambore.
Day 1: Delhi
(Arrival)
Around midnight arrive in
Delhi. The
cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for
travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
(Local Sightseeing)
In the morning 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 site where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated,
Jama Masjid
and the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the
famous "Humayun's
Tomb" and "Qutub
Minar". Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through New
Delhi where we see the
India Gate,
Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 3: Delhi -
Jaipur (about 270 kms)
Today we leave Delhi 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.
Day 4: 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. 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.
Day 5: Jaipur -
Mandawa (about 168 kms)
After having our breakfast we leave the Pink City, Jaipur and
drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Arrival in
Mandawa 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. Later after having a small break we visit the
grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed
protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis.
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.
Day 6: Mandawa
- Bikaner (about 180 kms)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive 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 7: Bikaner
- Jaisalmer (about 330 kms)
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 arrive
in Jaisalmer in the evening.
Day 8:
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.
Day 9:
Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 kms)
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. After visiting the temple proceed
further for
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.
Day 10: Jodhpur
- Rohetgarh (about 50 kms)
In the morning we will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort is 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 drive to Rohetgarh. Rohetgarh is famous for
its fort of 17th century which is now a luxury heritage hotel.
Day 11:
Rohetgarh - Deogarh (about 250 kms)
Today we drive to Deogarh. In Deogarh we enjoy the overnight
stay in a Maharaja Palace which has been converted into a Hotel.
We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time
to relax and have a walk in the Bazaar of this small town.
Day 12: Deogarh
- Ranakpur (about 53 kms)
Today we will drive to
Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble
Jain Temples. After a small break we will visit the
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.
Day 13:
Ranakpur - Mount Abu (about 181 kms)
Today we drive from Ranakpur to
Mount
Abu. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan
nestling in picturesque Aravali mountains. Entire hill side in
Mount Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus,
date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees. Arrive in Mount Abu in
the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14: Mount
Abu
After having breakfast we visit the most famous
Dilwara Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed
between 11th and 13th centuries. After visiting the temple 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. In the evening we will walk
through the Bazaar up to Sunset Point from here one can have the
best view of the mountain. We also enjoy the sunset here as the
sun gradually drowns itself in the sky between the two mountain
peaks.
Day 15: Mount
Abu - Udaipur (about 185 kms)
After having breakfast we drive to
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. Arrival in Udaipur in the
afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16: 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.
Day 17: Udaipur
- Dungarpur (about 120 kms)
Today we take leave from Udaipur and drive to Dungarpur. In
Dungarpur we enjoy the overnight stay in a Fort which has been
converted into a Hotel. We have the rest of the day at leisure
and therefore enough time to relax and have a walk in the
Bazaar.
Day 18:
Dungarpur - Chittorgarh (about 200 kms)
After the breakfast we drive to
Chittorgarh. In the noon we visit world famous
fort of Chittorgarh which is crowning 180 meters hill and
covers about 170 acres. On the crest of the enormous grey hill,
girdled by massive walls and seven majestic gateways, one
stumbles upon shattered palaces, "Temple of Mirabai", and the
intricately carved nine storeyed Tower of Fame, built in the
12th century in the honour of Lord Adinath, the first jain
Tirthankara.
Day 19:
Chittorgarh - Kota (about 180 kms)
Today we drive to
Kota.
The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput
kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city fort and
palace. This type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest
to be found in the state of Rajasthan.
Day 20: Kota -
Ranthambore (about 158 kms)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous
Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore National Park is a
well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. 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. This
national park is the home of a vast variety of animals.
Day 21:
Ranthambore
In the early morning we have a jungle ride in the park. If we
are lucky enough today we might have an audience with the Tiger
which are numerous in this park. In this park we will view other
animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Leopard, Sloth Bear,
Jackal and Hyena.
Day 22:
Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 310 kms)
Today 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 23:
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.
Day 24:
Agra - Gwalior (about 120 kms)
Today we leave Agra, the city of Taj Mahal and drive to
Gwalior. After a break in the Hotel in Gwalior we visit the
famous Fort which was built by Raja Man Singh of Tomar dynasty
in the 6th century. The fort of Gwalior is considered to be one
of the most powerful Fort in India having a further advantage of
its unlimited supply of water. Most fascinating in the Fort of
Gwalior are the six huge doors to get in to the Fort. After the
visit of Fort we visit an old Hindu Temple (10th century)
dedicated to god Vishnu.
Day 25:
Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho (about 330 kms)
Today early morning we leave Gwalior and proceed to
Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho we visit Orchha. Orchha's
grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich
legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has
rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela
rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their
pristine perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for
Khajuraho.
Arrival in Khajuraho in the late evening.
Day 26:
Khajuraho
Today we visit the temple complex of
Eastern Group and
Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India.
Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple, which is dedicated
to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples
at Khajuraho is one of the expression among others of the
celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects
of Hinduism. Evening free for leisure.
Day 27:
Khajuraho - Varanasi
In the afternoon we take a flight to
Varanasi. The
rest of the day at leisure. Varanasi is without doubt India’s
most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people.
Varanasi is also called the city of light. Buddha visited this
city in 500 BC.
Day 28:
Varanasi
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the holy
river Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat.
Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that
are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands
of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers,
to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in
the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of
Varanasi.
Day 29:
Varanasi - Delhi
In the afternoon we take a flight from Varanasi to
Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met by Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to the hotel. In Delhi we have
rest of the day at leisure.
Day 30: Delhi
(Departure)
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.
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, Lunch and Dinner.
Rickshaw Drive in Delhi.
Elephant
Ride in Amber.
Camel Ride in
Jaisalmer.
Jungle Safari in Ranthambore.
Boat Ride in Udaipur.
Boat ride on the holy river Ganges
in Varanasi.
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.
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.
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If you are willing to travel in
a group - the
Group Departure
dates are available
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Check
our
Festival calendar to know about the dates of various festivals of
Rajasthan during your travel ! |
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Visit
Rajasthan Tours for more Tours &
information on
Rajasthan ! |
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If you are a group
over 15 people please
e-mail us with the number of participants
and the wished dates to
enable us to workout the tour cost ! |
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Please have a look at our
References to read the
testimonials of tourists & guests
who have
traveled with us. |
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