|
Day 01. Flight to
India
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 site 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 - Shekhawati (about 270 km)
In the morning we visit "Qutub Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended
to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower
was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. After the sightseeing
of Delhi we drive to
Shekhawati region. 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.
The marwaris enjoyed protections by Maharajas and many of
them built grand havellis. Arrival in Shekhawati in
the late evening.
Day
04. Shekhawati
- Khimsar (about
275 km)
In the morning we visit
the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. 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. In the after noon we arrive at Khimsar.
Khimsar is famous for its Fort of 18th century which
is now one of the best hotel in the country. This fort is well
preserved like a royal manor and is spread over eleven acres of
sprawling lawns, orchard and open courtyard.
Optional:
After the check in and evening tea you can proceed for a jeep safari in
the desert to Black Buck reserve.
Day 05. Khimsar
- Bikaner (about 155 km)
After the breakfast 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 06. 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 arrive in Jaisalmer in the evening.
Day 07. 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 08. Jaisalmer - 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 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 benefited 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 09. 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 10. 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 11. Udaipur - Deogarh (about 200 km)
Today we take leave from the city of sunrise and 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 - Jaipur (about 280 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. After a break in Jaipur we visit the
City
Palace in the afternoon 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. It’s complex instruments reveals us the secrets of
medieval Indian astronomy.
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
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 14. Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra (about 260 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 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.
Day 16. Agra - Delhi (about
200 km)
In the morning, after having breakfast 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 17. 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 and 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 calendar to 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 enable us 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. |
|
