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Rajasthan and
Gujarat Tour is a perfect tour to know about the
culture, tradition and lifestyle in the state of Rajasthan and
Gujarat. During this tour we visit Delhi, Shekhawati, Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Pushkar,
Jaipur and some parts of Gujarat and North India. The state of
Gujarat is known all over the world for its holy temples,
historic capitals with immense architectural wealth, wildlife
sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts, fascinating handicrafts and
mouth watering cuisine.
Day
01: Arrival in Delhi
Around midnight arrival
in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway
for travelers. Upon arrival, you are met by an Indo Vacations representative and
transferred to the Hotel.
Day 02 :
Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 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.
Day 03 :
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. Today we have dinner with a
presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 04: Jaipur
In the
morning we visit the Nahargarh fort. Later we
have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of 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.
Day 05: Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 kms)
In the morning we drive to
Shekhawati. Shekhawati is situated 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 protection by Maharajas and
many of them built grand havellis. Arrival in Shekhawati in
afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Day 06: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 kms)
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.
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.
Day 07: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 kms)
Today
we drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer. On the route we visit the
Karni Mata temple in Deshnok. It is a famous temple of rats.
After visiting the temple we proceed further for
Jaisalmer. 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 arrive in Jaisalmer in the evening.
Day 08: 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). 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 09: 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. Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of
the antelopes of this region. After visiting Osian drive to
Jodhpur. This 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.
Day 10: Jodhpur
Today 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 11: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (about 190 kms)
Today we drive to
Ranakpur.
Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples.
In the afternoon we visit the
Ranakpur 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.
Day 12: 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. In the evening we visit the
Dilwara Jain Temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed
between 11th and 13th centuries. Vimal Vasahi, one of 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 evening we will have a walk at the
focal point of the town,
Nakki Lake and enjoy the sunset.
Day 13: Mount Abu - Patan - Ahmedabad (about 220 kms)
In the morning we drive to Ahmedabad via
Patan. Patan is an
ancient fortified town, situated on the banks of the sacred
Saraswati river. Patan enjoyed a privileged status of capital of
Gujarat, for about 600 years from 746 AD to 1411 AD. In the
afternoon reach Patan and visit the
Rani ki Vav and
Sahastralinga Talav. Rani ki Vav is an excellent example of
subterranean architecture of Gujarat. This vav was constructed
by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev (1022-63 AD) and represents
the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture.
Sahastralinga Talav is among the many artificial tanks built in
different parts of Gujarat. The architecture of this tank
integrated the great sense of water management and sanctity of
water in Hindu religion. Then later drive to
Ahmedabad.
Day 14: Ahmedabad - Palitana
Today we will drive to Palitana.
Palitana is the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the
Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites. There are about 863 temples
on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built
over a span of 900 years. To visit the temples on the Shatrunjaya
hill one has to climb 600 m up the hill. So today we will ascend
the
Shatrunjaya hill either on foot or in Doli or lift chairs. After
reaching the top of the hill we will visit the Jain temple. The
temple which is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain
Tirthankara (apostle) is one of the most magnificent temples and
the most sacred temple on Shatrunjaya hill. The Muslim shrine of
Angar Pir is also situated near the temple. After visiting the
temple we will visit the Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It
has an image of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal
directions.
Day 15: Palitana - Diu
Today we will drive from Palitana to
Diu. Diu is a tiny island
in the Arabian Sea which is situated near the port of Veraval in
Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the
swamp. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea.
It is a multi-ethnic society.
Day 16: Diu
Today we start with our
sightseeing in Diu and visit the
Diu Fort. Diu Fort is an
expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the
island. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD and offers a
magnificent view of the sea. After visiting the fort we visit
the
St. Paul's Church. St. Paul's Church is dedicated to our
Lady of Immaculate Conception. This church was built during the
17th century and adorned with curiously treated volutes and
shell-like motifs. Later we visit the
Diu museum. Diu museum
houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other
important artifacts collected from various sites. In the evening
we visit the
Nagoa beach. This beach stretches about 2 km from
one end to the other and is very beautiful and quiet and is in
the shape of a horse shoe.
Day 17: Diu - Junagadh
Today we drive from Diu to
Junagadh. Junagadh is situated in the Saurashtra region at the
foot of the temple-studded Mount Girnar, on the northern fringes
of the Gir forest. The city takes its name from the Fort that
enclosed the medieval town. In the afternoon arrive in Junagadh.
In the evening we visit the
Mahabat Maqbara. This mosque is a
stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh, built in
1892. It is resplendent with silver doors and intricate
architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling
stairways.
Day 18: Junagadh - Ahmedabad (about 315 kms)
In the morning we visit the
Mount Girnar
Hill. Mount Girnar is one of the hills which is most sacred to
the Jain community. It rises to a height of more than 600 m.
Various Jain temples and Hindu temples are located on the Girnar
hill. One of the largest and the oldest, 12th century temple
dedicated to Neminath is situated on this hill. Besides this,
the Bhavnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple of
Amba Mata are also situated on this hill. After visiting these
temples we drive to visit the
Somnath temple. The Somnath temple
is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to
Lord Shiva
in the form of a jyotirlinga. This temple was rebuilt and
destroyed several times. The majestic monument
as it stands today is a replica of the earlier construction.
After visiting the temple we drive to Ahmedabad.
Day 19: Ahmedabad - Udaipur
(about 255 kms)
Today we drive from Ahmedabad 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.
Day 20: 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.
Day 21: Udaipur - Chittorgarh (about 120 kms)
Today we will drive to
Chittorgarh. The
Chittorgarh Fort is the indomitable pride of Chittorgarh.
The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in 7th
century A.D. Perched on a height of 180m hill it sprawls over
700 acres. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and
each time the outcome was "Jauhar", where women and
children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men
donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort
towards a certain death.
Day 22: Chittorgarh - Pushkar (about 209 kms)
Today we leave
Chittorgarh 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.
Day 23: Pushkar - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 350 kms)
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 24: 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.
Day 25: Agra - Gwalior (about 120 kms)
After the
breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position
between North and South India has made it's Fort an important
possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some
left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to
build and beautify the citadel. We visit the fort of Gwalior
today itself. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 26: Gwalior - Khajuraho (about 278 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 27: Khajuraho - Varanasi (by air)
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. In the evening 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 afternoon we visit the city of Varanasi.
In the evening we visit the
Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where
Buddha delivered
his first sermon at deer park.
Day 29: Varanasi
- Delhi (by air)
In
the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest
of the day at leisure.
Day 30: 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.
Our
Services Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
American/continental Breakfast.
Elephant Ride in
Amber.
Boat Ride in
Udaipur.
Boat ride on the holy river Ganges.
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 an 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.
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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 ! |
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. |
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