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 the 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 - Jaipur (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 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 04.
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.
Day
05. Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 km)
After having
breakfast drive to
Shekhawati region. 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 the
afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Day 06. Shekhawati
- Bikaner
(about 190 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. 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 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 08. Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
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 09. Jaisalmer
- Osain - 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 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.
Day
10. 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
11. 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
12. Udaipur -
Dungarpur
(about 120 km)
Today we take leave from the City of Lake (Udaipur) and drive to
Dungarpur. Dungarpur
means a “Hill town” 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 of this.
Day
13.
Dungarpur
- Chittorgarh
(about 200 km)
After the breakfast we
drive to
Chittorgarh. In the noon we visit
the
Chittorgarh Fort,
the 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, a "Temple of Mirabai" –
the mystic poetess and the intricately carved nine storeyed Tower of Fame,
built in the 12th Century in honour of Lord Adinath, the first jain Tirthankara.
Day
14.
Chittorgarh
- Pushkar
(about 205 km)
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.
(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 19 days tour.)
Day
15. Pushkar -
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 16. 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 17. Agra - Delhi
(about 200 km)
In the morning after having 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)
Day 18. 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
drive. 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 !
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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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Please
also check our
FAQ
page to get more information.
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