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.
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 - Agra (about 180
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
Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Day 04. 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 05.
Agra
- Bhandarej (about 175 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Bhandarej. 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 at the palace Hotel of
Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. The Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted verandahs and front lawns. The nearby
Bhangarh village with its temples and historical sites has a history which dates back to 11th
century. Rest of the day at leisure. At the dinner time local dances will be performed in the palace.
Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for
Ranthambore.
After a break and refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the park on a Jeep.
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.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about
135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave for
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 08. Kota - Bundi (about 38
km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of
Bundi. Bundi is most famous for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On the top of the hill is majestic
Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting fort is worth exploring for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding the streets leading down to the
city. After the whole day excursion we return to Kota in the evening.
Day 09. Bundi - Chittorgarh (about
140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to
Chittorgarh. The
Chittorgarh
fort is the indomitable pride of Chittor.
The fort is massive
structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD and perched on a height of
180 m hill and sprawls over 700 acres.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Pushkar (about
200 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 a 18 days tour.)
Day 11. Pushkar - Jodhpur (about
220 km)
Early morning, after the breakfast we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive
to
Jodhpur. 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 12. Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (about
290 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer. In medieval times Jaisalmer 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. We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to relax.
Day 13. 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 14. Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about
330 km)
Today early morning we drive through the desert and proceed for
Bikaner via Osian.
Osian is a great center of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178
AD. 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. In the evening we drive to Deshnok to visit
Karni Devi Temple, famous haven of rats.
Day 15. Bikaner - Mandawa (about
190 km)
After having our Breakfast we take leave from Bikaner and we drive to
Mandawa (Shekhawati region). Arrival in
Shekhawati in the evening. 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.
Day 16. Mandawa - Delhi (about
250 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Mandawa (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. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to
Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping.)
Day 17. Flight Back Home
Around midnight flight
back 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.
Camel Safari in
Jaisalmer.
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.
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.
|
|