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Delightful Rajasthan and North India tour is an optimal combination
of the flair of Rajasthan and covers famous monuments of North
India. The State of Rajasthan is undoubtedly one of the most
beautiful Region of India. During long drives through the scenic
villages of Rajasthan we will feel ourselves accompanied all the
time by the colourful dresses and friendly people of Rajasthan. Many
princely states of Rajasthan, impressive forts and magnificent
palaces set in the Thar desert
evoke uniquely colourful images of medieval India. Rajasthan
means land of Rajas (or Kings) but also called Rajputana “the
country of Rajputs”. The Aravali mountain range, one of the oldest
mountain ranges of the word, extending from north to south, divides
the state into two natural regions.
Aravali range and the Twht har Desert are the two most
contrasting features of Rajasthan's geographical make-up. In North
India, specially in Khajuraho we see the finest examples of temple
craftsmanship in the whole of India.
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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 place 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. |
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Qutub
Minar Delhi |
Amber
Fort Jaipur |
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Day 05. Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 km)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon drive to
Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
Day 06. Shekhawati
- Bikaner (about 190 km)
In the
morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area.
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. Marwaris enjoyed protections by Maharajas and many
of them built grand havellis. The hovels 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 have a stop enroute at a village to
observe the traditional life of the villages in
Rajasthan. We
arrive in Jaisalmer in the late 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 havelies (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. |
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Juangarh Fort Bikaner |
Patwon Ki Haveli Jaislamer |
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Day 09. Jaisalmer - Osian - 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. |
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Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur |
City
Palace, Udaipur |
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Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur 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 17 days tour).
Day
13. Pushkar - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 300 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
14. Agra - Orchha (about 250 km)
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 drive to
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. |
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Brahma Temple Pushkar |
Taj
Mahal, Agra |
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Day
15. Orchha - Khajuraho (about 178 km)
In the morning we visit the temples and palaces in Orchha and
later drive to
Khajuraho.
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The
Chandela Kings claimed descent from the moon. The temples of
Khajuraho are among the finest examples of temple
craftsmanship in the whole of India. In the evening arrive in
Khajuraho. The rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16. 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 17. 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.
Drive to
Sarnath
(10 km). Sarnath is the place where
Buddha delivered his first sermon
at deer park. |
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Orchha |
Ganga
Aarti Varanasi |
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Day
18. Varanasi - Delhi (by air)
In Afternoon we fly from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest of
the day at leisure.
Optional: Further excursion in Delhi can be organised as per
the individual wishes. Rooms are available to get fresh and change
before we depart for the Airport with Indo Vacations representative.
Day 19.
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.
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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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also check our
FAQ
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