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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.
D
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.
BD
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.
BD
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.
BD
Day 05. Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 km)
Morning at leisure. In
the afternoon drive to
Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
BD
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.
BD
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.
BD
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). 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 or Khrui Dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to
Jaisalmer.
BD
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.
BD
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.
BD
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.
BD
Day 12. 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.
BD
Day 13. Deogarh -
Samode (about 250 km)
Today we drive to Samode. Samode is famous for its palace where we
have an overnight stay. We enjoy the stay in the Samode Palace and
visit the wonderful Darbar Hall (Audience hall) and other parts of
the palace of Maharaja which are decorated beautifully with the
miniature paintings. On special occasions this wonderful 400 years
old Palace of Samode is decorated and fulfilled with traditional
dance and music.
BD
Day 14. Samode -
Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 220 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.
BD
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.
BD
Day 16. Agra -
Delhi (about 200 km)
Late morning, after having our 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).
BD
Day 17. Flight to
Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.
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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