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Duration : 14 Nights & 15 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur -
Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our
representative would assist you at airport & escort your to hotel for
check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds
the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons
why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more
mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of
Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC.
Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers
like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan,
who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir
Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a
testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New
Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight at the Hotel - Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city
of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque
of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan,
it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or
take a rickshaw ride to Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah
Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year
1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation,
Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot
of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate,
memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who
died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who
died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the
official residence of the President of India, built in 1931. Until 1950
it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the
Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's
Tomb,World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal
architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by
Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world,
an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its
monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at the Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa (280 km - 6 hr)
Today, we drive to Mandawa in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati
region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in
the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by
Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were the times when
Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich & dominant Silk Route
merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis (Mansions),
Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes
adorning their walls & now aptly given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery.
With the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements
remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Mandawa
still retains the charm & aura of a bygone era & coming here is like
stepping into a different world.
Overnight at the Hotel - Mandawa (B)
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner (160 km - 4 hr)
Half Day Tour
Today we explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa
& a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses
many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes & now been
converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870
that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior &
interior walls with elephants & camels on its façade. Goenka Double
Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants &
horses decorating its façade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year
1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those
depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the
Wright Brothers' plane. If time permits we may visit more Havelis of the
region & observe the colourful village life in Rajasthan.
Later we drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji
(1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent
of the founder of neighbouring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western
part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with
wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around. It is a royal
city surrounded by a mammoth fortification wall, more than 5 km in
circumference & about 5 to 9m high. Fort, Palaces & people with
colourful traditional costumes are the chief attractions of the city.
The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is the only one of its kinds in Asia
& so is the illustrious Camel Festival.
Overnight at the Hotel - Bikaner (B)
Day 05: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (325km - 6hr)
Half Day Tour
Today in Bikaner we visit Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by
Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a
formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful
history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions,
which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup
Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has
an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars,
carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders).
Later we drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput
ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the
heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched
in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire
awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important
ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices &
silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The
merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are
exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a
beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up
images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with
magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans &
ubiquitous camels.
Overnight at the Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 06: Jaisalmer
Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built
in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the
entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing
like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living
Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow
lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully
sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled
artisans & ubiquitous camels.
We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It
was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose
business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate
& magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece
of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far
surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40
km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes
of Sam while the sun is setting down.
Overnight at the Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 km - 7 hr)
Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest
city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh
Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.
Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year
1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely
state, also known as Marwar.
Overnight at the Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Day 08: Jodhpur - Udaipur via Ranakpur (325 km - 7 hr)
Half Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort
(Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures
anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m
high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels
latticed window. The Fort Museum
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white
marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It
is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Later we drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai
Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital,
Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom
of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states
in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom.
The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water &
natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali
mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the
"City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities
in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake
Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked
by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.
En route Ranakpur
En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved
Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign
of Rana Kumbha.
Later we continue our drive to Udaipur.
Overnight at the Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 09: Udaipur
Full Day Tour
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings
contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the
year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance
at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard,
the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate
cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an
ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the
Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains,
pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains
worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD &
work till today.
Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year
1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful
temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat
ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the
surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The
Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake
look like pearls in the lake.
Optional Tour - Sound & Light Show / Vintage Car Collection
Overnight at the Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 10 Udaipur - Pushkar (200 kms/04 hour)
Today we drive to Pushkar, an enchanting small town located exactly on
the edge of the desert but is separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake
Mountain. The town frequently visited by devotees lies to the side of
the small Pushkar Lake with its multitudes of bathing ghats & temples.
It also holds the most unique fairs of its kind in the world. It is a
combination of an animal fair & the religious fair. Both the fairs are
enchanting & have their own unique aspects & quality.
Half day Tour
Today we visit Brahma Temple, said to be the only dedicated to Lord
Brahma in India. This is the only temple of the god Brahma in the world.
No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered complete till the pilgrim
bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar. Also some near by temples.
Overnight at the Hotel - Pushkar (B).
Day 11 Pushkar - Jaipur (160 kms/03 hours)
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant &
colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past,
resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most
important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only
city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe,
through nine rectangular sectors.
Optional Tour - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort
located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village
atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the
entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel – Jaipur (B)
Day 12 : Jaipur
Full Day Tour
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which
stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We
take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an
overwhelming experience.Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend
of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a
seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the
gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory),
an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate
predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a
five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799
so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen
by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight at the Hotel – Jaipur (B)
Day 13: Jaipur - Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (240 km - 05 hr)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost
Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's
reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to
lack of water.
Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks
of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal
Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of
its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra
Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage
site.
Overnight at the Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 14 : Agra - Delhi (225 kms - 5 hr)
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the
banks of the River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah
Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was
completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the
Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort
can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built
from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate
decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son
Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Later we drive back to Delhi. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 15 : Delhi - Departure
Morning transfer to the international airport to board flight for onward
journey.
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