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The State of Rajasthan
is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Region of India.
Rajasthan's many princely states, impressive forts and magnificent
palaces set in the Thar desert evoke uniquely colorful 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 world, extending
from north to south, divides the state into two natural regions.
Aravali range and the Thar Desert are the two most contrasting
features of Rajasthan's geographical make-up. Fairs and festivals of
Rajasthan reflect the vigour and life style of its people. Vibrant
colors, music and festivities make the golden sand come alive.
Veiled, bejeweled women sing and dance to devotional rhythms.
Rajasthan has a fair for every religious occasion, for every change
of season and for every harvest.
The Cultural tour of Rajasthan will able you to know the less
known places. During this cultural tour of Rajasthan you will visit places
like Delhi, Agra, Bhandarej, Ranthambore, Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh,
Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur.
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
our 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 world
famous Ranthambore National 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. Kota - Chittorgarh
(about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh Fort
is the indomitable pride of Chittorgarh. The fort is massive structure
with many gateways built in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of
180m hill it sprawls over 700 acres. This fortified settlement has
been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar", where
women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while
men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards
a certain death. Overnight stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Udaipur
(about 120 km)
Today we drive to 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. In the evening we
enjoy 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
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.
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 - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and 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. After a break in Jaipur we visit the
City palace in the afternoon which 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, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable
observatories. It's complex instruments reveals us the secrets of
medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14. 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
have a walk through the colorful 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 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
In the 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)
Day 16. 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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