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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
our representative and
transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Delhi -
Agra (about 180 KM)
In the morning we have sightseeing in Delhi. Sightseeing in
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. After having sightseeing we drive
to Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Day 03.
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 04.
Agra - Jaipur (about 260 KM)
Today 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 05.
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.
Day 06.
Jaipur - Pushkar (about 145 KM)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Pushkar, an
ancient religious town. Pushkar is one of the most religious
places for Hindus. 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. In Pushkar after having a small break we visit the temple
of God Brahma and visit the Pushkar Lake.
Day 07.
Pushkar - Udaipur (about 301 KM)
After having breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the
romantic city of Rajasthan. This city is built around
shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green
hills of the Aravali ranges. Arrive in Udaipur by the evening.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 08.
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.
Day 09.
Udaipur - Jodhpur (about 275 KM)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive from Udaipur
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 10.
Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (about 290 KM)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer via
Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The
oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting
Osian, we proceed further 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 11.
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).
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.
Day 12.
Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330 KM)
Today early morning we drive through the desert and proceed for
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 13.
Bikaner - Mandawa (about 190 KM)
After having our Breakfast we take leave from Bikaner and drive
to Mandawa (Shekhawati region). Arrival in Shekhawati in the
evening. Shekhawati is 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 14.
Mandawa - Delhi (about 270 KM)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Mandawa (Shekhawati)
area. 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 Delhi.
About 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.
American/continental Breakfast.
Elephant Ride in Amber.
Camel Ride in Jaisalmer.
Boat Ride in Udaipur.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance
in Jaipur.
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 us.
All Transfers
and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an air-conditioned Car
with driver. For groups an individual air-
conditioned bus
will be provided.
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