DAY
01 Arrive Delhi
by International Flight |
WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation,
countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s
ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000
years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical
monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to
create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder
that is India, come, enjoy and experience it.
Reception upon arrival at the International airport
and transfer to HOTEL CLARIDGES.
Delhi – Capital of modern India. Many dynasties
and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over
the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in
many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum
of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's
imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential
Estate.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
02 DELHI |
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi begins with
a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India,
built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past
the Red Fort (Closed on Mondays) (1639-48), built
by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Later
proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins with
a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while
we are on the way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.).
This striking medieval tower of victory, built by
the slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab
complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque,
stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries
of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years.
Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave,
stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati
Bhawan (Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy’s
House) and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main
shopping area. Also visit Sikh Temple (Bangla Sabih)
and Birla Temple.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
03 DELHI-ALSISAR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Delhi to Alsisar (260
kms/6 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL ALSISAR MAHAL.
Lunch at the hotel.
Alter lunch visit Mandawa (20 kms): In the semi-desert
Shekhawati region lies Mandawa, a compact little town
which, was settled in the 18th century. Fortified
by the dominant merchant families, Mandawa houses
some of the finest painted havelis in the region and
the fort, dating back to 1760, dominates the town.
The most famous of the Havelis, is the Bansidhar Newalia
Haveli built in 1910 which, has some curious paintings
on its walls. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, built in
1870, is also one of the finest in the region &
has some of superb murals. Other attractions include
the Harlalka Well in the western part of town and
the Majisa Ka Kuan North of the Central bazaar
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
04 ALSISAR-BIKANER-GAJNER |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Alsisar to Gajner (225
kms/7 hours) enroute visiting Bikaner.
Visit to the “Junagarh Fort” built between
1588 and 1593 built by Raja Jai Singh who was a general
in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort
has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & 2
entrances, and it is famous for the super quality
of stone carvings. The tour also includes a visit
to the fascinating “Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok,
an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The huge silver
gate and marble carvings donated by Maharaja Ganga
Singh, lead you into the sea of swarming rodents who
are considered auspicious. Devotees throng this temple
to make offerings to the rats. Other places of interest
include the famous camel - breeding farm just outside
the town (closed on Sunday).
Lunch
at Hotel Karni Bhawan, Bikaner.
Cotinue drive to Gajner and upon arrival check-in
at: HOTEL GAJENR PALACE.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
05 GAJNER-JAISALMER |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Gajner to Jaisalmer (295
kms/6-7 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL FORT RAJWADA.
Lunch at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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| DAY
06 JAISALMER |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.
The tour begins from “The Jaisalmer Fort”,
built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the fort crowns 80
meter high on the Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there
are palaces and bazaars with in the fort walls, which
has 99 bastions around the circumference. Also visit
the “Havelis”, wealthy merchants built
these exquisite havelis with profusely – carved
stone facades. The famous ones are the Patwon ki Haveli,
Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Other
attractions include Ganga Sagar Tank and Museum, once
the water supply of city, housing many small temples
and shrines. A wide variety of water birds flock here
in winter.
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Sam Sand Dunes. Take a
camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The
Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride
make the entire outing an unforgettable experience.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
07 JAISALMER-JODHPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308
kms/6 hours)
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL TAJ HARI MAHAL.
Afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
The tour begins from “ The Mehrangarh Fort “,this
formidable hilltop fort is the one of the most impressive
in Rajasthan . A series of gates lead into the Fort
like “Jayapol”, built by Maharaja Man
Singh in 1806 and the “ Fatehpol” or “Victory
Gate “, erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate
his victory over the Mughals. The main gate is the
“Lahapol”, an iron gate besides which
there are 15 hand prints which are the “Sati
Marks” of Maharaja Man Singh’s widows
who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843.
Inside the fort ,also visit the palaces Moti Mahal
or “Pearl Palace”, the Sukh Mahal or “Pleasure
Palace” and the Phool Mahal or “Flower
Palace”. Continue the tour to visit the “Jaswant
Thada”, a marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a
memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
08 JODHPUR-DEOGARH |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Jodhpur to Deogarh (170
kms/4 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL DEOGARH MAHAL
OR SARDARGARH.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Deogarh village.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
09 DEOGARH-RANAKPUR-UDAIPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive from Deogarh to Udaipur (135 kms/5-6 hours)
enroute visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple & Eklingji
& Nagda.
Ranakpur - Visit the famous Jain Temples dating back
to the 15th century, which is located some 90 kms
from Udaipur. Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars,
none of which are alike. The temple abounds with intricate
friezes and sculptures.
Lunch at Hotel Fatehbagh, Ranakpur.
Eklingji & Nagda, 22 kms from Udaipur. These temples
are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walled complex includes
an elaborately pillared hall under a large pyramidal
roof and features a four-faced Shiva image of black
marble. Nagda, a complex of three temples, now in
ruins, was the scene of frequent Muslim invasions.
Continue your drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check-in
at: HOTEL THE TRIDENT HILTON.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
10 UDAIPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At
this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms
with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with
colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock
courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari
gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum.
Afternoon free
Optional : In the afternoon, enjoy a motor
launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana
Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace
extends a considerable distance along the east bank
of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view
the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above
the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. You
can also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – which
is a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
11 UDAIPUR-CHITTORGARH-PUSHKAR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Alter breakfast, drive from Udaipur to Pushkar (280
kms/7 hours) enroute visiting Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh:
(Chittor), just 112 kms from Udaipur , is the fort
of Chittorgarh, which is a hilltop fortress, enclosing
an area of 24 kms of crumbling ruins and desolate
palaces. These were once the center of intrigue, valour
and romance of Udaipur’s ruling family. It was
here that the Sisodia Rajput warriors, on many occasions,
gave up their lives – preferring death to dishonour.
The glory of Chittorgarh is the Tower of Victory –
“Jaya Stambha”, erected by Rana Khumbha
to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji of
Malwa in 1440.
Lunch in Chittorgarh.
Continue drive to Pushkar and upon arrival check-in
at: PUSHKAR RESORT.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT. |
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| DAY
12 PUSHKAR-JAIPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit Ajmer city: Visit the Ana Sagar Lake
built between 1135 & 1150 AD.The embankment has
a row of elegant, polished marble pavilions built
by Shah Jahan and restored in 1899 by Lord Curzon.
Later visit the Taragarh Fort, which is a rectangular
fortress with thick walls and large corner bastions.
The path to the top is rough, but the views are worth
the effort. Finally proceed towards the Dargah of
the world renowned and revered saint Khwaja Muin-ud-Din
Chishti (1143-1235). This is the tomb of “Khwaja
Sahab” who was a Sufi Saint of the first rank,
known as the “Sun of the Realm of India”,
who came to Ajmer in 1192. Today thousands of devotees
throng the shrine every day, transcending all barriers
of caste, creed or religion.
In the afternoon drive to Jaipur (150 kms/4 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL LE MERIDIEN.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
13 JAIPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which
is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace
was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were
made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example
of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital
of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the Palace
on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit
the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which
are famous for their design and decorations. This
unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan
is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique
Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory
built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the
Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”.
This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal
ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit
the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence
built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which
has grand museums displaying an excellent collection
of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
14 JAIPUR-AGRA |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours)
enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red
sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570
and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This
was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short
period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water.
Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of
Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway
in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard
is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi
saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in
1570 and legend says that the Moghul Emperor Akbar
was without a male heir because of which he made a
barefoot pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings
of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son,
and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who was
later called by the title Jehangir.
Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in
at: HOTEL MUGHAL SHERATON.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.. |
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| DAY
15 AGRA-DELHI-ABROAD |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for a city tour where you will experience
the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant
marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653
as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful
mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000
craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra
Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul
Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards,
its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect
the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
In the afternoon drive from Agra to Delhi (203 kms/4.5
hours0 International airport in time to board flight
for onward destination.
Leave Delhi by Internacional Flight |
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| Bikaner:
on the northern tip of the desert triangle stands
the royal city of “Bikaner “. The
genesis of this desert town dates back to 1486
A.D., when Rao Jodha’s eldest son, Rao
Bika set out of his father’s kingdom to
conquer a separate kingdom for himself. Once
a major center of trade in the 16th century
situated on the ancient silk route, today Bikaner
has retained much of its medieval aura. Unlike
most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences
are minimal here and the traditional life style
endures in the old city surrounded by a high
crenellated wall. |
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| Jaisalmer:
The magic of a golden fortress, centuries ago,
Jaisalmer was on the camel trade route between
India and central Asia. It is a city that rises
from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating
the view is the awesome citadel on the hill,
straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights,
a fort built with the golden yellow stone of
the area . Jaisalmer is truly a visual delight.
Wander through its lanes and discover the “Havelis”
with delicately carved stone facades. |
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| Jodhpur:
Grandeur by the sand dunes, founded in 1459
by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the
state of Marwar during the rule of the Rathor
clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert,
Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that
go back to the 15th century, all vividly testify
to the history of the princely state. |
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| Udaipur: This
is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic
city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded
Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai
Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh
by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals
any of the world famous creations of the Mughals
with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its
superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been
called the “Venice of the East”. |
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| Jaipur:
The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city
is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies
hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja
Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded
by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted
with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and
brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s
desert heritage while the teeming markets display
a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit
the city of love, legends and lore. |
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| Agra:
The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal
empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts
a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural
creations and a rich tradition of art and culture.
Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world,
the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan -
“The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling
creations of their craftsmen in other architectural
marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City. |
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