05th of November 2008
Day One : Delhi: Arrival
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the
international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer
to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a
perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A
window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
06th of November 2008
Day Two : Delhi
Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would
entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort
- once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New
Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar and a
drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India
Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and the Lotus Temple
and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Spend night at Delhi.
07th of November 2008
Day Three : Delhi - Agra:
By road 201 km in 4 hr
Transfer to station by Compass Executive for train to Agra.
Breakfast will be served in the train. (We will also pack your
breakfast from the hotel so in Agra during your day you could catch a
bite while on tour).
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah
Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second
capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat
of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of
contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys
and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city
of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra
still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the
narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for sightseeing.
Visit the
TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was
built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal -
The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan's
second Wife).
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD,
the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the
picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit
BABY TAJ - The interiors of which
are considered better than the Taj.
Shopping or relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
08th of November 2008
Day Four : Agra - Jaipur:
By road - 221 km in 6 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his
capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating
experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are
in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life
must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund
Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Jaipur.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur
can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai
Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis,
it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City
because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen
Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Reach Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
09th of November 2008
Day Five : Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant
ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic
Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in
1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding
exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and
Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and
traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over
one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal,
Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best
preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different
parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized
astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace
of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey
structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork
and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in
1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace
women.
Relax in the evening or visit the markets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
10th of November 2008
Day Six : Jaipur - Pushkar:
By road - 150 km in 3 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Pushkar.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover
a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a
search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual
VEDIC
YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in
the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous
Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell
cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of
Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the
world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples
and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage.
Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure
to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle
fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with
references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats,
which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has
its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of
temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied
architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the
famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.
Spend the enjoying in PUSHKAR FAIR and in the evening visiting the
GHATS and the local market.
Overnight will be at PUSHKAR.
11th of November 2008
Day Seven : Pushkar:
Breakfast will be at the camp.
Day will be free to explore and experience the fair. This will be the
FULL MOON NIGHT and the festivities will reach its crescendo.
Overnight will be at Pushkar.
12th of November 2008
Day Eight : Pushkar - Deogarh:
By Road -140 km in 3 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Spend the morning visiting BRAHMA TEMPLE and the Pushkar Fair.
Start for Deogarh after lunch.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80
miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one
of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana
of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas
were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood
relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a
school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal
collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can
also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms
to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is
just one of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It
stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain
range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its
old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a
picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft
above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670
A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub
of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and
invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the
Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the
gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to
the guests.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the
present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied
by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and
personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected
in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage
Hospitality in Rajasthan.
Enjoy your evening walking the town or relax at the palace. Overnight
will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.
13th of November 2008
Day Nine : Deogarh - Udaipur:
By Road : 120km/02hrs
Enjoy the sightseeing of the small town or enjoy a tour of the palace.
Start for Udaipur after breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched
in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound
and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters
and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and
narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,
epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of
the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening and spend night at Udaipur.
14th of November 2008
Day Ten : Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors,
colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely
Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple
and the local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake
Pichola. 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. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in
the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
15th of November 2008
Day Eleven : Udaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road : 260km/06hrs
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the
RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th
century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The
Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to
two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic
sculptures.
Reach by afternoon and check in at the hotel.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes
with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital
of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the
Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic
hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms
on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city
is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable
bastions.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
16th of November 2008
Day Twelve, Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert
beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising
up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city
in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces
added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different
miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit
Jaswant Thada Memorial.
In the afternoon proceed to visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES and enjoy the
village culture and life.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
17th of November 2008
Day Thirteen : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer:
By Road : 300 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Enroute stop at the OSIYAN TEMPLES.
Osiyan was a religious and trading center between the 8th and 12th
centuries. Sixteen Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period are
located here. Dominated by the Jains during this period, the town has
special significance for Jains because it is associated with the origin
of the Oswal Jain community of merchants who became very wealthy through
trade. This wealth enabled them to build the beautiful temples. Built
from local sandstone, the buildings have withstood time and are in
excellent condition.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the
city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands,
with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to
which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a
remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the
Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a
descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at
Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta
Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
18th of November 2008
Day Fourteen, Jaisalmer:
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The
Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert.
Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is
a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies.
Visit the
JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world.
(This is the highlight of the tour)
See
the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar
Tank. Also visit
Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for a short CAMEL
SAFARI visiting the
typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the
sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.
Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing
haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
19th of November 2008
Day Fifteen : Jaisalmer:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day walking in the beautiful quaint town and also go for a
drive to the LODURVA or the "lost village".
Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.
20th of November 2008
Day Sixteen : Jaisalmer - Bikaner:
By Road - 330 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach
Jaisalmer by noon.
Freshen up at hotel and have lunch. Proceed to Bikaner. Check in at
hotel.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the
north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.
Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's
lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the
best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an
inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting
grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of
Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the
city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on
each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
21st of November 2008
Day Seventeen : Bikaner - Mandawa:
By Road - 140 km/3 hr
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded
this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh
Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in
the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel
Country". Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia.
Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.
Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a
mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of
Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles,
traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle.
The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this
town. This was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao
Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51
room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting
collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and
the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and
fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old
fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of
traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
22nd of November 2008
Day Eighteen : Mandawa - Delhi - Home:
By Road - 260 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading
business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the
local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani
Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal
Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the
major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Leave for Delhi after lunch and reach by evening.
Proceed for the
GHAZALS SHOW (Interesting Musical Evening) in
the evening at 1800 hr and after the show the group will have FAREWELL
DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories
of India.
TOUR ENDS
The Package Includes:
a) Sightseeing Tours As Mentioned In The Itinerary,
b) Accommodation At Suggested Hotels,
c) Air-Conditioned Coach With Driver ,
d) English Speaking Guide For All Mentioned Tours,
e) Meet And Assist Services On Arrival / Departure,
f) Daily Buffet Breakfasts,
g) Pushkar Stay In Deluxe Swiss Tents With Attached Bathroom,
h) Bishnoi Village Visit At Jodhpur,
i) All Meals At Pushkar,
j) Pushkar Fair Activities,
k) Daily Dinners During The Tour,
l) Camel Ride With Village Dinner At Jaisalmer,
m) Farewell Program With Gala Dinner,
n) All Monument Entrances,
o) All Applicable Taxes And Service Charges,
p) Porterage For The Full Tour,
q) Elephant Ride At Amer Fort - Jaipur And
r) All Parking, Road Taxes And Driver Allowances.
HOTELS
