Monday, October 22, 2007

Exotic Rajasthan

Duration : 17 Nights / 18 Days

Destination Covered : Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Mount Abu-Udaipur-Pushkar- Jaipur-Agra-Delhi

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Assistance on arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be meet by our representative then transfer to the hotel where we are holding the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight at Delhi.

02 Day: Delhi:

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.


03 Day: Delhi - Mandawa (275 kms - 5 hours):


After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Mandawa, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After lunch and relaxation visit Mandawa town, stroll through the bustling bazaars and pick up things of your interest. Evenings there is a special program of music and dance performed by local artists, participate in the dance and feel the life of the people and their hospitality. Overnight at the hotel.

04 Day: Mandawa - Bikaner (175 kms - 3 hours):

After breakfast visit the Shekhavati region an important town of the years gone by, to see number of remarkable Havelis and Castles in the nearby towns of Nawalgarh and Laxmangarh. These havelis are museums in themselves, numerous havelis built by the rich merchants as their residence in 18th and 19th century. After lunch, drive to Bikaner on arrival transfer to hotel. After relax, take an excursion tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karnimata - at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple is believed to by lucky. Evening free for relax. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

05 Day: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330 kms - 6 hrs)

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important temple of this complex. If time permits visit Camel breeding farm. Later visit Lalgarh Palace, residence of Royal family of Bikaner. After visit drive to Jaisalmer - 330 kms, en route visit to the massive Fort Pokharan, the town Pokhran came to the limelight when several nuclear tests were conducted here during the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokharan Fort is Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone Pokhran fort, though not as grand a fort as some of the others in Rajasthan has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace, visit to Pokhran Museum: housed inside the fort’s premises, after visit continue to drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Gadisar Lake in the main city or the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Note: Optionally you can stay overnight at the Sam Sand dunes in luxury tented accommodation, enjoying the starry night with ethnic food, folk dances, bone fire and camel safari in dues in nights hours.


06 Day: Jaisalmer:

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort - built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy, later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45 kms en route visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Complex, built in 1815 AD, The complex also houses a summer palace where some beautiful paintings and pictures are displayed. On arrival at Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel safari to discover the various sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples in and around Jaisalmer in an authentic and leisurely fashion with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colorful guides thrown in. After safari drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay.

07 Day: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 kms - 6 hrs):

After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, en route visit to Osian Village, ruins of an ancient city called Osian, an oasis in the desert, a drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these, the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving ethnic food followed by live music and folk dance, located at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

08 Day: Jodhpur - Mount Abu: (275 kms - 5½ - 6 hours):

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions as a hotel and museum. After lunch check out the hotel and drive to Mount Abu. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Sunset point and Nakkhi Lake. Relax and overnight at the hotel.

09 Day: Mount Abu - Udaipur (220 kms - 4½ hours):

After breakfast sightseeing of natural attraction and splendid temples: Dilwara temples consisting of five Jain temples built at the beginning of the 11th century with intricate ornamental carvings represent the climax in the art of decoration in stone, followed by Gomukh temple, Vimala Vasahi, Bhramkumari Temple, Achalgarh Fort. Later drive to Udaipur En route visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur Temples of 12 Century – The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, built out of marbles with 108 carved pillars each carved differently from others, Come across as a marvellous feat of architecture. One can have lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local families on the way. After visit continue to proceed to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can take a boat ride at Lake Pichola, opt for a dinner at one of the most speculative and luxury hotel: Lake Palace, amidst at the lake. Overnight at the hotel.

10 Day: Udaipur

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the larges place in Rajasthan, main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 hours, in an adjacent open air theatre. & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at Udaipur.


11 Day: Udaipur - Chittourgarh - Udaipur (112 kms - 3 hours)

After early breakfast, first take an excursion to Chittourgarh. Spread over 13 square kms, unlike other forts you can explore this fort by the vehicle you are traveling, Chittourgarh fort is the mightiest Fort in Indian History, The pride and glory of Rajasthan. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Later drive back to Udaipur. In the evening free for individual activities. Overnight at Udaipur.

12 Day: Udaipur - Deogarh - Pushkar: (275 kms - 6 hour):

After breakfast checkout and drive to Pushkar en route visit the magnificent Deogarh Mahal and see the royal past of the glorious palace now converted into a heritage hotel. You can opt for lunch at in royal heritage hotel. Later continue to drive to Pushkar, on arrival at Pushkar, transfer to the hotel, evening free for relax or a walk at the Ghats of Pushkar Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

13 Day: Pushkar - Jaipur (130 kms - 2 ½ hours)

After breakfast visit the only temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair Site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Optionally you can visit Ajmer Khwaja Dargah in Ajmer (11 kms). After lunch drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, afterwards at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight.

14 Day: Jaipur

Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.

15 Day: Jaipur - Samode - Jaipur (45 kms - 1 hour):

Today morning take an excursion an excursion to Samode, (45 kms 1 hours) The old caravan city of Samode locked up in its walls and dominated by the castle, on arrival after refreshment visit Samode Palace, the Sheesh Mahal- the hall of mirrors. Late afternoon take camel cart ride to explore the Samode Fort and the semi desert village of Samode, witness the culture and traditional of villagers. Later in the evening drive back to Jaipur. In the evening you can explore the colourful market of Jaipur by cycle rickshaw. Overnight at the hotel.

16 Day: Jaipur - Agra: (230 kms - 4 hours)

After breakfast drive to Agra. En route visit the Old Deserted Town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Bulund Darwaza. After visit, continue to proceed to Agra. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After some rest and relaxation visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in the hotel.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

17 Day: Agra - Delhi (200 kms - 4 hours)

Early morning witness incomparable Taj Mahal, it’s speculative view at the time of Sunrise, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. Later drive to Delhi en route you visit to en route; you can visit Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Also visit to Mathura “Land of Krishna”. Visit the temple in Mathura followed by a visit to Krishna Janam Bhumi and the museum. Proceed there after visiting the Bankey Bihari temple, ISKCON temple and other temples in and around Vrindavan. After visit continue to drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for individual activities. Overnight at Delhi.

18 Day: Delhi - Home Town:

The day is free for leisure and individual activities. Later transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.



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