Welcome to Exotic Rajasthan!
Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts.
Day
1 : Arrival Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the evening. 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 at Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi - Agra
Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon.
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. Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Enjoy battery van ride
to the Taj.
Taj Mahal : Little needs to be said about this architectural
wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to
Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful
wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed,
and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design
balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant
domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the 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.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj). Overnight at Agra.
Day
3 : Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur. Stop at 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 it's grandeur.
Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Reach and check
in at hotel. 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 it's character
and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. 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. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 4 : Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of
Jaipur. 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. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise
where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city. 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. Its five-storey structureof 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. Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the
intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day
5 : Jaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check
in at PUSHKAR PALACE. 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. Pushkar has the most varied terrain
in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties
in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and
full moon days. Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 6 : Pushkar - Ranthambhore
Visit the Brahma Temple - The only one in the world. Start early after breakfast
for Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a
tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings
than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The
land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast
has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp
ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An
important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus
meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park
is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north. Proceed
for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers. Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day
7:- Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore. Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 8 : Ranthambhore - Kota
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel. Start for KOTA.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal
is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which
specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the City Palace and Fort - On the banks of the Chambal
river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which
houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers
of Kota. Jagmandir - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built
by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the
same for a spiritual experience. Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous
gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Overnight at Kota.
Day 9 : Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi. 36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town,
Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part
of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan
clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In
1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some
Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other
young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and
Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches
of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the
River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and
is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Visit the Taragarh or Atar Fort . Perched on a thickly wooded
hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water
to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts
of Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture,
housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chatrasagar is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature
murals. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala'
'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story.
Sukh Mahal is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar
Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel
is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace. Proceed to Chittaurgarh.
THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR - The pride and glory of Rajasthan, CHITTAUR
echoes with the tales of romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. This
is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful
palaces and spectacular CHATTRIS. This fortified settlement has been ravaged
thrice and each time the outcome was 'JAUHAR' -when 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.After visiting the FORT proceed
to stay at the BIJAIPUR CASTLE SUITE. Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day
10 : Bijaipur - Udaipur
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. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur
Breakfast 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 he 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 at Udaipur.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Kumbalgarh
After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh. 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 Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the
formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory.
Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea level, the fort
was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates
and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers
strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day
13 : Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur Proceed
in the morning after a leisurely breakfast and reach Jodhpur. 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. Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID
BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 14 : Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the
rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable
moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside. Afternoon 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. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Proceed for Jaisalmer. 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 at Jaisalmer. Day 16 : 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 visiting
the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the
sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes. Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 17 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
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 at Bikaner.
Day
18 : Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. 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. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant
of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh.
The Castle, now a 51
rooms 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.
A two hundred and forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family
into a fine example of traditional hospitality. Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day
19 : Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast 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. Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local
village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 20 : Delhi
Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi. 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.
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, a drive along the ceremonial avenue
- Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence
and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 21 : Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last minute
shopping. Proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening at 1800 hr after
checking out of the hotel. After the show you will have FAREWELL DINNER before
reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.