Rajasthan Heritage Tour
Day 1 : Arrival at Delhi
The company representative shall meet you in the arrival visitor's
hall with a paging board. Transfer to your hotel. Formalities of
Check-in shall be completed by the representative. Overnight at
the hotel 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.
Day 2 : Delhi
In the morning have your breakfast and be ready to explore the capital
of kingdoms and empires. Delhi is no fairytale city but a city where
dreams come to reality. Its strategic location was one of the prime
reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power.
Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient
well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger
joints and upmarket shopping malls.
Old Delhi owes it's origins to moghul emperor Shah Jahan. It offers
monuments , narrowded streets within it's granite walls and bustling
bazaars. The main structure is the Red fort built of red sandstone;
it houses the famous Diwan-e-khas, the beautiful audience chamber
where the moghul emperor Shah Jahan held court seated on the peacock
throne.
On Board the Rickshaw Ride, for a unique experience through the
Chandni Chowk or the silver street, experiencing the sights and
sounds of this busy avenue heading west from the Red fort.. Opposite
the fort is the largest mosque in India - the Jama Masjid and as
you walk down its steps, you walk into the teeming market place
famous for brocades, braids, silver, manuscripts etc. Continuing
the tour of Old delhi, visit Raj Ghat (Where the Father of Nation,
Mahatma Ghandi was cremated).
Post lunch , commenced the City tour of New Delhi. Drive past
the state Government buildings designed by Lutyens, visiting Rajpath
leading up from the war memorial arch India gate, up to the imposing
presidential palace - the Rashtrapati bhawan - built on Raisina
hill and flanked by the secretariat buildings. Landscaped parks
and formal gardens surround old monuments all over the city- mausoleum
of Humayun. End the tour at the tower Minaret of Qutab Minar . The
earliest Muslim city of India is 15 kms from Rashtrapati bhawan
which is dominated by the Qutab Minar, which is an amazing 2000
yrs old pure iron pillar erected in 4 AD which has never rusted.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi - Mandawa
Depart for Mandawa. Reach and check in at hotel. Afternoon Guided
tour of Mandawa to commence post lunch.
Mandawa - a compact little town of Shekhavati region, Arrive and
check in into hotel. In the afternoon visit Havelis & beautiful
frescoes. The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon
like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna
and his cows leads to the bazaar. Drive to Nawalgarh - the town
where the finest of the Shekhavati's frescoes can be seen. It's
havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari
era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complex,
Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli & Chokhani
haveli.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 4 : Mandawa - Nalagarh - Bikaner
In the morning drive to Nawalgarh - the town where the finest of
the Shekhavati's frescoes can be seen. It's havelis still bear witness
to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth
visiting are the Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar
Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli. Drive to Bikaner - Vale of
Serenity, upon arrival check in into hotel. Evening free to relax.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 : Bikaner
Bikaner - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. This
Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies
on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486
AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji
was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom
of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild
country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner
came into existence.
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.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Today enjoy city tour covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between
1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 metre long wall
with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple - The 16th
century Jain temple, is the most important of this temple complex,
Camel Breeding Farm - a unique experience where you can ride on
a camel & have perhaps the first taste of camel's milk. Relax
in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 6 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Proceed for Jaisalmer. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert
like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.
The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox.
So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would expect
barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's
best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail
over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval
town with a special magic.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 7 : 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.
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
PRIME ATTRACTIONS FORTS AND PALACES
The Jaisalmer Fort The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila'
can be seen miles away before reaching the town.
Manak Chowk and Havelis - A main marketplace
outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis".
Havelis - Some of the most exotic mansions or
'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer,
each with a different façade.
LAKES
Gadsisar Sagar Tank - A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful
shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
TEMPLES
Jain Temples - The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples
dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Jaisalmer
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. Adventure freaks can
go out on a camel safari- getting the real feel of the desert on
the camel back. Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP. of Somnath,
visit to Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Shipa, Buddhist temple, historical
ruins, Ashok pillar and museums. En-route visit silk factory to
see men at work. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 9 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to 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. JODHPUR
The powerful Rathor clan ruled the Kindgom of Jodhpur. The Rathors
trace their ancestry back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana.
Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan with a population
of 650000.
The powerful Rathor clan ruled the Kindgom of Jodhpur. The Rathors
trace their ancestry back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana.
Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan with a population
of 650000.
Day 10 : Jodhpur
Full day guided tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond,
home of the Rathors of Marwar,Full day city tour covering Mehrangarh
fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest
forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with
sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada - The 19th
century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble, Clock tower
- The timely treasure of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Jodhpur - Bundi
In the morning drive to Bundi - A dream remembered, on arrival check
in into hotel. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three
sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces,
havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with
carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the
town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings
and murals
Afternoon you will be free to explore the surroundings. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 12 : Bundi - Udaipur
Drive through the desert to the city of Lakes, On arrival , 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.
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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 13 : Udaipur Breakfast at hotel.
There is no other place in India which appeals more to the poets
and painters, Travellers and writers , than Udaipur , the lovely
lake side capital of Mewar.
Udaipur today is one of the most picturesque cities in India,
set as it is on three beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills. The
city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling
with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the
visitor.
It is the key city of Rajasthan's southern region of Mewar. Mewar
is a hilly, forested region, in complete contrast to the harsh deserts
of Marwar (Jodhpur).
The City Palace is a blend of stern Rajput military architecture
on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on the
inside. Set on a hill overlooking the Pichola Lake it is a sprawling
edifice made up of at least four separate inter-connecting palaces,
built over a period of nearly 3 centuries. The Palace museum contains
a wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry. One of the more unusual
moments in the colorful history of Udaipur was when it was used
as a location for shooting the James Bond film, Octopussy.
Visit City Palace, the largest Palace complex Museum of Rajasthan.
Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. Towards sunset proceed
on a cruise on Lake Pichola, and visit the Jag Mandir Palace.
Return to Hotel and Overnight.
Day 14 : Udaipur - Pushkar
Today drive to Pushkar - the city of Brahma, on arrival check in
into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : Pushkar - Jaipur
Continue the journey towards Jaipur not missing the Dargah of Sufi
Saint Moinuddin Chishti, entered through a high gateway with silver
doors. The grave of the saint is surrounded by a silver railing.
Arrive and check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Jaipur
The Soul of Splendid Rajasthan - Full day guided tour of The Pink
City Morning at 0800Hrs. The guide shall meet you at the hotel to
take you onto the city tour of the Pink city . Visit the impressive
Amber Fort ( 12 Kms. from Jaipur) . At the foot of the hill , mount
on to the Elephant for the slow but steady climb upto the main gate.
Amer Fort: Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating
blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century
by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built in red sandstone
and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments,
the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country.
Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the prominent
areas of interest.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city - Your tour includes the
imposing Maharajah's City palace, still home for the maharaja although
severakl of the rooms are open to public. Many antiques and artifacts
belonging to the ruling family are housed here.
Visit the Hawa Mahal (the ornamental facade of this "palace
of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five storey structure
of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trellis work and balconies
has 953 niches and windows.), Open air Jantar Mantar - Royal observatory
(built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft.
High; Albert museum (the museum amidst the Ram Niwas palace gardens
founded in 1876 with a large collection of antiques).
Enjoy a stroll through the colourful Johari bazaar (the main bazaar
in the old city, for jewellery and saris).
Village visit and dinner at the Chowki Dhani. Overnight at the hotel
Day 17 : JAIPUR - AGRA
Leisurely wake up and enjoy the buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Continue
your journey to the next destination - The land of Immortal TAJ
- AGRA . Enroute visit the Fatehpur Sikri( The Deserted city of
Emperor Akbar literally means the city of Victory)".
Reach Agra and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 18 : Agra - Delhi
After Breakfast we will drive to Taj Ganges parking place. From
there we will take the battery operated Bus to World famous Taj
Mahal.
Taj MahalOne 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). After Taj you will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar
In 1525 AD.
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