Delhi-Samode-Nawalgarh-Khimsar-Jaisalmer- Jodhpur-
-Ranakpur- Dungarpur - Udaipur -Chittaurgarh-Bijapur- Kota -Bundi-
Jaipur-Bhandarej - Karauli - Bharatpur - Agra - DelhiDay 01
Arrive Delhi Today Arrive Delhi, The Capital of India. You are
greeted with a traditional Indian Welcome and escorted transfer to Hotel.
Day 02 New & Old Delhi Sightseeing Morning embark on a tour of "Imperial
City" New Delhi. Drive pass through the Raisina Hill to view Parliament
House, The President House, past the imposing India Gate, visit the
Humayun's Tomb, Quatab Minar, Lotus Temple and Birla Temple. Afternoon visit
to Old Delhi includes The Red Fort, Jama Masjed and Raj Ghat, the memorial
site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 03 Delhi - Samode
(264 kms.) Mornig drive to Samode, it built in stages starting 400
years ago, the Palace was converted in to a Heritage Hotel by the Samode
Family. The Ornate interiors are a fine example of the Rajput-Mughal Haveli
Architecture. Samode, ancient royal retreat, notable for its Wall Paintings
and Glass work in the Grand Durbar Hall.
Day 04
Samode - Nawalgarh (Mandawa) [187 kms.] Morning we drive to
Nawalgarh is the main town of Shekhawati Region. Nawalgarh was founded in
1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior-statesman of some eminence.
This town is known for the high quality of its paintings, even in the richly
frescoed Shekhawati area. The Poddar school has some excellent old work, as
well as walls that have been restored in recent times using the same style
of frescos for which the region is famous. The town exudes an old charm with
its colorful bazaar having the largest number of painted havelis. One cannot
forget these mansions covered with frescoes depicting the whole gamut of
social and religious life. Overnight stay at Mandawa.
Day 05 Nawalgarh (Mandawa) - Khimsar [275 kms.] Morning
countryside drive to Khimsar - perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert
in the heart of rural India. "Khimsar Dunes Village" is newly
developed Desert resort is situated in outskirts of Khimsar. Visit to
Khimsar fort - it offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred
walls and turrets remind you of its glorious past as a center of much
warfare, as well as commerce and trade. Today enjoy the silence and
tranquility of the Thar Desert. Overnight stay.
Day 06 Khimsar - Jaisalmer (302 kms.) Morning proceed to
Jaisalmer-the ancient citadel on the Caravan route linking India With
Persia, Arabia and The Mediterranean. Remainder day is free for rest &
relaxes.
Day 07 Jaisalmer Morning
embark half day tour of Jaisalmer fort. Afterwards visit to the Gadisar Tank
& large houses of the merchant called havelies, some of them dating to
the Premediaval Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Shah Haveli and Nathamal Ki Haveli
with their intricately carved screens on the facades and the typical
traditional architecture.
Desert Camel Safari:
Afternoon Desert Camel Safari start for Sam Sand Dunes on edge of Deset
National Park. Located in the midst of Thar Desert this camp recreates the
magical atmosphere of a traditional Mediaeval Desert Camp on a trade route.
The Camp provides for all the comforts. The accommodation consists of Swiss
Cottage Type tents with attached baths having running hot & cold water.
After spending few hours on a camel safari in the Thar Desert, Guests can
relax & spend the evening around the campfire, enjoying live music and
dance performances by "Langha" Tribe of Professional singers.
TENTED CAMP. (BLD)
Day 08 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (285 Kms) Morning drive to Jodhpur -
the Great Indian Desert, sites on sand stone hill surrounded by a strong
wall, approximately 6 miles long with 7 entry gates. Later sightseeing of
the city includes visit to Meherangarh Fort, drive through the old city and
past the Clock Tower near the largest spice bazaar in the sub-continent,
visit the Jaswant Thada Cenotaph, the royal cremation site and then proceed
to see the most magnificent, modern 20th century Palace, the Umaid Bhavan
Palace and its museum - a treasure trove.
Day 09
Jodhpur - Short Village Safari After leisurely morning take short
Village Safari (By Jeep)- A memorable outing in Jeeps visit various
traditional villages seeing local handicrafts viz. stone makers, pottery,
hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with
ancestral silver jewellery, etc. Remainder day is free for rest & relax.
Day 10 Jodhpur - Daspan (240 Kms)
Drive to Daspan village where the fertile fields grow bountiful crops, and
the village is known for its embroidered shoes. There are also some families
that make bows and arrows in the Bhil style. Stay at Durjan Niwas Castle.
Durjan Niwas is a small but beautiful fortress palace built in the early
19th century by the Champawat clan of Marwar. Many changes and additions
were made into the old fortress and present structure is just a shadow of
the original. The building was originally built in the Indo - European style
of architecture with separate parts for ladies and gents.
Day 11 Daspan - Ranakpur (200 Kms) Morning leave for Ranakpur -
one of the biggest and most important Jain temples, it is one of the five
holy sites for the Jains. The main temple in the complex is "Chaumukha
temple" or the four-faced temple dedicated to Adhinathji and built in
the 15th century. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all of which
are different from each other. The Surya Narayana temple and the other jain
temples in the complex are also worth visiting.
Day 12 Ranakpur & Dungarpur (210 Kms) After breakfast drive to
Dungarpur - the diversity of nature unfolds in this hill town situated at
the foothills of the Aravalis. Dungarpur was founded in 1282 A. D. by Rawal
Veer Singh. The region offers varied flora and fauna and an interesting
topography, ranging from wild and rugged terrain in the North-East to
fertile alluvial plains in the South-West. Complementing the scenic
landscapes are the magnificent rivers-Mahi and Som. While the former
separates the district from banswara, the latter draws a natural boundary
between the district and Udaipur. The town is a visual delight during
monsoons.
Besides its rich natural wealth, Dungarpur boasts of a
unique style of architecture as seen in the old palaces and noble
residences. Also famous are lacquer painted toys and picture frames. Late
visit to Udai Bilas Palace, Juna Mahal, Gaib Sagar Lake, Beneshwar and
Galiyakot. Overnight stay.
Day 13 Dungarpur -
Udaipur (120 Kms) Morning leave for Udaipur - the "City of
Lakes" is perhaps the most romantic and beautiful cities of India.
Today sight seeing of Udaipur includes The City Palace, drive
around Fateh Sagar lake, Sahelion-ki-Bari (The fountained and flowered
garden of Maidens), Partap Smarak: A memorial to the legendary warrior Rana
Pratap, Bhartiya Lok Mandal Museum.
Day 14
Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur (160 kms) After breakfast drive
to Bijaipur. Enroute visit to Chittaurgarh includes The Fort - standing tall
over a 180 meter high hillock and sprawling over 700 acres, the fort is a
standing edifice to the valour of Chittaurgarh, Vijay Stambh or Victory
Tower - Built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 AD to commemorate his victory over the
combined forces of the kings of neighboring Malwa and Gujrat, this tower is
120 feet high and has a girth of 30 feet at the base, Kirti Stambh - Built
in the 12th century, it was dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishabdeo, the
first Jain Tirthankar. The 22 meter high struchtre is peplete with figures
from the Jain pantheon.
Arrive Bijaipur and visit to Castle
Bijaipur - are the descendents of the great Rajput warrior, Shakti Singh. He
was younger brother of the great Maharana Pratap Singh, a ruler of Mewar
(Udaipur Region). The Castle built in 16th century. The Castle reflects a
life style of Mewar with matching cuisine. The castle has had the privilege
of playing host to thousands of tourists over the last one decade.
Day 15 Bijaipur - Kota (170 kms) Morning drive to Kota-known as
the industrial capital of Rajasthan. It has an interesting blend of the Old
and the New. The fort, overlooking the mighty Chambal River, is the foremost
tourist attraction here. The town is dotted with age-old monuments and
temples retaining the glory of bygone era, as well as present day edifices
and heavy industries. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century
A.D., when Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva Conquered the territory and founded
Bundi and Hadoti. Afternoon sightseeing of Kota. Kota houses the museum and
has some elaborately painted chambers. Ghazi Gate- famous for its
outstanding mirror work, ebony and ivory inlaid doors.
Day 16 Kota - Bundi (38 kms) Morning countryside drive to Bundi -
is an picturesque as one of the beautiful miniatures. Magnificent gardens,
step-wells, lakes and chhatris make this 'Kala Nagri' or art city, nestling
amongst green hills, a delightful feast of visuals for the traveler. Visit
the Taragarh Fort - the serpentine Taragarh Fort and its palace is what
immediately strikes visitors on arrival in Bundi, Sukh Nivas - the lakeside
palace, which was the venue of much royal reverlry, has excellent terrace
garden, Nawal Sagar - this artificial lake has a temple to Varuna, the God
of water, in the center.
Day 17 Bundi - Jaipur
(210 kms) Today's drive to Jaipur - Known as the "Pink City",
Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja's City Palace - where you can see an imposing
blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent
with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old
weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and
processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.),
Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied
wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with
latticed screens, domes and spires.
Day 18 Amber
Fort Excursion After breakfast visit the 17th century fortress of
Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and
ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on
Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The
interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate
ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you
move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and
visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered, whose hilltop
location is to view various palaces with rooms of stunning beauty including
the world's finest chamber of mirrors and also visit temple of Kali.
Day 19 Jaipur & Bhandarej (62 kms) Morning drive to Bhandarej
- it is famous for its Bhadrawati Palace. A heritage property with a
fascinating History. Tracing back to 11 century, when the Kachawa Chidftan
Dhula Rao Saheb defeated the Badgujars and conquered Bhandarej.
Tha Palace is splendidly restored and refurbished to the former glory. Come
and see us and experience the atmosphere. The village has a lovely setting
beside a lake, and Mina settlements around it. Overnight stay.
Day 20 Bhandarej & Karauli (120 kms) Morning drive to Karauli
- a remote ancient town. A devotional city. A wealth of history and a
magnificent palace built in 1635. That is Karauli, your new destination in
Rajasthan.
The ruling families of Karauli are the descendents of
Lord Krishna while the city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of
Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and other
states.
The old City Palace is a treasure trove of architecture,
stone carvings, gorgeous jalli work and classic paintings. The spellbinding
beauty of Darbar Hall is an experience in itself. Witness devotional life at
the temples of Madan Mohanji, Kalyanji and Kaila Devi. Visit local bazars
for exclusive items of handicraft, and colorful bangles of Karauli.
Overnight stay.
Day 21 Karauli - Keoladeo Birds
Sanctuary (Bharatpur) (110 kms.) On today's drive through the
Rajasthani countryside we see villages, woman dressed in the brilliantly
colored saris of the region, Camels, Elephants & scenes of rural lives.
Continue drive to Keoladeo Birds Sanctuary in Bharatpur, home to more than
300 species of Birds are found in this small park of 29 sq. kms. of which 11
kms. are marshes and the rest, scrubland & grassland. Enjoy Jungle
Atmosphere. Overnight stay.
Day 22 Keoladeo
Birds Sanctuary(Bharatpur) & Fatehpur Sikri & Agra (55 kms)
Early morning Enjoy Bird Watching with naturalist. After breakfast
drive to Agra via the Ghostly deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri,
built in 1569 by the Great Emperor Akbar. Today it is deserted & left in
solitude to reminisce over its past glory. Enjoy the Magnificent Taj Mahal -
The Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by
Mghal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken
18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock.
Day 23 Agra & Delhi (200 kms)
Morning visit to Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan
in the memory of Her Father.
Later drive to Delhi via visit to
Sikandra - site of the tomb of the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar. Arrive
Delhi and transfer to International Airport to board the flight for onward
Destination.
Note :
- Itinerary and tour price subject to change without prior notice.
- Taj Mahal closed on Friday
Inclusion & Highlights
- Accommodation with Private bath & shower facilities.
- Daily buffet breakfast at Hotel Restaurant.
- Arrival & Departure transfer
- All sightseeing and excursion as per itinerary by air-conditioned
vehicle.
- Local English Speaking guide for sightseeing
- Entrance fees to the Monuments
- Short Camel Safari
- Short Village Safari by Jeep
- Elephant ride up to Amber Fort
- Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal
Excludes: Laundry, Insurance, Tips, Telephone Calls
and Expenses like personal nature, Still & Video Camera fees in
Monuments.
