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Tour
Duration |
14 Nights /
15 Days |
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Tour
Destination |
Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner -
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi |
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Travel Theme |
Leisure |
Tour Programme
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional "Swagat"
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to
hotel for check in. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully
combines in its folds the ancient with modern.Its strategic location
was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat
of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here,
like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded
around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries
by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks,
Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by
Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative
area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled
city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 02 : Delhi - Mandawa (280 km - 6 hr)
Today, we drive to we drive to Mandawa in the heart of the
semi-arid Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha
who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built
in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These
were the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich &
dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many
Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis
(Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls & now aptly
given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery. With the migration of these
merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity
with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm & aura
of a bygone era & coming here is like stepping into a different world.
Overnight Hotel - Mandawa (B)
Day 03 : Mandawa - Bikaner (160 km - 4 hr)
Half Day Tour
Today we explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of
Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture.
It houses many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes &
now been converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in
the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both
the exterior & interior walls with elephants & camels on its faÇade.
Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes
of elephants & horses decorating its faÇade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli
built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses &
elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent
touring cars & the Wright Brothers' plane. If time permits we may
visit more Havelis of the region & observe the colourful village life
in Rajasthan.
Later we drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji
(1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent
of the founder of neighbouring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western
part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with
wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around. It is a royal
city surrounded by a mammoth fortification wall, more than 5 km in
circumference & about 5 to 9m high. Fort, Palaces & people with
colourful traditional costumes are the chief attractions of the city.
The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the
whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival. Overnight Hotel -
Bikaner (B)
Day 04: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (325km - 6hr)
Half Day Tour
Today in Bikaner we visit Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by
Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a
formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its
eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples &
Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms
of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort
Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts,
jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans
(King's Orders).
Later we drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput
ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the
heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort
etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its
entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an
important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious
spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia &
Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions)
that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still
in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures
up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with
magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans &
ubiquitous camels.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 05 : Jaisalmer
Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort,
built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill,
housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort
is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the
only "Living Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting
cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions),
Palaces & beautifullysculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century
AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.
We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town.
It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose
business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most
elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually
the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The
carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold.
Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel
ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 06 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 km - 7 hr)
Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second
largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive
Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. Rao Jodha, a chief of the
Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after
him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as
Marwar.
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Day 07 : Jodhpur
Half Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort
(Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures
anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m
high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved
panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection
of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures
paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white
marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur
rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Day 08 : Jodhpur - Udaipur via Ranakpur (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by
Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the
Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor
Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among
all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to
protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural
beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the
surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of
three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly
one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are
mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant
kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes,
palaces & temples.
En route Ranakpur En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some
marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th
century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.
Later we continue our drive to Udaipur,
Optional Tour - Sound & Light Show / Vintage Car Collection
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 09 : Udaipur
Full Day Tour
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings
contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in
the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its
entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central
courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies &
ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of
Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for
his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden
with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions
& elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique
devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.
Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the
year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most
beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also
enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by
the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments.
The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on
the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 10 : Udaipur - Jaipur (Flight 9W-373 - 0740hr-0945hr)
Today we take a flight to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City,
the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich &
colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now
one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was
founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It
remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of
the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Half Day Tour
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal
architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building
called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.
Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical
treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till
date. We now visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone. It was built in year 1799 so that veiled
royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone
Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 11 Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace
complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of
Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on
the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Optional Tour - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort
located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village
atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the
entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 12 Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri
(Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under
Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly
due to lack of water.
Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the
banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the
Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination
because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO
World Heritage site.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 13 Agra
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the
banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah
Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was
completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the
Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort
can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was
built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate
decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son
Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 14 Agra - Delhi via Mathura & Vrindavan (220 km - 5 hr)
En route Mathura & Vrindavan
Today we drive back to Delhi, en route visit Mathura & Vrindavan,
places related with the birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. In Mathura
we visit Shri Krishna Janmabhumi temple, a stone slab marks the
original birth place of Krishna. In Vrindavan we visit Bankey Bihari
Temple, built in the year 1864. Temple is famous for the black statue
of Krishna, also called as Thakur Ji. The ISKCON Temple, one of the
most beautiful temples in Vrindavan. Temple is devoted to Krishna, his
brother Balaram & Krishna's beloved Radha. Further we continue our
drive to Delhi
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 15 Delhi
Full Day Tour Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th
century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid,
the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in
India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk,
the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to
reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation,
Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the
spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India
Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian
soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of
the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls.
President's House, the official residence of the President of India,
built in 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as
the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also
visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the
year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of
this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the
year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret
in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub
Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later transfer to airport for onward destination.
Our tour concludes: Caper thanks you for your patronage & look forward
serve you again in near future.
Package includes:
• 14 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast
• A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on
leisure days).
• Local English speaking guide during the tour except Fatehpur Sikri
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• Boat ride in Udaipur
• Camel ride in Jaisalmer
• Mineral Water enroute
Package does not include:
• Any airfare or airport tax.
• Any Monument entry fee & camera fee (wherever Applicable)
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry,
phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the "Package includes".
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