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Tour
Duration |
18 Nights /
19 Days |
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Tour
Destination |
Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner -
Khimsar - Jaisalmer - Osiyan - Jodhpur - Kumbalgarh - Udaipur -
Pushkar - Samode - Jaipur - Bharatpur - 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 take a tour covering the Shekhawati region known for
exquisite frescoes decorating the walls & ceilings of the havelis. We
visit State of the Art Havelis namely Goenka haveli, built in the year
1885 is believed to have some of the best frescos in perfect match of
colour & design. Gori Shankar Haveli, a good example of mirrored
mosaic ceiling. Choudaharia Haveli, though in an extreme state of
deteriorations has a rare departure of an erotic painting. The
Singhania Haveli has some fine paintings of Radha & Krishna & shows
some British men holding guns.
Later we drive to Bikaner, was founded by Rao Bikaji in the year 1488.
He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD)
& chose a barren land called Jungladesh to shape it into an impressive
city, called Bikaner.
Overnight Hotel - Bikaner (B)
Day 04 : Bikaner - Khimsar (150km - 3 hr) Half Day Tour
Today in Bikaner we visit Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singhji,
the 6th ruler of Bikaner, who ruled during 1571-1612. It is
constructed of red sandstone & marble with kiosks & balconies
embellishing the structure at intervals. Later we visit Lal Garh
Palace, an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, built by
Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal
Singh. It is a magnificent example of pure Rajput martial
architecture, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob of England.
Later we drive to Khimsar, perched on the edge of the great Thar
Desert. Unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. The
Battle-scarred walls & turrets remind one of the glorious past. The
initial construction began in 1523 AD, the family moved in during the
18th Century when a new 'Zenana' (ladies wing) was constructed. Thakur
Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself in 1940s. Today, the
Khimsar Fort ranks high amongst the premier classified heritage hotels
of India.
En route we visit the world famous Rat Temple at Deshnok. Later we
visit the 15th century fortress where the Maharaja Ajay Singh of Naga
Dynasty.
Overnight Hotel - Khimsar (B).
Day 05 : Khimsar - Jaisalmer (240 km - 6hr)
Later we drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti
Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. An important ancient trading centre because
of its strategic location on the camel trade routes is often described
as Golden city. Havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are
exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a
beautiful condition.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
Full Day Tour
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 & beautifully sculptured 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 08 : Jaisalmer - Osiyan (240 km - 6hr)
Today we drive to Osiyan, Situated midway between Jaisalmer &
Jodhpur, the place is most famous for its Jain temples. 58 km away
from Jodhpur the ancient township was located on a very important
trade route between the 8-12th centuries. The town was dominated by
the Jains, both commercially & demographically. Here the Jain built
their temples of stunning quality. Along with Jain temples there are
also superb Hindu temples dedicated to various Hindu gods. In all
there are 16 Hindu & Jain temples of exquisite quality. Sad to say
that Osiyans glory is a thing of the past, now the place resembles a
ghost town with most of the people having migrated to greener
pastures.
Half Day Tour
Jain Temples, the most spectacular of which is the Mahavira temple
dedicated to the 24th & last Jain Prophets. The temple was built
around 775 AD & other smaller shrines were added on to the complex
till about the 15th century. Osiyan has great relevance for the Jain
community because the Jains originated in Osiyan & derive their name
from the town. Sachiya Mata Temple, originally built in the 8th
century, the existing temple complex however dates back to the 12th
century. Sachi Mata is better known as Indrani. The temple complex can
be entered through a series of magnificent toranas or arches, which
are superbly sculpted. The main shrine was constructed circa in the
year 1178 & the two other temples in the complex, namely the Chandi Ka
Mandir & the Amba Mata Mandir.
All in all the Sachiya Mata Temple complex & the other temples in
Osiyan are probably some of the most beautiful temple complexes in the
north India.
Overnight Hotel - Osiyan (B)
Day 09 : Osiyan - Excursion to Jodhpur (60Km- 01hr Oneway)
Excursion to Jodhpur & Guda Bishnoi Village
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the
2nd 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.
Here we visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort), built by Rao Jodha,
located atop a 125m high hill. The fort museum houses an exquisite
collection of palanquins, howdah (Elephant saddle), royal cradles,
miniatures, costumes & furniture. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a
white marble memorial built in the year 1899 in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II. It is an architectural landmark in Jodhpur.
Later we also visit the Guda Bishnoi Village, a world of tribal colour
& rustic cultural grandeur. A tour to the village in open air jeeps,
visit various traditional villages, look at local handicrafts like
shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving. Bishnois are an integral part of
this region, a very hard working & hospitable tribal community. It is
a wonderland where wild animals walk past village huts & villagers
prefer to sleep without food so that animals are fed. They are ready
to die to save the trees & nature & lead a pure vegetarian & clean
life according to tenets preached by religious guru, Jambaji. They
worship nature in all its forms & pray to green trees & animals that
inhabit their land & thus make every effort to conserve environment. A
noticeable fact about Bishnois is that they pray to Hindu deity Lord
Vishnu & bury their dead like Muslims.
Overnight Hotel - Osiyan (B)
Day 10 : Osiyan - Kumbalgarh (255km - 7hr)
Today we drive Kumbalgarh, Rana Kumbha the legendary Mewar hero,
an astute & a great builder. Of others, Kumbalgarh is the most
inspiring. A joy for the nature lovers, it is surrounded by greenery &
wildlife. It is also within a short driving distance from the famous
15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples. An area steeped in history &
abounding in wildlife, unspoilt nature harmonizes with the modern
comforts & the warm hospitality of the Aoudhi.
En route Ranakpur
Ranakpur, located in the mountain ranges of Pali. We visit the famous
Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the reign of the liberal &
gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement
covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, 24
pillared halls & eligibly domes supported by over four hundred
columns. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various
dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the
assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound
echoes in the entire complex.
Overnight Hotel - Kumbalgarh (B)
Day 11 : Kumbalgarh - Udaipur (100Km- 02hr)
Today we take 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.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 12 Udaipur
Full day Tour
Toady 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 13 : Udaipur - Pushkar (250 km - 6hr)
Today we drive to Pushkar, an enchanting small town located
exactly on the edge of the desert but is separated from it by Nag
Pahar, the Snake Mountain. The town frequently visited by devotees
lies to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its multitudes of
bathing ghats & temples. It also holds the most unique fairs of its
kind in the world. It is a combination of an animal fair & the
religious fair. Both the fairs are enchanting & have their own unique
aspects & quality. As per the Indian calendar the fair is held in the
first lunar cycle in the month of Kartik culminating on the Kartik
Poornima (Full moon).
Overnight Hotel - Pushkar (B)
Day 14 Pushkar - Samode (180 km - 4hr)
Half day Tour
Today we visit Brahma Temple, said to be the only dedicated to Lord
Brahma in India. This is the only temple of the god Brahma in the
world. No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered complete till the
pilgrim bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar. Also some near by temples
Later we drive to Samode, nestled picturesquely amidst the rugged
hills. The quiet luxury of the palace offers a retreat into an
aesthetically beautiful environment. Celestial audience halls
harmoniously reflect the skill of master craftsmen. The Palace is one
of India's most charming hotels, offers a quiet, elegant & luxurious
atmosphere each room is exclusive & reflects an old world charm. The
features are magnificent hand painted interior with the breathtaking
mirror work.
Overnight Hotel - Samode (B)
Day 15 : Samode Excursion to Jaipur (65Km- 01hr Oneway)
Excursion 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.
Full Day Tour
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, 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.
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 (Solar Observatory), an astronomical
treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till
date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that
veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by
the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Samode (B)
Day 16 : Samode - Bharatpur (195 km - 5 hr)
Today we drive to Bharatpur, founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the
year 1733. It was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, & the
capital of a kingdom ruled by Jat maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur,
Deeg & Dholpur has played an important part in the Jat history of
Rajasthan.
Sanctuary was previously known as Bharatpur bird Sanctuary & now known
as Keoladeo National Park. The name Keoladeo is derived from the name
of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's
central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas
of forest cover. This is a magnificent park having one of the World's
greatest & most important heronries. It is situated at the confluence
of Ghambhir & Banganga Rivers in Bharatpur district. Now a World
Heritage site by UNESCO, this former duck-hunting reserve of the
Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of
aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Siberia & Turkmenistan. Some 364
species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have been
recorded in the park.
Overnight Hotel - Bharatpur (B)
Day 17 : Bharatpur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (55 km - 2hr)
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 the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned,
ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential
complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
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 the year 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 are
UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 18 Agra - Delhi via Mathura & Vrindavan (220km - 5hr)
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 Jahan 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.
Late 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. 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.
Day 19 Delhi - Transfer
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 Chandni Chowk, the old
marketplace of Shah Jehanabad 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 the year 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 Aibek. 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.
Optional - Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre
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:
• 18 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
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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represents compulsory fields) |
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