COLORFUL RAJASTHAN TOUR
Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destination : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur -
Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi .
Tour Plan
Day
1. Arrival Delhi - Airport
Our assistance on arrival pick you up at Delhi Airport & transfer to Check in
hotel Overnight stay at Hotel
Day : 2 - City Tour New Delhi - old Delhi .
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing 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.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to
the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue-
Rajpath, pastthe imposing , India Gate , Lotus temple , Lakshmi Nayran Temple
Return Evening back to Hotel Night stay at Hotel.
DAY 03 - DELHI - MANDAWA ( Overnight Stay ) 230 km " 5 hrs proximity
After Breakfast Check out hotel & proceed to Mandawa, often referred to as
Rajasthan�s open art gallery. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthani
town, which is deep rooted with culture. Stay here in your heritage hotel,
Castle Mandawa. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the
medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted
arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A
breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa.
The Mandawa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes.
Evening free to explore the surroundings of this village. Over night stay at
hotel
DAY
04 : MANDAWA - BIKANER ( Overnight Stay ) 300 km 5 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out & proceed to Bikaner, which was once a
major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts
prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. The city is
renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This afternoon during your
tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure
encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within. Situated at a
height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and
can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated
with magnificent stone carvings. 30 kms south of Bikaner is the village of
Deshnoke, where the famous Karni Mata Temple is situated.Rajasthan tour planner
The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess
Durga. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction
here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be
very careful while entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if
you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for
the lost life. Over night stay at hotel
DAY 05 : BIKANER - JAISALMER ( Two Nights Stay ) 330 km 5 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed & drive to Jaisalmer - a
fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal.
Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic
and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its
strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden
city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely
carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The
fort built in the 12th century, stands on the 80 meter high Trikuta hill, with
beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival takes place in
January and February each year and is a riot of color and activity. Jaisalmer is
also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique,
and stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-dune desert.
In the evening, proceed for the excursion to Sam Sand dunes. Located at a
distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer,Rajasthan tour planner Sam Sand Dunes
is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the
patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Dunes
also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.
Over night stay at hotel
DAY
06 : JAISALMER CITY TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel, and proceed for the city tour of Jaisalmer.Visit
the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. Jaisalmer's strategic
position on the camel terrain route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew
prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their
ever-growing status in society. Made of local golden yellow sand stone and wood,
some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and
magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain
brothers built the Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and
Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors. Built
in 1156 by the Bhati ruler, Jaisal, the fort here stands atop the 80 m high
Trikuta hill. 3 walls and features 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the
centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the
Bhatis, the Mughals and the Rathores of Jodhpur. Within the fort complex lie the
beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The
(rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of
Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex
Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for
personal exploration or shopping.
Over night stay at hotel.
DAY 07 : JAISALMER -- JODHPUR ( Overnight Stay) 300 km 5 hr proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to Jodhpur. The
15th century city of Jodhpur, stands at the edge of Thar Desert and is the
largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur is a resplendent city, with a
blend of modern and traditional buildings. The city is totally dominated by a
massive fort sprawled across 125- meter high hill known as Meherangarh Fort,
founded by Rao Jodha in 15th century. A flourishing trade center in the 16th
century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, Camels,
salt and agricultural Crops . It boasts of some of very fine reminders of its
glorious past palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and
historical significance.Rajasthan tour planner Also Jodhpur is popularly known
as the �Blue City�because of the beautiful houses painted with indigo color
mostly belonging to the Brahmin caste.You can get a magnificent view of this
Blue city from the ramparts of the Meherangarh Fort.Visit the Meherangarh Fort,
which was impregnable for the rocky base which is on. It totally dominates the
city and within its walls are the royal palaces, priceless jewels and a striking
collection of arms .Also visit Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial to
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899.
Also visit Sardar Bazaar and Clock Tower markets where you can see the
vegetable, spice, Indian sweets, and textile and silver markets. These colorful
markets with tiny shops dot the narrow lanes replete with woodcarvings, wrought
iron, lacquer work, silver and ivory ornamentation and leather handicrafts.
Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for
personal exploration or shopping.
Over night stay at hotel
DAY 08 JODHPUR-RANAKPUR-UDAIPUR ( Two nights stay ) 300 km 6 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to Through Valleys
in the Remote and peaceful Aravali Range to Ranakpur .The Ranakpur Jain temples
are hidden in the dense forests of the Aravalli hills in a peaceful setting and
are one of the five holy Jain pilgrimages and they were built during the reign
of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous
basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty
four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved and no
two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various
dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight.Rajasthan tour
planner In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 Kg and their
sound echoes in the entire complex. (Temple open only at 1200 Hrs.Leather
belts,footwear,bare legs and black clothing not allowed)
Again you�ll drive the Aravalli Range towards south, Udaipur, the �City of
Sunrise�. On the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola, is one of the most
romantic cities of Rajasthan. Nestled among the lush hills of the Aravali, it
has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of
fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls,
carries the flavor of the heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.Udaipur
Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian
blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and
Havelis.
In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola by your (
own cost ) with its main attractions the beautiful stretch of water surrounding
the two marvelous structures the Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, is the life line of
Udaipur city. Lake Pichola is about 4 kms in length and 3 kms wide.Jagniwas was
earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel Lake
Palace. All the palaces in the city are constructed to have a magnificent
reflection in this lake. This lake was created in the 15th century and widened
later and a dam across was also created in that period. It was Maharana Udai
Singh II who strengthened the Dam and widened the lake, as he was building his
capital on the shore of the beautiful Lake. The lake was surrounded by many
exquisite palaces, temples, hilly terrains, bathing ghats and many gardens. The
city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you can go for a
boat ride from Bansi Ghat. (Subject to water level in the lake) Over night stay
at hotel
DAY
09 UDAIPUR TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel, and proceed and drive to Udaipur, Visit Jagdish
Temple, and Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple
is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu. The largest and the
most beautiful temple of Udaipur, it is always seething with constant activity
and noted for its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara.
Later Visit City Palace. Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal
complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies,
towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view of the lake and the city. The
complex has eleven constituent mahals (palaces), constructed by successive
maharanas during the three hundred years that followed the foundation of Udaipur
in 1559. Rajasthan tour planner Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall
within the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures,
mirror work and motifs . SHALION KI BARI Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a
small ornamental garden built in the honor of Royal Ladies for recreational
purpose.
Next is the visit to Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home
to an attractive collection of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, dolls, masks,
folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. The museum is the best
place for those interested in puppetry. Short amusing puppet shows are staged
throughout the day. In addition, the museum runs short courses in puppet making
and theatre
Followed by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a
double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur.
Over night stay at your hotel
DAY 10 UDAIPUR -AJMER - PUSHKAR ( Two nights stay ) 320 km 6hrs
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to Pushkar and
Ajmer, Ajmer is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India. It
is a green oasis on the Shore of Ana Sagar Lake, hemmed in by barren hills.
Historically, Ajmer was always of great strategic importance. It was founded in
7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan. He named it Ajaimeru the 'invincible hill'. The
city's Muslim history began when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Ajmer to Sultan
Muhammad Ghori in 1193 A.D. The Persian saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who came
with Muhammad Ghori from Persia in 1192 settled here. Thus the place where he
was buried is today known as the Dargah Sharif. Rajasthan tour planner
Construction of the shrine was completed by Humayun and the gates were added by
the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later Shah Jahan constructed a mosque of white marble;
it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running the full length of the
building. overnight stay at hotel
DAY 11- PUSHKAR SIGHTSEEING
After Breakfast visit to Pushkar sightseeig " Pushkar is right on the edge of
the desert and is only 11 km from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the
snake mountain. This traveler-friendly town clings to the side of the small
Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a
very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on
a spiritual search). Pushkar boasts temples, The most famous is the Brahma
Temple, Overnight stay at hotel
DAY
12 - PUSHKAR - JAIPUR ( Two nights ) 150 km 3hrs proximity
After breakfast check out hotel & proceed to jaipur " Arrival at Jaipur and
Transfer to hotel. Jaipur known as the �Pink City. This city is color washed
pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who
visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the
greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides,
crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur
is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular
sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city
designed in accordance with �Shilpa Shastra�- epochal treatise of Hindu
architecture
Evening Rest of day is at leisure, free for independent activities. Over night
stay at your hotel
DAY 13 JAIPUR
Morning: enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to
Amber Fort, here you will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace.
This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the
Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable
experience. (Subject to availability Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory
or Jag Mandir - is the famed Sheesh Mahal- a room with all the four walls and
ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially
imported from Belgium during that period.
Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur- visiting Maharaja's City
Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small
portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. One of the major
attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum, housing an
impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles
and daggers.Rajasthan tour planner Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the
largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, having 17 large
instruments, many of them still in working condition. During the tour you will
also have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.
Over night stay at your hotel
DAY
14 JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - ( Overnight Stay ) AGRA 250 km 5 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to Agra en route
after one hour stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city
built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 in honor of the famous Sufi saint, Salim Chishti.
The Mughal capital for only 14 years until abandoned reputedly due to lack of
water, the buildings, blending Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture and
reflecting Akbar�s secular vision remain in an excellent condition and it is a
fascinating place to wander around.
Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th
centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The emperors Akbar,
Jahangir and Shah Jehan governed their vast empires from here and as prolific
builders; artisans from Persia, Central Asia and other parts of India were
attracted by their patronage. The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and
gardens dot the picturesque riverside region along the Yamuna River; three of
which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri have been declared World
Heritage Sites. Agra is renowned for its delicate Pietra Dura work; a Florentine
technique imported by Jahangir of arranging minute pieces of precious and semi
precious stones in complex, stylized floral and geometric designs into a marble
base. Today artisans still recreate the old patterns. Visit the incomparable Taj
Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love and devotion. Rajasthan tour
planner Built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his favorite wife Mumtaz, its
perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship took 20,000 workers almost 22
years to complete in 1653. It is undoubtedly a building as close to perfection
as is achievable and its appearance changes magically with the light at
different times of the day (closed on a Friday). Situated on the west bank of
the Yamuna River, the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort was started in 1565 by
Akbar. The fort surrounded by a moat forms a crescent along the riverfront and
encompasses a huge complex of courtly buildings reflecting the varied styles of
the Emperors. Wander through the lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and
galleries discovering hidden pavilions and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in
the distance. Over night stay at your hotel
DAY 15- AGRA - Delhi + Depature Delhi Airport 230 km 3 Hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Delhi Airport fly onwards
Journey
Tour End
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