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ROYAL RAJASTHAN TOUR
Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Jodhpur -
Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi.
Tour Plan
Day
1 : DELHI - AGRA ( Overnight Stay ) AGRA 200 km 3 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Arrived Agra Check
in hotel . After Refreshment Visit Sightseeing . 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. Return Evening back to Hotel
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY
: 2- AGRA - JAIPUR - VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI - ( Overnight Stay ) AGRA 350 km 5
hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to jaipur 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.
Arrival at Jaipur Check in Hotel In jaiour . 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. Return
evening back to Hotel .Overnight stay at your hotel
DAY 3 JAIPUR - SIGHTSEEING
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.
Return back to Hotel Overnight stay at your hotel
DAY
: 4 : JAIPUR - AJMER- PUSHKAR ( Two nights stay ) 150 km 2 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out Hotel & proceed 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. Return evening back to hotel " overnight stay at hotel
DAY 5 : 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 : 6 PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR ( Two nights stay ) 280 km 6 hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Udaipur " 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:
7 : UDAIPUR - SIGHTSEEING
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
8 : UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR - ( Overnights stay ) 250 km 5 hrs
proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out hotel & proceed 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)
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Arrival Jodhpur Check in at the hotel, After Refreshment Visit
Sightseeing. 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. Over night stay at hotel
DAY
9 : JODHPUR- JAISALMER ( Two Nights Stay ) 300 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 10: 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-Maharawals� (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus
but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7
temples in the complex Over night stay at hotel.
DAY
: 11: JASILMER - BIKANER ( Overnight Stay ) 330 km 6 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 : 12 - BIKANER - MANDAWA ( Overnight Stay ) 200 km " 4 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 : 13 MANDAWA- DELHI + Depature Delhi Airport 240 km 6 Hrs proximity
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed and drive to Delhi and
departure transfer at Airport
Trip Highlights
Go for a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola
Admire the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal
Explore mesmerizing attractions of Delhi
Enjoy a day trip to Amber Fort
Shop for your beloved from Jaipur markets |