Tour to India
Royal Rajasthan - 12 Night Tour
|
| Delhi |
 |
Mandawa |
|
Bikaner |
| Jaisalmer |
|
Jodhpur |
|
Udaipur |
| Jaipur |
|
Agra |
|
Delhi |
Day 1 -
Arrive in Delhi: This evening arrive at New Delhi’s Indira
Gandhi International airport. Our representative will
meet you outside the customs gate and escort you to your hotel in
an air-conditioned car.
Meals included: None
Day 2 - Delhi: This morning enjoy an orientation
tour of Delhi.
The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old
Delhi was the capital of Muslim India
between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and
forts. New Delhi, the
imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India.
In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most
renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi
which flaunts a surprising
Number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals,
Turks, Persians and
ultimately the British. Lutyens designed some of the most striking
landmarks including a lovely
broad avenue lined with stately residences and lavish neoclassical
creations that lead up to the
magnificent Presidential Palace and Parliament buildings.
Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi, visiting
the Jama Masjid, the royal
mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one
of the largest and most
beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone
and white marble. The main
prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni
Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi.
Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial
place in 1648. Continue
to Red fort. Built in red stand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this
magnificent monument is laid out
along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. The main entrance
to the fort is the Lahori Gate
which was once a royal market where jewellers, painters and craftsmen
sold their wares. Within
the walls of the fort is ‘Diwan-E-Am’ for public audiences, ‘Diwan-E-Khas’,
where private
audiences were granted. It is this hall that contained the famous
peacock throne, which was later
plundered by Nadir Shah. The Red Fort Museum has on display armory,
textiles, jeweler, artifacts
and manuscripts belonging to the Mughal era.
Later visit New Delhi. Drive through the majestic boulevards of
New Delhi. The Rashtrapati
Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and
now is the official residence of
the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms,
constructed high up on Raisina
Hill. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000
Indian soldiers who lost their
lives in World War I.
Post lunch visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example
of Mughal architecture in India, it
developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The squat
building of white marble
and red sandstone, with a dome and high arched entrances, surrounded
by formal gardens, is
generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
Huyamun’s wife is buried in
the red-and-white sandstone, black-and yellow marble tomb.
Next on the itinerary visit Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory,
72.5meter high with five
distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193
and was completed in 1368.
Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction
reflect their Hindu
and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments
that combine both Islamic
calligraphy and Hindu motifs.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Delhi - Mandawa: This morning drive to Mandawa covering
a distance of 230kms in approx 5 hours & 30 minutes.
The town of Mandawa was founded and inhabited by Shekhawati Rajputs
in the 18th century and
is popularly known as the open art gallery of Rajasthan due to magnificent
murals and frescoes
from mythology, legendary tales and contemporary lifestyle which
adorn the havelis (small
mansions) of this town. Apart from the havelis the market town of
Mandawa is renowned for the
Mandawa Castle. A large number of antiques and paintings are also
on display in the Durbar hall
of the castle. The Mandawa castle is now converted into a heritage
hotel.
Afternoon arrive in Mandawa and check-in at your hotel.Late afternoon
explore the beautiful town of Mandawa. See the hand painted havelis
that are some of the splendid examples depicting the regional folklore.
Walk and maze through the
streets, bazaars and observe colorfully dressed local people and
there day to day activities.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Mandawa - Bikaner: This morning drive to Bikaner covering a distance of 160kms in approx 4 hours.
Bikaner exists in magnificent isolation in the northern Rajasthan desert, a
fortified town founded
by Bika, son of the Rathore king Rao Jodha (who built Jodhpur), in the late
15th century as a stop
on the trading route between the Punjab and the plains. It may not have the
golden perfection of
Jaisalmer, but its fort has interiors alive with mirror-work, gold leaf and
stained glass. Also see the
sandstone Lalgarh Palace with its fine jaalis or latticework screens, many
fine Jain havelis, Karni
Mata or the Rat Temple - this may not be for everyone - whose rodent residents
are thought to be
the reincarnations of departed souls and, outside town, a camel farm. Bikaner
is famous for its
superior camels - dark caramel colour, with luxuriant eyelashes - and hosts
a famous January
camel fair.
On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Late afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Visit Junagarh Fort. With its sumptuously decorated interiors, the fort was
built in 1588 by Raja
Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts
of Rajasthan that was
not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains, its rugged
sandstone bastions and
graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.
Continue the tour to the National Research Centre on Camel (formerly known
as the Camel
breeding farm - closed on Saturdays). The Centre has developed a camel museum,
which
attracts the attention of researchers and tourists. Different breeds of camel
are produced and
preserved at the centre.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Bikaner - Jaisalmer: This morning drive to Jaisalmer covering a distance
of 325kms in approx 7 hours.
There is something magical about Jaisalmer, which rears out of the inhospitable
Thar Desert like
a mirage from the "1001 Nights". Once a staging post on the trading
routes west, it is a walled
citadel, formidably fortified, of a sand colour that turns golden in the setting
sun, and it contains a
complex fort surrounded by palaces and temples. Below the forest of intricately
carved spires and
turrets is a merry jumble of buildings, alleys, animals, humans, shops and
cafes, wonderful
golden havelis and numerous fine Jain temples. Camel trains can often be seen
taking visitors
out into the desert on camel safaris.
Arrive in Jaisalmer and check-in at your hotel.
Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Jaisalmer: Morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.
Visit Jaisalmer Fort, it is the main attraction of this picturesque
desert city, built in 1156. Two
hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenulated sandstone
wall 30 feet high, it
has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. It is the second
oldest fort in
Rajasthan. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by number of gorgeous
havelis,
beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and 5 royal palaces.
The Havelis or
mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century within the complex
are famed for
their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. The only ‘living fort’ is
occupied by merchants and
shop owners which is an interesting sight and a great photo opportunity.
Also visit the intricately carved havelis or mansions. Salim Singh
ki Haveli was built around 300
year ago. It belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then Maharaja of
Jaisalmer, Maharaja
Rawal Gaj Singh. Patwon-ki-Haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having
a ceiling
supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies
and extensive corridors
and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight. Round off the
tour with a walk
through narrow cobbled street.
Late afternoon drive to Sam dunes (40 minutes drives approx). The village
of Sam is Jaisalmer's
nearest real Sahara-like desert and is one of the best places to see the sunrise
and sunset
amidst the picturesque sand dunes. Enjoy a Camel Safari on the dunes.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur: This morning drive to Jodhpur covering a distance
of 265kms in approx 5 hours & 30 minutes.
Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ was once the capital of the
former princely state of Marwar. It
was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
Flanked on
its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern
side by the stately sandstone Palace
of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted
grandeur. It is still a marvelously medieval city. While the graceful palaces,
forts and temples
bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music
and the brightly attired
people lend a romantic aura to the city.
Arrive in Jodhpur and check-in at your hotel.
Late afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the magnificent
Mehrangarh fort
which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls. There are
seven gates that
lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces.
The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have
evocative names
such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool
Mahal (Flower
Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous
collection of
trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant
howdahs (used
when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings,
musical
instruments and costumes.
Continue your tour to Jaswant Thada, located a short
distance from
the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant
Singh II. The
cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other
cenotaphs that
stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine
views from the terrace
in front of the cenotaphs.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Jodhpur - Udaipur: This morning drive to Udaipur covering a distance
of 285kms in approx 6 hours & 30 minutes. Enroute
visit Ranakpur.
Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous
for their intricate
friezes and sculptures. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and sequestered
by mountains,
Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four
faced) temple
was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva.
An
inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on
a raised platform, it is
surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars,
of which no two are
alike.
Arrive in Udaipur and check in at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Udaipur: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a
great and glorious
past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel
blue Lake Pichola. On
little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, raise marble palaces of
pure white that glisten like
fairy castles.
Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore
of the lake is the
palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic
as Udaipur and is
replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping
legends of medieval
chivalry and heroism. Udaipur rivals any of the world's famous creations of
the Mughals with the
Rajput love of the whimsical and it's superbly crafted elegance.
Visit City Palace; a conglomeration of buildings added by
various Maharanas; the palace
manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through
Hathii Pol (elephant
gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings,
mosaics,
intricately carved ‘chhatris’ and of course the architecturally
brilliant facade all contribute in
making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.
Also visit Crystal Gallery located at the City Palace. It
has a rare collection of Osler's crystal
ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877.
Return to hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure for independent/spa activities.
Evening, embark on a boat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat
you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above
the lake in the midst of
the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 - Udaipur - Jaipur: Early morning transfer to airport
for your flight to Jaipur.
Leave: Udaipur at: 07:40 hrs by: Jet Airways Flight 9W-373
Arrive: Jaipur at: 08:25 hrs
Arrive in Jaipur and check-in to your hotel.
Jaipur, "The City of Victory", was first intended to be "Sawai
Jaipur", named after the boy Prince
who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician
who reigned
over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743.
Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described
as the city shaded
with the autumn colors of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render
set and pigmented
the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876
to coincide with the
visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was
given a coat of pink
paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".
Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but
still appears to be futuristic. It houses
unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! Continue your
visit to City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory.
Culminate the tour with a
photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the "Palace of the Winds." This
beautiful façade is
probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows
designed so the
ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort.
Day 11 - Jaipur: This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber
Fort.
Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of
its design and
decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with
the images of
the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural
styles is
captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden
with its
perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from
different vantage
points & shimmering mirrors encrust walls of Sheesh Mahal.
Remaining afternoon will be at leisure.
Return to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Jaipur - Agra: This morning drive to Agra covering
a distance of 265kms in approx 6 hours.
Agra - Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah
Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting
second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name
Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today, a visitor to
Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red
sandstone and white marble, narrow gallies and quaint
buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city
of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects it’s Mughal heritage most
conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of
the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of
Mughlai cuisine.
En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city was built
by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late
16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are
in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the
court life must have been like in the former days of its
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the
world.
Arrive in Agra and check in to your hotel.
Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 - Agra - Delhi: Early morning visit Taj Mahal.
The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum
is a love poem -
created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It
took 22 years to
be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa.
Apart from its
stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its
elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. (Taj
Mahal remains closed
on Fridays).
Return to hotel after the visit and proceed for breakfast.
Later in the day, visit Agra Fort. An imposing structure with walls of red
sandstone, almost two
miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques. The fort presents
a good sampling
of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. It was built by the third Mughal
Emperor, Akbar.
Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson
Shahjahan.
Late afternoon, drive back to Delhi covering a distance of 200kms in approx
5 hours.
Our representative will escort you to the International airport and will assist
with departure
formalities for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 - Leave Delhi
