Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in Hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back
to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day
4: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered
pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has
953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women. Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the
intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check
in at
PUSHKAR PALACE.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem -
Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on
earth, performed the supremely spiritual
VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is
thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural
blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from
all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated
mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over
the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and
Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates
an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.
The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst
the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat.
There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose
the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and
this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied
architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous
Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain
in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties
in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and
full moon days.
Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Pushkar - Bundi
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Brahma Temple. (The one and only in the world). Offer Pujas at the
holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi. The town's medieval character, Taragarh Fort and the palace
below are captivating. The Chitrashala in the palace has rooms covered with
miniature paintings depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and his consort
Radha. Stay at an old hunting Haveli -
ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE TARAGARH FORT
COMPOUND for a beautiful experience. The hotel is of no star category but
the experience will be better as this is the only hotel in the Fort Complex.
In the evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up with
burning torches and traditional dinner prepared of game is served. Truly unforgettable
experience.
Overnight at Bundi.
Day 7: Bundi - Kota - Udaipur
Start for
KOTA after Breakfast.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal
is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which
specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the
CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river close
to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the
RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the
queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual
experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of
Chambal
and Chatter Bilas.
Proceed for Udaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and
beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing
sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 8: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely
Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the
local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically
above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir
Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time
at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the
RANAKPUR TEMPLES,dating back to the 15th century.
200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples
and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of
the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built
on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this
palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After
this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN
PALACE.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Morning
go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture
and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of
the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of
Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome
splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord
Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent
of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy
was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and
a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,
perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the
Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.
Also visit
Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, visit the
Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert
Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, (Same camels
to be used for Safari - getting to know the camels) as the sky is set on fire.
It can be an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting
tunes.
Overnight at Village.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Camel Safari
Proceed on camel backs early in the morning into the desert and reach midway
between Khuri and Jaisalmer.
Camp for overnight stay.
Day 13: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
Continue your camel safari for the first half of the day and reach closer to
Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Due to weather conditions in August - one and half
day should be enough.
Return to Jaisalmer and proceed straight to Bikaner. (The road is very good
and the journey will be comfortable and relaxing)
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert
State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval
splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding
camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are
the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other
attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 14: Bikaner
Breakfast
at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert
town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed
between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 15: Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for Mandawa. The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon
like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace
of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional
ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth
a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. Built in 1775 by
Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of
Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also
houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques.
The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners
and fire-dances during the season. A two hundred and forty year old fortess,
that has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business
families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers
are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli,
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli
are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and after Farewell Dinner and freshening up - proceed straight
to the airport for flight back home with sweet memories of India.
