|
| PACKAGE OVERVIEW |
|
| Welcome to Rajasthan. The land of forts and palaces. The land of brave warriors and beautiful princesses. Discover Rajasthan as it retains and revels in the flavor of its glorious past. Every slab of rock, every whiff of sand has been witness to the bloody battles fought between the invading Mughals and the defending die-hard Rajputs. Be part of its magical culture. Beautiful haunting music, dances, handicraft, attire, cuisine all untouched, uninfluenced purely Rajasthan. And then of course move on to the Taj Mahal and be spellbound with its unmatched beauty. Try contending with the impressively huge Agra Fort. Surely, this tour will seem an unearthly experience.
|
|
| INCLUSIONS: |
|
-
 Accommodation for 18 nights on twin sharing basis
-
Breakfast at all the hotels
-
Air-conditioned medium car for all the services
|
-
English speaking local guide for sightseeing tours
-
Elephant ride in Jaipur and boat ride in Udaipur
|
|
|
| ITINERARY |
|
DAY 1 ARRIVAL DELHI - NEEMRANA
Arrival at Delhi and leave for Neemrana by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the Neemrana Fort and other nearby areas in the afternoon. The picturesque site of the Fort was chosen by Raja Rajdeo in 1464. This rugged architectural jewel rises to nine levels, covering 10 hectares. The stepped palaces sprawl over 1.2 hectares. Hanging gardens have now been laid along the southern ramparts. A short walk away lies the amazing underground stepwell that once also served as a caravan serai. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 2 NEEMRANA - SAMODE
From Neemrana, depart by road for Samode, a place nestled among rugged hills. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the Fort and the village during the day. The Fort is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. In the mid 19th century, Rawal Sheo Singh, also the Chief Minister of Jaipur, was responsible for the extravagantly hand painted Darbar Hall and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 3 SAMODE - DUNDLOD
From Samode, depart by road for Dundlod, a tiny village right in middle of the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Step into a bygone era as you enter Dundlod Fort that comes alive with its Mogul architecture, Louis XIV furniture, the rich collection of rare books and family portraits. In the afternoon visit the village with its chhatris and the frescoed havelis, the most well known one being that of the Goenka family. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 4 DUNDLOD - KHIMSAR
Depart from Dundlod to Khimsar by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the Fort and nearby areas in the afternoon. Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert and set amidst calm rural surroundings, the Khimsar Fort is a massive edifice that seems to narrate the legendary tales of its builders, the founders of Jodhpur. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 5 KHIMSAR - JODHPUR
From Khimsar, depart by road to Jodhpur. This is the second largest city in Rajasthan and was founded in 1459 by a local tribal chieftain - Rao Jodha, the then ruler of the Rathore clan. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 6 JODHPUR
Half day morning city tour of Jodhpur. Visit the Meherangarh Fort, built during the 15th and 16th centuries. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with superb collections of palanquins, elephant hawdahs (seats used by the royalty during processions), miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Stop by at the Jaswant Thada which harbors royal cenotaphs built in white marble. Also visit the colorful local market around the popular landmark, the Clock Tower. In the afternoon, visit the Mandore Gardens, the capital of the Rathore clan before Jodhpur. Located within extensive gardens are the cenotaphs of the former Jodhpur rulers. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 7 JODHPUR - UDAIPUR
Leave by road for Udaipur, the Venice of the East. En route visit the 15th century Jain temples at Ranakpur. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls that take up most of the covered space and an army of over four hundred columns that raise the dome skywards. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. The scale is anything but compromising. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 8 UDAIPUR
Enjoy a half day morning city tour of Udaipur. The royal family still occupies a part of the City Palace but the main portion is now a museum. It has a lavish collection of artifacts. Enjoy a stroll around Sahelion-ki-Bari, a beautiful garden with fountains. Admire the Jagdish temple in the heart of the city. Enjoy a boat ride on the Pichola lake. Afternoon excursion to visit the Eklingji and Nagdha Temples. Eklingji has an ancient Shiva Temple with a four-faced image of Shiva made of black marble. At nearby Nagda, the Sas Bahu (Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) temple has beautiful and intricately carved sculptures. Return to Udaipur and stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 9 UDAIPUR - DUNGARPUR
Leave for Dungarpur by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the main attractions, the Juna Palace and Udai Vilas Palace, which have some of the most well preserved 13th century wall paintings. Also enjoy a boatride on the lake during the day. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 10 DUNGARPUR - BIJAPUR
Leave for Bijapur by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Castle Bijapur was build in 16th century by the younger brother of warrior hero, Maharana Pratap. The Fort was witness to many a battle between the Moguls and the Marathas. Visit the local village and the Fort in the afternoon. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 11 BIJAPUR - DEOGARH
Leave for Deogarh by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the Palace in the afternoon. Built in the 17th century, its stands atop a hill with a commanding view of the village below. The main attractions are the Sheesh Mahal and the superb miniature paintings that adorn the palace walls. In fact, Deogarh is renowned for its school of miniature painting. The paintings depict images from the life of the Rawats, hunting scenes, elephant fights, court scenes and mythological scenes. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 12 DEOGARH
The day is at leisure. You have the option of exploring the village, typical of rural Rajasthan. Or you can enjoy bird watching, a boat ride on the nearby lake or a horse safari. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 13 DEOGARH - ROOPANGARH
Leave for Roopangarh by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, you would visit the Fort and the nearby areas. Built in 1653 by Maharaja Roop Singh, the fifth ruler of Kishangarh, it was the capital of Kishangarh for the next hundred years. The Fort is situated on a mound and was originally made up of nine turreted fortifications. The serpentine entrance which guarded against a frontal attack leads to a splendid medieval Durbar Hall beyond which one can admire some the finest examples of Kishangarh miniature paintings. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 14 ROOPANGARH - JAIPUR
Leave by road for Jaipur, the "Pink City". The great warrior King Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II established the city in the 1720s. He was the quintessential ruler, warrior, statesman, mathematician, astronomer and architect, the last of which is quite evident in the impressive plan and layout of the old city. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. The evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 15 JAIPUR
Morning, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort including an elephant ride at Amber. The Fort was originally built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh. It encloses within it superb palaces and a beautiful temple in marble dedicated to the fearsome Goddess Kali. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace Museum which contains elaborate wardrobes, magnificent armory and intricate carved weapons. Close by is the Observatory built in 1728 by Jai Singh II. Also admire the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), from where the palace women could watch the activities of the big bazaar below, without being observed. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 16 JAIPUR - AGRA
Leave by road for Agra, the city of the Taj. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone by Akbar The Great. This magnificent city was the capital between 1571 and 1585. It was abandoned due to water problems and is popularly known as the ghost city. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Agra is a city rich in monuments that reflect the delicate fusion of Islamic and Hindu styles, known as Mogul architecture. At sunset visit the 18th century marble marvel, the Taj Mahal built by the Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife. The immortal legacy with its flowing curves of marble domes and elegant minarets, enchants every visitor. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 17 AGRA - DELHI
Morning visit the Agra Fort, started by Akbar in 1565. Admire the Jehangir Mahal and Khas Mahal for their grandeur, the Sheesh Mahal for its detailed mirror work and the Deewan-e-Am where the Emperor met his subjects. Also visit the marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan for her father. Depart for Delhi, visiting Sikandra enroute, where the Emperor Akbar was buried. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 18 DELHI
Enjoy a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Red Fort that contains within it some exquisite palaces, the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, the Chandni Chowk bazaar and Rajghat, a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. Also visit Humayun's Tomb, the best-preserved example of early Mogul architecture dating back to the 16th century as well as the Qutub Minar, a soaring, 73 mts high tower of victory, built in 1193. Drive around the embassy area and government buildings. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals:
|
|
DAY 19 DEPARTURE DELHI
Transfer to International airport to connect to the international flight.
Meals:
|
|
 |
|
| HOTEL DETAILS |
|
CASTLE BIJAIPUR
 
City: Bijaipur
|
|
CASTLE BIJAIPUR
City: Bijaipur
|
|
|
|
| DESTINATION INFORMATION |
|
|
| KHIMSAR |
|
|
The quaint little village of Khimsar was once a small kingdom established by a scion of the house of Jodhpur. It is situated around 92 km away from Jodhpur (on the Jodhpur - Bikaner highway) and is one of the most interesting sites you can ever visit in Rajasthan. The Khimsar village is also an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring the Nagaur region.
Don't Miss
The Sacchiyamata Temple is located in Osian, a small hamlet located around 27 km away from Khimsar. The temple is in a dilapidated state but nevertheless is one of the most important attractions of Osian. The Khimsar Fort is perched on the edge of the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan and is the most important attraction of this rustic hamlet. It was constructed around the beginning of the 16th century. At that point of time, it was basically a military structure, full of turrets, fort walls and stables. A Zenana or ladies residence was constructed in the mid-18th century after which the royal family moved to the fort. The fort was subsequently converted into a hotel that is often rated as one of the best heritage hotels in India.
| |
|
|
| JODHPUR |
|
|
The colourful city of Jodhpur revolves around the Rathore clan and is named after Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, this imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur of this city. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people.
| |
|
Beautiful view of the Mehrangarh Fort on a clear sunny day
Beautiful view of Jaswant Thada over a pristine lake
Mehrangarh Fort with its formidable ramparts
|
|
|
| DUNGARPUR |
|
|
Dungarpur or the ‘town of hillocks' founded 1335 AD is located in south Rajasthan and is said to have been under the rule of a Bhil Chieftain Rawal Veer Singh Dev, who is said to have been assassinated in the fourteenth century. Today, Dungarpur is famous for the various fairs it hosts - Beneshwar Fair, Urs at Galiakot and Neelapani. Channa or the Gher, the fascinating ring dance is said to have its origins here. One of the main tourist attractions of Dungarpur is the Juna Mahal. It is a seven-storied structure that resembles a fortress, dating back to the 13th century. The famous places to see in Dungarpur include the Gaib Sagar Lake. Set amongst scenic environs, the lake is a bird watcher's paradise.
Don't Miss
There are various places around Dungarpur, which are cultural and historical must-visits. Baroda Village about 41 km from Dungarpur is famous for the ruins of temples of old Rajput architecture. The Boreshwar Mahadeo temple at Boreshwar located 83 km from Dungarpur, the Shiva Temple in Kanba Village about 9 km from Dungarpur, and the Shiva temple at Deo Somnath cannot be missed if you are going to south Rajasthan simply for its cultural beauty and historical importance.
| |
|
|
| BIJAIPUR |
|
|
One of the few Tiger Reserves in India, Bandipur National Park is a natural treasure trove resting in the foothills of the Nilgiris. Formerly a favourite game resort of the Mysore Maharjas, it was set up as the Venugopal Wildlife Park by them in 1931. The forest the park is based in is in itself worth visiting: a mix of scrubland, deciduous, and evergreen vegetations.
Don't Miss
Take an elephant safari through the jungle's trails, or you can even take your own car through its well-planned roads, and catch glimpses of a rich variety of wildlife, including: deers, bears, quails, hornbills, leopards, and tigers. The Moyar River is also quite beautiful as it makes its way through the forest.
| |
|
|
| AGRA |
|
|
A crimson sun casting an orange hue, setting behind the luminescent white marble of the epitome of everlasting love 'The Taj Mahal', is probably the 'cliched' picture that leaps to our mind when we think of Agra. Why should it not? After all Taj Mahal remains unsurpassed in beauty. But there is much more to Agra than just the Taj Mahal. Agra has a rich and puristic cultural mix of the Persian and the Mughal era. It is home to many ancient relics and monuments of historical and cultural significance - Taj Mahal, the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, the exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah are just a few of the many wonders of pristine Mughal architecture that are nestled in the city.
Historians are of the general opinion that the city of Agra was founded in 1504 A.D. by Sikandar Lodi, the ruler of the Delhi Sultunate. Sikander Lodi's son, Ibrahim Lodi, ruled over the city after his father's death until he fell fighting Babar in the first battle of Panipat fought in 1526. Under the Mughals, the city witnessed the blossoming of some of the finest pieces of architecture ever made. The magnificence of the ancient times is not the only thing that would strike you with awe. In the backdrop of the monuments and the tombs, is a bustling industrial city getting richer by the day. Some of you might get down on your knees twice - at the Taj Mahal to propose and the second time to thank your stars for all the shopping you could do in the city! Agra has a thriving market of marble artifacts, silk fabrics, and leather goods available at dirt cheap rates.
| |
|
Agra Taj Mahal
Taj Complex
Agra Taj Mahal 1
Agra Taj Mahal
Agra Taj Mahal 2
|
|
|
| NEW DELHI |
|
|
Delhi is the present day version of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of Pandavas, and has in-between been seen various rulers on its throne, the longest being Mughals. No wonder Delhi has charmed writers, Sufi saints and travellers alike. The present Delhi is one of the most developed Indian as well as global cities albeit with its glorious past lurking across the city. The head of Indian government sits in Delhi in the Parliament in central Delhi, surrounded by forts and monuments of his ancestors, both autocratic and monarchs. These are places like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Jantar Mantar et al. Then there are imperial architectures around Lutyen's Delhi including Connaught Place, in heart of city and the closest Delhi can get to London's Trafalgar Square.
While these old one's have been there since long, the New Delhi, including NCR or National Capital Region has shown exemplary growth in architecture, business avenues, services, tourism and township. Let us have a quick trip across the capital...
| |
|
Humayun Tomb - Delhi
India Gate - New Delhi
Red Fort - New Delhi
Jama Masjid - New Delhi
Delhi Bahai Lotus Temple
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PHOTO GALLERY |
|
Beautiful View Neemarana
An overview of the beautiful Neemrana Fort, which has been converted into a hotel
|
30Photos
|
|
|
|
India site
India