Forts, Palaces and
Desert Tour of Rajasthan
Duration – 13 Days
Destinations: - Delhi,
Mandawa,
Bikaner,
Khimsar,
Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur,
Deogarh,
Udaipur,
Mumbai
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi,
India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants,
is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the
ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old &
New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts
and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping
malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s
crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation for your Forts Palaces
tour and arrange for your transfer to your hotel for check-in.
No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International
flights arrive into India close to midnight only. Overnight
in Delhi.
Day 02: In Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day
tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”). Red Fort, most spectacular pieces of mughal architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight at hotel
and continue next day for your Forts
Palaces tour.
Day 03: Delhi
– Mandawa
This morning you drive to Mandawa (250 kms/05 hrs.).
Mandawa - In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan
lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the
state for its painted havelis (mansions) is also called as
" Open-Air Gallery of Rajasthan". It’s havelis
still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era
of the 19th century. The structure of this place reminds one
of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in
the bygone era.
Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Mandawa visiting Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar
haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Mandawa Castle.
Day 04: Mandawa
– Bikaner
This morning drive to Bikaner (190 kms / 04 hrs.)
Bikaner - 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 splendour 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 magnificent
forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone,
bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy.
Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful
folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for half-day tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh
Fort - built between 1589 and 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, one
of the trusted Rajput generals of Akbar. The palaces, exquisitely
built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work,
carvings and paintings. A museum with valuable miniature paintings
and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.
Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple- this place is visited for an
600 years old Temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess
Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates
which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
Camel Breeding Farm: Acquaint yourself with the indispensable
ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding center.
This institute is only one of it's kind in Asia.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Bikaner
– Khimsar
This morning drive to Khimsar (145 kms / 04 hrs.)
Khimsar - Perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert
reflecting the rural India, the unique Khimsar fort offers
a wide range of experiences to the tourist. The battle-scarred
walls and turrets remind one of the glorious past in India.
Today, the Khimsar Fort is counted amongst the premier classified
heritage hotels of India.
Upon arrival in Khimsar check-in to the Khimsar Fort. Overnight
at the Fort.
Day 06: Khimsar
– Jaisalmer
This morning drive to Khimsar (295 kms / 05 hrs.)
Jaisalmer -A fascinating city rising from the heart of the
Thar Desert like a golden mirage. A visit to Jaisalmer is
a must for any traveler
to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a bustling
centre from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches
of sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes
and reservoirs. The Jaisalmer fort, considered the world’s
oldest living fort, is perhaps the world's only fort where
medieval pattern of life still prevails, rises like a mirage
from the barren Thar desert
of Rajasthan with its 99 bastions silhouetted against
the sky. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a
traditional way of life. The craftsmen still work at the ancient
crafts of weaving and stone carving, making of silver jewelry
and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere.
Upon arrival in Jaisalmer check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Jaisalmer
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half day
tour of Jaisalmer visiting the Jaisalmer fort, the Gaddisagar
Lake, and the various intricately carved and sculptured havelis
(merchant’s homes) around the fort.
Evening visit to Sam sand dunes including a short camel ride
to witness an incredible sunset over the vast stretches of
Sand. A trip to Jaisalmer is considered incomplete without
a visit to the Sam Sand Dunes . Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Jaisalmer
– Jodhpur
This morning drive to Jodhpur (290 kms/05 hrs.)
Jodhpur - An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the
second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing
this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history
that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning
tourist. Forts
and palaces, temples
and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour
and
texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty.
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel and rest
of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Jodhpur
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Jodhpur.
This tour includes the visit of Meherangarh Fort, Considered
one of India's
best forts; this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits
on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings.
It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of
Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels
and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No
matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will
leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight
high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in
Asia rests, the recoil of which requires an area as large
as a football field!
Following the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada – Close
to the fort complex, this 19th century cenotaph was built
in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's past rulers are also displayed
here. Walk around and savour the intricate work both on the
lattices and the doors. Your tour ends with a visit to the
Sardar Market – This colourful market with tiny shops
dotting the narrow lanes is situated in the heart of the city
and is popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them
the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jodhpur
– Deogarh
This morning you drive to Deogarh (170 kms/04 hrs.)
Deogarh Ideally positioned in the heart of the Aravalli Hills,
owned and run by one of the kindest, most affable families
around, they have restored their family fort from near ruin
and have created one of Rajasthan's finest heritage hotels.
A stunning swimming pool and dining room, endless comfortable
roof terraces, and the beautiful, traditional bedrooms are
the result of a great deal of hard work, immense love and
care, and superb taste. The surrounding village is one of the friendliest and safest to immerse yourself in and the
neighboring countryside boasts wonderful, secluded picnic
spots.
Upon arrival check-in to Deogarh Mahal.
The rest of the day is at leisure to either relax or explore
the surrounding village town with its colorful bazaars on
your own. Overnight at the Deogarh Mahal.
Day 11: Deogarh
- Udaipur
This morning you drive to Udaipur (140 kms/04 hrs
Udaipur - The enchanting city of Udaipur was once the lakeside
capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and serene, Udaipur was
built around shimmering blue lakes that reflect the green
hills of the Aravali Ranges. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur
in 1599, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come
to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini and
Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes
of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city
was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through 11
gates. Ruins of the se ancient fortifications are still in
evidence, and the more recently built palaces can still be
visited. Udaipur was also the location where the Hollywood,
James Bond blockbuster “Octopussy” was filmed.
Upon arrival check-in to hotel.
Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half day
tour of Udaipur.
The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted
balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now
preserved as a museum.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor”
is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble
elephants, and delightful lotus pools.
Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
The day ends with a sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters
of the Lake Pichola ,within which seemingly floats The Lake
Palace hotel considered one of the most beautiful palaces
in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Lake
Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Udaipur
– Mumbai
Morning met by our representative and escorted from your Hotel
to the Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Mumbai.
Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier, is the
commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete
towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. In
1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay
as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The
British Government leased the islands to the East India Company,
who developed it into a thriving trading port.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural capital.
It is also home to India’s thriving film industry. It
is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and
work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants,
an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into
the endless maelstrom of activity that characterises this
city of dreams.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc.
Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour
of Mumbai. This tour includes a visit to the Gateway of India
-- a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit
of King George IV, Mani Bhavan – where the father of
our Nation resided for 15 years, the Marine drive, the Prince
of Wales museum -- considered as one of the best museums in
the country, the Hanging gardens & Victoria rail station.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Depart Mumbai
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Mumbai airport in time for your flight home. |
