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Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the
airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your
name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to your hotel and assistance for
check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi - Neemrana -
Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. We have arranged your
lunch at Neemrana fort which is India's oldest
heritage resort. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation
of the billion year-old Aravalli ranges, the property covers 25 acres/10
hectares. The stepped palaces of this architectural jewel is cut into the
hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares. Arrive Jaipur and check-in into
hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax
at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for souvinir shopping the
Jaipur is famous for- Jewellery, precious stones, paintings, hand printed
textiles etc. In the evening we have arranged your dinner at Revolving
Restaurant. View the Pink City from the 14th storey of the revolving
restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 03 - Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amer Fort - The royal family's
residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once
witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a
juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people.
Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.
In the afternoon half day city
tour covering Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major
landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a facade. The
five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning
example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone
windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to
watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace,
located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards,
buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the
City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical
observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was
even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 04 - Jaipur - Pushkar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar
- the city of Brahma. Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus,
situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside
settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place
in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and
Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha.
Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the
inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.
Enjoy a peaceful day in the
idyllic village around the holy Pushkar Lake. One can walk around the entire
lake in about an hour. There is drumming every evening at sunset from the 52
ghats surrounding the lake. Visit various temples and the sacred lake.
( Pushkar fair is world famous and normally is during the months of October or
November.) Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 05 -
Pushkar - Chittorgarh - Udaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to
Chittorgarh. The sprawling hilltop fort of Chittorgarh epitomises the
whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput Chivalry. Thrice Chittor was sacked by a
stronger enemy and on each occasion, the end came in textbook Rajput fashion as
jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds. Visit Chittorgarh
Fort - The indomitable pride of Chittorgarh, the fort is a massive
structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century
A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m. high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The
tablets and chattris within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism. The
fort has many magnificent monuments, all fine examples of the Rajput
architecture. Also visit other palaces and visit that very spot
where Rani Padmini committed Johar.
Later on continue drive to
Udaipur. On arrival check-in into hotel. The rest of the
evening is free to explore this city of lakes on your own. Or you may enjoy our
optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola, cruising past the
spectacular City Palace, Jag Mandir Island and the famous Jag Niwas Island.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Udaipur
After breakfast visit City Palace - the largest palace complex
in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas.
A part of the palace is converted into a museum. You will be impressed
by the monuments as it showcased arms and armor, paintings and photographs,
royal insignia, processional trappings and other objects, which reflect the
heritage, and tradition of the Mewar and Sisodia Maharanas.
Then, visit Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake,
Sahelion-ki- Bari, Pratap Memorial, Later on visit Ahar -
The ancient capital of sisodias, 3 Km from udaipur, Ahar boasts of a profusion
of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities
including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region
are displayed in a small Govt. museum.
In the afternoon an excursion
to Eklingji & Nagda temples. Eklingji, It is famous for
the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls
built in 734 A.D.The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of
Mewar ruler. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or mandap
under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black
marble. Nagda, This ancient place in Mewar was the capital of Bappa Rawal
and has a magnificient torana exquisitely carvedwith graceful apsaras. This
ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu
temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - Udaipur -
Shahpura
Morning check-out from the hotel and drive to Shahpura.
On arrival check-in into hotel Shahpura Bagh
which is a 30-acre heritage estate (1630
AD) Situated midway between Jaipur and Udaipur. This was a summer
residence of the rulers of Shahpura and now a fine heritage hotel. Rest of the
day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 08 - Shahpura -
Ranthambhore
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambhore.
On arrival check-in into hotel. Later on take a jungle safari on canter
to see the rare Indian tigers in full glory at the
Ranthambhore National Park. In the late afternoon a visit to
the Ranthambore Fort offers marvelous views of the reserve
forest. Dinner at Jungle Resort. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 09 - Ranthambhore -
Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Early morning take another game drive to
explore Ranthambhore National Park. After breakfast, check-out
from the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute visiting
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the
world. The marshes here are home to over 360 species of birds
including the Siberian cranes that come to spend the winter here.
Later on continue drive to Agra
via Fatehpur Sikri Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century
to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously
abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of
the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and
Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great
Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside
of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no
house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for eternity." On arrival
check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Agra - Mathura
Early morning visit the Taj Mahal - a poem in white marble,
is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. The incredible
lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving Mumtaz
Mahal. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for
love. With the rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is
excellent for photography. Come back to hotel for breakfast and after check-out
visit Red Fort - a visit to the fort in ‘Agra’ is a must since
so many of the events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here.
Later on drive to
Mathura. On arrival check-in into hotel. Later on proceed for city
tour. Mathura is mentioned in the ancient hindu texts " the Puranas" originally
the capital of Yadavas, is described by Fa-Hein (401-410 AD) as being a centre
of Bhuddhist culture & leraning. It is one of the 7 well known Hindu Pilgrimage
places and was the birth place of Lord Krishna, 1500 years before Christ. Visit
Keshab Dev Temple, Bishranti Ghat, the museum. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 11 - Mathura -
Vrindavan - Mathura
After breakfast morning free to relax. Later on an excursion to
Vrindavan - the pleasure ground of lord Krishna & Radha, just 15 km
from Mathura, which is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its
numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the
playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where
he frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha. Visit various temples :
The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat which was built by
Kapur Ram Das of Multan. The Banke-Bihari Temple built in 1864 is the
most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up
by the Radha - Vallabh sect, has the crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the Shri
Krishna idol in the sanctum. Also visit The Shahji Temple, another
popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy
jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly
known as the Chhote Radha Raman. In the evening come back to hotel. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Mathura -
Delhi
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. On arrival
check-in into hotel. After check-in visit Lotus Temple(Bahai Temple),
Humayun's Tomb, Safarjung Tomb. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Delhi
(Departure)
After breakfast enjoy full day city tour of Delhi which is
India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal
dynasties as well as the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning
juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah
Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911
by the British. First of all visit India Gate which is a famous
war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high
gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives
in World War I. Today, an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar
Jawan Jyoti, to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives
in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit
Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ).
In the late afternoon visit
Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the
base. It is a magnificent structure whose construction started in 1199 by a
Muslim King Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named) and was finished by his
heir IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front of it since
5th century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron
Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something, it is granted. Later
on drive past President's House, Parliament House &
Secretariat Building. Car and driver will be at your disposal until
departure transfer to International Airport to catch flight for onward journey.
(Breakfast)
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