Exotic Rajasthan
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Exotic Rajasthan
Including a Visit of Beautiful Taj
Mahal
Tour Ref.# HTI 001 BOOK NOW
Special Feature: Rural Life, Rajasthani Folk Dances, Camel Ride, Village
Safari, Rajasthani Cuisine Dinner, Stay at Maharaja Palaces, Forts, Castles & Hunting
Lodge etc.
Starting Price: 14 nights from
US$ 1765 (per person)
Destination: Rajasthan
Transportation : Air-conditioned Car with an expert driver
ITINERARY
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
After breakfast 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.
Covering India gate (war memorial),
Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ) and Red Fort -
Delhi's most magnificent monument. After that visit The National
Museum is one of India's most prestigious institutions. The galleries of the
museum follow a historical and chronological sequence. The Indus Valley Gallery displays
many antiquities excavated from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, like terracotta toys, images and
pots, jewellery, seals, bronze and copper implements and sculpture. Later on
drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building.
Later on visit Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at
the base. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi - Agra
After breakfast check-out and you depart on a four hours drive to Agra. Arrive Agra
and check-in into hotel. Later on visit Agra Red Fort which is surrounded
by a 70 feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces
including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used
by his son Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by a double
barricaded wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an impressive
gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone,
exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams.
In the late afternoon visit the Taj Mahal which
is India’s most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens
on the banks of the Yamuna river, this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her
mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest
next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. With the Sunset the white marble changes
its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 04 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur -
Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and we take you to on a visit to 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."
After that continue drive to Jaipur. 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. On arrival check in into hotel. 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/Dinner)
Day 05 - Jaipur
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance
of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most
well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid
system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's
foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an
epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This "Pink City," so called because its
buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and
pink with white borders and motifs.
First we take you to Amber Fort,
the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Ascend on elephant back to the hill, on which
the fort is situated. Afternoon half day city sightseeing tour visiting Maharaja's
City Palace & the Observatory. Later on drive past Hawa
Mahal or the Palace of Winds & through the pink rose
residential/business areas of Jaipur. In the evening we will arrange
a special THEME DINNER at an Ethnic Village Resort where you can savour the taste
of RAJASTHANI CUISINE with Folk Dances. Other attractions are CAMEL RIDES,PUPPET SHOW,
MAGICIAN, FORTUNE TELLER and VILLAGE CRAFTS. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 06 - Jaipur - Chittorgarh
After an early 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.
On arrival check-in into hotel.
In the afternoon 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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - Chittorgarh - Udaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur. On
arrival check-in into hotel. 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.
The rest of the evening is free to explore this
city of lakes on your own. Rest of the day free to exlore Udaipur City which
is known as the "Venice of the East",
and with good reason. With romantic palaces, splendid lake views and a rich artistic
heritage, this city is an oasis in the otherwise mainly desert state of Rajasthan. Shopping
in Udaipur is also fun. The small winding streets leading to the City Palace house a
bazaar where you can find Rajasthani miniature paintings (and other art), tons of clothing
stores, tea and coffee shops and houseware, to name a few. Some of the tailors there will
make you clothes in the size, style and design of your choice within a few hours. 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 08 - Udaipur
Morning city tour visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around
Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for her friends) and visit Bhartiya
Lok Kala Mandir (folk art 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 09 - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Rohet
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Ranakpur.
Visit Ranakpur Jain Temples
complex, one of the biggest and the most important
cluster of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli range. The Chaumukha Temple, or
Four Faced Temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century.
Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of
which are alike. The two other Jain temples in the complex are Neminath and Parasnath
temple.
Later on continue drive to Rohetgarh
which is famous for its fort of 17th century which is now a luxury heritage hotel. We will
be welcomed by the royal family personally.
In the afternoon enjoy a half day Jeep
Safari to explore Bishnoi villages. Rohetgarh has pioneered a
unique tour, which introduces its guests to local cultures and traditions. Because of the
host family's special bond with different communities among the local people which goes
back several generations you are taken into homes and received with warmth and affection,
an experience which often eludes the ordinary tourist. Guests interact with various
communities living in the area and share and understand their worlds, the Bhishnois,
protectors of nature for five centuries and arguably the world's first ecologists,
responsible for the survival of species such as the black-buck antelope: the semi nomadic
Raika shepherds of Marwar whose brilliant crimson and marigold costumes would put modern
designers to shame: as also the Paliwals and the Meghwals, the farmers and weavers. In the
late afternoon come back to hotel. Rest of the evening free to relax at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Rohet - Jodhpur
After breakfast check-out
from the hotel and a short drive to Jodhpur - The Desert enchantment. Arrive and check-in into hotel. In the late afternoon visit Mehrangarh fort -
unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable
palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada
- The 19th century royal cenotaph and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens.
Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you
can explore the local markets for shopping. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady
experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The
tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, cancel skin,
velvet and more color to the city.it was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight
horse riding trousers,-" Jodhpurs" ,took their name. Countless festivities
celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held
annually is one such spectacular bonanza. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
After breakfast a visit to Ummed Bhawan Palace. A portion of the
Ummed Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum. The architectural
splendors of these remnants will enthrall you.
Later on check-out from the hotel
and drive to Jaisalmer - The
Citadel City. On the way we pass camel carts, vibrant and colorful Rajasthani women
carrying produce to the market, and men sporting brightly colored turbans usually sitting
groups just passing the time of the day. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast half day sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Almost 900 years old,
Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert,
and still today, one's first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of
the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden
crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite havelies, has a medieval
ambience. The fort encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or
lattice worked screens, carved doors and flora carvings, and elaborately carved 12th to
16th century Jain temples. The havelies in both the fort and the town are
exceptional. Similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants, the havelies were the mansions
of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, jali screens
and oriel windows, each with an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments.
To see the beauty of the Thar Desert take a camel ride to Sam Sand Dunes.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Jaisalmer - Gajner
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Gajner. On
arrival check-in into hotel Gajner Palace, just a 30-minute drive from
Bikaner, is today a grand heritage palace of the HRH Group. The Gajner
Palace, often described as an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert 'built by maharajah
Ganga Singh of Bikaner stands on the banks of a lake. The palace was used by the maharajah
for his extravaganza sporting the architecture is truly out standing as manifested in red
sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokas and screens, demonstrating a marvel of
craftsmanship. Over the years, royalty, both Indian and international, viceroys and other
dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The palace is surrounded by
beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary, providing shelter to chinkara,
blackbuck, neelgai and wildboar. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 14 - Gajner - Mandawa
After breakfast you have an option to see Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Later on drive to Mandawa. Arrive
Mandawa and check-in into hotel Castle Mandawa. Mandawa castle, one of the finest
castles of Rajasthan is now a beautiful hotel. Mandawa has beautiful
frescoes, havelis & mansions. In the afternoon 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. Enroute you
can shop for the colorful art and crafts of Rajasthan: tied and dyed textiles, metal
handicrafts, carved wooden artefacts and more. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 15 - Mandawa - Bagar - Delhi (Departure)
After breakfast visit painted havelis & mansions. Also visit Mandawa
Town for capturing the rural life in your camera. Later on continue drive to
Delhi. On the way stopping at Bagar for lunch. We have arranged
your lunch at Piramal Haveli. The Haveli has traditional
courtyards enclosed by colonial pillared corridors. Frescoes of flying angels and gods in
motor cars adorn the walls. Here, the famed traditional vegetarian cuisine of the Marwaris
is served in thalis.
Arrive Delhi. A car & driver will be at your
disposal until transfer to IGI Airport to catch flight for onward destination.
(Breakfast/Lunch) |
Vacation Pakcages
