Cultural Heritage of Rajasthan
(16 Days)
Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Kota | Udaipur | Kumbhalgarh |
Luni | Jaisalmer | Bikaner | Mandawa
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive
New Delhi airport & transfer to hotel. Delhi - An international
metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities, and a
history that goes back to antiquity. It offers a multitude of interesting
places and attractions to the visitor. Later proceed on sightseeing tour of
Delhi. Visit Red Fort - The Red Fort with red sandstone walls, popularly
known as the Lal Qila extends for two kms and varies in height from 18
metres on the river side to 33 metres on the city side. India Gate - At the
center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe"
like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French
counterpart war memorial. Qutab Minar - Among all the monuments in Delhi,
perhaps this is the most famous. 15 kms south of Delhi, stands the soaring
tower of victory, the Qutab Minar. The buildings in this complex, date from
the onset of Muslim rule in India. Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid or the Jami
Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, between 1644 and 1658
and is the final architectural piece built by him. Situated in the ancient
town of Old Delhi, this pride of the Mughals was built by five thousand
artisans & Chandi Chowk. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02 : Drive Delhi - Agra (204 kms)
Early today drive to Agra - In Uttar Pradesh. Located about 204 km south of
Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of the most famous
tourist spots of the country. The city, situated on the west bank of river
the Yamuna, is known world over as home to a wonder of the world, Taj Mahal.
Late afternoon arrive & check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight
stay in Agra.
Day 03 : City Tour
By sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fri's) - one of the
seven wonders of the world, a mausoleum built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory
of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later
proceed for visit to Agra Fort - The high red sandstone ramparts of this
great monument stretch for almost 2.5 km, dominating a bend in the river
Yamuna, northwest of the Taj Mahal. The foundation of this majestic citadel
was laid by the Emperor Akbar, and it developed as a stronghold of the
Mughal Empire under successive generations. Evening is free for shopping
activities. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 04 : Drive Agra - Jaipur (240 kms)
Early
breakfast drive to Jaipur - The city of Jaipur is capital to the northern
Indian state of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces,
and lakes. The city is mirror to every thing that Rajasthan signifies, be
its culture, tradition, society, and, most important, the people. The old
city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, and
that gives a magical glow to the city, especially in the evenings. Enroute
visit Fatehpur Sikri - 40 kms from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri served
as the capital of the Mughal empire between 1570 and 1586 during Akbar's
reign. Arrive & check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in
Jaipur.
Day 05 : City Tour
Today proceed for half day excursion to Amber Fort : 11 kms north of Jaipur
is the ancient capital. The fort is superb example of Rajput architecture,
stunningly situated on a hall side overlooking a lake. Here you have the
opportunity to ascend the fort on Elephant's back (depending on
availability) alternately by jeeps. Later proceed on city tour. Jaipur
offers a plethora of touristic attractions to the traveller visiting Hawa
Mahal (Palace of Winds) - Constructed in 1799 is one of the major landmarks
in Jaipur. This 5 storey building overlooking the main street is a stunning
example of Rajput artistry, with pink delicately honeycombed sandstone
windows. It was built to enable ladies of the royal house to watch the
everyday life & processions of the city. City Palace : In the heart of
the old city, it occupies divided into series of courtyards, gardens &
buildings. The Palace is a blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture.
Jantar Mantar : Next to the entrance to the City Palace. An observatory
begun by Jai Singh in 1728. His passion for astronomy was even notable than
his prowess as a warrior. Evening is free to relax / shopping. Overnight
stay at Jaipur.
Day 06 : Drive Jaipur - Kota (245 kms)
After breakfast drive to Kota - An important historic city of Rajasthan.
Once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi, Kota became an
independent princely state in 1624. Kota is famous for its architectural
heritage comprising of beautiful palaces, temples, museums, all reflecting
the splendor of the bygone era. Enroute visit Bundi - Visiting Bundi is like
stepping back in time. It's a picturesque & captivating little town
which has more or less retained a medieval atmosphere. Later continue your
drive to Kota & check in. Later proceed on visit to the City Fort and
Palace, Rao Madho Singh Museum, Jagmandir Palace, Haveli of Deaji and
Chambal Gardens among many more. Evening is free to relax. Overnight stay in
Kota.
Day 07 : Drive Kota - Udaipur (270 kms)
Early today to Udaipur. Enroute visit the famous Chittorgarh Fort. Later
continue your drive to Udaipur - If Jaipur is a city in pink, Udaipur is a
study in white. The city is famous for its palaces, lake, museums, temples,
and gardens. Late evening arrive & check in. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 08 : City Tour
Today after breakfast proceed for city tour of Udaipur - The City Palace
and Museum is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and its
museum has stunning collection of objects collected by different Maharanas
of Udaipur over the centuries. The Picholia Lake, Udai Sagar, and Pratap
Sagar are some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Some other
attractions in the city are the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jag
Mandir, Pratap Memorial. Evening is free for leisure / shopping in Udaipur.
Day 09 : Drive Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh (64 kms)
After
breakfast drive to Kumbhalgarh - Located 64 Km from Udaipur, this mountain
fortress built in 15th century was called the "eye of Mewar"
because of its strategic position in relation to its aggressive neighbours
of Gujarat and Marwar. Designed in accordance with the ancient Hindu
treatise, Vastu Shastra, it has a commanding view of the wild and rugged
landscape of the Aravallis, having an array of magnificient palaces and
ruined temples. Later explore the Kumbhalgarh fort. Evening is free for
leisure. Overnight stay in Kumbhalgarh.
Day 10 : Drive Kumbhalgarh - Luni
Today drive to Luni - Is a small village located 35 kms from Jodhpur. It is
called an artisan village & the people are still pursuing their
ancestral profession of fashioning metal. Since the city is located on the
bank of river Luni, it offers a good opportunity to you to avail the beauty
of nature amidst it. Later visit the Luni fort, an exceptional example of
Indian architecture. The fort has been converted into a heritage hotel is an
exceptional 'example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the
last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone
of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate
Jharokas it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The
Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water wheels,
stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavillions and
panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond.
Overnight stay in Luni.
Day 11 : Drive Luni - Jaisalmer (300 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. Enroute visit Jodhpur - This land of
royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert
landscape. The light that reflects of the golden sands engulf a land
renowned for its vibrant colours, people in the bright clothes and beautiful
jewellery, living in city dotted and dominated by towering fort and palaces
that rise from sand like a mirage. Visit the visit the Mehrangarh Fort -
Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread
over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. Jaswant Thada - a white
marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes
that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the
Mughal king Jahangir. Umaid Bhawan Palace - Made of marble and pink
sandstone, the construction of the Umaid Bhawan started in 1929 and it took
16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed to
give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This majestic
building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it
running as hotel and remaining part as a museum. Mandore Gardens, the
Government Museum and Zoo, Old Fort Museum and Balsamand Lake and Gardens
are other attractions. Later continue your drive to Jaisalmer. Arrive &
check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 12 : City Tour
Jaisalmer
- The name evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the
desert. The exotic, remote, and beautiful, Jaisalmer is one of Rajasthan's
best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the
inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a
special magic. After breakfast proceed on sightseeing tour, visit the
Jaisalmer Fort, Old city & Havelis - exquisitely carved in sandstone.
This desert town is on a former trade route between Persia and China. Late
afternoon depart to the Sand Dunes of Thar Desert and enjoy a spectacular
sunset. Experience a camel / jeep ride on the sand dunes. Evening return to
hotel. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 13 : Drive Jaisalmer - Bikaner (333 kms)
Today drive to Bikaner. Enroute visit Gajner Palace. Late afternoon arrive &
check in. Bikaner - A dust swirling desert town, Bikaner's finest sight is
its fort, with dazzlingly rich interiors. Proceed on visit the Junagarh
Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel breeding farm & the famous Karni Mata
Temple. Evening is free to relax. Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 14 : Drive Bikaner - Mandawa (250 kms)
After breakfast drive to Mandawa. Mandawa - In the heart of the Shekhawati
region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout
the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds
one of the cultural and social hot spot this place used to be in the bygone
era.
Day 15 : City Tour
After breakfast proceed on full day tour of the Shekhawati Region (Fatehpur
& Nawalgarh) - known as 'the open- air art gallery'. This region is
famous for the exterior decoration of the Havelis depicting an endless range
of topics. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 16 : Departure
Early today transfer to Delhi airport for flight to onward destination.
End of a memorable tour !!!