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Rajasthan Tour Packages
Intensive Rajasthan Journey
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Duration
31 Days / 30 Nights |
Places Covered
Delhi - Alwar - Bharatpur - Agra - Ranthambore -
Bundi - Jhalawar - Kota - Chittorgarh - Dungarpur
- Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Mount Abu -
Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer - Mandawa - Jaipur -
Delhi. |
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Day 01: Arrival in New Delhi
Around midnight arrive in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and
capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival,
you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred
to the Hotel.
Day 02: New Delhi
In the morning we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw
Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes
"Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated
and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also
visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first
substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub
Minar". "Qutub Minar" is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was
intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world.
This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.
Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through the embassy
area in New Delhi where we visit the India Gate and see some
impressive Government Buildings.
Day 03: New Delhi - Alwar (about 170 km)
In the morning we drive to Alwar. Alwar is referred as the gateway
to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan. Alwar has had
a chequered history and has been a witness to many rules and
rulers. It offers the traveler various sites of historical importance.
The main tourist attraction of Alwar is City Palace or Vinay
Vilas Mahal. In the afternoon we visit the Vinay Vilas Mahal
or City Palace. This palace has a fine museum with more than
7000 manuscripts, miniature paintings in both Mughal and Rajasthani
style, armour, textiles and musical instruments. In the evening
we will visit the Siliserh Lake.
Day 04: Alwar - Deeg - Bharatpur (about 110 km)
Today we leave Alwar and proceed to Bharatpur via Deeg. Deeg,
capital of the Jat rulers, came into existence in the 18th century.
The credit for constructing the early palaces at Deeg goes to
king Badan Singh. Deeg is known for its magnificent palaces
constructed around the mid 18th century by Raja Suraj Mal, namely
Suraj Bhawan, Gopal Bhawan and Kishan Bhawan. Gopal Bhawan,
overlooking the Gopal Sagar is the most impressive of all the
palaces. Gopal Bhawan with all its windows of stone lattice
work, is flanked by two pavilions, Sawan and Bhadon with curved
roofs and ornamental spires. To the north and south of the garden
are Nand Bhawan and Krishna Bhawan respectively. Suraj Bhawan
built in white marble, is an exquisite palace, with balconies
overhanging the water. After visiting these palaces at Deeg
we drive to Bharatpur. In the evening arrive in Bharatpur.
Day 05: Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 55 km)
In the morning we will visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or
Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Bharatpur has its fame due to
Keoladeo Birds National Park. Bharatpur was earlier a duck shooting
resort of the Maharaja. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with its
375 species is one of the best water bird sanctuary in the world.
In winter there are many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere
including the rare Siberian crane. After visiting the Bird Sanctuary
we drive to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur
Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed
by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city
constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as
it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was
due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in
Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 06: Agra - Dholpur (about 56 km)
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort,
built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction
of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign
and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan
who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After
the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful
monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love,
with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to
his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died
at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. After the visit
of Taj Mahal we drive to Dholpur. Dholpur was founded in 1805.
Dholpur is known for its locally-quarried sandstone.
Day 07: Dholpur - Ranthambore
Today after the breakfast we visit the Jhor, a village 16 km
from Dholpur. In Jhor, the oldest Mughal garden is situated.
Started in 1527 by Babar, it was discovered in the late 1970s
and there are still signs of the intricate planning that went
into these gardens. The Mughal influence is very strong here
in Dholpur. There are various other places like Bari, Damoh
waterfall, Talab-e Shahi lake, Kanpur Mahal, Van Vihar Wildlife
Sanctuary and Ram Sagar Sanctuary in Dholpur which offer interesting
excursions. Afterwards we drive to Ranthambore. Ranthambore
lies on the easternmost spur of the Aravalis. Ranthambore was
the private tiger reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It is
studded with pavilions, watch towers. The town of Ranthambore
is watched over by the massive Ranthambore fort. The main attractions
of Ranthambore are the Ranthambore National Park and Ranthambore
Fort.
Day 08: Ranthambore
In the early morning we will explore the Ranthambore National
Park and have a jungle safari. Ranthambore National Park is
a well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Ranthambore
National park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali
mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains
the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. This
national park is the home of a vast variety of animals. Here
we might have an audience with the tiger. In this park besides
tiger various other animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Wild Boar,
Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Hyena can also be seen. In the
afternoon we will visit Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built
in 994 AD atop a steep high creek 200 metres above sea level.
Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are
interspersed within the majestic fort. The Ranthambore fort
also houses the temple of Lord Ganesha, where annual fair is
held in the month of September on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Day 09: Ranthambore - Tonk - Bundi (about 125 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bundi. Enroute
we stop at Tonk. Earlier Tonk was the stronghold of the Pathan
tribesmen of Afghanistan who came to India. Tonk was founded
by Nawab Ameer Khan as a result of a treaty with the British
in 1818. Tonk is known for its famous Sunehri Kothi, the golden
mansion and the Arabic and Persian Research Institute. In Tonk
we visit the Sunehri Kothi and Research Institute. The Arabic
and Persian Research Institute houses a superb collection of
Arabic and Persian manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts are
lavishly ornamented with gold, rubies, emeralds and pearls.
In the evening arrive in Bundi. Set in a narrow encircling gorge,
the palaces and fortress of Bundi have a fairy tale like quality
about them. Isolated and independent, the entire township appears
like a miniature painting, frozen in time for the traveler.
Bundi is also known for its baolis or step-wells.
Day 10: Bundi - Jhalawar - Kota (about 38 km)
In the morning we visit the Bundi palace. This palace built
of locally quarried stone, presents one of the finest examples
of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars
and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The
Diwan-I-Aam, Hathi Pol and the Naubat Khana are the main places
located inside the palace. The famous Chitra Shala which provides
a colourful glimpse of history is also located inside the palace.
The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered
with paintings of the Bundi School. After visiting the Bundi
palace we drive to Kota. Enroute we visit the town of Jhalawar.
On the way to Jhalawar we come across the red poppy fields and
the orange laden orchards. Jhalawar or the land of the 'Jhalas'
was created in 1838 and has a charm of its own. Jhalawar district
is known for the Chandrabhaga fair, celebrated every year in
the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) on the banks of the Chandrabhaga
river. The main area of interest in Jhalawar is the fort which
is located in the centre of the town. This fort now houses various
district offices. The Zanana Khas portion of the fort houses
some exquisite paintings on walls and mirrors. After visiting
the fort we move towards the town of Kota. Earlier Kota was
the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi.
Day 11: Kota - Bijolia - Chittorgarh (about 180 km)
In the morning in Kota we will visit the Kota palace. This type
of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be found in
the state of Rajasthan. Then we drive to Bijolia. In ancient
times Bijolia was known as Vindhyavali. During the Chauhan period,
it became a famous centre for art and architecture. Several
beautiful Shiva temples were constructed by the Chauhan rulers
in Bijolia. On the eastern side of the town near the city wall,
there are three beautiful temples. The most famous temple is
the Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high linga surrounded
by hundreds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or
Sahastralinga. After visiting this temple and having lunch at
Bijolia we drive to Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh was founded by
Bappa Rawal in 8th century. Chittorgarh is known for its massive
fort which is 3 miles long and 495 feet high and also for Vijay
Stambh (Tower of Victory) and Kirti Stambh.
Day 12: Chittorgarh - Dungarpur (about 200 km)
In the morning we visit the Chittorgarh Fort, the world famous
fort of Rajasthan. The Chittorgarh Fort is the indomitable pride
of Chittor. The fort is massive structure with many gateways
built in 7th century AD and perched on a height of 180 m hill
and sprawls over 700 acres. After visiting the Chittorgarh fort
we visit the Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh. After having sightseeing
in Chittorgarh we drive to Dungarpur. Dungarpur means a “Hill
town”. Dungarpur was founded in 1358 A.D by Rana Dungar
Singh. Dungarpur is a picturesque town surrounded by hills on
three sides. In the evening arrive in Dungarpur.
Day 13: Dungarpur - Banswara - Dungarpur (about 220 km)
In the morning we visit the Udai Vilas Palace and Juna Mahal
in Dungarpur. The Juna Mahal and Udai Vilas Palace are the main
attraction in Dungarpur and the interiors have some of the most
well preserved wall paintings. This palace is built by the side
of a lake and is famous for its fine architecture and carvings.
Juna Mahal is a treasure house of miniature paintings, frescoes,
glass and mirror work. In the afternoon we drive to Banswara.
Maharawal Jagmal Singh was the founder of Banswara, the erstwhile
princely state. The name Banswara has been derived from 'bans'
or bamboo trees which once grew in abundance. The area is inhabited
mainly by the Bhil tribals. Banswara is also known for the Mahi
Bajaj Sagar project and for the dams and canals situated at
beautiful sites. After having a small excursion to Banswara
we return back to Dungarpur.
Day 14: Dungarpur - Udaipur (about 120 km)
After having breakfast we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called
the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering,
clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the
Aravali ranges. Arrival in Udaipur in the afternoon. The rest
of the day at leisure.
Day 15: Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We
start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This
Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive
lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we
visit a Folk art museum. This museum has a rich collection of
Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments and paintings. After a break we proceed to City
Palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of
Maharajas added their contribution. The museum of the palace
includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings
of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a
traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings
done.
Day 16: Udaipur (Excursion to Rajsamand, Nathdwara)
In the morning we drive to Nathdwara to visit the Shrinathji
temple. Nathdwara, the gateway of the Lord is a popular Hindu
pilgrimage shrine in India. This town is home to one of the
wealthiest temples and most important pilgrimage shrines of
Lord Krishna in India. Nathdwara enshrines the temple of Shrinathji,
Lord Krishna. Shrinathji represents the form of Lord Krishna
in which he lifted the Govardhana Hill and saved the people
of Mathura. The image of Srinathji is believed to have been
a self manifested one. After visiting the temple we drive to
Rajsamand lake. Rajsamand Lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh
in 1660 AD. Exquisite arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.
After visiting the lake we drive back to hotel in Udaipur.
Day 17: Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh (about 85 km)
Today we drive to Kumbhalgarh. Kumbhalgarh is one of the finest
examples of defensive fortification in Rajasthan. The main tourist
attraction of Kumbhalgarh is the Kumbhalgarh Fort. After having
a small break we visit the Kumbhalgarh fort. This fort was the
second most important fort of the Mewar kingdom after Chittorgarh.
This fort is rising from a prominent ridge at a height of 1914
meters high from the sea level. The fort was built in 15th century
AD by Rana Kumbha. The fort has witnessed many heroic deeds
of great warriors.
Day 18: Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Mount Abu (about 240 km)
Today we will drive to Mount Abu. Enroute we visit Ranakpur.
Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples.
After a small break we will visit the Ranakpur Jain temples.
An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 square feet.
There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls.
The total number of columns is 1444, all of which are intricately
carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built
during the 15th century. After having a small break at Ranakpur
we drive to Mount Abu. Mount Abu is the only hill station in
Rajasthan nestling in picturesque Aravali mountains. Entire
hill side in Mount Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus,
date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees. Arrive in Mount Abu
in the evening. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 19: Mount Abu
After having breakfast we visit the most famous Dilwara Jain
temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th
and 13th centuries. After visiting the temple we will have a
walk at the focal point of the town, Nakki Lake. This artificial
lake is ringed by hills and overhung by the enormous Toad Rock.
In the evening we will walk through the Bazaar up to Sunset
Point from here one can have the best view of the mountain.
We also enjoy the sunset here as the sun gradually drowns itself
in the sky between the two mountain peaks.
Day 20: Mount Abu - Rohetgarh (about 214 km)
In the morning we drive to Rohetgarh. Isolated, undiscovered
and unspoilt, Rohetgarh reflects the true essence of an Indian
village. Rohetgarh is famous for its fort of 17th century which
is now a luxury heritage hotel. In the evening we reach Rohetgarh
and stay at the Rohet Garh hotel and experience the warmth of
courteous Rajput hospitality.
Day 21: Rohetgarh - Jodhpur (about 50 km)
After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital
of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is
the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known
as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted
blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which
has 101 bastions and seven gates. We will visit the Mehrangarh
Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill
and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows
in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant
Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. In the evening
we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
Day 22: Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 290 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer
via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions.
The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting
the temple we proceed further for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous
for its carved havellis (grand mansions). In medieval times,
its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route
linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer
is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of
the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole
of India. In the evening arrive in Jaisalmer.
Day 23: Jaisalmer
Today we have sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow
streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city
unique. Some of the visitors called this city “a living
museum”. We have a walk through the old city and visit
the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around
40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset
before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
Day 24: Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bikaner. In
the evening we reach Bikaner. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 25: Bikaner - Nagaur (about 105 km)
In the morning we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed
of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing
the structure at intervals. This imposing fort and its palaces
are an unforgettable experience for us. After visiting the fort
we drive to Nagaur. Nagaur is a desert town of historical significance.
It was known as Ahichhatrapur I and was the capital of Jangaldesh.
Nagaur was granted to the famous warrior Amar Singh Rathore
by emperor Shah Jahan. The main attraction of Nagaur is the
Nagaur Fort. In the evening we visit the Nagaur Fort. The Nagaur
Fort was considered to be the best example of Land fort in Rajasthan.
It is defended by strong gates and massive ramparts.
Day 26: Nagaur - Mandawa (about 190 km)
After having our breakfast we drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Mandawa in the evening. Shekhawati lies in
the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris.
The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business
groups in India. Later after having a small break we visit the
grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed
protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis.
The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated
with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with
murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology.
Day 27: Mandawa (Excursion to Sikar and Jhunjhunu)
In the morning we drive to Sikar. In Sikar we would visit the
Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan temple. We also visit the
Biyani Havellis. After having lunch at Sikar we drive to Jhunjhunu.
Jhunjhunu, the capital of Shekhawati is one of the largest town
of the district. The town was founded by the Kayamkhani Nawabs
in the mid 15th century AD. This town has some splendidly painted
havelis. The most interesting place in Jhunjhunu is the Khatri
Mahal (the Wind Palace) dating back to around 1760 A.D. with
elegant lines. Rani Sati temple is the most famous temple of
Jhunjhunu. After visiting the temple and Khatri Mahal we drive
back to Mandawa.
Day 28: Mandawa - Jaipur (about 168 km)
Today we leave Mandawa and drive to the Pink City Jaipur. This
city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the
great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur
is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and
precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit
the City Palace which is still the formal residence of the royal
family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection
of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone
observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.
It's complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval
Indian astronomy.
Day 29: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying
11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha
dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created
Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of
an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements
with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air
to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without
being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful
Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block
printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening
we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi
Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble.
We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.
Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and
dance.
Day 30: Jaipur - New Delhi (about 260 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival
in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.
Day 31: Flight to home destination
Around midnight flight to home destination.
Click Here to know the Cost of the tour per person (Delhi to
Delhi):
Inclusions:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath
and WC
in the chosen category.
American/Continental Breakfast.
Elephant ride in Amber (Jaipur).
Jungle Safari in Ranthambore.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance
during your stay in Jaipur.
Services of qualified local English Speaking or any other language
guide at every city of sight seeing.
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual
air-conditioned
vehicle (car/Jeep etc.) with driver (reliable, experienced and
English speaking - have
a look at the references on our website from all over the world).
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