|
Rajasthan Tour Packages
Journey of Cultural Rajasthan |
Duration
15 Nights / 16 Days |
Places Covered
Delhi - Agra - Bhandarej - Ranthambore - Kota -Bundi -
Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur. |
 |
Day 01 : Arrival Delhi
Around Midnight arrival
in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers.
You are met by an company representative and transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02 : Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing
in Old Delhi. We take a Riksha Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city
and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes also
the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of
old Delhi. Today We also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is
the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. Before we proceed
to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government
Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
In the morning we visit "Qutab Minar" which 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.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Agra. Arrival
in Agra in the evening.
Day 04 : Agra
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, ShahJahan 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. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory
home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay
work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders
and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day 05 : Agra - Bhandarej (about 175
km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns
and villages in direction of Bhandarej. 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. Late evening arrival at the palace
Hotel of Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. The
Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted verandahs
and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its temples and historical sites
has a history which dates back to 11th century. Rest of the day at leisure. At
the dinner time local dances will be performed in the palace.
Day
06 : Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast
we leave for the world famous Ranthambore National Park. After a break & refreshment
at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the park on a Jeep. 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.
Day 07 : Ranthambore - Kota
In the early morning
we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep Safari and perhaps with the
memories of our encounter with tiger we leave for Kota. The town of Kota was once
the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city
fort and palace, this type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be
found in the state of Rajasthan.
Day 08 : Kota - Bundi - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most famous for
its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On the top of the hill
is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting fort is worth exploring for
hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding the streets
leading down to the city. After the whole day excursion we return to Kota in the
evening.
Day 09 : Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After
an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh. The Fort of Chittorgarh is indomitable
pride of Chittorgarh .The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in
7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180m hill it sprawls over 700 acres. This
fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar",
where women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men
donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
Overnight stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10 : Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about
120 km)
Today 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. In the evening we enjoy a Boat ride on
the lake Pichola. The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of
the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace
more known in the west.
Day 11 : 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 Museum of
folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets,
masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break
we proceed to city palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of
Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with
the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived
as a whole. 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 12 : Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave
Udaipur and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the most religious places for
Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only temple of God
Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus.
Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes
place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a
spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water
of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where
farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.(if this tour takes place during
the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one
and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for one more day making
it 17 days tour.)
Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar 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. After a break
in Jaipur we visit the city palace in the afternoon 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 14 : 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 colorful 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 15 : Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
In the morning, after
having our Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The
rest of the day at leisure. (Opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage
in the Hotel)
Day 16 : Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight
to home destination.
| |
