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Railway Timetable
Duration: 17
Nights / 18 Days
(Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh
- Bijaipur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi)
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope -
that is India. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Agra (By Road 201 Km/4 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon.
AGRA : Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor
to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and
white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm
that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing.
Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL : Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect
symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately
carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal
emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced
within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj). Overnight will
be at Agra.
Day 03 : Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 Km/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and
palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it's
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Reach
and check in at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior
caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However,
many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it
was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed
a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that
followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the
Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known
as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This
did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when
the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan
dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings
in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images
of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis
of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves
oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy
the experience and spend night at Jaipur. Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 04 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE : Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE : A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR : This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL : The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women. This afternoon is free for you
to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly
for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden
handicrafts and carpets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check
in at hotel.
PUSHKAR : Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem -
Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on
earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus
the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends,
it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over
Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated
mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over
the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and
Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates
an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.
The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst
the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat.
There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose
the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and
this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied
architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous
Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain
in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties
in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and
full moon days. Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Overnight
will be at hotel.
Day 06 : Pushkar - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
Visit the
BRAHMA TEMPLE - The only one in the world. Start early after
breakfast for Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger
Den being the closest. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying
from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical
hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow
rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where
the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the
north. Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle
way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings,
frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences
of tiger's activities are very exciting. Overnight will be in Ranthambhore.
Day 07 : Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge
by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast. Freshen up and either spend time
at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple
on top of the fort. In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you
afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return
to the resort / lodge. Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the
night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 08 : Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Start for
KOTA after breakfast. Rajasthan's
largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known
for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized
in hunting scenes.
Visit the
CITY PALACE AND FORT : On the banks of the Chambal River close
to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the
RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR : in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the
queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual
experience. Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and
Chatter Bilas. Overnight will be at Kota.
Day 09 : Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Start for Bundi after breakfast. 36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town,
Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part
of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan
clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In
1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some
Chauhan Nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other
young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and
Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches
of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the
River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and
is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Visit the
TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is
a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the
palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan.
This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing
some of the superb Bundi murals.
CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals.
Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala'
'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story.
SUKH MAHAL is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid
the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed
to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace. Proceed to
CHITTAURGARH.
THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR : The pride and glory of Rajasthan,
CHITTAUR echoes with the tales of romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition.
This is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts,
graceful palaces and spectacular CHATTRIS. This fortified settlement has been
ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'JAUHAR' -when 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. After visiting the
FORT proceed to stay at the
BIJAIPUR CASTLE. Overnight will be at the
CASTLE.
Day 10 : Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Start for Udaipur after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel. The city of
Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush
hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur
is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for
the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale
palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry
the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection
in the placid waters of the
LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur
is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Spend night at Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping
first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and
ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple
and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur
as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of
the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Jodhpur (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. En-route, visit the
RANAKPUR TEMPLES,
dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support
its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes
visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic
sculptures. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital
of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore
clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the
Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a
rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a
high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Relax in the hotel
and visit the museum of
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 13 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of
the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built
on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this
palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After
this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Proceed for Jaisalmer. Rising from
the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor,
dominating the amber-hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated
with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold
Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop
the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a
descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva
and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. Reach and
check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 14 : Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour) See
the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit
Barabagh Hill. In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting
the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the
sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 15 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the camp. Proceed to Bikaner. Check in at hotel.
BIKANER : The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the
north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner
retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly
called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in
the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it
pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the
prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other
attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 16 : Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Rao Bikaji,
a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in
the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between
1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.
The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE. Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A
breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa.
Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes
can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani,
Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh,
descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle,
now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection
of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come
to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season.
It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by
the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality. Reach and check in
at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 17: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. 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. Chowkhani
Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf
Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part
of the day looking into frescoes. Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the
local village chief. Leave for Delhi and reach by evening. Overnight will be
at Delhi.
Day 18 : Delhi
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI : A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the
Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
- the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire. Enjoy the Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid
to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI : An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include
a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial
avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Proceed
for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening at 1800 hr after checking out of
the hotel. After the show you will have
FAREWELL DINNER before reaching
the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
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