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Railway Timetable
Duration: 13
Nights / 14 Days
(Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Deogarh - 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 Kms/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 Kms/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 excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur 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. Proceed for
sightseeing of the city.
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. Visit a rug factory and see the
ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing
process. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Deogarh (By Road 200 km/5 hr)
Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east
of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal
barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar.
Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to
a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh
is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures
adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art
form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms
to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one
of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands
atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and
the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements,
domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from
the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than
surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family
residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted
with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And
the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to
the guests. Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the
present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his
kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises
and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which
have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Enjoy your
day walking the town and meeting the villagers. Overnight will be at the
DEOGARH
MAHAL.
Day 06 : Deogarh - Udaipur (By Road 120 km/2 hr)
Start for Udaipur after breakfast and sightseeing of the small town. 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. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
07 : 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. Spend night at Udaipur.
Day 08 : Udaipur - Jodhpur (By Road 260 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.
Just before reaching Jodhpur stop at the
BISHNOI VILLAGE. Have a rare
glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Reach Jodhpur. 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 overnight will be at
Jodhpur.
Day 09 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start 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. 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. Stay overnight
at Jaisalmer.
Day 10 : 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.
Also visit the ROYAL CENOTAPHS and relax in the evening. Overnight will be at
Jaisalmer.
Day 11 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Proceed to Bikaner after breakfast. Reach and 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
12 : Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast. 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
room 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.
This is a two hundred and forty year old fortress that 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 13 : 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 14 : Delhi - Home
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 a 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
Exotic Rajasthan Travel Reservation Form