Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India,
typifies the soul of the country. The city conceals within its bosom the
remains of civilization that flourished over the last three thousand years.
Since those legendary days, many dynasties and rulers have flourished
on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many
monuments left behind by the regents.
Day 01- Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight.
Day 02 - Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India,
typifies the soul of the country. The city conceals within its bosom the
remains of civilization that flourished over the last three thousand years.
Since those legendary days, many dynasties and rulers have flourished
on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many
monuments left behind by the regents.
Old Delhi, constitutes of Red Fort built by Emperor Shahjehaan in 1638
AD, Jama Mosque largest mosque in India also built by Shahjehan, Raj
Ghat and Shanti van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Pt.
Jawaharlal Nehru and drives past Chandni Chowk, the main congested
shopping hub of Old Delhi.
New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of
Imperial Delhi (13th century AD ) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument
believed to be forerunner of Taj Mahal, India Gate, the 42 metre high
arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers, drives past Parliament
House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple
and The Connaught Place.
Day 03. Delhi-Mandawa drive, 250 km/5 hours
After breakfast, drive to Mandawa.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour.
The land of Shekha (Rao Shekhaji 1433-1488) is known for its human and
artistic enterprises. This region has been the home of Marwari community, for
more than a century has been the backbone of commercial entrepreneur-ship
in India. Hundreds of havelies, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts, as in this
region have intricate wall paintings, frescoes. The important ones to be seen
are in Mandawa, Mukandgarh, Dundlod and Nawalgarh.
Day 04 : Mandawa-Bikaner drive, 200 km/4hours
After breakfast, drive to Bikaner.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour.
BIKANER - stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Junagadh Fort
built around 1587 to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, the fort
is one of its kind. Today Junagadh houses a museum of valuable miniature
paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace-
the imposing red sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental
facade, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The 14th
century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar; and their gold leaf
paintings are noteworthy
Day 05 : Bikaner-Khimsar drive, 153 km
After breakfast, drive to Khimsar.
En-route visit Deshnoke temple.
Deshnoke Temple, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata. Legend goes that she
foretold the victory and success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true.
Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered here. This strange mode
of worship owes to the belief that the souls of her devotees are housed in
these rats and consequently they must be protected and fed.
Check-in at the hotel.
Evening Jeep Safari to Panchla dunes with high tea.
Panchla black buck safari-16 km away by open jeep. Sight herds of Black
Buck, Chinkara and blue bull antelope. The safari is organised towards day
end, before sunset for catching the glimpses of beautiful rare species found in
this region and for sunset view with tea/coffee.
Day 06 - Khimsar-Jodhpur-Rohetgarh drive, 135 km
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur.
Sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
JODHPUR - The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by
Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular
hill and looking down 125 metres, the fort appears rugged and
impenetrable from the outside but houses some of the most intricately
adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows,
Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal are some of the important
areas to visit A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in while marble, lies
very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits
of rulers of Jodhpur.
Later proceed to Rohetgarh and check-in at the hotel.
Evening jeep safari to Bishnoi Village.
A Bishnoi village-steeped in history : this 450 year old tribe has a distinctive
way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving
the wilds in scientific and local routines evolved over the centuries of living
with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes, one can witness the opium
ceremony - a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired
men and women carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of
their norms and customs. A drive through the starkly beautiful landscape
could encounter the agile black buck, wild camel and flights of rare birds.
Day 07 - Rohetgarh-Udaipur drive, 250 km
Drive to Udaipur visiting en-route famous Jain temples at Ranakpur, 26
km.
RANAKPUR - The Jain community. like several others, had always
enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few
important positions were held by the Jains. In 15th century, Rana
Kumbha of Mewar gave a large stretch of land in a quite and
picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to the Jains. This area came
to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is one of
the five main holy places of the Jains. Although over 500 years old,
these temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. The
central temple is the CHAUMUKHA temple, dedicated to Adinath, the
first Jain saint. This temple is the most complex and extensive in
design. It has 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is
interesting is that no two pillars are alike.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Day 08 - Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
One of the most beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better known as
cities of Lake, founded by Maharana Udaipur, the places of interest
include City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and
decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and
Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's
resort for the friends).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 09 - Udaipur-Deogarh drive, 135 km
After breakfast, drive to Deogarh.
Check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free to explore Deogarh village and market.
Day 10 - Deogarh-Pushkar drive, 155 km
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar.
Check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Pushkar.
The lake at Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma
himself. No pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Pushkar. There are as
many as 400 temples in Pushkar and lake is circled by 52 ghats built over the
years by several kings and nobles. The most sacred and important temples
are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Shiva, Badri Narayan, Varaha, Gayatri and
Savitri. The important ghats are the Varaha, Brahma and Gau.
Day 11 - Pushkar-Jaipur drive, 143 km
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
Check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free
Day 12 : Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is
a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th
century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the
palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir,
Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some
of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided to ascend
the fort to visit the complex.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour.
Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer
260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the
erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa
Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap
Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city
Day 13 : Jaipur-Agra drive, 235 km
After breakfast, drive to Agra. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
The beautiful city was planned and erected by Emperor Akbar in 1569. The
story behind the city relates to birth of his Son Salim who was named after a
Muslim Saint - Sheikh Salim Chishti. Emperor Akbar hearing his renown, had
visited the Saint, asked of the blessings of a child. When a son was born, he
decided to built a city near the place where the Saint lived. The city was
abandoned after 14 years due to shortage of water and growing population.
The imposing pavilions, Mosque, massive Buland Darwaza (Gate), Panch
Mahal and other buildings are worth a visit
Check-in at the hotel.
Day 14 : Agra-Delhi drive, 204 km
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra.
Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture. A UNESCO World
Heritage site, this immortal monument, the inimitable poem in white marble is
the true expression of love of Emperor Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz
Mahal. The monument was completed in 1653 AD and thousands of workers
and artisans were employed. It took little over 20 years for its completion.
Agra Fort's importance can be judged with the great names of Mughal
dynasties Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjehan and Aurangzen who lived
here. The imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with
priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period. The beautiful pearl
Mosque, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Jehangir palace, Moti Masjid are to
name a few that form the part of this great fort.
Afternoon drive to Delhi.
Transfer to international airport for onward flight