Rajasthan Desert
Tour
Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to See : Delhi
- Jaipur - Pushkar - Bundi - Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner -
Mandawa - Delhi
Day
1: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives
will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the
night or midnight. 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
at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi Breakfast at hotel.
First
half of the day relax at hotel. Proceed for a half day tour of Old & New Delhi.
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.
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.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day
3: Delhi - Jaipur Drive to Jaipur Continue your drive to Jaipur and on
arrival check-in Hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful
city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign
of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still
retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the
locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the
royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts,
magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight in
Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed
for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. 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. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's 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. Its 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 at Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar Proceed
for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at
PUSHKAR
PALACE.
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
at hotel.
Day
6: Pushkar - Bundi
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Brahma Temple.
(The one and only in the world). Offer Pujas at the holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi. The town's medieval character, Taragarh Fort and the palace
below are captivating. The Chitrashala in the palace has rooms covered with miniature
paintings depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha.
Stay at an old hunting Haveli -
ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE TARAGARH FORT COMPOUND
for a beautiful experience. The hotel is of no star category but the experience
will be better as this is the only hotel in the Fort Complex.
In the
evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up with burning
torches and traditional dinner prepared of game is served. Truly unforgettable
experience.
Overnight at Bundi.
Day 7: Bundi - Kota - Udaipur
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.
Proceed for Udaipur.
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 at Udaipur.
Day 8: Udaipur
Breakfast 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 he 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 at Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur 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.
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.
Afternoon 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
to visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Relax
in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer Morning go for a village safari in the
jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India.
Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates
one while driving along the countryside.
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 at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: 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, visit the
Khuri Sand Dunes
and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset
from the dunes, (Same camels to be used for Safari - getting to know the camels)
as the sky is set on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience.
Return
to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Overnight at Village.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Camel Safari
Proceed on camel backs early in the morning into the desert and reach midway between
Khuri and Jaisalmer.
Camp for overnight stay.
Day 13: Jaisalmer - 
Bikaner
Continue your camel safari for the first half of the day and reach closer to Jaisalmer
in the afternoon. Due to weather conditions in August - one and half day should
be enough.
Return to Jaisalmer and proceed straight to Bikaner. (The
road is very good and the journey will be comfortable and relaxing)
Reach
Bikaner and check in at hotel.
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 at Bikaner.
Day 14: Bikaner
Breakfast 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. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day
15: Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel.
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. 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. A two hundred and forty
year old fortess, that has been converted by the family into a fine example of
traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at 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.
Relax for the
evening. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi Breakfast
at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and after Farewell
Dinner and freshening up - proceed straight to the airport for flight back home
with sweet memories of India.
Rajasthan Desert Tour, Rajasthan
Heritage Tours
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