Historical Tour
of Rajasthan
Duration : 22 Nights / 23 Days
Places to See :
Delhi - Mathura - Vrindaban - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota -
Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - 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 at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Mathura
- Vrindaban - Agra Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Visit Mathura
and Vrindaban - LORD KRISHNA'S ABODE. Take a round of the ASHRAMS and TEMPLES.
Have lunch and proceed to Agra.
Reach Agra in the evening.
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 relax. Overnight at Agra.
Day
03: Agra After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. 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 it's 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 at Agra.
Day
04: Agra - Jaipur
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 - 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 at Jaipur.
Day 05: 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 06: 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 07: Pushkar
- Ranthambhore 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. Ranthambhore
- perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore
National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the
country. It has come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most
of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
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 ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is
bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Proceed for
the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 09: Ranthambhore - Kota
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel.
Start for KOTA.
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 at Kota.
Day 10: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh Breakfast at hotel. Start
for Bundi.
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 SUITE.
Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day 11: Bijaipur - Udaipur 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.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 12:
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 13: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.
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 Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges,
the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past
glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea level, the
fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and
seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers strengthen
the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day
14: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur
Proceed in the morning after a leisurely breakfast
and 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 visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur 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.
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.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 16: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer 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
17: 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. Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 18: Safari Breakfast at the camp.
Start for JHAMBA
CAMPS through the desert in the jeeps. Reach in the afternoon and overnight on
camp.
Day 19: Safari to Bikaner Breakfast at the camp. Continue
with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
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 at Bikaner.
Day 20: Bikaner - Mandawa 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. 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. 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. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 21: Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast 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.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village
chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day
22: Delhi Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full 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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 23: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last minute shopping.
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.
Historical Tour of Rajasthan, Rajasthan Heritage Tours
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