Colourful Rajasthan
Duration : 16 Days / 15
Nights
Destination : Delhi
- Jaipur - Mandwa
- Agra
- Pushkar - Bikaner
- Jaisalmer
- Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Jodhpur
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi in the evening.
You will be
met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
Day 02 Delhi
Enjoy a sightseeing of Old Delhi in the morning.
(Including Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk)
Note: Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Overnight at Hotel.
Old Delhi
Old Delhi pulses
with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars
and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between
tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the
Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort
surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan –
the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering
minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's
business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all
around you and chattering voices.
Enjoy a sightseeing of New
Delhi in the afternoon.
(Including the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb
and Lutyen's buildings)
New Delhi
New Delhi stands
in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a
long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers
ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a
city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent
Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence
of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir
Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British
Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic
42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in
World War I), Qutab Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to
13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture),
Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore
runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful
best).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Delhi
- Mandawa
Drive from Delhi to Mandawa (drive time –5
hours approximately)
Check in at your hotel for one night
Enjoy an excursion to nearby villages and visit Mandawa Haveli.
Mandawa Sightseeing
The
city of Mandawa was founded in the mid-18th Century it has interesting
murals in the large rugged fort - now a hotel boasting of
excellent views. The Castle Mandawa is located just outside the
walled city of Mandawa. The hotel therefore allows the guests to take
walking tours into the colourful city or just relax in the peaceful
atmosphere. Mandawa boasts of the finest painted havelis in the region
and is a perfect place for wandering at random. The Goenka Havelis in
the city are well worth the visit -Ladhuram Tarkesvar, Dedraj Turmal &
the Ladia havelis (of which there are a number). The Shiva temple here
has a rock crystal lingam. The Harlalkabaoli (a working step
well) should be visited early in the morning to watch the oxen at work
on the ramp to raise water. Another well located nearby is the Majisa
ka Kuan.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Mandawa - Bikaner
Drive from Mandawa to Bikaner (drive time - 5 hours
approximately)
Check in at your hotel for one night
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bikaner city later in the afternoon.
The fortified city of Bikaner is
encircled by imposing battlements and stands on a slight
eminence. Its roads undulate through colourful bazaars and the
predominant hue of the buildings is the strong reddish pink of local
sandstone. Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, an outstanding
general of Mughal Emperor, Akbar. It is encircled by a moat and
contains palaces made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and
balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. Karni Mata Temple
at Deshnoke is dedicated to Karni Mata, a mystic. Legend goes that she
foretold the victory of success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came
true. Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered here. The
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
well fed.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 Bikaner
- Jaisalmer
Drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (drive time - 7
hours approximately) visiting Deshnoke enroute.
Karni Mata Rat Temple, Deshnoke is
dedicated to Karni Mata, a mystic and an incarnation of the Hindu
Goddess Durga. Rats are given sanctuary here due to the belief that
the souls of Karni Mata’s devotees are housed in these rats.
On arrival Jaisalmer, check in at your hotel two nights
Rest of
the day is at leisure
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 Jaisalmer
Enjoy sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer city in the morning.
The
name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of
the desert. Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it
almost untouched by outside. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful
culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a
memorable experience. Jaisalmer Fort - Like a yellow sand stone fabric
that seems to issue skywards from the golden sands, Jaisalmer Fort is
sheer magic. Standing proud to a height of hundred meters over the
city with its 99 bastions, the fort is a splendid sight in the
afternoon sun. One of the largest and the most elaborate houses in
Jaisalmer is Patwon ki Haveli, which are five storeys high and
extensively carved.
Afternoon is at leisure for independent
activities (Optional: A short camel safari in the Thar Desert)
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (drive time - 6
hours approximately)
Check in at your hotel for two nights.
Afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, founded by
Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital here from nearby
Mandore. There are Palaces, housed within this daunting structure,
among them are Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada, constructed
out of thin sheets of marble, which allow the sun to filter in, was
built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, in 1899.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 Jodhpur
Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the
bazaars and local areas.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09 Jodhpur - Ranakpur -
Udaipur
Drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur
(drive time – 6 hours approximately) visiting the temple complex
at Ranakpur enroute.
Near the village of Sadri lies the
Ranakpur temple complex – one of the biggest and most important
clusters of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range,
Ranakpur is a mere 90 kms from Udaipur. The Chaumukha temple, or four
faced temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the
15th century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by
more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike.
On arrival Udaipur check in at your
hotel for two nights.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 Udaipur
Enjoy a sightseeing of the city in the morning
(This will include the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and
Sahelion-ki-bari)
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn,
looms up like a vision in white. City Palace was built in 1725, and
has various palaces inside such as Dilkush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti
Mahal and the Palace of Krishna etc, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon
Ki Bari - this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental
pleasure garden, contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains,
beautiful black marble kiosks on the corners of the pool and
stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures. Shilpgram
situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, the Shilpgram is a crafts and
performing arts center and houses various craftsmen from different
states who display live their crafts and products for the benefit of
the visitors.
(Optional – Enjoy a boat
ride in the evening on the placid waters of Lake Pichola).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11Udaipur - Chittorgarh -
Pushkar
Drive from Udaipur to Pushkar
(drive time – 6-7 hours approximately) visiting Chittorgarh
enroute.
Chittaurgarh is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan.
The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomizes the whole romantic,
doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. The men donned the saffron robes of
martyrdom and rode out from the fort to certain death while the women
and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre. Honour was
always more important than death.
Check in at your hotel for one
night stay.
Late afternoon visit Pushkar city.
On the edge of the desert lays the tiny
tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar
Lake. It is an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus also known as
“Nag Pahar” or the snake between Ajmer and Pushkar. The Lake
has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth,
Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a
“Yagna” (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus
fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places.
One of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed his yagna. Every
year thousands of the devotees throng the lake around the full moon
day of Kartik Purnima in October-November.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Pushkar - Jaipur
Drive from Pushkar to Jaipur (drive time – 3
½ hours approximately)
Check in at your hotel for two
nights
Rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight at
Hotel.
Day 13 Jaipur
Morning enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort which is
ascended on elephant back or by jeep.
Amber, built by Man Singh,
embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of
the King. The commanding view, sheer walls and rock face, and the
curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to concern
with security and defense. The fort is mirrored in Maota Lake, which
stands adjacent to the Dilaram Garden. The private apartments begun by
Man Singh in the17th century combine Hindu and Mughal styles and the
Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), its walls covered with tiny mirrors,
becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. Visit
the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors,
Jai Mahal and the Kali Temple.
Afternoon Jaipur city
sightseeing.
The capital of Rajasthan, also known
popularly as the ‘pink city’, Jaipur was founded in the year
1727. Here you will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), which
remains only a façade today, was originally built to enable
ladies of the royal family to watch the everyday life and processions
of the city. The Jantar Mantar (Observatory) was built between 1728
and 1734. Each of the instruments serves a particular function and
each gives an accurate reading. Situated in the centre of the city
occupying a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens
and buildings, the City Palace is an interesting place to visit. You
can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art
gallery and hall of public and private audience.
Overnight at
Hotel. 
Day 14 Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri -
Agra
Later drive from Jaipur to Agra
(drive time - 6 hours approximately) visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute.
The deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur
Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after fifteen
years due to scarcity of water. Here you will see the graceful
buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the
Panch Mahal & the other palaces.
The attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are
Jama Masjid – a beautiful building containing elements of Persian
and Hindu Design. The main entrance is through a 54-metre high Buland
Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar’s
victory in Gujarat. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is a
projecting room with walls made entirely of stone latticework. Birbal
Bhavan, built either by or for Raja Birbal, Akbar’s favourite
courtier, this small palace is extremely elegant in its design and
execution. Hiran Minar (Deer Minaret) is said to have been erected
over the grave of Akbar’s favourite elephant. Panch Mahal –
This amusing little five-storied palace was probably once used by the
ladies of the Court and originally had stone screens on the sides. The
lower floor has 56 columns, no two of which are exactly alike.
Arrive Agra and transfer to your hotel for one Night.
Overnight
at Hotel.
Day 15 Agra
- Delhi
Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast visit
the Agra Fort.
TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal
truly is one of the wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument
of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 for his
Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For twenty-two
years 20,000 men labuored day and night to build this masterpiece,
which has held the world awe struck ever since
AGRA FORT
Built principally as military establishments by
Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted
into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. Though Akbar built the
original structure, his grandsons made many more additions. This
powerful fortress encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers
within its 2.5-kilometre-long enclosure walls.
Later drive from Agra to Delhi (drive
time – 4 ½ hours approximately)
Check in at your
hotel for one night.
Day 16 Departure Delhi
Full day free for last minute packing/shopping.
Hotel check out time is 12 Noon.
After Farewell Dinner at
an Indian specialty Restaurant you will be transferred to Delhi
international airport for your flight back home.
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