|
|
The State of Rajasthan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful
Region of India. Rajasthan's many princely states, impressive
forts and magnificent palaces set in the Thar desert evoke uniquely
colourful images of medieval India. Rajasthan means land of
Rajas (or Kings) but also called Rajputana “the country of Rajputs”.
The Aravali mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges
of the world, extending from north to south, divides the state
into two natural regions. Aravali range and the Thar Desert
are the two most contrasting features of Rajasthan's geographical
make-up. Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan reflect the vigour
and life style of its people.
Vibrant colours, music and festivities
make the golden sand come alive. Veiled, bejewelled women sing
and dance to devotional rhythms. Rajasthan has a fair for every
religious occasion, for every change of season and for every
harvest. The kingdom of Rajputs is as the tales of the Thousand
and One Nights and it will make your Tour an unforgettable memory.
|
|
Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is
the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative
and transferred to the hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take
a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the
Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat",
the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and
Jama Masjid, the great
mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb"
which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India.
Before
we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see
the
India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03. Delhi - Shekhawati (about
270 km)
In
the morning we visit "Qutub Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended
to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was
damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of
Delhi we drive to
Shekhawati region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the late
evening.
Day 04. Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. Shekhawati
lies in the north east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The
marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups
in India, they developed their business acumen on the trade routes between
Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia. Marwaris enjoyed
protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The
havellis
are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main
entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and
religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati
area we proceed to
Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit
the
Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble
with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This
imposing Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 05. Bikaner
- Jaisalmer (about
330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer. Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running
Chinkara are the most common among them. We have a stop enroute at a
village to observe the traditional life of the villages in Rajasthan.
We
arrive in Jaisalmer in the late evening.
Day 06. Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated
golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely
carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its
carved havellis (grand mansions). In medieval times, its prosperity was
due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt,
Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture
and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan
but in the whole of India. Some of the visitors called this city "a
living museum". We have a walk through the old city and visit the
Fort
and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km. away from Jaisalmer to
Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back
to Jaisalmer.
Day 07. Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive to
Jodhpur via Osian.
Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple
here was constructed in 1178 AD. The city was once the capital of the
princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest
city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of
the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded
by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates.
Jodhpur
lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the marwaris
got benefit from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was
traded to China. We will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India
with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within.
We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white
marble. After
the sightseeing we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
Day 08. Jodhpur - Luni (about
35 km)
Today we take leave from the Sun City (Jodhpur) and drive to Luni. In
Luni we enjoy the overnight stay in the Fort Chanwa which has been converted
into a Hotel. This fort has big complex of courtyards, towers, water
wheels, stables and secret stairways. We also have enough time to have
a walk in the Village to have an impression of the rural life in the
area.
Day 09. Luni - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive to
Udaipur. Enroute we will visit
Ranakpur. Ranakpur is
known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement
of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines,
twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all
of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The
Ranakpur Jain
Temples were built during the 15th century. We have a break in Ranakpur
before proceeding further for Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic
city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water
lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
Day 10. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our
sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids
of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After
the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum
has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls,
folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we
proceed to visit the
City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations
of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated
with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it
was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful
peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today
we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see
the famous miniature paintings done. In the evening we have a Boat ride
on the lake Pichola. The famous
Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer
residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot
here and made this palace more known in the west.
Day 11. Udaipur - Delhi
In the morning, after having our Breakfast we take leave from the city
of sunrise and Fly to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest
of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a
massage in the Hotel)
Day 12. Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
About
Hotels:
We
provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in
the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels
provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are
all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination
of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and
3 star or similar hotels. The criteria
for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We
also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels.
Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas
which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are
decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and
present the flair of olden Maharaja days.
|
Chat
