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DAY 01
: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met & assisted
with your baggages at the airport by our executive and transferred
to your prebooked Hotel.
DAY 02
: DELHI
After breakfast, full day city tour of Delhi : India’s capital &
a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling
me tropolis
which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern.
Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive
dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects
the legacy the British left behind . The division between New &
Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British
& the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he
will invariably confront the citys’ past.
Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan,
the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until
1658; drive past Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This
massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat
- the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built
in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture;
Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place.
The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.
DAY 03
: DELHI - AGRA
(210 Kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit Sikandra - Four kilometers
before Agra is the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This structure
is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain
motifs. The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners.
These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work
of marble.
Afternoon, visit the highlight of the tour - The Taj Mahal
- Epitome of Love, One of the Seven Wonders of the World - was built
by Shah Jahan (King of the World) for his beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal
(the exalted of the Palace). Work on the mausoleum
began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build
it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers,
stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as
distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab,
an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay
specialist from Delhi. The marble, India's finest was quarried at
Makrana near Jodhpur, Jasper from Punjab, the garnets from Bundelkhand,
Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from
Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt,
Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds
from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Mumtaz
Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.
NOTE : TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
Visit Red fort, Built principally as a military establishment by
Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted
into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure
was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons.
This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor
of the Delhi Red fort. The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces,
gardens, halls of private & public audience of the fort echo
the story of the Mughal Empire.
Itmad-ud-daulah, which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622
and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her
husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.
DAY 04
: AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI – BHARATPUR
BHARATPUR - RANTHAMBORE (TRAIN)
After breakfast, leave for Bharatpur, enroute visit the
abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri - built by Emperor Akbar
in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned
after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings
including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal &
other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive to Bharatpur - renowned the world over for the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park or-as many people prefer to call it-the Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary. It lies between two of India's most historic cities,
Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the
country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the
national capital of Delhi. Bharatpur hosts a variety of bird species
from across the globe. Close to 380 species of birds are found in
this 29 sq km stretch, approximately 10 sq km of which comprises
of marshes and bogs. Rest of the area comprises of scrublands, grasslands
and more than 44,000 trees that are used for nesting by birds each
year. This rather intriguing blend of marshes, woodland and flora
found here represents and, at the same time, substantiates the density
and diversity of the region's forest cover
After the visit to National Park, transfer to the railway station
to board Jan Shatabdi Express, scheduled to depart at
1548 hrs. Ranthambore - Located at the junction of the Aravalli
and Vindhya hill range, this is one of the finest places to view
animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here.The
park covers an area of Approximately 400 sq Km and if combined it
with the area of sawai man singh sanctuary area, it is around 500
Sq. km. Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary
in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection
of "Project Tiger". It got it's status of a National Park
in 1981. Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that
remind you of bygone eras. There are many water bodies located all
over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely
hot summer months for the forest inhabitants. A huge fort, after
which the park is named, towers over the park
atop a  hill.
There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle,
which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history
and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known
to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous
for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of
human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent
for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often. This National
park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers
excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities.
The park remains open every year from October to May. Famous for
the exciting and frequent tiger sightings captured dramatically
in several books, this park is today affected by ecological pressures
and poaching. In Nutshell, Ranthambore National park is a wildlife
enthusiast and photographer's dream. Arrive Ranthambore at 1800
hrs. and transfer to Jungle Niwas.
DAY 05
: RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon, Jungle Safari to witness the wild
life. The Park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles
within it. Primarily the population consists of... Animals : Tigers,
Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or
Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth
bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara,
Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats,
Fivestriped Palm Squirels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying
Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian
Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose,
Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose. The amphibian species only
consist of the Common India Toad and the Common Frog. The park is
most famous for it's diurnal tigers. The park also has a large number
of marsh crocs Reptiles: Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor
Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft
Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles,
Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon
DAY 06
: RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR
(180 Kms., 04 Hrs. Drive)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur - The Pink City : Jaipur needed
a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest the Prince
of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability to supply any other
color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade
for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to Pink city.
Since then the PINK color is associated with hospitality in Rajput
culture. The capital city of the state of
Rajasthan owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great
warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of
Jaipur has broad avenues & sits on a dry lake bed in a wild
and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted
by fortresses and crenellated walls. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked
Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 07
: JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness
the façade of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built
in 1799.
Amber Fort - The ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai
Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new
site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592
by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. The fort
is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated
on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces
and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant
back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar – the observatory
built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728 ; the City Palace which is
a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum
with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel
ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century.
DAY 08
: JAIPUR - PUSHKAR
(135 kms., approx. 03 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Pushkar. the holy lake of Pushkar
is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. It is as
important as Banaras or Puri. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential
to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage
is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar lake. Pushkar
has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the
country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here. While Pushkar
is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of
one of the country's most colorful cattle fairs - the Pushkar Fair.
Arrive Pushkar and check-in at prebooked Hotel. Rest of the day
free to explore Pushkar the mystical city.
DAY 09
: PUSHKAR - CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR
Morning, leave for Udaipur, enroute visit Chittorgarh
: The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomises the whole romantic,
doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. Three times
in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and,
on each occasion, the end came in a textbook
Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible
odds. 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 as
honour was always more important than death. The first defeat occurred
in 1303, the second in 1535 and this time the carnage was immense.
It is said that 13,000 Rajput women and 33,000 Rajput warriors died
following the declaration of Jauhar. The final sack came in 1568,
when Mugha emperor Akbar, took the town. In 1616, Jehangir return
Chittor to the Rajputs but there was no attempt at resettlement.
Continue drive to Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely
blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion
in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes,
forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines
withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past,
valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the
Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is
one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice
of East. Arrive
Udaipur in the evening and check-in at prebooked Hotel.
DAY 10
: UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit the romantic city of Udaipur.
Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan
; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple
built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour,
which is a small garden with its fountains,
kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.
Afternoon, free. In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola.
DAY 11
: UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR
(275 kms., 07 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur, enroute visiting the
Jain temples at Ranakpur : The cluster of temples, made of intricately
sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture.
It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in
1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main
temple is supported on 1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly
carved.
Continue drive to Jodhpur - A flourishing trading center of the
16th century, the fortress city of Jodhpur is now the second largest
city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha who
claimed to be descendent of Lord Rama. The massive fort Mehrangarh-came
first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high
stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Arrive Jodhpur
and check in at prebooked Hotel.
DAY 12
: JODHPUR - JAISALMER
Morning, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means
“Majestic Fort”, located at the very centre of the city. There are
,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate a particular victory,
as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical
instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts
are well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies
this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers
are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower
– the city centre.
Afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer - The desert citadel is truly a golden
fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after
whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice
of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode
abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres
northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location
on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia,
Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer
with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes
through illicit gains by rustling cattle
DAY 13
: JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the the
citadel ? the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population
lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries,
Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved pillars &
murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once supplied
water to the city ; the temples & archways around it have been
built by a courtesan.
Afternoon, excursion to Sam - 45 km away, is known for its sand
dunes & is the venue for the Desert festival. Get the actual
feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes and
witness a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes.
DAY 14
: JAISALMER - BIKANER
Morning, drive to Bikaner - dates back to 1488 when a
Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the
five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur.
Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with
scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that
permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country,
the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world
and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and
breeading farm in the world.
Afternoon, city tour of Bikaner. Visit the Junagarh Fort which was
contructed between 1588 and 1593 by a general in the army of the
Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986m long wall with 37 bastions
and two entrances ; Camel Breeding Farm, managed by goverment this
camel breeding station is probably unique in Asia and has thousands
of camels.
DAY 15
: BIKANER - MANDAWA
After breakfast, excursion to Deshnoke - a small village
situated 32 km south from Bikaner city. It is a pilgrim centre of
Karni Mata. Karni Mata, considered as an incarnation of Goddess
Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles.
Originally the village was called 'dus- nok' meaning ten corners
as it was formed by taking ten corners of ten villages. The temple
is also famous for its holy rodents who are revered as 'Kabas'.
It is considered highly fortunate if a Kaba runs over your feet
!!
After breakfast, transfer to Mandawa (Shekhawati) - The semi-desert
region lies in the triangular area between Delhi,  Jaipur
& Bikaner. This region came into prominence in the 14th century
when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns
of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan
routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous
for painted havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th
century
DAY 16
: MANDAWA - DELHI
Morning, explore the Havelis (Mansions) of Shekhwati.
The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis.
Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as
"open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted
Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating.
Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th
century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis
that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms
of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures,
complimenting the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are
noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes and that of
huge animals. Some later day frescos shows the arrival of the British
and highlighting steam locomotives and train doubtlessly for the
benefit of those members of the household who did not travel to
distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport.
Afternoon, drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at your prebooked
Hotel
DAY 17
: DEPART DELHI
Morning, Transfer to the airport to board onward/return
flight.
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