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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 prebooked hotel.
Delhi : India’s capital & a major gateway to the country,
contemporary Delhi
is a bustling metropolis 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.
DAY 02 :
DELHI
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid,
the largest mosque in India.
Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was
not completed until 1658; 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.
Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi.
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
- MANDAWA
After breakfast, leave for Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check-in
at Castle Mandawa.
Afternoon, visit Mandawa (Shekhawati region). 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. The major
towns of interest are Mandawa, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh. Visit the havelis
in Mandawa and other villages of Shekhawati region.
DAY 04 :
MANDAWA - KHIMSAR
After breakfast, leave for Khimsar. Upon arrival, check-in at Khimsar
Fort : Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart
of rural India lies this unique 16th century fort that offers experience
after exhilarating experience. The battle-scarred walls & turrets
remind of the glorious past. Hundreds of years of history unfolds
as you glance at its battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts.
As you sip tea on the terraces you realize the beauty of being surrounded
by acres of lush green gardens. A true rarity of any desert in the
world!!! peacocks, parrots, pigeons
and as many as forty six varieties of birds greet you to add to
the charm and splendor of this ancient fort. Khimsar Fort has been
awarded the 'GRAND HERITAGE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE' (this being the
highest recognition conferred upon any heritage property by the
Department of Tourism, Government of India). You are not prepared
for the beauty, the grandeur, the layout or the magnificence of
this castle even as you approach it through sand dunes and narrow
countryside roads. It suddenly hits you on a blind corner.
In the afternoon, witness a magnificent sunset on the sand
dunes.
DAY 05 :
KHIMSAR - LUNI
After breakfast, leave for Luni. Arrive Luni and check-in at Fort
Chanwa :
an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture
of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous
red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work
friezes and intricate "Jharokas", it exquisitely captures
the romance and grace of a bygone age. The fort is composed of a
lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels, stables, passages
and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof
tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The
traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect th e
skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days. The village of
Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity
with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate
forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries
by their ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing
times under shady trees, while the children enjoy running around
narrow carefree streets. The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani
colours go about their daily chores to give water and sustenance
to the village. The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former
glory by its owners Maharaj Dalip Singhji, ( The youngest son H.H
Maharaja Umaid Singhji) and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been
created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many
courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and ambiance
set to capture your heart.
In the afteroon, excursion to
Jodhpur. 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.
DAY 06 : LUNI - RANAKPUR - DEOGARH
After
breakfast, leave for Udaipur. Enroute visit 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. A fter the visit, continue drive to Deogarh.
Arrive Deogarh and check in at Deogarh Mahal : is an
imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill
and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and
the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.With its greying
battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is
a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100
ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built
in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon
became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the
villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced.
And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies,
are now open to the guests. Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar,
Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur.
Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal
barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital
of Mewar such feudal estates, called 'thikanas' were granted by
the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship
or for an act of bravery.
DAY 07 :
DEOGARH - UDAIPUR
Morning,
free to explore the Palace & its surroundings
Afternoon, leave for 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
08 : UDAIPUR
Morning, at leisure
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.
In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola
DAY 09 :
UDAIPUR - CHITTORGARH - PUSHKAR
After
breakfast, leave for Pushkar, enroute visiting Chittorgarh. The
hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomises the whole romantic ideal
of Rajput chivalry. The fort was sacked 3 times from 1303
to 1568 by a stronger enemy and on each ooccasion, the end was "Jauhar".
The men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from
the fort to certain death and the women and children immolated themselves
on a huge funeral pyre.
After the visit, continue drive to 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.
Afternoon, free to visit the temples of Pushkar.
DAY
10 : PUSHKAR - JAIPUR
Morning, drive to Jaipur
: The capital city of the state of Rajasthan also know as “Pink
City”
owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior
astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II.
The city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city 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 11 : JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from
the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort
: At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital
of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja
Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb
example of Rajput architecture.
Afternoon,
city tour of Jaipur.
Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection
of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatory
built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.
DAY 12 : JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA
Morning,
leave for Agra, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur
Sikri :
built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Mughals,
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 Agra. Arrive Agra
and check-in at prebooked hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY
13 : AGRA - DELHI
210 kms / 4-5 hours
After breakfast, city tour of Agra.
Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565,
and additions were made up until the time of
his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private
audiences amongst many other beautiful structures;  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; the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal,
which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz
Mahal. Construction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed
until 1653.
Afternoon, leave for Delhi enroute visit Sikandra
- Mughal Emperor Akbar's Mausoleum.
Continue drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check-in at prebooked
hotel.
DAY
14 : DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport to board
your flight for onward destination.
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