Rajasthan Cultural Tour - North India

Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Ranakpur - udaipur - Deogarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi

DAY 01: ARRIVE: DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
You will arrive at New Delhi's International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, Our representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.

India's capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region's ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be accorded with a Traditional Welcome. Welcoming guest is an age-old tradition. 'Atithi Devobhava' - treat your guest as if he were God. Indian hospitality can be savored immediately as one arrives at the hotel. The guest's forehead is anointed with the traditional red 'tika' which is considered auspicious along with garlanding. Relax with a non-alcoholic welcome drink following which proceed to check in at your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 02: DELHI
After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will proceed for the combined sightseeing tour of Delhi.
You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws (subject to operation), one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Then visit Humayun's tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 03 : DELHI - MANDAWA BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Delhi to Mandawa (280 KMS/ 7 Hours) - remote feudal principality in the centre of Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, proceed for check in at your room.

The Rajput ruler of Mandawa built a fort in 1755 to protect this trading outpost that fell in the ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East. The township that grew around the fort attracted a large community of traders, who settled here. When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa build palatial mansions in their hometown.

This afternoon, you will explore this storybook town of Mandawa known for its colourful frescoes on a wide variety of subjects ranging from religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire rendered in the inimitable style of local artist. Every home here is adorned with gaily-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY04: MANDAWA - BIKANER BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you would be driven from Mandawa to Bikaner (180 KMS/ 04 HRS). Upon arrival proceed for check in at your room.

Present day Bikaner owes many of its finest buildings to one remarkable man, the late Maharaja Ganga Singh [1880-1943] who single-handedly transformed his backward feudal domain into Rajasthan greenery by building the Ganga Canal, turning the surrounding deserts into lush, green fields. The flamboyant monarch also founded one of India's most prestigious military units, the Camel Corps, and staged spectacular shoots for imperial sand grouse, complete with fleets of Rolls Royce and vast banquets. The Prince of Wales attended the shoot held in 1905.

In the afternoon you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.

Later you will visit the National Camel Breeding Farm and see the incredible sight of a herd of camels returning back after grazing, with the spectacular desert sunset in the background. Set amid rolling sand dunes,
this farm is set up to produce superior strains of camels both for domestic
haulage as well as, even today, for military use.
Come back to your hotel after your tour.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 05: BIKANER - JAISALMER BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 KMS / 7 Hours). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, proceed for check-in at your hotel following which remainder of the day is free

Jaisalmer, the golden beauty etched in yellow sandstone, standing tall against miles of gleaming sand. Founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer's location kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer. There is a fort that seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 06: JAISALMER BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Jaisalmer.

You will walk up to The Fort, which dominates the town. Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are a fine group of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Walk through Jaisalmer's narrow streets dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples.

Walk around this desert city, its fort emerging from the flat dry sands, bounding in ancient palaces, temples and delicately sculpted havelis - all witness to the emergence of this Rajput state into a market centre for traders.
Late afternoon drive to Khuri/Sam for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand. Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Atop this ship of the desert embark on an exciting soft adventure. This safari is across India's Thar Desert, one of the harshest environments in the world. Board camels to discover the rich desert culture and meet the colourful tribal people. The capital of this exotic region is the golden city of Jaisalmer. Here we'll explore palaces, local markets, and venture down the narrow alleys to visit with the inhabitants of the intricately carved sandstone buildings.
Return to the hotel after your tour.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 07: JAISALMER - KHIMSAR BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Jaisalmer to Khimsar (330 KMS/ 07 HRS). Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel

Khimsar is a delightful small town in the Thar Desert with its castle once being a 15th century Rajput stronghold. You may visit the in-house museum to get a better insight into the Royal Family or watch the rare varieties of birds chirp around you all day long or Just sunbath or laze around on the sprawling gardens, though the greens are excellent for Frisbee too. Upon arrival at Khimsar, proceed to check in at your hotel
Overnight at the hotel

DAY08: KHIMSAR - JODHPUR BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Khimsar to Jodhpur (90 KMS /2 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel following which morning is at leisure

Jodhpur looks out over the desert to the West and the massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill, which rises right in the middle of the town, totally dominates the city.The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It's one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale.

In the afternoon visit the Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thanda is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 09: JODHPUR - MOUNT ABU BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven from Jodhpur to Mount Abu (260 KMS/ 6 HRS). Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

The history of Mount Abu is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (Another name of Rajasthan). During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan.

In the late afternoon visit Dilwara Jain Temples, which are exquisitely carved in marble. To avoid destruction by the invader, the temples were cleverly hidden behind innocuous looking entrances. Besides the pure white marble used for construction, the temples are famous for the intricacy of the carvings which are more like lace than stone and can rarely be seen elsewhere. You will also visit the Nakki Lake, which is very popular among tourists.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 10: MOUNT ABU - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven from Mount Abu to Udaipur (180 KMS/ 04 HRS) visiting Ranakpur enroute.

Ranakpur Jain Temples, an exceptionally beautiful excursion through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley, to see one of the best complexes of Jain religion which is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work. After your visit continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

DAY 11: UDAIPUR
Morning after breakfast, you would be taken for the sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise

First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the museums and the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace and Sahelion-ki-Badi.

In the evening, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewellery shops, utensil shops, jaggery shops, silver market, local meat and food shop. Also enjoy boat ride/ Tonga ride (Boat ride is subject to enough water in Lake Pichola) in and around Lake Pichola.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 12: UDAIPUR - DEOGARH BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Udaipur to Deogarh (135 KMS/2 - 3 HRS). Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

Once a royal retreat of the Deogarh nobility, Gokal Vilas, was built almost 200 years ago and nestles among one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravallis. These hills themselves boast a number of old, majestic forts gracing various horizons and the lake in front of the "palace" is home to a myriad of birds with fine views across to Gokal Garh Fort.
Deogarh is situated in the rugged hills of Aravallis, which makes gentle treks and bird watching an ideal way to see the surrounding area, including the Raghosagar Lake, with the palace on its banks, which attracts numerous migratory birds. It also has a bazaar, which is particularly good for textiles.

In the afternoon you will be driven to the Fort Seengh Sagar to watch the magnificent miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. . Several rooms are decorated with murals done by local painters after whom the Deogarh School of painting has acquired fame the world over. You will also walk around the village.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 13: DEOGARH - PUSHKAR - JAIPUR BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Deogarh to Jaipur (250 KMS/ 05 HRS). Enroute visit Pushkar which is at a distance of 130 kms from Deogarh.

The village of Pushkar lies on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India's most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake, and numerous temples. The Brahma temple, especially, attracts pilgrims all year round. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the month of Kartik (October/November), which attracts visitors in their thousands. You can also witness and participate in the evening prayer meetings in the temples. Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.

Explore the city mainly visiting the Pushkar Lake Ghats and the Brahma Temple, which is one of its kinds left in India today.
Continue your drive to Jaipur & check-in to your hotel.

Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 14: JAIPUR
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort.

Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power.

An elephant /Jeep will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (Elephant ride is subject to availability) Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. Come back to your hotel after your excursion.

In the afternoon you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Than you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds', otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 15: JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Jaipur to Agra (240 KMS / 6 hours) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed.

After your visit continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival at Agra proceed to check in at your hotel.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah's tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar's deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 16: AGRA - DELHI BY: SURFACE
Today early in the morning you will proceed for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays).

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Come back to your hotel for buffet breakfast following which you will proceed to visit Agra Fort. Agra Fort is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.

In the afternoon in time you will be driven from Agra to Delhi (204 KMS / 04½ HRS). Upon arrival a our representative will meet you and transfer you to International airport to board your flight for back home

DAY 17: DEPART: DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT