Day 01 -- Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Check-in time is 12.00 Noon.
Day 02 -- Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India,
typifies the soul of the country. The city conceals within its bosom the
remains of civilization that flourished over the last three thousand years.
Since those legendary days, many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its
regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left
behind by the regents.
Old Delhi, constitutes of Red Fort built by Emperor Shahjehaan in 1638 AD,
Jama Mosque largest mosque in India also built by Shahjehaan, Raj Ghat and
Shanti van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
and drives past Chandni Chowk, the main congested shopping hub of Old Delhi.
New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of
Imperial Delhi (13th century AD ) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument believed
to be forerunner of Taj Mahal, India Gate, the 42 metre high arch was raised
as a memorial to soldiers, drives past Parliament House, President's House,
Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple and The Connaught Place.
Day 03 -- Delhi-Samode drive, 250 km/4 hours
In the morning, drive to Samode Palace.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Samode Palace, Samode - its history goes back more than four and half
centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house
of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons-Gopal
Singhji along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled
picturesquely on rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur and
frescoed walls is one of the most impressive small places in whole of
Rajasthan. The palace is full of architectural delights - the paintings on
the walls of Sultan Mahal, the dinning room with its stained glass windows,
the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings, intricately carved walls,
Chandeliers give the palace its old world charm.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 -- Samode-Mandawa, 135 km(Shekhawati)
Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Mandawa Castle, Mandawa - Towering high above the town of Mandawa, this
rugged handsome fort guides the tired and weary traveller to its portals.
Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also
founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two
rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade,
costumes and antiques.
In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Mandawa.
Day 05 -- Mandawa-Khimsar, 275 km
Drive to Khimsar and on arrival, check-in at KHIMSAR FORT.
Khimsar Fort, Khimsar - perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the
heart of virgin India lies a unique 16th century fort. Rao Jodha - the
founding Maharaja of Jodhpur successfully launched the royal dynasty at
Khimsar. Currently, the 18th, 19th and 20th generations of the royal lineage
still reside in this historic fort. Originally, the fort walls were built in
16th century. Subsequently, by mid 18th century, the royal family moved in
and a new ladies residence was erected with finely carved windows in stone.
Thakur Onkar Singh, the present Chief built himself a regal additional wing
in the 1940's. Today it is one of the finest heritage hotel with 25 rooms,
all air-conditioned with attached bath.
At sun-set, jeep safari to Panchla Dunes.
Day 06 -- Khimsar-Jaisalmer, 325 km
Drive to Jaisalmer stopping en-route at Osian to visit temples.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at the hotel.
Day 07 -- Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - much has been written about this city but nothing can prepare
the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. Rawal
Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands
almost 100 metres over the city with its 99 bastions, several entrances, a
group of Jain Temples from 12th to 15th century. The other places of
interest include Tazia Tower with its five tiered splendour, each storey
graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and
conspicuous facades.
Late afternoon, visit Sam Dunes for sun-set view and camel ride.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08 -- Jaisalmer-Jodhpur drive, 287 km/5 hours
In the morning drive, to Jodhpur.
Afternoon sightseeing tour.
JODHPUR - The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by Rao
Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and
looking down 125 metre, the fort appears rugged and impenetrable from the
outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with
exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal are some of the important areas to visit A collection of royal
cenotaphs, built in while marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in
1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of rulers of Jodhpur.
Day 09 -- Jodhpur-Luni drive, 35 km/1 hour
On arrival, check-in at FORT CHANWA Luni
Fort Chanwa - located 35 kms from Jodhpur belongs to Maharaja Dalip Singh,
youngest son of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Over a hundred years old,
this heritage hotel has ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate
jharokhas. The small village at Luni is home to many artisans who work with
metal, clay or wood.
Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village
A Bishnoi village-steeped in history : this 450 year old tribe has a
distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental
sense, preserving the wilds in scientific and local routines evolved over
the centuries of living with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes,
one can witness the opium ceremony - a ritual by which guests are
traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on about their
chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. A drive
through the starkly beautiful landscape could encounter the agile black
buck, wild camel and flights of rare birds
Day 10 -- Luni-Ranakpur-Udaipur, 255 km/5 hours
An early departure for Udaipur visiting en-route Ranakpur.
RANAKPUR - The Jain community. like several others, had always enjoyed the
patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions
were held by the Jains. In 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a large
stretch of land in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to
the Jains. This area came to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from
Udaipur, this is one of the five main holy places of the Jains. Although
over 500 years old, these temples are well preserved almost in perfect
condition. The central temple is the CHAUMUKHA temple, dedicated to Adinath,
the first Jain Tirthankar (saint). This temple is the most complex and
extensive in design. It has 29 halls , 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is
interesting is that no two pillars are alike.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Day 11 -- Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Udaipur- Sightseeing tour of Udaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in
all of Rajasthan, better known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana
Udaipur, the places of interest include City Palace which has several carved
balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar
Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's
resort for the friends).
Afternoon at leisure
Day 12 -- Udaipur-Deogarh, 135 km
Morning
drive to Deogarh.
Deogarh Mahal -Deogarh, located 135 km from Udaipur on Udaipur-Ajmer route,
on a hillock and encircled by the town was built in 1670 AD by Rawar
Dwarkadasji of the Sisodia dynasty . Constructed by the famed Sompura
architects, well known for their talents, Deogarh is a testimony to their
skilled craftsmanship. There are five floors and over 200 rooms in this
Castle, numerous balconies, carved pillars and extensive use of marble has
added to its attraction. Only 22 rooms have been renovated maintaining the
old décor.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Deogarh village, lake.
Day 13 -- Udaipur-Pushkar, 280 km
Drive to Pushkar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Pushkar, this sacred town lies 11 km north east of Ajmer and 130 km from
Jaipur. According to mythology, Pushkar Lake is supposed to to have appeared
miraculously when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and
dropped into this valley. On Kartik Poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to
bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. The fair is overwhelming in
its magnitude and its visual impact. Colourful bazaars are set up, camels
are paraded and also bough and sold. Besides colourful bazaars, shops
selling sweets, snacks, handicrafts, sports for children, camel carts and
other trading activities of utensils, hardware.
Overnight at Pushkar Palce situated on the banks of Pushkar Lake, a family
run hotel in heritage category.
Day 14 -- Pushkar-Jaipur, 130 km
Drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in Samode haveli.
Samode Haveli, Jaipur built by Rawal Sheo Soinghji, a Prime Minister in the
royal court of Jaipur. The Haveli is the result of around 200 years of
construction in phases, by its occupants. The haveli with 18 rooms and 2
suites has some beautiful frescoes, arched windows and intricate wall
designs. It is located in the heart of the walled city.
In the afternoon city sightseeing tour.
Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer
260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the erstwhile
royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or the Palace
of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old
part of Jaipur city
Day 15 -- Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a
fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th
century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace
complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh
Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of
interest. Elephants are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 -- Jaipur-Agra, 235 km
Drive to Agra visiting en-route Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this beautiful city is interesting.
There, in a grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint , Sheikh Salim Chishti by
name. Akbar hearing of his renown, asked of the blessings of a son, and when
a son was born, not only was the child named Salim, the site for a mighty
and ambitious project - a city - was chosen near the residence of the saint
erected in k1569. The shortage of water lead to the desertion of this city.
Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.
Arrive Agra and check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 -- Agra-Delhi drive, 204 km/4 hours
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra.
Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white
marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for his queen
Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the
imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with
priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the
beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565
AD. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by Empress Nur Jehan, in
memory of her father, Ghias-id-Din Beg., it is considered a precursor of the
Taj Mahal.
Afternoon drive to Delhi airport for flight to onward destination.
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