Royal Palaces of Rajasthan
Places to Visit: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota
- Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
- Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Duration: 20 Nights/21 Days
Day
01: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road 250 Kms/6 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra in the afternoon.
Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 03: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built
that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience.
It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition
... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the
days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in
the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 04: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture,
the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It
houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR
MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting
of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a
prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered
pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has
953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 07: Ranthambhore
Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel. Start for KOTA.
Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river close to
the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the RAO
MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR
- in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota.
You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 09: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi.
Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelous
white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the palace. Built
in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent
edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb
Bundi murals.
CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals. Elaborate
colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila'
-- the Radha-Krishna story.
SUKH MAHAL is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush
surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run
from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Proceed to CHITTAURGARH.
THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR - The pride and glory of Rajasthan, CHITTAUR
echoes with the tales of romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. This
is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful
palaces and spectacular CHATTRIS. This fortified settlement has been ravaged
thrice and each time the outcome was 'JAUHAR' -when women and children immolated
themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom
rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
After
visiting the FORT proceed to stay at the BIJAIPUR CASTLE SUITE.
Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day 10: Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Start for Udaipur after breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and
beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing
sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 11: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local
folk Museum.
Proceed
for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he
boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above
the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace
- the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the
Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100 km/2 hr)
After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars,
none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate
friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple
of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the
formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory.
Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea level, the fort
was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates
and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers
strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day 13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4 hr)
Proceed
in the morning after a leisurely breakfast and reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight at
Jodhpur.
Day 14: Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the
rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable
moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of
the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built
on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this
palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After
this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
Proceed
for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of
Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome
splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord
Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent
of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy
was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and
a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,
perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 16: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also
visit Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani
Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return
to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Breakfast
at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
Check in at hotel.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north
of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains
the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding
camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are
the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other
attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 18: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao
Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert
town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed
between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army.
The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.
Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A
breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa.
Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes
can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani,
Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. 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. The courtyard and the terrace come
to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season.
A two hundred and forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family
into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 19: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast at hotel.
Take
a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families
of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy
to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan
Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special
interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Leave for Delhi.
Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 20: Delhi
Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat
- the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest
mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of
the Moghul Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit
to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue
- Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence
and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 21: Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last minute shopping.
Proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening at 1800 hr after checking
out of the hotel. After the show you will have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching
the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India
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