Customise Your Holidays
Royal Rajasthan
Posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 by shipra Leave a Comment
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Itinerary
Delhi / Mandawa / Bikaner/ Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Udaipur / Pushkar / Jaipur / Agra / Delhi
Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of modern India. On arrival, you are received and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free you to relax. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Embark on a sightseeing tour Old Delhi in the morning covering Jama Mosque, the Red Fort and Mahatma Gandhis memorial Raj Ghat. In the afternoon, set off on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi covering Safdarjang’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi / Mandawa
In the morning, you drive from Delhi to Mandawa (280 kms/6 hours). Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon visit Mandawa, an 18th century town that houses some of the finest painted havelis in the region and a fort that dates back to 1760. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, built in 1870, is one of the finest in the region and has some of superb murals. Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 4: Mandawa / Bikaner
This morning, you drive from Mandawa to Bikaner (190 kms/5 hours). The genesis of the desert town of Bikaner dates back to Rao Bikas conquest in 1486 AD. Once a major center of trade in the 16th century situated on the ancient silk route, today Bikaner has retained much of its medieval aura. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Set off on an afternoon tour visiting the 16th century magnificent Junagarh Fort. Other places of interest include the famous camel breeding farm just outside the town (closed on Sunday). Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner / Jaisalmer
This morning you drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 kms/7 hours). Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia. The city rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome fort on the hill, built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Wander through its lanes and discover “havelis” with delicately carved stone facades. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
The day is earmarked for a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Begin at the Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, atop the Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within the fort walls. Also visit the havelis which are palatial homes with carved stone facades and owned by wealthy merchants. Other attractions include Ganga Sagar Tank and Museum, housing many small temples and shrines. In the afternoon, visit the Sam Sand Dunes. Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Post breakfast drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308 kms/6 hours). Jodhpur, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, was the capital of the state of Marwar during the rule of the Rathor clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert, it is strewn with 15th century forts and palaces that stand testimony to the history of this princely state. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Proceed on a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur beginning with the formidable hilltop Mehrangarh Fort. A series of gates named Jayapol, Fatepol, Lahapol etc. lead into the Fort. Visit the palaces located inside the fort – Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace, Sukh Mahal or Pleasure Palace and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace. Continue the tour to visit the Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 9 Jodhpur / Udaipur
Morning drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur (259 kms/6 hours). En route visit the intricately sculptured Jain Temples in Ranakpur that date back to the 15th century. Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, none of which are alike. Continue your drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check in to your hotel. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur
Set off on a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the elegant city of Udaipur is called the Venice of the East. Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace with its mirrored walls, ivory doors, colored glass windows, inlaid marble balconies and peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum. In the evening, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace, a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 11: Udaipur / Pushkar
Drive from Udaipur to Pushkar (280 kms/6 hours) en route visiting the fort of Chittorgarh.
Upon arrival in Udaipur, check in to your hotel. Visit the Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake and the local bazaars in the afternoon. Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 12: Pushkar / Jaipur
This morning you drive from Pushkar to Jaipur (150 kms/4 hours). Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is a picturesque city in a symphony of pink. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur
Proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the Palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. In the afternoon, proceed for a city tour visiting the unique stone observatory Jantar Mantar, the opulent City Palace with its musuems, and driving past the Hawa Mahal. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 14: Jaipur / Agra
Drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16th century red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar. Here you visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory) – the tallest gateway in the world, and the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint Shaik Salim Chishti. Continue your drive to Agra, the 16th and 17th century capital of the Mughal empire. Upon arrival check in to you hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Day 15: Agra / Delhi
Embark on a city tour to experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays), an extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, an original red sandstone fort built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort’s maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. In the afternoon, you drive from Agra to Delhi airport (203 kms/4.5 hours) in time to board a flight tour your onward destination.
Rates are available on request
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