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Royal & Rustic Rajasthan --» Rajasthan Tours --» Rajasthan Imperial Tour

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Rajasthan Imperial Tour

Day 1: 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.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi - Agra (By Road 200 Kms/5 hr)
Relax in the hotel. Proceed for Agra after a late breakfast.

Reach Agra in the evening.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Check in at hotel and overnight will be in Agra.

Day 3: Agra
Start sightseeing of Agra City after breakfast

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04: 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 its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Reach and check in at hotel.

JAIPUR: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

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. It is a 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.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at hotel.

PUSHKAR: Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon days.

Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Spend night at Pushkar.

Day 7: Pushkar - Kota (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
Enjoy two day safaris (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.

Start for KOTA after lunch.

Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.

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 will be at Kota.

Day 8: Kota - Bundi - Kota
Day excursion

Start for Bundi after breakfast.

36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In 1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan Nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

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.

Overnight will be in Kota.

Day 9: Kota - Chittaurgarh (By Road 150 km/3 hr)
Proceed to CHITTAURGARH after breakfast.

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.

Overnight will be 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 and spend night at Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur
Breakfast will be 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 the 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 will be at Udaipur.

Day 12: Udaipur - Mount Abu (By Road 180 km/4 hr)
Proceed to Mount Abu after breakfast.

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills. Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren dessert that's Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range, the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mt. Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds.

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more that just a summer retreat. It is a stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, going back 11th -13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. 'Abu' according to a legend, stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm. Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four Agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. The yagna was performed beside the natural springs situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.

A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow's head gives the shrine its name. The famous 'yagna' of Sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada - the mighty serpent, stands against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.

Relax in the evening or take a boat ride in Nakki Lake.

Overnight will be at Mount Abu.

Day 13: Mount Abu
Proceed for sightseeing of DILWARA TEMPLES.

These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century AD are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankaras. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah - a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras - Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat - belonging to the Porwal Jain community. With door casings, pillars, architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Relax in the evening or explore other places in Mount Abu. Overnight will be in Mount Abu.

Day 14: Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Rohetgarh (By Road 200 km/4 hr)
After breakfast drive to Ranakpur.

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.

Complete sightseeing and proceed to stay in a beautiful hotel - ROHETGARH.

Rohet is a fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle. Generations of valiant noble-men have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. The visitor of today experiences the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.

Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the NEEM tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within these times weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom - your Oasis in the arid land of Marwar.

Rohetgarh is a recognized Heritage Hotel. Rare among hotels it has remained a family home, where the members of the erstwhile ruling family welcome you personally as their honored guest. Its elegantly appointed rooms have their own individual character and furnishings. Rooms are air-conditioned and have attached bathrooms and modern facilities. The drawing room has ornately carved wooden ceiling, traditional lamps and old photographs. You are invited to relax in spacious balcony lounges decorated with historic trophies and artifacts.

There is a beautifully designed swimming pool with four charming pavilions at each corner where musicians perform in the evenings as dinner is served by the poolside. Often, folk dancers enliven the evenings with their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms.

Over night will be at Rohetgarh.

Day 15: Rohetgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 40 km/1 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed in the morning after sightseeing of the villages 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 will be at Jodhpur.

Day 16: Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Morning 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.

Afternoon 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.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 17: Jodhpur - Osiyan - Jaisalmer (300 km / 6 hr)
Proceed to OSIYAN after breakfast.

Osiyan was a religious and trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sixteen Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period are located here. Dominated by the Jains during this period, the town has special significance for Jains because it is associated with the origin of the Oswal Jain community of merchants who became very wealthy through trade. This wealth enabled them to build the beautiful temples. Built from local sandstone, the buildings have withstood time and are in excellent condition.

Reach and complete sightseeing of the temples.

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 will be at Jaisalmer.

Day 18: 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 a short CAMEL RIDE visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.

Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.

Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 19: Jaisalmer
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Spend the day taking excursion to LODURVA VILLAGE "Lost Village in the sand" and in the evening spend time at the fort. This will be a beautiful experience.

Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.

Day 20: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed to Bikaner. 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 will be at Bikaner.

Day 21: Bikaner
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.

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.

Overnight will be in Bikaner.

Day 22: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
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. This was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room 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. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.

Day 23: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be 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.

Leave for Delhi after lunch and reach by evening. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 24: Delhi
Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.

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.

Enjoy the 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 will be at Delhi.

Day 25: Delhi - Home
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Day will be 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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