We only have words of gratitude for the excellent arrangements you made for our first trip to India which have left us with lots of enthusiasm to come back and look forward for your kind collaboration. Emilia Ruiz - Colombia
On arrival at Delhi Airport you will be met & transferred to hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 – Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Old Delhi (Shahajahanabad), which includes the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk & Jama Masjid along with other attractions. Later after lunch drive past through impressive boulevards and buildings such as President’s Residence and others in Lutyen’s Delhi (New Delhi). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3 – Delhi – Samode
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Samode. Samode Palace - The Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history. An evening at Samode is a magical experience of former princely India and part of an ongoing tradition. Samode Bagh or walled garden in a sprawling 10 acres was an oasis set among the dry rugged expanses of an ochre desert. Today it rediscovers some of its lost splendour of a garden paradise. Shrubs of Lemon, Orange, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Jasmine Lantana and a beautiful array of flowering & shade trees have been meticulously planted. Surviving the years, a majestic central pavilion containing a "bath" stands silently surrounded by "baradaris' or small open pavilions, sparkling fountains & mughal water channels.On arrival in Samode check in at hotel.Later in the afternoon move out to exploring the village of Samode through its narrow alleys and streets. Wandering through the village streets will give you a wonderful insight to an unchanged Rajasthan. Pass through and stop to visit typical Rajasthani villages called "Dhanis" and get to meet and interact with local farmers and village folk. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 – Samode - Nawalgarh
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors. Proceed for sightseeing of Amber Fort which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kachhawa 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. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.Later straight drive to Nawalgarh , better known as the "realm of frescos," Nawalgarh was founded in the beginning of 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior-statesman. The city boasts of some of the finest frescoes in Shekhawati region. Nawalgarh is rightly referred to as the Open Air Gallery. There is art all around. Nawalgarh is renowned all over the world for its exquisitely painted havelis that are beautifully designed and carved. The havelis are the mansions that boast of the beautifully carved wooden gates and the painted walls. The ornate iron and brass fittings revealed the affluence of the owner of the haveli. The marvelous murals have been painted on both the sides of the walls. The paintings were further decorated with small pieces of mirror, gold and silver leaves. The religious nature of the people is revealed in the paintings that revolve around the themes for the life and times of Lord Krishna. In fact there are a range of topics that get covered on the walls of the havelis at Nawalgarh. On arrival in Nawalgarh check in at hotel .Evening visit local streets & explore Mansions. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 – Nawalgarh – Mandawa
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Mandawa in the heart of the semi desert shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich & dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls & now aptly given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery. With the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm & aura of a bygone era & coming here is like stepping into a different world.On arrival in Mandawa check in at hotel.Evening free to move around local streets of village & see the traditional life of village.Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 – Mandawa – Bikaner
After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Mandawa.Today we visit Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses many beautiful paintings & frescoes that dazzle the eyes & now been converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants & camels on its façade. Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its façade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the Wright Brothers' plane.
Further continue drive to Bikaner , on the northern tip of the desert triangle stands the royal city of “Bikaner “. The genesis of this desert town dates back to 1486 A.D., when Rao Jodha’s eldest son, Rao Bika set out of his father’s kingdom to conquer a separate kingdom for himself. 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. Unlike most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences are minimal here and the traditional life style endures in the old city surrounded by a high crenellated wall. The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival.On arrival in Bikaner check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 – Bikaner – Jaisalmer
After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Bikaner.Today we visit the “Junagarh Fort”, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples & Pavilions, which are richly decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders).
Further straight drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.On arrival in Jaisalmer check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 – Jaisalmer
After breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Jaisalmer.The tour begins from “The Jaisalmer Fort”, built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the fort crowns 80 meter high on the Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars with in the fort walls, which has 99 bastions around the circumference. Also visit the “Havelis”, wealthy merchants built these exquisite havelis with profusely – carved stone facades. The famous ones are the Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Other attractions include Ganga Sagar Tank and Museum, once the water supply of city, housing many small temples and shrines. A wide variety of water birds flock here in winter.
Later in the afternoon drive to Sam 40 Kms. From Jaisalmer.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 at hotel.
Day 9 – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Jodhpur. Bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.On arrival in Jodhpur check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Jodhpur – Ghanerao
After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Jodhpur.Today we visit The Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Later in the afternoon straight drive to Ghanerao. Ghanerao, formerly known as Ganora, was founded in 1606 by Gopal Das Rathore, a brave Rajput warrior from the Mertia clan. It is a small town but located strategically at the entrance of one of the few passes in the Aravallis, that connects the two major cities, Jodhpur and Udaipur. This tiny village thus formed a link between the territories held by the two traditional strongholds of Rajasthan, Mewar and Marwar, and featured often in the history of both these two erstwhile princely states. On arrival in Ghanerao check in at hotel.Evening free to move around to vist the Castle , local streets of village & see traditional cluture.Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 – Ghanerao – Ranakpur
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Kumbhalgarh. Kumbhalgarh is the second most important bastion in the Mewar region, after Chittorgarh. Where it now stands, was once the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the 2nd century AD. That citadel belonged to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. Rana Kumbha founded the fort of Kumbhalgarh in the 15th century. Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, India is one of the few forts in India that remain unconquered till date. One of the reasons behind this is the inaccessibility and hostile topography of the fort. Maharana Fateh Singh got the fort renovated in the 19th century.Visit The Kumbhalgarh Fort & later straight drive to Ranakpur. Renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in amber stone ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the jain community, 96km from Udaipur, these temples were created in the 15th century A.D. during the regin of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central chaumukha or four faced temple is dedicated to the venerated trithankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides it enshrines the four faced image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq.feet the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars-all distinctly carved.On arrival in Ranakpur check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Ranakpur – Udaipur
After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Ranakpur Jain Temples.Later straight drive to Udaipur. This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”.On arrival in Udaipur check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 – Udaipur
After a leisurely breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Udaipur. Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum.
Later in the evening enjoy boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. 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. You can also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – which is a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 – Udaipur – Deogarh
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Deogarh. Deogarh Mahal , an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests. Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar such feudal estates, called 'thikanas' were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery.On arrival in Deogarh check in at hotel.Later in the afternoon visit Deogarh Mahal & Fort .Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 – Deogarh – Kanota
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Kanota enroute stop at Jaipur for lunch.Later straight drive to Kanota.Royal Castle Kanota Established on the outskirts of the pink city Jaipur, Kanota is in limelight for its splendid architectural heritage. Flock to this place to see the classy castle which is famous for its beauty and luxury. Spend some relaxing moments in the peaceful ambiance of the gardens of the castle.Sprawling over an area of 8 acres, the castle was built in 1872. Now it has been transformed into a Heritage Hotel welcoming the guests with a warm smile.On arrival in Kanota check in at hotel.Later in the evening vist village & nearby temples.Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 – Kanota – Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikiri
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shekh Salim Chishti.
Further continue drive to Agra , The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - “The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City.
On arrival in Agra check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 – Agra
Early morning visit 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. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Later come back to the hotel & after breakfast check out from hotel & continue tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613. Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. Further straight drive to Delhi.On arrival in Delhi you will be met & transfer to Delhi International Airport to connect flight for your onward destination.
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