Incredible Rajasthan

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Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Places Covered: Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra

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Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi
You will be picked up from your hotel and proceed for a full-day tour of Old & New Delhi. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 3 : Delhi - Mandawa
Morning: Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day visit Havelis in and around Mandawa. Overnight in Mandawa

Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

Day 4 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Morning: Drive to Bikaner (250 kms/ 5hrs) and on arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon: Guided visit to camel breeding farm. Overnight in Bikaner.

Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.

Day 5 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Early Morning: Drive to Jaisalmer (331 kms/06½ hrs) enroute visit the rat temple at Deshnoke. Evening: On arrival in Jaisalmer, check in at hotel.

The 600 year old Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok (30 kms) is dedicated to Karni Mata - an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Day 6 : Jaisalmer
Morning: Guided city tour of Jaisalmer. Afternoon: Enjoy a short camel safari in the Thar Desert). Evening: Attend the New Year Eve dinner. Overnight in Jaisalmer Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert life of men women cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the entire township within its ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways -Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite works of art. A camel safari through the interesting and remote desert villages of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The villages are very special, as different communities inhabit them.

Day 7 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After Breakfast drive to Jodhpur (308 kms/06½ hrs) and on arrival in Jodhpur, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Free to visit the bazaars. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 8 : Jodhpur
Morning: Guided city tour of Jodhpur. Afternoon: Jeep safari to the nearby Bishnoi villages. Overnight in Jodhpur At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. A high wall encompasses the city -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis" or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items etc., are of interest. he Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels with latticed windows These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Day 9 : Jodhpur-Udaipur
Morning: Drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Jain Temples at Ranakpur. and on arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities. Overnight in Udaipur

Day 10 : Udaipur
Morning tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari'. Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur : The city of Lakes, Located in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, the city of Udaipur is situated at a distance of about 405 km from the state capital Jaipur. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. The city is famous for its palaces, lake, museums, temples, and gardens and much more.

Day 11 : Udaipur - Deogarh
Drive to Deogarh and On arrival, check-in at Deogarh Mahal. It is an archtectural marvel. Visit the typical traditional village, lake, temple.

Day 12 : Deogarh - Jaipur
Morning: Drive to Jaipur and on arrival in Jaipur, assistance at check in.
Rest of the day free for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur

Day 13 : Jaipur
Morning: Guided excursion to Amer Fort with elephant ride. Afternoon: Guided city tour of Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues is picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. Morning Drive past by Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the Royal household in the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is situated.

Day 14 : Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive to Agra(221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. Taj Mahal One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders, who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India s finest; was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.