Rajasthan Imperial Tour

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Duration: 23 Nights / 24 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Delhi.

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Day 01: Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, you would be met by our representative and given assistance for transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities. Overnight in 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 02: Delhi - Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Drive to Jaipur and on arrival a warm welcome at hotel, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for your leisure.

Day 03: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Proceed to JAIGARH FORT. Return to city. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.

Day 04: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for morning sightseeing of Jaipur covering the important palaces and monuments. Shopping in the city. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur - 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 06: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 07: Bikaner - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach and check in at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Overnight at 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 08: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at 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 09: 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. See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 10: Jaisalmer - Breakfast at hotel.
Day will be free to explore the culture of this unique city. Return to the village to drive back to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani dinner served in the village amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 11: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping. Overnight at 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 12: 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. Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 13: Jodhpur - Mt Abu
Proceed to Mt Abu after breakfast. Reach Mt. Abu. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit the temples and the museum in the afternoon. Overnight at Mount Abu.
Mount Abu
The Verdant Oasis. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among the rocks on a 1,220-m granite table mountain at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva's bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a pleasant hill resort,
Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, romantic royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone Rajputana and some relics of the Raj period. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.

Day 14: Mt. Abu - Breakfast at hotel.
Day will be at Mt Abu. Visit the Dilwara Temples during the day. The architecture of these temples is very interesting and famous. Relax during the evening. Overnight at Mount Abu.

Day 15: Mount Abu - Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.

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 16: Udaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for day 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. Relax or shopping in the afternoon. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 17: Udaipur - Chittaurgarh
After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh. Overnight at Chittaurgarh.
Chittorgarh: The pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'. 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.

Day 18: Chittaurgarh - Kota
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Kota in Western Rajasthan. Reach and check in at hotel. Relax for the day. Overnight at Kota.

Kota: The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
Kota History

Day 19: Kota - Breakfast at hotel.
Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal, was build in the early nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are tastefully done up with antique furniture. An intresting feature of the palace is the fact that almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river providing an arrresting view of the mighty river. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Kota.

Day 20: Kota - Sawai Madhopur
Proceed to Sawai Madhopur after a relaxing breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel. Relax for the day. Overnight at resort. Ranthambore National Park is in Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan state.Located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, this is one of the finest places to view animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here.The park covers an area of Approximately 400 sq Km and if combined it with the area of sawai man singh sanctuary area,it is around 500 Sq km.
Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger". It got it's status of a National Park in 1981.

Day 21: Sawai Madhopur - Breakfast at hotel.
Game drives can be availed through the day as per annexure given at the end of the itinerary. Overnight at resort.

Day 22: Sawai Madhopur - Agra
Early Morning: Assistance and transfer to Sawai Madhopur train station in time to board Shatabdi Express at 0705 hrs to Bharatpur. On arrival in Bharatpur station at 0922 hrs, assistance at train station and drive to Agra (60 kms/02 hrs) and on arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day guided visit to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-daula. Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. The Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on Fridays] Visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.

Day 23: Agra - Delhi
Morning: Guided excursion to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Afternoon: Check out of hotel and drive back to Delhi (204 kms/05 hrs) and on arrival, check in at hotel. Evening: Farewell dinner at an Indian specialty restaurant. Overnight in Delhi

Fatehpur Sikri - This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone; with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vastcourtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai's Palace, Mariam's Palace, Birbal's Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Day 24: Delhi - Home - Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for day tour of Old & New Delhi. Transfer to airport or station in time for flight or train or leave by surface for the next destination