Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Forts
Duration: 18 Nights / 19 Days
Places Covered:: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra
- Jaipur - Chhatrasagar - Deogarh - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
- Delhi
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting and assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel. Check-in time is 12 Noon. Overnight at the hotel
Day 02 - Delhi - Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi New Delhi visit includes
Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD
) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India
Gata, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers, drives past
Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple
and The Connaught Place. 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 03: Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour. Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in
the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities
of Hindus. It was a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to
Sarnath to preach his first sermon. A city of great wealth and religious importance
when the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Visit
the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple,
Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University. The land of Varanasi
(Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred
to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines
by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition,
older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain
salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva
and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is
believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Day 04: Varanasi - Khajuraho
In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river
Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of
the world's oldest and most important religions. Transfer to airport for flight
to Khajuraho. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Visit the WESTERN
SET OF TEMPLES. Overnight will be at Khajuraho. Khajuraho, once the great Chandela
capital, is today a village of about a few thousand people in the interiors
of central India, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records
the existence of eighty five temples, of which only twenty five, strewn amidst
lakes and fields, have survived. The temples at Khajuraho, brilliant examples
of medieval Indian architecture, were built under later Chandela kings between
AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure in India has a fascinating story
to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.
Day 05: Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a full day tour of the EXOTIC TEMPLES
(EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho. Relax in the evening or proceed to
the SHILPA GRAM for seeing the local artisans at work. You can also see the
colorful DANCES show. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06: Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior
Proceed by surface to ORCHHA. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 07: Gwalior - Agra
Proceed for sight-seeing after breakfast. Visit the historic Gurjari Mahal,
Man Mandir Palace, Sas Bahu ka Mandir, Royal Palace, the Suraj Kund in the fort
and also the Scindia Palace and cenotaphs. Proceed to Agra after lunch. Reach
Agra and relax. Visit TAJ MAHAL at sunset. Overnight will be at Agra. 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.
Day 08: Agra
Proceed for sight-seeing of the city after breakfast. First, proceed to TAJ
MAHAL which is just walking distance from the hotel. Visit TAJ MAHAL at sunset.
Overnight will be at Agra. 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 09: Agra - Jaipur
Proceed for Jaipur after breakfast. Overnight will be in 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 shops and 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 10: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken
to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
Shopping and relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 11: Jaipur - Chhatrasagar
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to NIMAJ. Overnight will be at the camp.
Day 12: Chhatrasagar - Deogarh - Udaipur
Proceed to DEOGARH after a leisurely breakfast. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Overnight will be 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 14: Udaipur - Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur. Overnight will be 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 15: Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Day 16: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Proceed for Jaisalmer. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be 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 17: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sight-seeing 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. Stay overnight at the TENTED
CAMP.
Day 18: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the camp. Start for Jodhpur and reach by evening. Relax
in the evening.
Day 19: Jodhpur - Delhi
Breakfast will be in the hotel. Proceed to the airport to take the flight
to Delhi. Reach and check in at a hotel for the day. Enjoy the day in the
hotel relaxing or do some last minute shopping. Late evening check out as
per flight timing and proceed to the airport for flight home.
