Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour
Duration : 16 Nights - 17 Days
Places to Visit : Delhi - Shekhawati - Khimsar - Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Around
Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main
gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred
to your Hotel. Day 02 : Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Riksha Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes also the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of old Delhi.Today We also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Kutab Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199.Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03 : Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 km)
In the morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Shekhawati region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the late evening.
Day 04 : Shekhawati - Khimsar (about 275 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. Shekhawati is a region of NE of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India, they developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the
coast
between India and Central Asia. Marwaris enjoyed protections by Maharajas and
many of them built grand havellis.The hovels are mansions, elaborately and attractively
decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals,
local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology.In the after noon we
arrive at Khimsar. Khimsar is famous for its Fort of 18th century which is now
one of the best hotel in the country. This fort is well preserved like a royal
manor and is spread over eleven acres of sprawaling lawns, orchard & open
courtyard. After the check in and evening tea we proceed for a jeep safari in
the dessert to Black Buck reserve. Day 05 : Khimsar - Bikaner (about 155 km)
After the breakfast we proceed to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 06 : Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer via Osian.Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD.Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running chinkara are the most common among them.We have a stop enroute at a village to observe the traditional life of the villages in Rajasthan.We arrive in Jaisalmer in the late evening.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mensions).In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. Some of the visitors called this city "a living museum".We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km. Away from Jaisalmer to sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early
morning drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state
of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan.
Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city
are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which
has 101 bastions and seven gates.Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujrat
trading route and the marwaris benefited from the passing traffic of opium,
copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort(majestic
fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India
with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also
visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble.After the sightseeing
we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur. Day 09 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit Ranakpur.Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century.We have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a
break
we proceed to city palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations
of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated
with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not
conceived as a whole.The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock
mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity
to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings
done.In the evening we have a Boatride on the lake Pichola.The famous Lake Palace
of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film
Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in the west. Day 11: Udaipur - Deogarh (about 200 km)
Today we take leave from the city of sunrise and drive to Deogarh. In Deogarh we enjoy the overnight stay in a Maharaja Palace which has been converted into a Hotel. We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to relax and have a walk in the Bazaar of this small town.
Day 12 : Deogarh - Jaipur (about 280 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City Jaipur, this city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.After a break in Jaipur we visit the city palace in the afternoon which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Mahrajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. It’s complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 13 : Jaipur
After
breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from
Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries
before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress
on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having
its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to
watch processions below without being seen.In the afternoon we have a walk through
the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing
work being done since centuries in Jaipur.In the evening we drive through the
new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple
made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer
ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 14 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply.Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15 : Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shahjahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque.After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an
enduring
monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth
to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive
memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine
marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the
families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal. Day 16 : Agra - Delhi (about 200 km)
Late morning, after having our Breakfast we take leave from the city of sunrise and Fly to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon.The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 17 : Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.