Home
» Luxury Vacation
Packages » Exotic
Rajasthan Tour
Exotic Rajasthan Tour
Duration: 17 DAYS
Destination: Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Ranthambhor - jaipur - Deogarh
- Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Company
representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax. DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires
is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the
present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient
land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. Overnight will be in
Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
Breakfast will be at Delhi. After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing
tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit
to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort
continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest
mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built
during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour
continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed
from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and
the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy
the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven
to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division
between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British
and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi
also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition
where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours
and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best
of 21st century standards. Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar,
the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the
imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan,
the President's residence. In the evening you will proceed for the DANCES
OF INDIA SHOW. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
By Road
Proceed for Agra in the morning after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel.
AGRA:
Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor
to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Proceed for sightseeing of the
MOGHUL CITY. TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural
wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit
to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his
beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed
and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from
its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted
particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some
of the best inlay work ever seen. Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT
- Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly
of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque,
which is a major tourist attraction. Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress
NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj). Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Bharatpur
By Road
Breakfast
will be at the hotel. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone
City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th
century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and
its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine
what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also
visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Drive till Bharatpur
and take train to Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction
of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical
richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract
of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune
with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Most of the
resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky
gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where
the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas
in the north. Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom
in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger
sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However,
even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting. Reach and in the
evening retire early. Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 05 : Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park.
Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort
/ lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast. Freshen up and either spend
time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to
the temple on top of the fort. In the afternoon have lunch and then leave
again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800
hr and then return to the resort / lodge. Dinner will be at the resort and
retire early for the night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 06 : Ranthambhore - Jaipur
By Road
Enjoy
the morning safari at the park. Drive to jaipur after breakfast and reach
by afternoon. Check in at hotel and have lunch. Jaipur is the capital of
the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses
and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly
unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and
fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many
of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it
was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed
a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj
that followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from
its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja
by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter',
suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than
just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original
plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in
honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert. This evening, visit the Birla
Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The
marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including
one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy
robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple
and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu
pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi.
Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps
being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience
and spend night at Jaipur. Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 07 : Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the
outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city. CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal
and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh
of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev
Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the
five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still
in use.
HAWA
MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is
a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies.
The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the
Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Overnight will be at
Jaipur.
Day 08 : Jaipur - Deogarh
By Road
In the morning drive to Deogarh after breakfast through the heart of Rajasthan.
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. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature
painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present
Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls.
The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal
- the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them. Deogarh Mahal is 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 old 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 Mahal was converted into a
hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part
of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated
with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The
care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark
of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Enjoy your day walking the town and
meeting the villagers. Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.
Day 09 : Deogarh - Udaipur
By Road
Breakfast will be at the palace. Proceed for sightseeing of the place around
the town.
ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV: It is an extraordinary cave temple believed
to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island in the
Raghosagar Lake. GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace situated over a hillock
is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around Raghosagar
Lake, the palace is around 200 years old. Enjoy a toy train ride and drive
to Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely
land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS.
A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating
blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination
of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes,
temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of
a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid
waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR
-a kingdom ruled by the SISODIA dynasty for 1200 Years. Relax in the evening
and spend night at Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Breakfast
will be at hotel. Proceed for 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. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple
and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the
placid waters of Lake Pichola. 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. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island
palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur - Jodhpur
By Road
Start for Jodhpur after breakfast. En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating
back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its
29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes
visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic
sculptures. Continue drive to Jodhpur and reach by evening. Set at the edge
of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity
in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was
founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed
to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th
century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts.
Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall - 10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 12 : Jodhpur
Breakfast
will be at hotel. Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert
beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising
up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city
in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces
added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature
paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Relax at the beautiful PALACE HOTEL and overnight will be at the palace.
Day 13 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
By Road
Proceed for Jaisalmer after breakfast. Rising from the heart of the Thar
Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort
etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating
the amber-hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated with
it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold
Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom
atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal
Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his
fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta
Hill. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 14 : 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. The city is a mass
of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the
JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight
of the tour) See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi
Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill. Enjoy a short camel ride (optional if
you want) at sunset and then check in at your deluxe tented camp in the desert.
View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village
for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Return back
to the hotel and overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 15 : Jaisalmer - Bikaner
By Road
Breakfast
will be at the hotel and then start for Bikaner. Check in at hotel. BIKANER
- The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of
the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains
the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly
called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels
in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels
are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water
are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with
slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed
even from a distance. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 16 : Bikaner - Mandawa
By Road
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast. Rao Bikaji, a descendant
of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North
of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588
and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.
The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the
KARNI MATA TEMPLE. Proceed for Mandawa. The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually
rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can
be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms
with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum
at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and
Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant
of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now
a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection
of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace
come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during
the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been
converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 17 : Mandawa - Delhi
By Road
Breakfast will be at hotel. Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of
some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer
live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani
Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf
Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part
of the day looking into frescoes. Reach by evening and proceed for FAREWELL
DINNER and freshening up. Drive to the airport for flight home with sweet
memories of India. TOUR ENDS THE TOUR INCLUDES:
SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
AIR-CONDITIONED CAR AT DISPOSAL WITH DRIVER,
ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE / ESCORT FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
DANCES OF INDIA SHOW IN DELHI,
PRIVATE BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR,
ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR,
TIGER SAFARIS IN JEEPS AT RANTHAMBHORE,
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES,
FOREST GUIDE CUM TIGER TRACKER FOR ALL SAFARIS,
AIR-CONDITIONED FIRST CLASS TRAIN TRAVEL WHERE APPLICABLE,
ASSISTANCE AT THE STATIONS WHERE APPLICABLE,
24 HOUR MOBILE PHONE CONTACT WITH TOUR MANAGER,
PERSONAL CAMELS FOR THE SHORT CAMEL RIDE & DINNER AT SAND DUNES AND
ALL PARKING, ROAD TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES
HOTELS :
| City |
Deluxe Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
Claridges / Nikko |
Imperial / The Oberoi |
02 |
| Agra |
Taj View |
Amarvilas |
01 |
| Ranthambhore |
Taj SM Lodge |
Vanyavilas |
02 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rambagh Palace / Rajvilas |
02 |
| Deogarh |
Deogarh Mahal |
Deogarh Mahal |
01 |
| Udaipur |
Fateh Prakash Palace |
Lake Palace |
02 |
| Jodhpur |
Ajit Bhawan Palace |
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace |
02 |
| Jaisalmer |
Taj Rawalkot |
Fort Rajwada |
02 |
| Bikaner |
Bhanwar Niwas |
Laxmi Niwas Palace |
01 |
| Mandawa |
Mandawa castle |
Mandawa Castle |
01 |
Exotic Rajasthan Tour Reservation Form
Copyright
© Luxury Vacations
India. All Rights Reserved 
»
»