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Duration:
16 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur
- Jaisalmer - Osian - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive late night at New Delhi International airport.
On arrival the
guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Upon arrival at hotel the guests will be provided with the traditional
Indian welcome consisting of aarti-tikka and garlands with non-alcoholic
welcome drink.
Overnight at hotel
Day 02 :
Delhi
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
This
morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul
power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling
bazaars. Visit the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the
greatest mosque in India which was completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who
also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi.
A unique experience of taking 'cycle rickshaws' from
the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street,
experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west
from the Fort. Chandni Chowk - literally means "moonlit crossroads"
and an area which best represents the "super-oriental" - the
glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded bazaars,
twisting lanes, maze of small streets, strange aromas, the pungent odour
of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and "rickshaw-walas".
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
New Delhi -
drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by
Lutyens, including the India Gate &the Presidential Palace. Continue
onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of
the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab
Minar. Overnight at hotel
Day 03 : Delhi - Udaipur
In the morning the guests will be transferred to the Domestic airport for
Delhi / Udaipur flight ( 0610 / 0800 hrs. )
On arrival in Udaipur the
guests will be met and transferred to hotel Lake Palace.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Udaipur
City tour of Udaipur - the romantic Lake City in Southern Rajasthan,
famous for the stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake
Pichola. It was the former Palace of the Maharana and now converted to one
of the most glamorous hotels in India. The tour will cover the magnificent
City Palace, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around
the other nearby lakes.
The magnificent City Palace, which is
simply enormous - an assemblance of not one but four separate palaces
covering some four acres of area and exceeding all other palaces for
colossal grandeur. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and
ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies; and the
Peacock Courtyard.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 :
Udaipur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh
Morning drive to Kumbhalgarh
enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples
Visit the Ranakpur temples - the
most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded
valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here
are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the
main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated ot Adinath. The most
distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which
no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every
corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. The tour also includes
visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its
erotic sculptures.
Continue drive to Kumbhalgarh.
Upon arrival - check in at hotel
Afternoon visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort (alt 1,087 m) was the second
most important fort of the Mewar Kingdom after Chittaurgarh. Built mostly
by Maharana Kumba (11485), it is situated on the west facing ridge of the
Aravallis, commanding a great strategic position on the border between the
Rajput Kingdoms of Udaipur (Mewar) and Jodhpur (Marwar). It gives superb
views over the lower land to the North-west, standing over 200m above the
pass leading via Ghanerao towards Udaipur.
Overnight at hotel
Day 05 : Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur
After breakfast at the
hotel, drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur
City tour of
Jodhpur includes Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive &
formidable in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan is situated on a high
natural rock bluff and from which you can look down on the wonderful
panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal
Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel
Day 06 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer.
Upon arrival at Jaisalmer - check
into hotel. Afternoon drive out to the Sand dunes, enroute stopping to
visit several interesting villages and the way of life in one of the
largest desert in the world. Enjoy a Camel Safari in the thar desert and
over the massive sand dunes and witness sunset. It can be an unforgettable
experience.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for city tour of
Jaisalmer.
Visit this perfect Rajput walled desert city which is like a golden jewel shimmering
above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain temples and magnificent 
Havelis
which are quite different to the Shekhavati Havelis - they are very tall to
catch the breeze and thick - walled to keep cool, with jali screens. Instead
of paintings, their exterior walls have been carved to honeycomb delicacy. Visit
the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated and
carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade
Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer.
The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last of the great havelis
was built in the late 19th century.End the morning with a visit to Gadisar Lake
- the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal to this site.
Visit
the Fort - built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second
oldest fort of Rajasthan after Chittor. One fourth of the population lives
inside the Fort.
Afternoon, visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the
Rawals in Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best
place from which to watch the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph
the fort.
Overnight at hotel
Day 08 : Jaisalmer -
Osian
After breakfast drive to Osian - the ancient site of 8th C
Jain temples.
Osian - is an oasis in the desert, and a great centre
of Brahmanical and Jain religions. This luxurious tented camp nestles in
the most marvelous sand dunes of the great Thar Desert.
Late
afternoon, Camel safari through the great dunes to reach Khetasar, a "Bishnoi"
village for tea & coffee in a hut, near the oasis where all the
village women come to collect water.
An evening splendor with
the family of Maharaj Ratan Singh - camp-fire, folk musicians &
dancers followed by candle-lit dinner with liveried waiters under the
stars and in the romantic silence of the great desert dunes.
Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Osian - Pushkar
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar.
Pushkar - is famous for its
colourful annual fair during kartik poornima (full moon) in November each
year. At this time this otherwise peaceful and gentle village on the banks
of holy Pushkar lake is thrown into colourful confusion when the desert
tribes and camel caravans meet to trade cattle, camels, goat, sheep,
clothes, jewellery and spices beside the sacred Pushkar Lake and to
perform their rituals in its waters, to the accompaniment of temple &
folk music. Upto 200000 traders and 50000cattle pour into town, along with
numerous festoned camels and colourful pilgrims. After 10 hectic days of
livestock dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities, everybody goes
for a big holy dip in the lake on the night of the full moon. (Kartik
Purnima).
Upon arrival check-in at camp. The Swiss Camp
captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age of the Maharaja's Safari
and Shikar camps, combined with innovative design demonstrating many of
the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp consists of tents, each with
verandah, bedroom and bathroom. There is a large dining tent serving the
best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent with seating
areas. The campfire is the focal point for the evening entertainment
programme with cocktails & rhythms of the Thar-music, dancing,
magicians, puppet shows, jugglers, flaming torches & camel parades.
(Important note: As this is a religious and sacred place therefore no
non-vegetarian food or alcohol will be served .)
Day 10 :
Pushkar
Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun,
frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some wonderful photographic
opportunities and is a rare change to see Rajasthani women decked out in
all their traditional jewellery, dress and finery. Temple music wafts
through the night, as the fires die down and the Rajasthani melodies
played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close. On the night of the full
moon, the pilgrims bathe by moonlight, then send marigold and rose petals
floating across the lake on green plate-like leaves. It is worth getting
up early to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of
the dawn desert light.
Overnight in the camp.
Day 11 : Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival in Jaipur - check into hotel.
Afternoon city tour.
Tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set
within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses.
Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the
Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many
antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here,
including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace
of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the
vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar
before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day
12 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, tour of
the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City.
At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the
slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the
time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took
over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating
insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Afternoon
drive to Agra (265 kms / 6 hrs) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri - drive to the impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur
Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few
years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect
conditions.
Continue drive to Agra, upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Agra - Khajuraho
Early
morning visit the Taj Mahal to witness its changing colour at sunrise.
(Closed on Fridays)
Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of Empress
Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj
complex comprises a forecourt, a lofty entrance, a charming formal Mughal
garden with canals and a central tank with a series of fountains, the tomb
proper, and an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart
on the east. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportion and rich
pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The building,
often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least
22 years (1631-1653) to build.
Return to hotel for breakfast
After breakfast, visit the Red fort &
Sikandara
Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in
the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls
of red sandstone and a moat. ( Only for guests who are not taking the
extension to Khajuraho & Varanasi )
Sikandara - lies 8 kms north
of Agra, the site of the tomb of Akbar. The emperor's mausoleum lies
inside a huge garden. The slim minarets of the imposing gateway sprout
from a wealth of Moghul inlay work in stone. Each floor of the
four-storied mausoleum is a series of arcades, tapering to a marble
cloister, which seems to float on the top. Legend says that the pedestal
in the tomb chamber once supported the Kohinoor diamond.
Later
transfer to the airport for Agra / Khajuraho flight (----- / 1215 hrs. )
Upon arrival met and transferred to hotel.
Afternoon visit the
temples.
Visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu
and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of
the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular. Visit the
most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of
Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to
preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations
by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their
intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding
achievements of Indian art. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 :
Khajuraho - Varanasi
Morning at leisure at the hotel.
Later
transfer from hotel to the airport for Khajuraho / Varanasi flight ( 1345
/ 1425 hrs. )
Upon arrival straight proceed for sightseeing tour of
Sarnath temples Visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi - one of the
holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first
Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing
Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent
collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Note:
the museum is closed on Fridays.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
15 : Varanasi - Delhi
Early 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. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the
river Ganges. Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars. Walk through the
myriad of narrow lanes in the old city, past the many ancient temples,
shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous
silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. The
most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though
off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house
opposite it. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning tour of
Benaras - as it is also called, is one of the oldest cities of the world
and a microcosm of Indian life. Since it was also an ancient center of
learning, the Benaras Hindu Univesity is worth a visit as are the silver
and gold brocade shops, for which Benaras is world famous.
Afternoon
transfer from hotel to the airport for Varanasi / Delhi flight ( 1700 /
1915 hrs. )
Upon arrival in Delhi - transfer to hotel where rooms
will be provided for wash & change.
Dinner at the hotel
Thereafter transfer from hotel to the airport for flight back home.
Day
16 : Delhi - Abroad
Depart Delhi
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