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Day 01. Delhi
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital
Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by our
representative & transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take
a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat",
the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Masjid and the great
mosque of old Delhi. Today We also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which
is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. 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 - Agra (about 180 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 Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Day 04. Agra
We start today ou r
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, Shah Jahan 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 05. Agra - Bhandarej (about 175 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns and
villages in direction of Bhandarej. 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 at the palace Hotel of Bhandarej
which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. The Bhandarej
palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted verandahs
and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its temples and
historical sites has a history which dates back to 11th century. Rest of
the day at leisure. At the dinner time local dances will be performed in
the palace.
Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast
 we
leave for the world famous Ranthambore National Park. After a break &
refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the park on a
Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the
Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains
the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about 135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep
Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we
leave for Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile
Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city fort and palace,
this type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be found in
the state of Rajasthan.
Day 08. Kota - Bundi (about 38 km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most
famous for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On
the top of the hill is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting
fort is worth exploring for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which
are annually emptied flooding the streets leading down to the city.
After the whole day excursion we return to Kota in the evening.
Day 09. Kota - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh.
 The
Fort of Chittorgarh is indomitable pride of Chittorgarh. The fort is
massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century A.D. Perched
on a height of 180m hill it sprawls over 700 acres. This fortified
settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar",
where 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. Overnight stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about 120 km)
Today we drive to 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. In the evening we enjoy a
Boat ride 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
Today we vi sit
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.
Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the
most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient
religious town. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making
Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become
famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the
month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a
spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the
holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take
place here where farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell. (if
this tour takes place during the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2
nights stay in Pushkar instead of one and therefore the duration of this
Tour will be extended for one more day making it 17 days tour.)
Day 13. Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
 Today
we leave the holy city of Pushkar and 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
Maharajas. 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 14. 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 colorful 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 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
In the morning, after having our Breakfast we drive 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 16. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination |
