EXTENSIVE RAJASTHAN TOUR
EIT-13
Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day-01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International flight.
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
You will be met on your arrival by the representative of Exotique Expeditions with fresh flower garlands. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day-02 IN DELHI
This morning you will be given the city tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi
Visit the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and 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 'rickshaw ride' 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" and the clatter and whirr of furious industry.
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 the hotel
Day-03 Delhi - Mandawa (250 Kms / 156 Miles)
Morning drive to Mandawa.
Mandawa. Spread over Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu districts in north western Rajasthan, Shekhawati region is known for its beautifully painted havelis (merchant's houses), found in nearly 20 towns and villages. Mandawa is one of them. Besides the cenotaphs, wells, forts and temples, the majority of frescoes are painted on the walls and gateways of havelis. The Shekhawati paintings mainly consisted of red, green, yellow, brown, blue and mushroom colours. Mandawa was founded in the early 18 th century, and is dominated by a rugged fort (now a hotel).
Arrive Mandawa and check - in at hotel. You can take a walking tour of the painted havelis in this region belonging to some of the leading business families.
Day-04 Mandawa - Bikaner (200 Kms / 125 Miles)
Morning drive to Bikaner.
Bikaner was a bustling trade centre in the yesteryears and figured on the caravan routes from Africa to Asia. The walled city of Bikaner stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. It is situated on elevated ground, surrounded by a 7km long embattled high wall. Monuments here are chisled out of red and yellow sandstone and display some of the finest characteristics of the Rajput civilisation. Bikaner boasts a spectacular fort and an old city dotted with havelis, and colurful bazaars.
On arrival check in at athe hotel. Afternoon you would be taking the city tour of Bikaner.
Day-05 Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 Kms / 208 Miles)
Morning drive to Jaisalmer.
The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. One of the main attractions is the imposing 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.
On arrival check in at the hotel.
Day-06 Jaislamer
Full day 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. Also 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. Later visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawalsin Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best place to witness the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph the fort.
Day-07 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 Kms / 182Miles)
Morning drive to Jodhpur.
The city has a history of battles and royalty as is highly evident by the huge Meherangarh fort overlooking the city. There are some old monuments to see here and you can make a stop before heading to other places in Rajasthan. Did you know that the famous baggy/tight riding trousers called Jodhpuris take their name from this city? The city which stands at the edge of the Thar desert, was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as Rathores in 1459.
On arrival transfer to Jodhpur. Afternoon city tour visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Museum (Umaid Bhawan Palace). Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day-08 Jodhpur - Luni (34 Kms / 22 Miles)
This morning you will leave by Jeeps for Luni.
Luni The village nestles in the shadow of the fort Chanwa walls. At night all is quiet in Luni village and the fort, with its huge gates and protective walls stands proud and strong under the spectacular canopy of stars. Peace spreads out across the desert past the near by Luni river bed and to the city of Jodhpur 34 kms away.
Today is an exiting day and you will be given Jeep Safari to various villages around Jodhpur. Village Safari offers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural essence of Rural India, Abundant wild life and memorable moments of Great desert landscape will fascinate you as you jeep your way through the countryside. The Village safari is a glimpse of Rural Marwar in its authenticity. Guests interact with the various communities living in the area, share and understand their world. You will visit following villages.
1) BISHNOIS VILLAGE ---
Bishnois are the protectors of nature for 05 centuries and arguably the worlds first ecologists. Bishnois are responsible for the survival of species such as Black Buck, Antelopes etc.
2) SHEPHERDS VILLAGE --
The semi-Nomadic Raika Shepherds of Marwar whose brilliant crimson and marigold custumes would make modern designers inferior.
3) POTTERS VILLAGE --
Live demonstration of Pot making, Flasks, other small items are demonstrated in this village. The living style is also highlighted and the group members will really get a good idea about the way the potters live.
4) WEAVERS VILLAGE --
Weavers addexciting colours to the safari with the live demonstration of weaving durries. You can not only see the way these people make these durries, you will also have an opportunity to buy some of them at a price lower than the normal shop.
Arrive Luni and check in at hotel Fort Luni.
Day-09 Luni - Udaipur (250 Kms / 156 Miles)
Morning leave for Udaipur. En route visit Ranakpur.
RANAKPUR
Cradled in a verdant valley in the valley in the Aravalli Hills, on the banks of the river Maghai, stands one of the five holiest places of the Jain faith, 15th century Ranakpur. Just 96 km from Udaipur, Ranakpur is renowned for its magnificent temples of dazzling white marble. The four-temple complex, far away from any town or village, is completely in harmony with the ascetic ideology of Jainism. There are none of the irritants that abound near most pilgrimage centers: no jostling crowds, no congested bazaars, no aggressive vendors, no badgering guides, no beggars just peace and serenity that are very conducive to worship.
Arrive Udaipur and check in at the hotel.
Udaipur is the most romantic of all the Rajasthan cities and one of the most exotic places in Asia. The city's palaces, havelis, temples sets it apart from the rest of the cities. It is also popular for its crafts, paintings and performing arts. The lake palace is the best example of the unique cultural explosion. Udaipur has rightly been called Venice of the east. You can see the city from a boat or from the rooftop of palaces, the view is marvelous, it makes you forget the world. The smooth rolling hills that surround Udaipur are as overpowering as the city itself.
Day-10 Udaipur
Morning City tour of Udaipur - The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby lakes. Enjoy a cruise by private boat on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.
Day-11 Udaipur - Pushkar (301 Kms / 188 Miles)
Morning leave Udaipur for Pushkar by road.
Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of India. Pushkar is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain This traveler-friendly town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search). Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.
Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Day-12 Pushkar - Jaipur (40 Kms / 25 Miles)
In the morning you will have some free time to walk around the holy lake and visit the famous Brahma Temple. Laater leave for Jaipur by road.
Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in colour in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes, on the other side you can see camel carts. On one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their favorite American restaurants.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel.
Day-13 Jaipur
This morning you will be given excursion to Amber Fort. 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. This afternoon you will be given the city tour of Jaipur - 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.
Day-14 Jaipur - Agra (235 Kms / 147 Miles)
Leave Jaipur for Agra by air conditioned vehicle.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - 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 in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red Fort, which was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style Arrive Agra and check at the hotel. You will have some free time in the evening to relax by the pool side of the hotel or to explore the city on your own.
Day-15 Agra - Delhi (204 Kms /128 Miles)
This morning you will be given the city tour of Agra.
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. 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 it's 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. Leave Agra for Delhi by road. Arrive Delhi and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to do your last minute shopping. Overnight at the hotel.
Day-16 Depart Delhi
You will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions at the hotel and transferred to the airport, in time to connect your onward flight.
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