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- Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour
Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Jaipur - DelhiDay 01: Delhi
On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.
In the afternoon proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
Indian Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 02: Delhi - Mandawa (259 kms 5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Semi desert region of the Shekhawati is colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. This region is also known as "The Open air art gallery".
The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh, founded the fort in Vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Built as per a medieval theme, the castle of Mandawa is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror work.
The Durbar Hall of the palace houses a number of antiques and paintings. Situated in the middle of the town, the Mandawa Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
After lunch 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, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Mandawa - Bikaner (190 kms or 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive toBikaner.
Bikaner- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in North West part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.
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.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
After lunch start for Bikaner sightseeing.
Junagarh fort This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujarat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort.
KarniMataTemple, 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnok, is one of the strangest holy spots in India. The Karni Mata Temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style. The entrance, pictured here, is lavishly decorated with beautifully sculptured marble panelling full of intricate patterns, and delicately worked doorways, colonnades, pavilions and balconies. Not only the mother goddess but well fed rats (called kabas) reside here and receive homage. The high priests have gone to great length to protect the rats whose bodies are believed to house the souls of Karni Mata's departed devotees. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 Kms 6.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer "Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage".
Jaisalmer another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at hotel.
Late afternoon visit Sam Sand dunes. It is a major attraction of Jaisalmer. It is 3 kms long and 1 km wide and is half a kilometer high. The Sam sand dunes are unreliable and they are picturesque. Sam Sand dunes are just the place to surf the golden sands of Rajasthan through a safari. Witness beautiful sunset.
Overnight stay will be at Jaisalmer .
Day 05: Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort - Rising like a sunbeam from the golden sands of the desert, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture, especially of the stone carver's art.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli - Patwon - Ki - Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli - Unusual and mystic! It is a Salim Singh Ki Haveli. The top most stories of this haveli are destroyed yet the surviving structure has peerless grandeur. You indeed would be enticed with the intricate workmanship and designed Jharokhas.
Gadissar Lake - The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon Ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city. Overnight at Jaisalmer .Day 06: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (308 kms 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Sun City Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
After lunch start for Jodhpur tourist spots stand as a living proof of the splendor, traditions and culture of the Jodhpur. The glorious past of Jodhpur is personified through the various forts, palaces and other monuments of Jodhpur. The main places to see in Jodhpur Rajasthan are:
Mehrangarh Fort - The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on.
Umaid Bhavan Palace - One of the fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Jaswant Thada - Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 07: Jodhpur - Udaipur (250 kms, 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Udaipur.
Udaipur- 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. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace a marvel n granite and marble. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewelson the Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Evening leisure for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Udaipur
After breakfast start for sightseeing of Udaipur. Kumbhalgrah Fort The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravali. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side. Close by is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.
CityPalaceAs the hub of Udaipur the City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. A riot of arches, domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-Ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the city 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 and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level).
Enjoy dinner and dance shows. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur (113 kms, 1.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh - The town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can be singled out for its glorious past. The fort has achequered history; it has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in history, three great sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valour, which are still sung by the local musicians.
A tour to this city covers The Rana Kumbha’s palace and Tower of victory.
In the evening back to Udaipur and stay at hotel for overnight.
Day 10: Udaipur - Jaipur (405kms, 8.5 hrs journey by road)
After breakfast start for Jaipur.
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. 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.
Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. 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. 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.
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.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur - Delhi (258kms, 6 hrs journey by road)
After breakfast start to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport to destination ahead with sweet memories of the tour.