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Duration :
19 Nights / 20 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer -
Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the late evening. Welcome
with flower Garlands, Namaste ! Transfer to hotel and
overnight.
Day 2 : Delhi
After breakfast visit Old Delhi - visit the Red Fort, the Jama
Masjid, and Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) and Raj Ghat - the
site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation.
In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing of 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 Humayun's
tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj
Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi / Mandawa (260Kms)
Morning depart for Mandawa - the principal town of the
Shekhawati region renowned for its splendid painted "Havelis"
or mansions. Arrive and check in to hotel. Late in the
afternoon, visit the town and Castle of Mandawa and onto
Fatehpur completing the tour of Shekhawati’s grand Havelis
with their lively frescoes, cataloguing the life,
habits/fashions of the Marwari community. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 : Mandawa/ Bikaner (270 Kms)
After breakfast depart for the fortified city of Bikaner.
Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert
cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is
circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance
gates. Arrive and check in to hotel. Later in the afternoon,
visit the Junagrh fort, palaces and temples – magnificent
creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living
manifestations of its rich historical and architectural
legacy. Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in
the world. In the evening walk in the local market. Return to
hotel and overnight.
Day 5 : Bikaner / Jaisalmer (330 Kms)
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure for Jaisalmer, the yellow
city lying in the heart of the desert, surrounded by sand
dunes with an imposing and impregnable sand coloured fort.
Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is lacy
filigree of pierced stonework facades of merchant havellis and
private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check in to hotel. In the afternoon visit
the Gaddi Sagar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway and the
royal Cenotaphs at the Barj Bagh and view the setting Sun over
this city which has a peculiar glow. Rests of the day at
leisure to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit the city of Jaisalmer, splendid caravan
city founded into 1155 by Rao Jaisal. The city is a jewel, the
exquisitely carved balconies of the " Havellis " with rich
filigree work all over, the fort perched atop the hill with
beautiful palaces and ’jharokhas’ (windows), Jaisalmer is also
called ’the Museum city’. Later in the afternoon, proceed for
an excursion towards Khuri-45 kms to see the picturesque
wind-caressed dunes of the Thar Desert creating enchanting
mirages, indeed a breathtaking sight. Proceed for a short
Camel ride in the sand dunes of Khuri Village. Return to
Jaisalmer and overnight at hotel.
Day 7 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (297 Kms)
Morning depart for Jodhpur, the blue city of the desert.
Arrive and check in to hotel. In the afternoon, visit its
grand and imposing Mehrangarh, which was to be practically in
expugnable in times of the wars. Spread over many kilometres,
it dominates the landscape. It shelters exquisite palates
decorated with mural frescos and stone laces. Thereafter
proceed to the city and walk in its quaint and colourful
markets, vividly testifying to the history and glory of this
princely state. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 : Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (285 Kms)
Morning depart for Ranakpur the most magnificent 15th century
Jain temples of India delicately carved out of white marble,
in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. There are
1444 pillars in the temples and none of them similarly carved.
Also visit the temple of Adinath. Thereafter continue towards
the romantic city of Udaipur also known as “ The White City”.
Arrive and check in to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to
relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 : Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for the city tour of Udaipur - set
around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic
palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city.
Morning visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace
built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City
Palace - built in 1725.
Day 10 : Udaipur / Pushkar (295 Kms)
Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Pushkar – the mellow, quite
and interesting little town of Pushkar is one of those
travellers’ centers, where people go for a little respite from
the hardships of life on the Indian road it is situated right
on the edge of the desert. The town clings to the side of the
small but beautiful Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats
and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important
pilgrimage centre. Pushkar is also world famous for the huge
Camel Fair which takes place here each October / November.
Arrive and check in to the tented Camp. Rest of day at leisure
to visit the Pushkar fair (November of every Year) Overnight
at Camp.
Day 11 : Pushkar / Jaipur (165 Kms)
Morning, revisit the Pushkar Fair In the afternoon, leave for
Jaipur – the capital city of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check in to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amber Fort – built in the time of
Mughals. The area used to be always ready for the war. Amber
was residence of the Maharajas. By seeing the majestic
ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, you will be
able to imagine the power of the character. Rise towards the
ramparts on the elephant’s back. Visit the Palace with its
crimped rooms of mirrors and the old harem, true labyrinth.
The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the
splendour of the rulers of 16th & 17th century. Possibility of
attending Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the
prayers according to Hindu rites'. One can enter in the temple
only naked feet and without leather articles on oneself. In
the afternoon, proceed for the tour of Pink City - visiting
the imposing City Palace now a museum - the principal
residence of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the
ancient Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the
Winds & the picturesque bazaars of the walled city. Return to
hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Morning leave for Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the
extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years
later, but which, during its brief span, the city had more
significant than London in both grandeur and population.
Thereafter continue drive to Agra. Arrive and check in to
hotel. Return to hotel in the evening and overnight.
Day 14 : Agra
After breakfast, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal,
whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerise the visitors.
It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces” built by the
Emperor Shah Jehan to immortalize the memory of his beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal. In the afternoon, discover the strong &
magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of
Mughal Emperors between 1565 and 1573, whose military power
cannot be questioned. It was the residence of the Mughal
Emperors. Each one left there its print, Red sandstone of
Akbar and Jahangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort
rises on the edges of Yamuna River, it is surrounded by a wall
from 20 to 33 meters top and 2500 m perimeter Rest of the day
at leisure to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 15 : Agra / Varanasi (Flight, CD 7407 - 1410 /
1605)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to
connect flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival – meeting at the
airport and transfer to hotel, enruote visiting Sarnath Temple
- 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first
Sermon in 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with
sculptures found at the site. Thereafter, continue towards
hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Varanasi / Kathmandu ( Flight, CD 752 – 1220 /
1330)
Early morning, boatride on the river Ganges, when it is full
of pilgrims, is an amazing place to witness the living
traditions of one of the world's oldest and the most important
religion. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later walk through
the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old
city and also visit the temples. The visit includes the famous
Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the
Durga Temple. Thereafter, to airport to connect flight for
Kathmandu - capital of Nepal, used to be three magical
kingdoms. It is called the valley of the Gods and is filled
with pagoda temples, stupas, and shrines. One can experience
rich heritage, unique customs and lively cultures here. Upon
arrival met at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the
day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 : Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
City, visiting Swayambhunath (one of the world's most glorious
Buddhist Stupa, it is said to be 2,000 years old),
Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple) and Patan City (The ancient city
lying 5km southwest of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine
art). In the evening, depart for Thamel. Thamel’s amazing
market is truely a shopper’s nirvana. The Wood carved masks,
Pashima shawls, dolls, paintings, puppets, pottery, hand-made
paper, clothes and brassware are only a few of the exotic
items that can be found. Thamel is a great place to collect
souvenirs and a fun place just to stroll around. Return on
Cycle Rickshaw passing through the Durbar garden; illuminated
pagodas, Royal Kashtamandap, Kumri Bahee Palace and other
buildings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Kathmandu
After the breakfast, excursion to Dakshinkali Temple, located
towards the southern part of the Kathmandu valley. The road is
superb and makes it possible to appreciate the beauty of the
landscape. At the Kali temple the peasants come to sacrifice
the goats and the cocks (particularly on Tuesday’s and
Saturday’s). Thousands of Nepaleese go there to offer fruits,
incense and flowers.
Then visit the village of Kirtipur, located on the top of a
hill, it dominates the valley. This old fortress seems to
still live at Average Age. Kirtipur in the 18th century was a
very significant city. Have lunch during the course of
excursion. Continuation towards the CHOBAR George, located 4
kilometers from Kirtipur. It is here that the 3 crowned rivers
cross.
In the afternoon visit Patan, the city which was ruled by the
Malla dynasty. This city of art gathers around Durbar Square,
here you will find the most refined examples of Newar
architecture, inter alia wonders: the palace and the royal
bath as well as the terra cotta temple of the Buddha return to
Kathmandu via Syambunath - A large stupa which dominates the
valley.
A little rest and preparation for the visit to the Bodhnath –
A large white stupa, around which a small city of tibetians is
settled. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 19 : Kathmandu / Delhi (Flight, IC 814 – 1350 /
1510)
Breakfast in hotel Morning at leisure for independent
activities. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to connect
flight for Delhi Arrive Delhi – meet & transfer to Discover
House, where a courtesy room will be provided for wash &
change until your departure to the airport. Later in the
evening transfer to International airport to connect flight
for onward destination.
Day 20 : Depart Delhi
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