|
Day 01 :
Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat'
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport &
transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in
its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was
the prime reasonz s
why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In
fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the
city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded
around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several
centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin
Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled
City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was
planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central
administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The
division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in
life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi
Day 02 : Delhi
Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century
walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid,
the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by
the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known
mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride
through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now
a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648
by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform
that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further
we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to
commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I &
the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these
wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official
residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931.
Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the
residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also
visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built
in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the
first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Today we drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of
river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the
Mughal Emperors from th e
year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of
its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj
Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, World Heritage sites.
En route Mathura & Vrindavan
En route we visit Mathura & Vrindavan, places related with the
birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. In Mathura we visit Shri
Krishna Janmabhumi temple, a stone slab marks the original birth
place of Krishna. In Vrindavan we visit Bankey Bihari Temple,
built in the year 1864. Temple is famous for the black statue of
Krishna, also called as Thakur Ji. ISKCON Temple, one of the
most beautiful temples in Vrindavan. Temple is devoted to
Krishna, his brother Balaram & Krishna's beloved Radha.
En route we will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son
Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year
1613.
Overnight Hotel - Agra
Day 04 : Agra - Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands
on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal
Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife,
Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit
Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor
Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately
described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red
sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate
decorations.
Later we drive to Bharatpur en route we will visit Fatehpur
Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal
Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when
it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit
Emperor Akbars Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim
Chisti.
Overnight Hotel - Bharatpur s
Day 05 : Bharatpur
Today we drive to Bharatpur, founded by Ma haraja
Suraj Mal in the year 1733. It was once an impregnable,
well-fortified city, & the capial of a kingdom ruled by Jat
maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg & Dholpur has played an
important part in the Jat history of Rajasthan.
Sanctuary was previously known as Bharatpur bird Sanctuary & now
known as Keoladeo National Park. The name Keoladeo is derived
from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva
in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana'
implies dense, thick areas of forest cover. This is a
magnificent park having one of the World's greatest & most
important heronries. It is situated at the confluence of
Ghambhir & Banganga Rivers in Bharatpur district. Now a World
Heritage site by UNESCO, this former duck-hunting reserve of the
Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers
of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Siberia & Turkmenistan. Some
364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have
been recorded in the park.
Later we drive to Karauli, en route we visit Khanwa a small
village where the Battle of Khanau was fought in the year 1527.
Babur defeated a formidable army raised by Rana Sanga of Mewar
in this battle & firmly established his rule over North India.
We stay at Bhanwar Vilas Palace, the residence of Maharaja of
Karauli now a heritage hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Karauli
Day 06 : Karauli - Ranthambore
Half day Tour
Today we visit City Palace of Karauli, old monument is exemplary
in architecture, stone carvings & paintings. To witness the
exquisite beauty of the Darbar Hall is a lifetime experience for
the visitors. Next we visit Temple of Madan Mohan Ji, ancient
temples of Madan Mohan Ji & Kalyan Ji are visited by thousands
of devotees every year. The city is also said to be home of Shri
Madan Mohan Ji.
Late we drive to Ranthambore National Park, bounded to the north
by Banas River & to the Chambal River in the south. It is named
after historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the park.
The Park was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the
year 1955 by the Indian Government & was declared as Project
Tiger reserves in the year 1973. It became National Park in the
year 1980 & later in the year 1991 the tiger reserve was
enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh & Keladevi sanctuaries,
total area 1334 km.
It is famous for its tiger population & is one of India's
Project Tiger reserves. Other Major wild animals found in the
national park include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild
pig, sambar, chital & the gaur. It is also home to wide variety
of trees, plants, birds & reptiles
In the Evening, we take a Jeep safari to try luck in spotting
the Tigers
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Ranthambore
Day 07 : Ranthambore
Early morning
today before Breakfast, we take Jeep Safari to the Tiger
Reserve, since becoming one of the original areas under Project,
the park has recovered much of its natural beauty & dry
deciduous forest has been restored.
Later we visit the Ranthambore Fort, fo unded
in the year 944 by the Chauhan Rajputs. After the defeat of the
Chauhan king Prithviraj III by Muhammad of Ghori in the year
1192. It led by Govinda Raja, grandson of Prithviraj became the
center of Chauhan resistance to the expanding Sultanate of
Delhi. Later after many battles & rulers, it came in hands of
Mughals Emperor Akbar in the year 1559. The fortress passed to
the Kachhawa Maharajas of Jaipur in the 17th century & it
remained part of Jaipur state until Indian Independence. The
area surrounding the fortress became a hunting ground for the
Maharajas of Jaipur.
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Ranthambore
Day 08 : Ranthambore - Bundi
Today we drive to we visit Bund, an undiscovered splendour of
Rajasthan. Set in a narrow inclining gorge & palaces & forts
have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated & independent, this
picturesque location has so much to offer. Rajput architecture
shines & in the intricately carved brackets, pillars.
Interesting places are Diwan-e- aam, Hathia Pol, & Naubat Khana.
Half Day Tour
Today we visit the Umed Bhavan Palace, constructed during the
reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait
Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the princes a free
hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of the Rao.
The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that
stands in the centre of the roof of the second storey. Next we
visit the Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, located south of the town
& a pavilion supported by 84 pillars. The pavilion was
constructed in the year 1683 by Rao Anirudh Singh to honour the
services of Deva, his wet nurse. The two storeyed structure
serves as a cenotaph as well as a temple though the importance
of the cenotaph seems to have deteriorated with the passage of
time. On the other hand the temple with Shiva Linga still
commands respect from the devotees. The ceilings on both the
floors are decorated with paintings of Rajput battles & fish
symbols.
Also visit the battlefield of the battle between Kotia Bhil &
Rao Deva.
Overnight Hotel - Bundi
Day 09 : Bundi - Bassi via Kota
Today we drive to Bassi, En route we visit Kota, along the
eastern bank of the Chambal River lies an amazing juxtaposition
of the majestic medieval age & modern industrialisation temples
its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces &
splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the
past glory. The city was formed in the year 1572 Maharao.
Half Day Tour
We visit Sukh Niwas, build by Maharaja Umed Singh II in the year
1905. Maharaja Umed Singh II commissioned Sir Swinton Jacob, a
distinguished officer of the Royal Engineers in the British
Army, to design the building. As expected, Umed Bhawan came up
in 1905 in the prevalent Indo-Saracenic style Plentiful supply
of white Khimach & Pink Sandstone from nearby quarries helped,
while Italian marble, among other things, had to be imported for
flooring. The Palace truly offers a royal ambience & is a
majestic sight in Kota. In 1930, a new wing was added to the
existing palace, which is still the residence of the royal
family of Kota. Next we visit the Jag Mandir, amid the
picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in the
year 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh. The azure water around the
red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be
enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal
cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
Later we visit the Battle field where Rao Madho Singh & Prince
Aurangzeb fought in the year 1579. Rao Madho Singh lost five of
his six sons. Next we continue our drive to Bassi
Overnight Hotel - Bassi
Day 10 : Bassi - Udaipur via Chittorgarh
Today we take drive to Udaipur, En route we visit Chittorgarh,
an ancient city in Rajasthan. It lies on the Berach River, a
tributary of the Banas, & a former capital of the erstwhile
kingdom of Mewar. By the 16th century, Mewar had become the
leading Rajput state. After the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured
Chittorgarh in the year 1568,
the capital was moved west to Udaipur, in the foothills of the
Aravalli Range, where Rana Udai Singh II had established a
residence in 1559. However, Chittorgarh remains replete with
historic associations & hold a special place in the hearts of
many Rajputs, as it was a bastion of the clan at a time when
every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion.
Here we visit Chittor Fort (Battlefields of battles between the
Ranas of Chittor & Alauddin Khilji, Sultan Bahadur Shah of
Gujarat & Emperor Akbar.] It is a massive structure with zigzag
accent to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main
gate Rampol (Gate of Ram). The main gate of the fort itself is
Surajpol (Sun Gate). Within the fort a circular runs around the
ruins of the fort. According to often told legend the
construction of the fort was started by Bhim a Pandava hero of
mythological epic Mahabharata. The fort has many magnificent
monuments. Even though the fort is ruin but it is an
overwhelming reminder of past history & its walls resonate with
unbelievable legend of extra ordinary men & women & their
equally astounding deeds. During the visit we also visit Rana
Kumbha Palace, ruined edifice of great historical &
architectural interest, being the most massive monument in the
fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground
cellars where Rani Padmini & other women committed Jauhar.
Next we visit Victory Tower, built in the year 1440 AD by
Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji
this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities
around. This tower is the piece-de-resistance of Chittorgarh.
Palace of Rani Padmini, built beside the lotus pool with a
historical pavilion that changed the history of Chittor. Ala-ud-din
saw the reflection of Queen Padmini from here & was mesmerized.
In the quest of possessing her led to a furious battle with
Maharani Padmini's husband & the epitome of beauty-Cleopatra of
Rajasthan, became an eternal legend in the history of Chittor.
Tower of Fame, Dedicated to Adinathji the 1st Jain Tirthankara
adorned by the naked figures of the Digambar [Adherents of the
Digambar sect who does not believe in covering the natural body]
A narrow stairway goes through seven stories of the tower to the
top. The 22 metres high tower was build by a wealthy Jain
merchant in the 12th century AD.
Palace of Patta & Jaimal, stand on a rocky rise south of Gomukh
Kund. Both warrior heroes died in the third sack of Chittaur
fighting the forces of Emperor Akbar.
Later we Continue drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568
by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to
defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals
under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the
most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still
remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for
Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water &
natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali
mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as
the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most
romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in
the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant
kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens,
lakes, palaces & temples
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur
Day 11 : Udaipur
Full day Tour
Toady we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of
buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai
Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace
starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate
that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view
the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers.
Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental
garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the
Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several
fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions &
elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic
technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.
Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in
the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the
most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted
images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of
the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag
Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in
the lake.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur
Day 12 : Udaipur - Kumbalgarh
Today we drive Kumbalgarh, Rana Kumbha the legendary Mewar hero,
an astute & a great builder. Of others, Kumbalgarh is the most
inspiring. A joy for the nature lovers, it is surrounded by
greenery & wildlife. It is also within a short driving distance
from the famous 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples. An area
steeped in history & abounding in wildlife, unspoilt nature
harmonizes with the modern comforts & the warm hospitality of
the Aoudhi.
En route we visit Haldighati (Gogunda) - the most famous
battlefield of Rajputana where the most famous battle was fought
in the year 1576 between Rana Pratap & the Imperial Forces of
Emperor Akbar.
Overnight Hotel - Kumbalgarh
Day 13 : Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur via Ranakpur
Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the 2nd
largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the
massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge Rao Jodha, a
chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 &
it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely
state, also known as Marwar.
En route Ranakpur
Ranakpur, located in the mountain ranges
of Pali. We visit the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples were built
during the reign of the liberal & gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in
the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet
area. There are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared halls &
eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The
artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance
postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the
assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose
sound echoes in the entire complex
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur
Day 14 : Jodhpur
Full Day Tour
Today we visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort), built by Rao
Jodha, located atop a 125m high hill. The fort museum house s
an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdah (Elephant saddle),
royal cradles, miniatures, costumes & furniture. We also visit
the Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in the year
1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is an
architectural landmark in Jodhpur.
Later we also visit the Guda Bishnoi Village, a world of tribal
colour & rustic cultural grandeur. A tour to the village in open
air jeeps, visit various traditional villages, look at local
handicrafts like shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving. Bishnois
are an integral part of this region, a very hard working &
hospitable tribal community. It is a wonderland where wild
animals walk past village huts & villagers prefer to sleep
without food so that animals are fed. They are ready to die to
save the trees & nature & lead a pure vegetarian & clean life
according to tenets preached by religious guru, Jambaji. They
worship nature in all its forms & pray to green trees & animals
that inhabit their land & thus make every effort to conserve
environment. A noticeable fact about Bishnois is that they pray
to Hindu deity Lord Vishnu & bury their dead like Muslims
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur
Day 15 : Jodhpur - Nagaur
After breakfast drive Nagaur Fort, shimmers like a beacon in
sharp contrast to the dull sandy stretch of desert which
surrounds it. Located atop a hill like so many of Rajasthan's
forts for strategic reasons is the historic Nagaur fort, dating
back to the 4th century. Originally a mud fortification, built
in the 4th century by the Nagvanshi Dynasty, to whom it owes its
name, is located in the heart of the city of Nagaur. Within its
massive walls & seven gates, it encloses four palaces & 60
buildings small & large, gardens, tanks, pavilions built in the
best traditions of Rajput & Mughal architecture. The battle
between the forces of Rathores of Jodhpur & Akbar's Mughal
forces was fought. The fort was seized by the forces of Emperor
Akbar in the year 1561 AD. The three palaces within the fort
which are particularly exquisite are the Hadi Rani Mahal, the
Sheesh Mahal & the Badal Mahal which are noted for their
beautiful frescoes.
Overnight in Special tents within the Fort premises
Day 16 : Nagaur - Pushkar
Today we drive to Pushkar, an enchanting small town located
exactly on the edge of the desert but is separated from it by
Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain. The town frequently visited by
devotees lies to the side of the small Pus hkar
Lake with its multitudes of bathing ghats & temples. It also
holds the most unique fairs of its kind in the world. It is a
combination of an animal fair & the religious fair. Both the
fairs are enchanting & have their own unique aspects & quality.
As per the Indian calendar the fair is held in the first lunar
cycle in the month of Kartik culminating on the Kartik Poornima
(Full moon).
En route visit Merta the birthplace of Saint Mira Bai. It was
captured by Imperial forces of Emperor Akbar in 1561 AD. Also
visit the Varaha temple, where the battle between Emperor
Aurangzeb & Ratan Singh of Alaniyawas was fought.
Overnight Hotel - Pushkar
Day 17 : Pushkar - Kuchaman
Half day Tour
Today we visit Brahma Temple, said to be the only dedicated to
Lord Brahma in India. This is the only temple of the god Brahma
in the world. No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered
complete till the pilgrim bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar.
Also some near by temples
Later we drive to Kuchaman, en route stop at Ajmer, situated in
the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness
to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal
Chauhan in the 7th Century AD & continued to be a major center
of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost
it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many
dynasties, which came & left leaving behind indelible marks of
their culture & traditions on the city's history, converting it
to an amalgam of various cultures & blend of Hinduism & Islam.
Overnight at Kuchaman Fort
Day 18 : Kuchaman - Jaipur
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the
flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich &
colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it
is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The
city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world
symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine
rectangular sectors.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur
Day 19 : Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex
which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Ra ja
Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated
on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Later we play elephant polo, the game once only the kings used
to play. Also attend a lecture on Rajput war tactics would be
followed by drinks & Bar-be-Que dinner.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur
Day 20 : Jaipur
Today we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani &
Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied
building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens
& the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory),
an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give
accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace
of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was
built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer
down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593
stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Later we visit the Nahargarh Fort, located on the sheer rugged
ridge of Aravali Hills & it forms an impressive northern
backdrop of Jaipur. It was built in the year 1734 & extended in
the year 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built
by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. The legends also
have it that it was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince
whose spirit would destroy the construction & not allow its
progress further. The rooms are linked by corridors & retain
some delicate frescos as well as toilets & kitchen hearths.
Evening - Special Royal Dinner Jaigarh Fort is the most
spectacular of the three-hilltop forts overlooking Jaipur city.
In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing
centre for the Mughal & Rajput rulers, several of which are on
display in the fort's museum. It is one of the few military
structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing
palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several
temples, a tall tower & giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan)
which is the largest cannon in the world. The display includes a
collection of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated &
were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja
Man Singh.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur
Day 21 : Jaipur - Sariska
Today we drive to Sariska, via Tunga, site of the battle between
the Kachhawah Rajputs & the Marathas. Things got really bad
during Sawai Prithvi Singh & the Maratha General Mahadji Scindia,
were always at each
other's throats. The Maratha & Jaipur forces met at Tunga where
a fierce battle was fought for three days in the year 1787. But
the Marathas, who were supposedly trained by French, were no
match for the Rajputs & were defeated.
Next we continue our drive to Sariska, was built as a hunting
lodge at the close of the 19th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh of Alwar in calm, quiet & a thickly wooded valley on the
threshold of what is now the Sariska national park. The palace
is a brilliant jewel set in nature in all its natural
magnificence & is much admired by all discerning visitors for
its architectural grandeur & natural surroundings. Later we take
Jeep Safari through the jungle.
Overnight Hotel - Sariska
Day 22 : Sariska - Delhi
Early morning today before Breakfast, we take Jeep Safari to the
Tiger Reserve, since becoming one of the original areas under
Project, the park has recovered much of its natural beauty & dry
deciduous forest has been restored.
Later we continue our drive to Delhi, upon arrival in Delhi
Transfer to Airport for onward Destination.
|