Rajasthan Festival Tour
Duration:
20 Nights / 21 Days
Destinations:
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambore - Kota - Bundi - Chittourgarh
- Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa
- Delhi
Day
01: Arrival at Delhi Company representatives will receive you on
arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer
to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires
is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the
present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient
land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight at
Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road 250 Kms/6 hr)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
Reach Agra in the afternoon.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan,
transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of
the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the
Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint
buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals
still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its
Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets
of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai
cuisine.
Check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing.
Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
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.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor
Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced
within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist
attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN
in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than
the Taj).
Overnight at Agra.
Day
03: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 Kms/6 hr) After breakfast drive to
beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The
deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and
palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a
veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition
... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the
days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in
the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.
JAIPUR - The
origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth
century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in
1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing
into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A
beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink
plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of
Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight at
Jaipur.
Day 04: Jaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur.
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. It's
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed
for sightseeing of the city.
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. Its 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.
Visit a rug factory
and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem
cutting and polishing process.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day
05: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr) Proceed for Pushkar
after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at PUSHKAR
PALACE.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a
unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for
his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at
Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed
with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with
people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from
across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at
Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from
time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of
timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and
spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is
amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities
in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52
bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake.
Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this
city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied
architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the
famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied
terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of
heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals -
especially on the new and full moon days.
Visit the mausoleum,
Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
06: Pushkar - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr) Visit the BRAHMA
TEMPLE - The only one in the world.
Start early after breakfast
for Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of
the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical
richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of
eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune
with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambhore -
perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The
Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other
National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The land of
the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast
has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating
topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of
the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from
wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological
feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the
Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is
bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Proceed for the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers.
Overnight at
Ranthambhore.
Day
07: Ranthambhore Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota
(By Road 140 km/3 hr) Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at
hotel.
Start for KOTA.
Rajasthan's largest industrial
town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota
sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting
scenes.
Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the
Chambal river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace
complex, which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of
the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in Kishore
Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a
paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter
Bilas.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 09: Kota - Bundi -
Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr) Breakfast at hotel. Start for
Bundi.
36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored
cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by
the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi
and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and
is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In 1193 AD when
Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan
nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other
young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena
and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two
branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either
side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a
marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the
palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of
Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput
architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals.
Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala'
'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story.
SUKH MAHAL is a
magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings
of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the
Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Proceed to CHITTAURGARH.
THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR - The pride and glory of Rajasthan,
CHITTAUR echoes with the tales of romance and valor unique to the Rajput
tradition. This is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its
imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular CHATTRIS. This fortified
settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'JAUHAR'
-when 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.
After visiting the FORT proceed to stay at the
BIJAIPUR CASTLE SUITE.
Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day
10: Bijaipur - Udaipur (By Road 180 km/5 hr) Start for Udaipur
after breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
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.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing
valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE
PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a
kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the
evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day
11: Udaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing
tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at
rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid
marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the
lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk
Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola. From he 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. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By
Road 100 km/2 hr) After breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200
pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain
temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Kumbalgarh.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain
peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh
stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge,
1914 metres high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century AD
by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal fortification after
Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive
fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven
ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers
strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable
structure.
Stay overnight at the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day 13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4 hr)
Proceed in the morning after a leisurely breakfast and reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the
capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of
the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic
hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on
the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is
encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable
bastions.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN
PALACE. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day
14: Jodhpur Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a
rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant
wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape
fascinates one while driving along the countryside.
Afternoon
sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the
Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built
on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long
sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive
rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings &
cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road
300 km/5 hr) Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the
heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A
commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome
splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an
interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the
head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the
Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a
Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital
-Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at
hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 16: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The
Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its
temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass
of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the
JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight
of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli
and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.
In the
afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani
Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.
Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing
haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day
17: Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr) Breakfast at the
camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
Check in at hotel.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a
timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted
with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades
the city's lifestyle.
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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 18: Bikaner -
Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr) Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for
sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji
- the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state
in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja
Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.
The
city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.
Proceed
for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the
horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the
terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles,
traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The
havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town.
Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also
founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two
rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade,
costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during
evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two
hundred and forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family
into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check
in at hotel. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day
19: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr) Breakfast at hotel.
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, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and
Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day
looking into frescoes.
Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting
the local village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at
Delhi.
Day 20: Delhi Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for
a full day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing
tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site
where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India
and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul
Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a
visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial
avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the
President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic
Enclave.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 21: Delhi - Home Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore
the city and finish last minute shopping.
Proceed for the DANCES
OF INDIA SHOW in the evening at 1800 hr after checking out of the hotel.
After the show you will have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching the airport for
flight home with sweet memories of India.
Bookmark
this Page !! 
E-mail this page to your friend
!! 
Print this Page !!
::
Quick Links to North India Tourism :: 