Rajasthan Heritage Tour
Duration:
23 Nights / 24 Days
Destinations:
Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur -
Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Delhi
Day
01: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Reach Jaipur. A warm welcome at
the station/airport or hotel(if arriving by surface) by COMPASS local tour
manager.
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 - 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 02: Jaipur
- Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for 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. It's
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed
to JAIGARH FORT.
JAIGARH FORT - Jaigarh used to be the royal
arsenal. The view of the city of Jaipur from this picturesque fort on top of
a hill is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Return to city.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day
03:Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for morning sightseeing
of Jaipur covering the important palaces and monuments.
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.
Shopping in the city. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day
04: Jaipur - Mandawa - By road covering 160 km in 3hr. Breakfast
at hotel.
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.
Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all
traces of the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War scarred
turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons that seem to look down at you, as
silent retainers in green appear to whisk you away, the tails of their
orange 'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze, mark your arrival to the
fanciest destination in Shekhawati. Caparisoned camels and horses saunter
in, carrying the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal
Welcome. In the Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah and wander
in the under the high ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where the walls
adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era
that was royal, rich and resplendent.
Relax for the evening.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 05: Mandawa - Breakfast at hotel.
From Castle Mandawa you will 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.
Shopping
in the evening and spending time with the local villagers.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day
06: Mandawa - Bikaner - By road covering 200 km in 4hr. Breakfast
at hotel. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
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 07:Bikaner - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for
Jodhpur. Reach and check in 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.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 08:Bikaner -
Jaisalmer - By road covering 340 km in 6hr. Breakfast at hotel.
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
09: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.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day
10:Jaisalmer - Breakfast at hotel. Day will be free to
explore the culture of this unique city.
In the afternoon, visit
the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel
ride to view the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. It can be
an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village to drive back
to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani dinner served in the village amidst
Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - By road covering 330 km in 6hr.
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach and check in at
hotel.
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 evening or proceed for
shopping. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day
12: 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. Proceed to
visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 13: Jodhpur - Mt Abu - By road covering 320 km in 7hr.
Proceed to Mt Abu after breakfast. Reach Mt. Abu. Transfer to hotel.
At 1,200 meters, Mount Abu is the highest point of the Aravalli
range passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan. It is
build around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to the
legend, the place derives its name from ARBUDA, a serpent who descended to
the spot to rescue Shiva's bull NANDI. Besides having all the features of a
pleasant hill resort, this place is also famous for the DILWARA TEMPLES and
many more archeological remains. There are romantic royal retreats and
relics of the Raj.
Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit the
temples and the museum in the afternoon.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day 14: Mt. Abu - Breakfast at hotel. Day will be
at Mt Abu. Visit the Dilwara Temples during the day. The architecture of
these temples is very interesting and famous.
Relax during the
evening.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day
15: Mount Abu - Udaipur - By Road 185 km in 5 ½ hr
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Udaipur. 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 Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel
of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
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.
Relax in the
evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 16:Udaipur - Breakfast at
hotel. Proceed for day 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. Overnight at Udaipur.
In the afternoon, proceed for 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.
Relax or shopping in the afternoon.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 17:Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - By Road
121 km in 3 hr After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh.
The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of
romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. 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.
Proceed
for sightseeing of CHITTAURGARH FORT - Believed to have been constructed by
the Mori rulers in the 7th century, this fort is located on a 180m high
hill, covering 700 acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris" lie
between several monumental gates. Visit PADMINI PALACE - The palace of the
legendary queen of Mewar.
Overnight at Chittaurgarh.
Day
18:Chittaurgarh - Kota - By Road 121 km in 3 hr Breakfast at
hotel.
Proceed to Kota in Western Rajasthan.
Reach
and check in at hotel.
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal
River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and
modern industrialization, temples and untouched wealth of impressive forts,
opulent palaces and splendid temples. Kota dates back over several centuries
but still retains its past glory, present day edifices and heavy industries.
The industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD when the
HADA Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and
Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal
Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller
principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a
hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
Relax for the day.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 19:Kota - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed
for sightseeing. Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style
palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal, was build in the early
nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are tastefully done up
with antique furniture. An intresting feature of the palace is the fact that
almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river providing an arrresting view
of the mighty river.
Umed Bhawan Palace is one of the most
beautiful palaces of Kota. Built in 1009 by Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota.
This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent many years in
Rajasthan. The overall design of the palace is European. There is an
Edwardian drawing room, a billiard room and a very well laid out garden
surrounding the palace.There are long corridors, courtyard and Italian
marble floors.
Chambel Garden The lush green garden at Amar
Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place
one can enjoy a boat ride.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated
in the old palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the
Kota school, exquisite sculptures and other valuable antiques. The museum is
the treasure house of artistic items used by the rulers of kota.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Kota.
Day
20:Kota - Sawai Madhopur - By road covering 173 km in 4hr.
Proceed to Sawai Madhopur after a relaxing breakfast.
Reach and
check in at hotel.
Lying on the main Delhi - Mumbai railway
line, Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhore
National Park - the famous Tiger Reserve, just 12 kms away from here.
Ranthambhore has been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a
series of battle scenes. In the 13th century AD, Govinda, the grandson of
Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later his successor
Vagbhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jhain. In
the middle of the 5th century AD, Rana Kumbha captured the fort and gifted
it to his son to be occupied later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal
Emperors, Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1740's and since then it was
maintained as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja. (Queen Elizabeth II and
the Duke of Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting parties who stayed
here.
Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Ranthambore is 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 Aravallis, 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
River Chambal in the South and the River Banas in the North bind the
National Park.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous
type further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of
Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely
hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaf of this
tree is good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a
significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them,
are rich source of nutrition.
The lakes abound with aquatic
vegetation including Duckweed, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of
wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the
elusive hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides,
there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle
to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food
chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it
operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are
very exciting.
Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life with
over 300 species of birds. In fact, for a keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore and
its surrounding areas are paradise. Birds like Greylag geese, Bar headed
geese, Painted stork, Pochards, Gadwall, Mallard, Tawny Eagle, Greater and
Lesser Spotted Eagle, the rare Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingoes
and many more are regular winter migrants which come from their nesting
grounds north of Himalayas to Ranthambhore and surrounding areas.
During summers also there are many migratory species of birds that
come to this region from southern parts of India and Srilanka. Such species
include Indian Pitta, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Painted Snipe, Common Hawk
Cuckoo (or Brain Fever Bird) and Golden Oriole.
Besides Tiger,
there are many other animals to observe, understand and enjoy, Elegant and
graceful Spotted Deer, huge Sambar, Crocodiles basking around the banks of
the lakes, Vultures soaring in the sky, Crested Serpent Eagle scanning the
ground from its perch or the kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the pools are all
the interest for a visitor with sensitivity.
Relax for the day.
Overnight at resort.
Day 21: Sawai Madhopur -
Breakfast at hotel. Game drives can be availed through the
day as per annexure given at the end of the itinerary.
Overnight
at resort.
Day
22:Sawai Madhopur - Agra - By road covering 400 km in 8hr.
Proceed by surface for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra and check into
hotel.
Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475. Agra
finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those days was
considered to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more prominent than
Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside
the RIVER YAMUNA to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his
capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid
the foundation of the Mughal empire.
The coming of Babar
heralded a new era, which was to see Agra at its zenith during the reign of
Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra
became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend
reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the Mid
16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building
activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was
built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary
Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected in
whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with
aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master
pieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had
once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist
attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time
as a major tourist destination of India.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 23:Agra - Delhi - By road covering 201 km in 4hr.
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing.
Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by
Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of
Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).
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.
After
Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
Proceed to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy
city of Mathura. Reach Delhi and check in at hotel.
India's
capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling
metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the
modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive
dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that
what constitutes Delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the
region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid 11th century,
siri established by Allauddin Khilji, tughlakabad and Ferozabad built by the
Tughlaks followed by the city of the lodhis and then came Shahjahanabad,
capital of the Mughals under Shah Jehan. New Delhi also reflects the legacy
the British left behind. The division between new and old Delhi is the
distinction between the capitals of the British and the Mughals
respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes he will invariably confront the
city's past.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 24: Delhi -
Home - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for 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.
Transfer to airport or station in time for flight or train or leave by
surface for the next destination.
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