Taj Mahal With Rajasthan
Duration:
18 Nights / 19 Days
Destinations:
Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur -
Chhatrasagar - Deogarh - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi
Day
01: Delhi You will be met on arrival at the International airport.
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. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite
culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing 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 Mughal Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from
Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive
sight-seeing 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. Also visit the LOTUS TEMPLE
& BIRLA MANDIR.
Enjoy the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the
evening.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day
03: Delhi - Varanasi Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at
Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Varanasi is
the World's most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen
from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and
its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists.
The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet manufacturing
place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that
illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at
the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi.
Visit Sarnath - 5
miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites
in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the
ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum
which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at
the site.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day
04: Varanasi - Khajuraho In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and
take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and
witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most
important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime
experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you
to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with
your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the
sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to
bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers
from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets
along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now
becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for a guided tour
of Varanasi in the afternoon including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi
Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments.
Transfer to airport for flight to Khajuraho.
Situated in the
heart of India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating
village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage, honoured
by the world as India's unique contribution to human civilization. The
Chandela dynasty built eighty-five temples here. Twenty remain as
embodiments of Indian architectural and sculptural art at its most evolved
state. Even ten centuries after they were constructed, the temples of
Khajuraho reflect an eternal philosophy relevant to all mankind. The temples
of Khajuraho is a world heritage site and belong not just to India but to
the world. Khajuraho is one of the few millennium destinations of the world.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Visit the
WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day
05: Khajuraho Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a
full day tour of the EXOTIC TEMPLES (EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho.
Relax in the evening or proceed to the SHILPA GRAM for seeing
the local artisans at work. You can also see the colorful DANCES show.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06: Khajuraho - Orchha -
Gwalior Proceed by surface to ORCHHA.
ORCHHA - A
medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th
and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of time. The
city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.
Proceed for
sight-seeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex.
Lunch will
be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for train to
Gwalior. {This is a superfast train with airline type seats}.
Reach Gwalior and transfer to hotel.
Gwalior's colorful history,
going back to the eight century, is a mosaic of Rajput clans of the
Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars, each leaving their marks on the city's
magnificent monuments. A trip to Gwalior is incomplete without a visit to
the fort, Scindia Palace and the tombs of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen.
Overnight will be at hotel.
Day
07: Gwalior - Agra Proceed for sight-seeing after breakfast.
Visit the historic Gurjari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Sas Bahu ka
Mandir, Royal Palace, the Suraj Kund in the fort and also the Scindia Palace
and cenotaphs.
Proceed to Agra after lunch. Reach Agra and
relax.
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.
Visit TAJ MAHAL at sunset.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 08: Agra Proceed for
sight-seeing of the city after breakfast. First, proceed to TAJ MAHAL which
is just walking distance from the hotel.
TAJ MAHAL: The fifth
Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory of his second
wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying
her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving
birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all his
hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When
Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third,
that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her
death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began
in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed
to work on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated
when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that
inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having
buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his
promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it
was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost
an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the
only alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra,
only to be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years
later.
Proceed to Agra and visit Agra Fort- which was built by
Akbar In 1525 AD. After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of
which are considered better than the Taj.
Visit TAJ MAHAL at
sunset. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day
09: Agra - Jaipur Proceed for Jaipur after breakfast.
Visit 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 its grandeur. Also visit the Buland Darwaza,
the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your drive to Jaipur.
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
its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. It is 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.
Reach Jaipur and check in at hotel. Spend the evening relaxing
at this beautiful hotel or visit a couple of temples like the BIRLA MANDIR.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to
the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
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.
Proceed for city sight-seeing after lunch.
The sites to include:
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.
Shopping and relax
in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day
11: Jaipur - Chhatrasagar Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to NIMAJ. (Chhatrasagar)
The fort of Nimaj was built in
1733 by the valiant ruler- Thakur Jagram Singh. Situated in the heart of the
town, it is a massive structure built in traditional Rajput style with
courtyards and separate wings for men & women. The little township is
surrounded by places of historical interest, like the 9th century temple
Magar Mandi, 3 kms away. Visit nearby villages to see local craftsmen at
work & a little further see blackbucks, blue bulls etc.
Lakes in the desert region are a rarity having their own charm. Chhatra
Sagar, 4 kms from the fort is a beautiful water body nestled between two
hillocks. Built as a summer retreat, the lush green lawn, flowering trees
and clear waters are like an oasis in the otherwise dry region. Boating and
angling is possible. It is surrounded by lush green fields and vast grazing
pastures. Chhatra Sagar, a hundred-year old reservoir with a periphery of
about 10 kilometers, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect
getaway from the chaotic city life.
As a hunting preserve of the
Nimaj Estate, Chhatra Sagar has witnessed many exciting shikar camps and
leisure parties. Today, the campsite, situated on the dam, offers
breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the Aravalli ranges on the
horizon. The old shooting box - Aodhi has been put to good use as it
provides a closer view of the water fowl and birds of prey.
Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the
bonfire and listen to old folk lore - or be more adventurous and take one of
the many safaris on offer. Experience the warm hospitality, and enjoy some
truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm
fresh vegetables in the family kitchen.
Relax in the tastefully
designed and well-appointed tented accommodation. Each tent has an attached
bath with running hot and cold water, and its own private sit out
overlooking the lake.
Overnight will be at the camp.
Day
12: Chhatrasagar - Deogarh - Udaipur Proceed to DEOGARH after a
leisurely breakfast.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar,
Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain
known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen UMRAOS (feudal barons) privileged to
wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar such feudal estates,
called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due
to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as
a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal
collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be
seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse
through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them!
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by
the present owner Rawal - Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied
by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally
supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest
details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in
Rajasthan.
Have lunch at the DEOGARH MAHAL and find out more
about the PRINCELY STATE. Proceed to 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.
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.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
13: Udaipur Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for
sight-seeing 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 Royal
Cenotaphs.
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. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
14: Udaipur - Jodhpur Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for Jodhpur. 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 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.
Overnight
will be at Jodhpur.
Day 15: Jodhpur Breakfast will
be at hotel.
Proceed for morning sight-seeing 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.
Afternoon 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.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight will be
in Jodhpur.
Day 16: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer 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 will be at Jaisalmer.
Day
17: Jaisalmer After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day
sight-seeing 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
Patwaon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit
Barabagh Hill.
Proceed to the SAND DUNES by jeep after lunch for
visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Start your CAMEL SAFARI from
the village. Ride into the desert passing through small villages and camel
herds grazing. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.
Reach you camp and dinner will be served in the camp.
Stay
overnight at the TENTED CAMP.
Day 18: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the camp.
Start CAMEL SAFARI winding your
way back through a new route to the village. On your way see the villagers
starting their day and the womenfolk setting out to fetch water from the
desert. The children would be going in groups to the school. Also pass by
solitary temples at times.
Reach the VILLAGE and your jeep would
be waiting there to take you back to Jaisalmer. On reaching Jaisalmer have a
hearty lunch at the beautiful HERITAGE HAVELI HOTEL of NARAIN NIWAS PALACE.
(Your extra luggage would have already moved here)
Start for
Jodhpur and reach by evening. Relax in the evening.
Day 19:
Jodhpur - Delhi Breakfast will be in the hotel. Proceed to the
airport to take the flight to Delhi.
Reach and check in at a
hotel for the day. Enjoy the day in the hotel relaxing or do some last
minute shopping. Late evening check out as per flight timing and proceed to
the airport for flight home.
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