Jaipur Elephant Festival Tour
Duration: 19 Nights / 20 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Pushkar - Deogarh
- Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01
Arrival at Delhi:
Company representatives will receive you 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. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope -
that is India.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi:
Breakfast will be at Delhi.
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to
Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing
to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The
magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years
1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama
Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby
bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the
legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the
division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The
division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles.
The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style
in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying
to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament
building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
In the evening you will proceed for the
DANCES OF INDIA SHOW. Overnight
will be at Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi - Agra:
By Road
201 Kms/4 hr
Proceed for Agra in the morning after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel.
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.
Proceed for sightseeing of the
MOGHUL CITY.
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 its 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 will be at Agra.
Day 04
Agra - Ranthambhore:
Agra - Bharatpur:
By Road 55 km in 1 hr
Bharatpur - Ranthambhore:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to 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 Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in
the world.
Drive till Bharatpur and take train to 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. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger
Den being the closest.
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 range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park
is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
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.
Reach and in the evening retire early. Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 05
Ranthambhore:
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge
by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also
go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The
safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will
be at Ranthambhore.
Day 06
Ranthambhore - Jaipur:
By Road
175 Kms/4 hr
Enjoy the morning safari at the park.
Drive to jaipur after breakfast and reach by afternoon. Check in at hotel and
have lunch.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the
KSHATRIYA
warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes.
However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally,
it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed
a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that
followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder
Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally
translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought
this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink
City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however,
form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given
a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan
dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings
in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images
of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis
of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the
AARTI Ceremony, which involves
oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy
the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 07
Jaipur:
Breakfast will be 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. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its 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. 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.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 08
Jaipur - Chhatrasagar:
By Road
150 km/3 hr
Have a leisurely breakfast at the 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 09
Chhatrasagar - Deogarh:
By Road
100 km/2 hr
In the morning drive to Deogarh after breakfast and some time watching birds
and spending time with the family.
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 is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands
atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and
the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements,
domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from
the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than
surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family
residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted
with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And
the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to
the guests.
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.
Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers.
Overnight will be at the
DEOGARH MAHAL.
Day 10
Deogarh - Udaipur:
By Road
120 km/2 hr
Start for Udaipur after a leisurely breakfast and some local sightseeing. 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 and spend night at Udaipur.
Day 11
Udaipur:
Breakfast will be 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 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 12
Udaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road
280 km/6 hr
Start for Jodhpur after breakfast.
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.
Continue drive to Jodhpur and reach by evening.
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 13
Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Morning 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.
Relax at the beautiful
PALACE HOTEL and this is undoubtedly the best
palace in the world.
Overnight will be at the palace.
Day 14
Jodhpur - Jaisalmer:
By Road
300 km/6 hr
Proceed for Jaisalmer after breakfast.
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 15
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.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 16
Jaisalmer:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the morning visiting
HAVELIES in the town and then after lunch
drive to the dunes.
Enjoy a short camel ride (optional if you want) at sunset and then check in
at your deluxe tented camp in the desert.
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.
Overnight will be in the camp.
Day 17
Jaisalmer - Bikaner:
By Road
330 km/6 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel and then start for Bikaner.
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 will be at Bikaner.
Day 18
Bikaner - Mandawa:
By Road
180 km/4 hr
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.
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. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh,
descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle,
now a 51 room 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.
It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by
the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 19
Mandawa - Delhi:
By Road
250 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be 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 Dundlod and then leave for Delhi.
Reach by evening and proceed to the hotel for the night.
The FAREWELL DINNER
will be hosted by
COMPASS.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 20
Delhi - Home:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Relax during the day and proceed straight to the airport for flight home with
sweet memories of India.
Jaipur Elephant Festival Tour, Rajasthan Tours
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