Royal Rajasthan with Tiger
Duration: 17 Nights & 18 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur
- Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 1: 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 will be at Delhi.
Day 2: 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 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 3: Agra - Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr)
After breakfast drive to RANTHAMBHORE.
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 its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in
the world.
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.
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.
Reach and retire for the night after an early dinner. Night will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 4: Ranthambore
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 5: Ranthambhore - Jaipur (By Road 170 Kms/3 hr)
Proceed for the early morning safari into the park. Return for breakfast and
then start for Jaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
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 6: 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 7: Jaipur - Pushkar By (Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check
in at hotel.
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. Spend night at Pushkar.
Day 8: Pushkar - Udaipur (By Road 220 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 and spend night at Udaipur.
Day 09: 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 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 will be at Udaipur.
Day 10: 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 KUMBALGARH.
Day 11: 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 will be at Jodhpur.
Day 12: Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the 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.
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.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 13: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the 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 will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 14: 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 a short CAMEL SAFARI visiting
the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the
sky is set on fire.
Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.
Day 15: Jaisalmer - Bikaner (By Road 330 km/6 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Bikaner. Reach and check in at hotel by afternoon.
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 16: Bikaner
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 KARNI
MATA TEMPLE.
In the evening enjoy the horse drawn carriage around the fort and the old city.
Overnight will be in Bikaner.
Day 17: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for Mandawa after breakfast.
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. This 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.
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.
Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 18: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Visit the other attractive places in Shekhawati and enjoy the day watching frescoes.
Leave for Delhi after lunch and reach by evening.
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