12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS PROGRAMME VISITING
DELHI – AGRA - JAIPUR – BIKANER – JAISALMER – JODHPUR – UDAIPUR
DAY & PROGRAMME
01. Arrive Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Delhi, where a empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life of India. The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year old history of Delhi. A history which begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven.
Overnight at the hotel.
02. Delhi.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Old & New Delhi visiting - Raj Ghat cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch ), Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre. (Lotus Temple, Red Fort & Museums are closed on Monday. Also note most of the markets are closed on Monday).
Overnight at the hotel.
03. Delhi – Agra by surface (204 Kms/04 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire.Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own.
The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had ever withnessed. The golden age of Agra's history, thus began to set in.
Afternoon sightseeing of Agra visiting the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains.
Perhaps no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal - fondly called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.
So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marble mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery… a freeze-frame from a resplendant era that's long since gone by.
Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father.
Overnight at the hotel.
04. Agra - Jaipur (238 Kms/5 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, situated 40 Kms miles west of Agra, was built at the orders of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. While Akbar himself was illiterate, he took a keen interest in literature, architecture, and the arts. He is also reputed to be a very tolerant ruler, and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style. One of the buildings even reflects the new sycretistic faith founded by Akbar, Din-e-ilahi, which though very short-lived remains a matter of controversy.
On arrival in Jaipur check-in at the hotel.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is a wonderful tourist attraction in Rajasthan. The Pink City of Jaipur has a number of architectural wonders that attract tourists from all over the country and abroad. Most of the foreign tourists, who come to India, also tour this city of majestic forts and beautiful havelis. Jaipur lies in the state of Rajasthan and is about 258 kilometres from Delhi, the capital of India. Jaipur Hub takes you on a tour of various tourist attractions in and around Jaipur.
Overnight at the hotel.
05. Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Kali Temple. Ascend on Elephant back, the hill on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince and ever since, it has retained this colour. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas.
Overnight at the hotel.
06. Jaipur – Bikaner (320 Kms/06 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Bikaner, the northern most point on the triangle of desert cities, was founded in 1488 AD. by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha. Like Jaisalmer, in the south, it was, once, an important trade centre. The old city is bolstered, by 7 km long imposing walls, with 5 entrance gates, built in the 18th century.
Afternoon half day sightseeing of Bikaner. Bikaner offers several attractions to the tourists besides, of course, the exotic camel safaris. Some of the major attractions around the city are Junagarh Fort, sumptuously decorated with its ornately lacquered walls in red & gold and panels of dazzling coloured glass inlay set over the coronation throne, it has several Palaces. Among them are Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal are prominent. Lalgarh Palace is carved out of red sand stone, and of late has been converted into a Heritage Hotel.
Visit the majestic forts or go to the Mata Karni temple where rats are considered sacred and worshipped. The camel festival held in the month of January is also an event worth witnessing.Camel Breeding Farm, Gajner Palace, Deshnoke Temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
Overnight at the hotel.
07. Bikaner – Jaisalmer (333 Kms/06 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival check-in at hotel.
Jaisalmer, One of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the heart of Thar Desert, abounds in ancient palaces, temples and quaint settlements. As the sun sets, the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow, that make Jaisalmer the "Golden City". Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer, kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj.
Overnight at the hotel.
08. Jaisalmer
After breakfast a full day sightseeing tour to visit this city of giled magic. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal and where a fourth of the population lives;Jaisalmer fort is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, it is visible from a distance of about 15 kilometres. The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset Jain Temple This group of fine jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer fort. They are beautiful carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. there is also a Shiva and Ganesh Temple inside the fort. Gyan Bhandar or Library : Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
Patwon ki Haveli The life within the citadel gives you a clear picture of the medieval majesty with its magnificent palace, havelis, temples and the skilled artisans and camels all around. Among the havelis made by Jaisalmer/’s wealthy merchants include the Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. The Patwon ki haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight.
Late afternoon half day excursion to Sand Sunes of the Thar desert near Jaisalmer.
Overnight at the hotel.
09. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (297 Kms/05-06 hRS)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Jodhpur, Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur. The town was once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably, referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions
Afternoon half day sightseeing tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. This fort is one of the largest fort in India. the fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq km, with seven gates. It has been a witness to the splendor of bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous places in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpur sculptures. Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort".
Visit Jaswant Thada which is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir.
Umaid Bhawan Palace - This immense palace known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used. the only palace built in 20th century under the famine .It was built in a time of peace and is quite western in its design. It was built as a famine relief project which employment to people for 16 years. It has its own theatre, eight dining rooms, and a banquet hall which seats three hundred people. A Ball Room had been built, catering to the Westernized royal lifestyle. Much of the interior of the palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.
Government Musuem - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, sculptures, antique weapons, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Overnight at the hotel.
10. Jodhpur – Udaipur (269 Kms/06 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Ranakpur Jain Temple which was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike.The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
On arrival in Udaipur check-in at the hotel.
Udaipur, There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Overnight at the hotel.
11. Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument Jagdish Temple, Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Drive around Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Queen resort for her friends) is a small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. Bharatiya Lok Kala Musuem has interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings and the high point of the exhibits puppets.
Late afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight at the hotel.
12. Udaipur – Delhi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi connect flight for onwrd destination
End of the programme. Check-in is at 1400 Hrs & check-out time is 12 noon at all hotels.
