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Day 5 - Jaipur - Pushkar (By
Road 140 km/3 hr)
 Proceed
for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in
at PUSHKAR PALACE.
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. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Pushkar - Ranthambhore
(By Road 240 km/6 hr)
Brahma Temple - The only one in the world. Start
early after breakfast for 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. Ranthambhore - 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 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. Proceed for
the afternoon SAFARI to spot tigers. Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 07 - Ranthambhore
 Full
day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore. Overnight at Ranthambhore.
Day 08 - Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Proceed for the morning SAFARI. Breakfast at hotel. Start for KOTA.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river
Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature
school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.
City Palace and Fort - On the banks of the Chambal
river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace
complex, which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics
of the former rulers of Kota.
Jagmandir - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake
was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and
roam around the same for a spiritual experience. Also visit the Govt.
Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Overnight
at Kota.
Day 09 - Kota - Bundi -
Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Start for Bundi. 36 km from Kota is a tiny
picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a rich
historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had
Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and
Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides
and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In 1193 AD
when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some
Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana
while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and
overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own
kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate
states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi
is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is
circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Taragarh or Atar Fort . Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a
marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to
the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive
forts of Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the
Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chatrasagar is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature
murals. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from
the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story.
Sukh Mahal is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid
the lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is
believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace. Proceed to
Chittaurgarh.
The Epitome of Romance and Valour - The pride and
glory of Rajasthan, CHITTAUR echoes with the tales of romance and
valor unique to the Rajput tradition. This is 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. After visiting the FORT proceed to stay at the BIJAIPUR CASTLE
SUITE. Overnight at the CASTLE.
Day 10 - Bijaipur - Udaipur
(By Road 180 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. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Breakfast 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 at Udaipur.
Day 12 - 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 the AODHI HOTEL of KUMBALGARH.
Day 13 - 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 at Jodhpur.
Day 14 - 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. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 15 - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr)
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 16 - 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 visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. 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. Stay
overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 17 - Jaisalmer to Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr)
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via
NAGAUR. 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 at Bikaner.
Day 18 - Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Breakfast 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. 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. 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. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 19 - Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260 km/5 hr)
Breakfast 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 Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief.
Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 20 - Delhi
Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full 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. Relax in the evening. Overnight
at Delhi.
Day 21 - Delhi - Home
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore the city and finish last
minute shopping. Proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening
at 1800 hr after checking out of the hotel. After the show you will
have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with
sweet memories of India. |
Company
representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax. 
After
breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur. 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 it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the
largest gateway in the world. Reach and check in at hotel. 
