Rajasthan Heritage Tour Travel Package
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination: Delhi - Agra - Bhandarej - Ranthambore
- Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Delhi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 01. Arrival in Delhi (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital
Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by a representative
and transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi.
We take a Riksha Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city
and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi
includes also the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
and the great mosque of old Delhi.Today We also visit the famous
"Humayun's Tomb" which is the first substantial example
of Mughal architecture in India and “Kutab Minar” which
is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199.Before we proceed to
the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India
Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03. Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
In the morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter
high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower
which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the
world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.After
the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Agra. Arrival in Agra in the
evening.
Day 04. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort,built
by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this
massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued
till the time of his grandson's reign, Shahjahan who built the impressive
imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra fort, we proceed
to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an
enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty.
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as
a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the
Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.
We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory
home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous
fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the
descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day 05. Agra - Bhandarej (about 175 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns
and villages in direction of Bhandarej. Enroute we make a stop and
visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen
in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This
wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly
as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due
to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival at the palace
Hotel of Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture.
The Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally
painted verandahs and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with
its temples and historical sites has a history which dates back
to 11th century.Rest of the day at leisure. At the dinner time local
dances will be performed in the palace.
Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore
Nationalpark. after a break & refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore
we will explore the park on a Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is
surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers
an area of 392 sq2. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of
the Ranthambore National Park.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about 135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the
Jeep Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with
tiger we leave for Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the
erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city
fort and palace, this type of fort-palace complex is one of the
largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan.
Day 08. Kota - Bundi (about 38 km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most
famous for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive
ones. On the top of the hill is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi,
the interesting fort is worth exploring for hours. The fort has
many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding the streets
leading down to the city.After the whole day excursion we return
to Kota in the evening.
Day 09. Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh.The Fort of Chittorgarh
is indomitable pride of Chittor,the fort is massive structure with
many gateways built in 7th century A.D Perched on a height of 180m
hill it sprawls over 700 acres.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.Overnight stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about 120 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of
Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering,clear,blue water lakes
which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.In the evening
we enjoy a Boat ride on the lake Pichola.The famous Lake Palace
of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers.The James
bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known
in the west.
Day 11. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.We start
our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari.This Garden of
the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady
walks.After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk
art.This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments,
puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on
display. After a break we proceed to city palace, the biggest Palace
in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution,
is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings
that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole.The
museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature
wall paintings of Indian mythology.Today we have an opportunity
to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature
paintings done.
Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar.Pushkar being one of
the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient
religious town.The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus
making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus.Pushkar has
become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes
place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed
into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come
to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle
and camel markets take place here where Farmers,breeders and camel
traders buy and sell.(if this tour takes place during the time of
Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one
and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for one
more day making it 17 days tour.)
Day 13. Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the Pink City
Jaipur,this city owes its name,foundations and careful planning
to the great warrior and astronomer,Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.Jaipur
is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious
and semiprecious stones.After a break in Jaipur we visit the city
palace in the afternoon which is still the formal residence of the
royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.In
the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of
the Jaipur Mahrajas.We continue to Jantar Mantar,a stone observatory,the
largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.It's complex
instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber,laying
11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha
dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur.We
will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant.Enroute
to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds),built
in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its
own balcony.The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies
to watch processions below without being seen.In the afternoon we
have a walk through the colorful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory
to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries
in Jaipur.In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur
and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir",a Hindu temple made out
of white marble.We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer
ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music
and dance.
Day 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
Late morning, after having our Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival
in Delhi in the afternoon.The rest of the day at leisure. (Opportunity
for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 16. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.
|