LUXURY TOURS IN INDIA

Colourful Rajasthan Tour

Duration : 17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi

Colourful Rajasthan - as the name specify is a journey through one of the most popular state of India.Rajasthan - the land of the Rajputs is a fascinating desert land whose ruggedness hides many a touching tale of valour and sacrifice, is rife with colour and gaiety, art and pegeantry.The courage, chivalry, pride, honour, love and culture of its legendry heroes, women and princess are remembered in the mighty forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and beautiful lakes and gardens make it a land of breathtaking variety.Cranvan - loads of camel riders make their way across the sands, exotic water - birds fill the scheduled sanctuaries.The women here wear bright and clolourful dresses with lots of silver jewellery.

This journey is through this beautiful state of Rajasthan travelling through Mandawa - a old Shekhawati village of Frescos, Bikaner -city of Forts and onward to the sand dune city of the Jaisalmer - which houses the second largest desert - the Thar and continuing to Jodhpur - which houses the largest private residence in the world - the Umaid Bhawan Palace. From here we drive to Kumbalgarh enrouting via Ranakpur famous for the temple complex.The next halt is the city of lakes - Udaipur and onward to the quiet little town of Pushkar - which houses the only Brahma Temple - the creator of the universe.From here to the Pink city - Jaipur and via Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - the abandon city and one time capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar to the city of Taj Mahal - Agra.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Indra Gandhi International Airport Treminal 2 you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are received with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day is relaxing and for free activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
This morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan the Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Mandawa
After breakfast we leave for Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert which used to be a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style - wooden doors, bamboo thatched roofs, mud plastered walls and floors, ethnic decor etc.

Day 04 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Early breakfast and then drive to Bikaner. The drive is through desert country, with scanty vegetation. Upon arrival checkin to the Hotel. The endless monotony of the desert is broken by the fort and palaces of Bikaner.The city's deity is Karni Mata.The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice. Other places of interest are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh Palace.
Evening visit the local market.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
After breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in some splendor, dominating the amber - hued city. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveller to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a bustling center from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches of sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Few places in India could rival the medieval charm and magnificence of Jaisalmer. The rich and beautiful palaces and havelis of Jaisalmer shimmer against the relentless monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were known for their valour and their beautiful havelis and temples has assumed the air of virtual museum.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06 : Jaisalmer
Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Lovely havelis dot the enchanting network of narrow lanes. Among the sights you'll visit : Nathmalji - Ki- Haveli and Patwaon ki Haveli, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th Centuries; and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Sam, a desert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical desert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. We move on to Sam where we explore the desert on camel back. . No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the picturesque dunes of Sam The ripples on the wind - caressed dunes are a photographer's delight.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast we start a scenic drive to Jodhpur including visits to interesting Hindu and Jain Temples at Osiyan . Jodhpur the gateway to the Thar desert , the city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces and gracious building. Arrive Jodhpur, The second largest city in Rajasthan, standing on the edge of the Thar Desert. The old city was founded by Rao Jodha, its walls with seven gates and countless bastions and towers were built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th Century when Jodhpur was a booming trading town. To this day Jodhpur still fulfills its historical role as the area's main trading center for wood, cattle, camels, cotton, sals, hides and agricultural crops. Jodhpur is called the "Blue City" for the characteristic plea indigo color of its traditional homes. The enormous UMAID BHAWAN PALACE was once the largest private residence in the world, have in 347 rooms and using over 2.5 million cubic feet of sandstone and marble. Jodhpur's former ruling family still lives in this opulent palace / museum/ hotel.
Afternoon stroll in the city and mix with the local people.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09 : Jodhpur
There are many great fortresses throughout Rajasthan, but non compare with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, built atop a 400 ft. promontory. Within this invisible citadel are magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. These palaces houses a fabulous collection of possessions of Indian royalty, including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Below the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built 1899 for Mahrajaha Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
Proceed into the heart of the bazaars for a view of local artisans at work as well as locals shopping of their wares.
Later part of the day we set out on a fascinating drive to Rohetgarh, a neighboring royal village.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh
After breakfast leave for Kumbalgarh enroute we visit Ranakpur which is situated between Jodhpur , Mount Abu , Udaipur. Here we visit the famous Ranakpur Temple Complex, one of the biggest and most important cluster of Jain Temple in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range.The Chaumukha temple , or Four Faced Temple is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century.Built in marble , the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike. After visiting the Ranakpur we continue our drive to Kumbalgarh. Rana Kumbha , the legendary Mewari Hero, an astute and a great builder constructed 32 of the 84 fortesses in Mewar.Of these , the most imposing one, is Kumbalgarh - set amidst 36 Kms of the twenty feet thick ramparts and 365 temples.It is a place for serenity and calm of the countryside away from the madding crowd.
Overnight at the Fort.

Day 11 : Kumbalgarh - Udaipur
Early breakfast and then we enjoy the exciting visit to the adjoining wildlife sanctuary which boasts of panthers, wild- boars, antelope, deer etc. and meet the local tribals BHIL & GARASIAS. After visiting we continue our drive to Udaipur and upon arrival checkinto at hotel.
Evening we take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 12 : Udaipur
Built along three lakes and ringed by green hills, Udaipur (pop, 366.000) is known as the 'Venice of the East' The City's palaces, gardens, ghats, temples and painted houses match the beauty of the setting. This morning we'll visit the towering City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan, and the Saheliyon ki Bari ( Garden of the Maidens.) Once for bidden to all but he queen and her ladies.From here we visit the e superb Jagdish Temple noted for its elephant - motif carvings The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 13 : Udaipur - Pushkar
After an early breakfast we drive towards Pushkar - a quiet little town ,on the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan. A city of 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation , BRAHMA and is therefore believed to be the centre of the creation of the world. Afternoon is spent visiting the ghats and the temples.
Overnight at the Pushkar Resorts.

Day 14 : Pushkar - Jaipur
After a relaxed breakfast we start our journey for Jaipur popularly known as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your pre booked Hotel.
Afternoon - tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The Palace of winds - a five storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life.

Day 15 : Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colourful city in India. Today morning we visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a super example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings.
Afternoon is spent visit the local bazaar.
In the evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an ethnic village atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers, arobats, snake charmers, puppeteers etc.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 16 : Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpursikri - Agra
This morning travel to Bharatpur for a tour of the world famous bird sanctuary here. The reserve bosts of river 300 species of resident and migratory birds. From here we drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri ( ghost capital) for a tour of the magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect preservation. We continue our journey for Agra and upon arrival check into Hotel.

Day 17 : Agra - Delhi
Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. This morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father-in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three generations by the moghul emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking.
After visiting the Agra city we leave for Delhi.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 18 : Leave Delhi
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home.



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