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Duration
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14 Nights / 15 Days
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Destination
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Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Khimsar – Jaisalmer – Osian – Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur
– Jaipur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
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Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
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As you arrive in Delhi, you will be received at the airport/ railway station from
where you would be transfer to the hotel. Check in the hotel. Stay overnight at
Hotel Delhi.
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Day 02 - Delhi - Mandawa (260 km - 6 hr)
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Today, we drive to we drive to Mandawa in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati
region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekhaji who ruled this area in the 14th
century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the
founder of the town. These were the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by
the rich & dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis
(Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes
adorning their walls & now aptly given the epithet- Open-Air Gallery. With the migration
of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with
no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm & aura of a bygone era
& coming here is like stepping into a different world. Stay overnight at Heritage
Hotel Mandawa.
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Day 03 - Mandawa - Bikaner (160 km - 4 hr)
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Today we take a tour covering the Shekhawati region known for exquisite frescoes
decorating the walls & ceilings of the havelis. We visit State of the Art Havelis
namely Goenka haveli, built in the year 1885 is believed to have some of the best
frescos in perfect match of colour & design. Gori Shankar Haveli,
a good example of mirrored mosaic ceiling. Choudaharia Haveli,
though in an extreme state of deteriorations has a rare departure of an erotic painting.
The Singhania Haveli has some fine paintings of Radha & Krishna
& shows some British men holding guns. Later we drive to Bikaner, was founded by
Rao Bikaji in the year 1488. He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of
Jodhpur (1459 AD) & chose a barren land called Jungladesh to shape it into an impressive
city, called Bikaner. Stay overnight at Hotel Bikaner.
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Day 04 - Bikaner - Khimsar (150km - 3 hr)
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Today in Bikaner we visit Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singhji,
the 6th ruler of Bikaner, who ruled during 1571-1612. It is constructed of red sandstone
& marble with kiosks & balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. Later
we visit Lal Garh Palace, an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone,
built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh.
It is a magnificent example of pure Rajput martial architecture, designed by Sir
Swinton Jacob of England. Later we drive to Khimsar, perched on the edge of the
great Thar Desert. Unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of
experiences. Stay overnight at Hotel Khimsar.
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Day 05 - Khimsar - Jaisalmer (240 km - 6hr)
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Later we drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal
Jaisal. An important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on
the camel trade routes is often described as Golden city. Havelis, built by merchants
of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still
in a beautiful condition. Stay overnight at Hotel Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer Jaisalmer.ogg
pronunciation (help·info) (Hindi), nicknamed "The Golden City", is a town in the
Indian state of Rajasthan. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned
by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples.
Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the
Thar Desert and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters
of Jaisalmer District.
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Day 06 - Jaisalmer - Full Day Tour
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Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort,
built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire
township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing
like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living Fort" in India
& within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some
lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the
12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels. We also visit
magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built
by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between
Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer
Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural
wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold.
Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the
Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down. Stay overnight at Hotel Jaisalmer.
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Day 07 - Jaisalmer - Osian (240 km - 6hr)
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Today we drive to Osian, Situated midway between Jaisalmer & Jodhpur, the place
is most famous for its Jain temples. 58 km away from Jodhpur the
ancient township was located on a very important trade route between the 8-12th
centuries. The town was dominated by the Jains, both commercially & demographically.
Here the Jain built their temples of stunning quality. Along with Jain temples there
are also superb Hindu temples dedicated to various Hindu gods. In all there are
16 Hindu & Jain temples of exquisite quality. Sad to say that Ossian’s glory is
a thing of the past, now the place resembles a ghost town with most of the people
having migrated to greener pastures. Jain Temples, the most spectacular of which
is the Mahavira temple dedicated to the 24th & last Jain Prophets.
The temple was built around 775 AD & other smaller shrines were added on to the
complex till about the 15th century. Osiyan has great relevance for the Jain community
because the Jains originated in Osian & derive their name from the town. Sachiya
Mata Temple, originally built in the 8th century, the existing temple complex however
dates back to the 12th century. Sachi Mata is better known as Indrani. The temple
complex can be entered through a series of magnificent toranas or arches, which
are superbly sculpted. The main shrine was constructed circa in the year 1178 &
the two other temples in the complex, namely the Chandi Ka Mandir
& the Amba Mata Mandir. All in all the Sachiya Mata Temple
complex & the other temples in Osian are probably some of the most beautiful
temple complexes in the north India. Stay overnight at Hotel Osian.
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Day 08 - Osian - Excursion to Jodhpur (60Km- 01hr)
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Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the 2nd largest
city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping
a sheer rocky ridge Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in
the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state,
also known as Marwar. Here we visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort), built by
Rao Jodha, located atop a 125m high hill. The fort museum houses an exquisite collection
of palanquins, howdah (Elephant saddle), royal cradles, miniatures, costumes & furniture.
We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in the year 1899
in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is an architectural landmark in Jodhpur
Stay overnight at Hotel Osian. Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian
state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name.
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Day 09 - Osian - Kumbhalgarh (255km - 7hr)
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Today we drive Kumbhalgarh, Rana Kumbha the legendary Mewar hero, an astute & a
great builder. Of others, Kumbhalgarh is the most inspiring. A joy for the nature
lovers, it is surrounded by greenery & wildlife. It is also within a short driving
distance from the famous 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples. An
area steeped in history & abounding in wildlife, unspoilt nature harmonizes with
the modern comforts & the warm hospitality of the Aoudhi. En route Ranakpur Ranakpur
located in the mountain ranges of Pali. We visit the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples
were built during the reign of the liberal & gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th
century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary
shrines, 24 pillared halls & eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a
height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big
bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. Stay overnight at
Hotel Kumbhalgarh.
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Day 10 - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur (100Km - 02hr)
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Today we take drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh
after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittaurgarh from
the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the
most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the
courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural
beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests
& Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City
of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in
India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the
city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens,
lakes, palaces & temples. Stay overnight at Hotel Udaipur.
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Day 11 - Udaipur - Full day Tour
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Toady we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed
by various Maharana’s (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence
of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that
brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed
balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour)
is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies
of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated
with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic
technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today. Later we visit Jagdish
Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651
AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur
with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola,
the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir,
the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake. Stay overnight
at Hotel Udaipur.
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Day 12 - Udaipur - Jaipur (406km – 8 hr)
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Today we to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City the flamboyant & colourful capital
of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour &
bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city
was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains
the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through
nine rectangular sectors. Full Day Tour Today we take an excursion to Amber
Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under
the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated
on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect
blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied
building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further
we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure
house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was
built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street
market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows). Stay overnight
at Hotel Jaipur.
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Day 13 - Jaipur - Bharatpur (195 km - 5 hr)
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Today we drive to Bharatpur, founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the year 1733. It
was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, & the capital of a kingdom ruled by
Jat maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg & Dholpur has played an
important part in the Jat history of Rajasthan. Sanctuary was previously known as
Bharatpur bird Sanctuary & now known as Keoladeo National Park.
The name Keoladeo is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to
Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies
dense, thick areas of forest cover. This is a magnificent park having one of the
World's greatest & most important heronries. It is situated at the confluence of
Ghambhir & Banganga Rivers in Bharatpur district. Now a World Heritage site by UNESCO,
this former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering
areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Siberia & Turkmenistan.
Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have been recorded
in the park. Stay overnight at Hotel Bharatpur.
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Day 14 - Bharatpur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (75 km – 2 hr)
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Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost
Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from
the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.
We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti. Further
we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna.
It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526
to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era
monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are
UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stay overnight at Hotel Agra.
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Day 15 - Agra - Delhi (204 km – 4 hr)
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Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River
Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory
of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra
Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the
late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial
city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate
decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed
the construction of the tomb in the year 1613. Later we drive back to Delhi, en
route visit Mathura & Vrindavan, places related with the birth & childhood of Lord
Krishna. In Mathura we visit Shri Krishna Janmabhumi temple, a
stone slab marks the original birth place of Krishna. In Vrindavan we visit Bankey
Bihari Temple, built in the year 1864. Temple is famous for the black statue of
Krishna, also called as Thakur Ji. ISKCON Temple, one of the most beautiful temples
in Vrindavan. Temple is devoted to Krishna, his brother Balaram & Krishna's beloved
Radha. Further we continue our drive to Delhi, upon arrival in Delhi Transfer to
Airport for onward Destination
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