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 DAY
01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi meet, assistance on arrival and transfer to
hotel. In the afternoon visit fascinating sights of old
& New Delhi. Delhi, one of India's fastest growing
cities has spread far beyond the "Seven
Cities" created between the 13th and the 17th
centuries. Now it's divided in to two parts old and New
Delhi, city carried history of thousand years, Old Delhi
was the capital of Muslims between 17th to 19th
centuries. City that is as old as civilization itself
and has been over nine capitals, each built with loving
care by several destinies. Delhi was the city of
magnificent kings and prince's who gave world famous
masterpieces of beauty like the Red Fort, Qutab Minar,
Purana Qila, Raj Ghat, India Gate, President's House,
Parliament House etc. New Delhi designed and constructed
by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker is a mixture
of east & west. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI - JAIPUR (258 KMS.
06-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Delhi for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur
meet, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Jaipur the Rajput City, in a land of forts, palaces and
temples, the city that stands out for its unique design
and layout is Jaipur, the "Pink City". Built
in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and his
architect-builder Vidyadhar. Basically this is the city
of culture, tradition and crafts. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 JAIPUR
After breakfast city tour of Jaipur visit: The City
Palace: Specially designed for the royal family with
lots of doors and windows a part of which remains the
residence of Jaipur family and rest of the palace serves
as a museum, which explain the saga of that era. Jantar
Mantar: Jantar Mantar is one of the Jai Singh's five
remarkable observations. The two Ram Yantras used for
the gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation.
Hawa Mahal: The ornamental façade of this "Palace
of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey
structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine
trelliswork and balconies has 953 windows. It was built
in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal grandstand place
for royal family women's. Amber Fort: The complex of
palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temple were built
by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai
Singh over a period of about two centuries. Overnight at
hotel.
DAY 04 JAIPUR - KOTA (246 KMS.
07-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Jaipur for Kota. Arrive Kota
meet, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Kota: One of fascinating city of Rajasthan, Kota an
impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present
day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams- Kota
Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar
Sagar. While an old palace, dating back to the time when
Kota was part of the Hada Rajput fiefdom - Harawati or
Hadoti - overlooks the Kota Barrage on the turbulent
Chambal River. The Hada chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered
the territory in the 14th century and founded Bundi and
Hadoti. Later, during the reign of Mughal Emperor
Jahangir, at the beginning of the 17th century, Rao
Ratan Singh, the ruler of Bundi gave his son, Madho
Singh, the smaller principality of Kota. In course of
time Kota come to be regarded as a hallmark of Rajput
power and culture. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 IN KOTA
After breakfast city tour of Kota visit: Maharao Madho
Singh Museum:Situated in the old palace, it houses a
rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the
Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes, arms and
other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure
house of artistic items used by the rulers of Kota. Jag
Mandir: The Prince Dher Deh of Bundhi constructed Kishor
Sagar, a picturesque artificial lake in 1345. Jag Mandir
an aesthetic monument was built in the middle of the
lake with ripples of the blue waters enhancing the
serenity. Boating facility is an added attraction of the
place. Near the lake is Kshar Bagh, famous for its royal
cenotaphs. Government Museum: It is situated in
Brijvilas Palace near Kishor Sagar Lake. It has a superb
collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a
representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Apiece
brought here from Baroli is noteworthy for it's
beautiful and historical interest. Haveli of Devtaji: In
the middle of the busy market is located the Haveli of
Devta Shridharji. It is famous for its frescoes. The
Havelie has few rooms full of wall paintings, which are
worth a visit. It is a private residence. Kota Barrage:
This is a part of the irrigation canal system on Chambal
River. The setting is beautiful ideal for a stroll.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 KOTA - BUNDI (38 KMS.
01-hrs DRIVE)
Depart for Bundi. Bundi, was the capital of a major
princely state during the hay day of the Rajputs.
Although its importance dwindled with the rise of Kota
during Mughal times, it maintained its independence
until its incorporation into the state of Rajasthan in
1947. Kota itself was the part of Bundi until its
separation in 1624 at the instigation of the Mughal
emperor, Jehanjir. Bundi is a picturesque little town
whose medieval atmosphere more or less remains. The
towns Rajput's legacy is well preserved in the shape of
the massive Taragarh fort. Visit: - Taragarh Fort (The
Star Fort): This white fort of the top of a thickly
wooded hill is one of the most impressive forts in
Rajasthan. It has an enormous tank, which once supplied
the palace with water. The Palace: It was begun by
Maharao Balwant Singh and is considered to be one of the
finest examples of Rajput architecture. Chitrashala: The
palace at Bundi has a beautiful pavilion and a gallery
of murals in the miniature style. The walls are covered
with elaborate paintings of scenes from the Ragamala and
Rasila, the Radha-Krishna story. The colour scheme of
all these paintings is strikingly beautiful with all the
colours of the rainbow. Sukh Mahal: A summer palace
built on Sukh Sagar Lake is set in a beautiful formal
garden. It is said that an underground tunnel runs from
Sukh Mahal to the old Place. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07 BUNDI - CHITTAURGARH
(146 KMS. 04-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Chittorgarh. On arrival meet,
assistance and transfer to your hotel. The town known
for its massive fort atop a hill covering an area of 279
hectares, can be singled out for its glorious past and
valour. He fort has a checkered history and has
witnessed some bloodiest battles in history and three
great sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valour,
which are still sung by the local musicians. The
antiquity of the fort is difficult to trace, but it is
believed that Bhim the legendary figure of Mahabharata,
visited this place and opened a water reservoir with the
dash of his foot, this reservoir is called as Bhim
Lat.it later on came under Mauryas. There are different
opinions as it came under the Mewar reulers, but it
remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was
shifted to Udaipur. Evening for individual activities.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 08 IN CHITTAURGARH
After breakfast visit interesting sights of Chittaurgarh
visit: The Fort: Believed to have been constructed by
later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D., this fort is
located on a 180 mts. high hill, covering 700 acres. The
fort has many architectural attractions. Vijay Stambh
(Victory Tower): Built by Maharana Kumbha in
commemoration of victory over Muslim rulers of Malwa and
Gujarat in 1440 A.D., this 37 Mts. high tower is a
structure of nine storeys. Its exoterior is decorated
with sculptures and it has withstood the vagaries of
nature through the centuries. Kirti Stambh (Tower of
Fame): This 22 Mts. high, Tower of Fame, was built by a
wealthy Jain Merchants in the 12th centuries A.D. and is
dedicated to Adinathji, the first of Jain tirthankaras.
The tower is decorated with figures from the Jain
pantheon. Rana Kumbha's Palace: The great historical and
architectural palace in Chitourgarh. It is believed that
in one of the underground cellars, Rani Padmini and
other women committed jauhar. This palace is the biggest
monument in the fort of Chittaur. Padmini's Palace: Rani
Padmini was a celebrated beauty and according to a
ledgent, it was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a
glimpse of her to Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi.
It overlooks a pool in which the 'Zanana Mahal' is
situated, where Padmini stood when her reflection was
shown to Allauddin Khilji in a mirror in the main hall.
Meera & Kumbha Shyam Temple: This temple is
associated with mystic poetess and a great devotee of
Lord Krishna, Meerabai: She is the wife of Rana Bhojraj
and is set to have consumed Poisson sent by the Rana but
survived because of Lord Krishna's blessing. Goverment
Museum: The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal has been
converted into a museum now. It has a rich collection of
sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 09 CHITTAURGARH - DUNGARPUR
(218 KMS. 05-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Dungarpur. On arrival meet,
assistance and transfer to your hotel. Dungarpur the
picturesque town at the foothills of the Aravali, it is
surrounded on three sides by hills, and it blooms with
beauty during the rainy season. Literally Dungar is a
hill and Pur means town, thus Dungarpur means a 'Hill
Town'. Rawal Veer Dev annexed it from the Bhil Chieftain
Dungaria, who had built this city and the old palace in
1282. Udai Bilas Palace: In the east of this beautiful
town is Udai Bilas Palace, the residence of the Royal
Family named after Maharawal Udai Singh II, a great
patron of art and architecture. Maharawal Udai Singh
built a wing of bluish grey local stone 'Pareva'
overlooking the lake and the 'Ek Thambia Mahal'
(literally one pillared palace), balustrades bracketed
windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings-a
vertiable marvel of Rajput architecture. Still the royal
residence - the Udai Bilas Palace offers accommodation
with all major facilities. Juna Mahal: Almost as old as
the town itself, the construction of the palace was
started in the turbulent 13th century using the superb
natural defence of a rocky peak some 1500 ft. above sea
level. This seven storied structure resembles a fortress
with crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances and
passageways to slow down the enemy. Inside, one will see
the most colourful and vibrant rooms embellished with
frescoes , miniature paintings and glass and mirror
inlay work. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10 DUNGARPUR - UDAIPUR (120
KMS. 02:30 hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to the City of Lakes "Udaipur".
On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
Udaipur: Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur the last of
the capitals of Mewar, in 1567. Driven by the besieging
armies of Emperor Akbar, he abandoned struggle and
choosing the fertile valley between the famous Mewar
forts of Chittaurgarh and Kumbhalgarh, centred his new
city round three lakes. Udaipur was to become the most
beautiful cities of India. There is no place in India,
which appeals more to the imagination of poets,
painters, travelers and writers. In the afternoon visit:
-City Palace: Completely white and majestic, the City
Palace stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls.
The sparking white filigreed balconies and windows,
ornate arches and small domes. Now become a museum, is
labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid
mirror work, galleries covered with wall pictures. Its
main entrance is through the Triplearched Gate, the
Tripolia, built in 1725. There is Suraj Gokhada, the
balcony of the sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharana of
Mewar presented themselves in time of trouble to the
people to restore their confidence. Lake Pichola: An
island on the lake houses the elegant Jag Nivas, built
in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and now
the Lake Palace Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11 UDAIPUR
After breakfast excursion to Jagdish Temple: Built in
17th century has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda (a
mythical bird) facing his revered Lord Vishnu. It is the
largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Eklingji:
This temple of Eklingji was built in 734 A.D. A complex
of 108 temples enclosed by high walls is devoted to the
presiding goddess of the Maharanas of Mewar. A
remarkable place of worship is carved from marble and
even today the Maharana of Udaipur who is the Diwan of
the temple, makes it a point to visit every Monday.
Nagada: The first capital of Bappa Rawal, the ancient
place has a magnificent arch, which is ornately carved.
The tenth century Sas Bahu temples dedicated to Sas
(mother-in-low) and Bahu (daughter-in-law) are rated
among the best temples in India. There is a lake
surrounded by temples. The Abudji Jain Temples is worth
visiting. Nathdwara: Nathdwara 48 km from Udaipur. It is
the popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The important 18th
century shrine of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna has a
black marble statue. It is more than 600 years old, and
was brought from Mathura in 1669 to protect the statue
from the fanatic hands of Aurangzeb. It is one of the
richest shrines of India. Return back to Udaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12 UDAIPUR - KUMBHALGARH
(130 KMS. 03-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Udaipur for Kumbhalgarh. On
arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
Kumbhalgarh built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha,
amidst the hills of Aravalli, on the site of an ancient
castle which tradition ascribes to Samprati, a Jain
prince of the second century B.C. This is the second
most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittourgarh.
Within the bastions of the fort are many palaces and
temples, which are of great antiquity and interest. The
important among them is "Bada Mahal" or the
Cloud Palace at the top, it offers a scenic view of the
surrounding country side. Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary:
Situated in the lush green environs of Aravalli, the
home of rare species of animals struggling for their
survival. It has the four horned antelope, the only
member of genus tetracerus. This is also the only
sanctuary where Indian wolf is breeding successfully.
The sanctuary is equally well known for its
archaeological value, and the famous Kumbhalgarh fort
and the Ranakpur temples are also situated in its
precincts. Return to hotel overnight at hotel.
DAY 13 KUMBHALGARH - RANAKPUR
(045 KMS. 01-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Rankpur. Rankpur: In a quiet
and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes
of the Aravalli hills is a remarkable complex of Jain
temples at Rankpur, one of the five main holy palaces of
the Jain sect. Though over 500 years old, the temples
here are superbly preserved in a near perfect condition.
In the center is the main temple dedicated to
Tirthankara Rishabdeo with a chaumukha or four-faced
shrine dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive
features are the 29 halls of the temple which contain
1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike. Every
conceivable surface of the wall pillars, and ceiling is
carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain
images. The quadruple image of Adinath stands in the
main sanctuary, which is open on all four sides. Rising
in three storeys, it has four subsidiary shrines with a
total of 80 spuies supported by 420 columns. There are
also 24 mandapas or porticos and spires. The entire
temple is an orchestration of pillars, portico domes and
spires. In front of the Chaumukha temple two more Jain
temples situated. One of these is dedicated to
Parsvanath and was built in the 14th century. The
exterior bears some erotic carvings. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 14 RANAKPUR - JODHPUR (245
KMS. 06-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Ranakpur for Jodhpur. On arrival
meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Jodhpur:
Rao Jodha Ji who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the
hero of epic Ramayana) founded Jodhpur, the former
capital of Marwar State, in 1459. The city was built as
a result of warring brothers. Jodhpur and its historic
origins are best revealed by countless cultural
celebrations taking place here, of these Marwar festival
an annual feature is the most inspiring spectacle of the
region. A variety of Rajasthani folk music and dance
performances introduce the audience with the local
folklore. Marked with ecstasy, the cultural bonanza
enlivens and transports the participant's back into the
historic origins of this colourful region of Rajasthan.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15 IN JODHPUR
After breakfast visit: - Mehrangarh Fort: Spread over 5
km. On a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a
height of about 100 Mts. the fort appears invricible and
impenetrable from outside but houses some of the most
intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved
panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of
the important palaces. There is a remarkable collection
of musical instruments, miniature paintings, costumes,
silver cradles, etc. in the museum. Jaswant Thada: this
19th century cenotaph commemorating Maharaja Jaswant
Singh, lies close to the fort complex. Built of white
marble, in 1899, it presents a stark contrast to the
hill it stands on. There are portraits of the rulers of
Jodhpur and genealogical tables. Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Believed to be one of the largest personal residences of
the world, the palace was constructed as a famine relief
work and was in the making for 15 years. It is also
known as Chhitar Palace because of the stone it is made
of. An amazing feature is the underground swimming pool.
One of the domes rises to a height of 190 feet. Large
parts have been converted into a hotel while some parts
continue to serve as the personal residence of the
Maharaja. Among the collections on display are royal
memorabilia and a fascinating collection of clocks.
Mandore: Mandore was the capital of Mewar before the
founding of Jodhpur. The place is believed to derive its
name from Mandavya Rishi who is said to have had his
hermitage here. The area is surrounded by a landscaped
garden with high rock terraces. Overnight at
hotel.
DAY 16 JODHPUR - KHIMSAR (90
KMS. 02-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Jodhpur for Khimsar 90 kms.
(02-hrs. Drive) from Jodhpur. On arrival chick-in hotel
Khimsar Fort. Khimsar Fort specially designed for Royal
Family with luxurious facilities for modern generation,
a part of which becomes a well prestigious hotel. It
gives us great pleasure to invite you to our Indian
ancestral home, the renowned Khimsar Fort. Rao Karamsiji
who was the 8th prince of Rao Jodhaji (the founding
Maharaja of Jodhpur) successfully launched the royal
dynasty at Khimsar. He established himself between his
brothers the Mahalrajas of Jodhpur and Bikaner. This
commenced the construction of our fort in 1523 A.D. in
the fairy tale land of majestic forts & palaces.
Khimsar was one of the premier chieftains of Marwar also
the head house of the Karamsot Rathors. Khimsar Fort
situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the
heart of rural India lies this unique fort offering a
wide range of experiences. The battle scarred walls
& turrets remind of the glorious past in the mid of
18th century the royal family moved in and a new "Zenana"
or ladies residence was built with finely carved windows
in stone grills to provide 'Pardah' of veil for ladies
in waiting. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 17 KHIMSAR - NAGAUR -
DESHNOKE - BIKANER (150 KMS. DRIVE) DELHI
After breakfast drive to Deshnoke via Nagaur. Enroute
visit Nagaur and Deshnoke. Nagaur is one of the most
picturesque of Rajput townships. The town is cordoned in
by massive ramparts and has to be entered through
stately gates. Emperor Shah Jahan granted Nagaur to Amar
Singh Rathore. At the main entrance to the town there is
a complex of royal cenotaphs. The cenotaph of Raja Amar
Singh Rathore is near a shimmering pool. The fort
contains many royal apartments such as the Moti Mahal,
Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. The Baradari or courtyard
has walls painted with beautiful murals in a synthesis
of the Persian and Nagaur styles. Frescoes of dancers
and flowers adorn the walls. Deshnoke is famous for its
Karni Mata Temple this temple is dedicated to the mystic
Karni Mata. Maharaja Ganga Singh donated the huge silver
gates to the temple and the marble carvings and a golden
umbrella tops the temple. The main interest here,
however, is the rats. Like cows in the rest of India,
the rats here are regarded as holy and are fed by the
priests, who care for them in the belief that they will
be reincarnated as mystics or holy men. Strolling around
this temple with rats playing leapfrog over your bare
feet can be a little unnerving. On arrival at Bikaner,
check-in hotel and overnight at hotel.
DAY 18 IN BIKANER
Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika Ji in 1488, son of Rao
Jodh Ji the real founder of Jodhpur. The desert city
Bikaner stands on a slight eminence and has fascinating
royal monuments, temples, havelis and colourful bazaars.
This desert city was a major trade center on the old
caravan route linking central Asia and north India with
Gujarat seaports long before a Rathor prince, Bika
conquered it in 1486 A. D. and called it Bikaner.
Bikaner is famous for the best camel riding in the
world.
After breakfast visit: - Junagarh Fort: Akbar's
contemporary, Raja Rai Singh, built this building in
1593 A.D. It is one of the finest of Rajput monuments
having 37 Palaces, Temples and Pavilions within, it is
one of its kind. The palaces inside the Fort Worth
visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Rang Mahal or
Palaces of Pleasure and the Chander Mahal or Moon
Palalce. Lalgarh Palace: The imposing red sandstone
monument is a successful blend of oriental façade and
occidental interiors, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for
Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja
Lal Singh. Aesthetically, few palaces in India match
Bikaner's Lalgarh Palace. Statues of Queen Victoria and
King Edward VII greet visitors in Lalgarh's entrance
hall. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: A museum that has
amazing collection. In fact, it's one of the best
museums in Rajasthan. There are brilliant examples of
Harappan civilisation, the Gupta and Kushan era and
sculptures of the late classical time. It houses a rich
collection of terracotta, poetry, carpets, paintings and
coins. There is a separate section for arts and crafts
of this region. Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples:
The oldest existing monuments in Bikaner, this 14th
century Jain temples were built by two brothers &
are named after them. The rich mirror work, décor and
their gold leaf painting are noteworthy. Overnight at
hotel.
DAY 19 BIKANER - NAWALGARH (224
KMS. 06-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Bikaner for Nawalgarh. Nawalgarh:
Founded in the early 18th century, Nawalgarh has two old
forts and a palace hotel with garden and fountains. The
Bala Kila has a kiosk where some of the finest frescoes
in Shekhawati are painted. The prominent havelis here
are of the Poddars, Chhawachharias, Bhagats, Dangaichs
and others. A host of temples with interesting
architecture and frescoes are also recommended for a
long and fruitful visit. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 20 NAWALGARH - NEEMRANA
After breakfast drive to Neemrana. Arrive Neemrana and
transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit: -
Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on a majestic plateau
concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli
ranges, considered the oldest Fold Mountains in the
world. The Palace hides itself from view till the
visitor arrives at the fort of the hill. The Chauhan
ruler Raja Rajdeo chose the picturesque site of Neemrana
Fort Palace. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 21 NEEMRANA - DELHI (122
KMS. 03-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Neemrana for Delhi. On arrival
check-in hotel, whole day for individual activities,
after dinner transfer to airport for flight to onward
destination. |
