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Imperial Rajasthan Tour
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Delhi-Jaipur-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Mount
Abu-Udaipur
-Chittaurgarh-Kota-Ranthambhore-Agra-Delhi ( 21
Nights / 22 Days)
Day 01 / Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi , Meet assist at the airport &
transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 02 / Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing
tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the
days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British
empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar ,India
Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s
House, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial . Also visit Laxmi Narayan
temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Night stay in
Delhi.
Day 03 / Delhi- Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur & transfer to hotel.
Later sightseeing of Jaipur covering City Palace -a
delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh
of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra
Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum,
Jantar Mantar- the largest and the best preserved of
the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different
parts of the country. This observatory consisting of
outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.Also
visit  Hawa
Mahal -The ornamental facade of this "Palace of
Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey
structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with
fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace
has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap
Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace
women. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 04 / Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for morning excursion to Amber
Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Amber Fort Palace
- Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592,
and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding
exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate
expression.Also visit Jaigarh Fort - Jaigarh used to
be the royal arsenal. The view of the city of Jaipur
from this picturesque fort on top of a hill is truly
an experience of a lifetime. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 5 / Jaipur - Mandawa
After breakfast drive to 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.Arrive
Mandawa & transfer to hotel. Entering the gates,
onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all traces
of the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy!
War scarred turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons that
seem to look down at you, as silent retainers in green
appear to whisk you away, the tails of their orange
'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze, mark your arrival
to the fanciest destination in Shekhawati. Caparisoned
camels and horses saunter in, carrying the guests as
musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome.
In the Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah
and wander in the under the high ceilinged 'Diwan Khana'
(Darbar Hall), where the walls adorned with ancient
portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era
that was royal, rich and resplendent.
Afternoon 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. Night stay in Mandawa.
Day 06 / Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast drive to 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.
Arrive Bikaner & transfer to hotel. Later visit
the Junagarh Fort ,constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army and the Karnimata Temple at Deshnok. Also visit
the prestigious camel breeding farm in the evening.Night
stay in Bikaner.
Day 07 / Bikaner -Jaisalmer
After Breakfast drive to 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.
Arrive Jaisalmer & transfer to hotel. Evening at
leisure. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 08 / 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, Also visit the Patwon-Ki-Havelies,
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli , Gandhi Sagar Tank and Barabagh
Hill. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 09 / Jaisalmer
In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the
typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride
to view the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set
on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience. Return
to the village to drive back to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani
dinner served in the village amidst Rajasthani musicians
playing haunting tunes. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 10/ Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to 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. Arrive Jodhpur & transfer to hotel. Evening
at leisure. Night stay in Jodhpur.
Day 11 / 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. Later visit Jaswant Thada Memorial
& the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Night stay in Jodhpur.
Day 12 / Jodhpur - Mt Abu
After breakfast drive to Mount Abu -At 1,200 meters,
Mount Abu is the highest point of the Aravalli range
passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan.
It is build around a lake and is surrounded by forested
hills. According to the legend, the place derives its
name from ARBUDA, a serpent who descended to the spot
to rescue Shiva's bull NANDI. Besides having all the
features of a pleasant hill resort, this place is also
famous for the DILWARA TEMPLES and many more archeological
remains. There are romantic royal retreats and relics
of the Raj. Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit
the temples and the museum. Night stay in Mount Abu.
Day 13 / Mt. Abu
Morning proceed for day long sightseeing at Mt Abu.
Visit the Dilwara Temples during the day. The architecture
of these temples is very interesting and famous. Evening
at leisure. Night stay in Mount Abu.
Day 14 / Mount Abu - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur -The city of Dawn,
Udaipur is the 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 Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur is
the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years. Arrive Udaipur & transfer to hotel.Later
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.Evening at leisure. Night stay
in Udaipur.
Day 15 / Udaipur
Morning proceed for day 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. Night
stay in Udaipur.
Day 16 / Udaipur - Chittaurgarh
After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh- The pride and
glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of
romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. A
ruined citadel - Where the royal past lives in its imposing
forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris. Arrive
Chittaurgarh & transfer to hotel. Later proceed
for sightseeing of Chittaurgarh Fort -Believed
to have been constructed by the Mori rulers in the 7th
century, this fort is located on a 180m high hill, covering
700 acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris"
lie between several monumental gates. Also visit Padmini
Palace - The palace of the legendary queen of
Mewar. Night stay in Chittaurgarh.
Day 17 / Chittaurgarh - Kota
Morning drive to Kota -Along the eastern bank of the
Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of
the majestic medieval age and modern industrialization,
temples and untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent
palaces and splendid temples. Kota dates back over several
centuries but still retains its past glory, present
day edifices and heavy industries. The industries have
made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan. Arrive
Kota & transfer to hotel. Later sightseeing of Kota
covering Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style palace,
situated on the bank of river Chambal, was build in
the early nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms
that are tastefully done up with antique furniture.
An intresting feature of the palace is the fact that
almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river providing
an arrresting view of the mighty river. Umed Bhawan
Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota.
There are long corridors, courtyard and Italian marble
floors. Chambel Garden The lush green garden at Amar
Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the
ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride. Maharao
Madho Singh Museum situated in the old palace, it houses
a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school,
exquisite sculptures and other valuable antiques. The
museum is the treasure house of artistic items used
by the rulers of kota. Night stay in Kota.
Day 18 / Kota - Ranthambhore
After breakfast drive to Ranthambhore - the famous
Tiger Reserve, is perhaps the best place in the
world to sight a tiger in the wild. 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. The River Chambal in the South and the
River Banas in the North bind the National Park. Ranthambhore
forest is of tropical dry deciduous type further classified
as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of
Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere.
Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding
prolonged droughts. The leaf of this tree is good fodder
and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant
part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten
by them, are rich source of nutrition. The lakes abound
with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed, lilies and
lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the
Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the
elusive hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles
and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds,
from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic
Golden Oriole. Tiger, at the apex of the food chain,
lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature,
it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent
as they are, are always a matter of chance. However,
even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.
Day at leisure . Night stay in Ranthmbhore.
Day 19 / Ranthambhore
Morning & Afternoon Jungle safari by Canter.
Night stay in Ranthmbhore.
Day 20 / Ranthambhore-Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra- Badal Singh
established the city of Taj in 1475. The narrow lanes
of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman
who are busy in crating master pieces with their skill
all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had
once experienced. Arrive Agra & transfer to hotel.
Night stay in Agra.
Day 21 / Agra - Delhi
Morning at sunrise visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of
the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan
in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal -
The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz
Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).
Also visit Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor
Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.
Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque,
which is a major tourist attraction. Later drive to
Delhi via Sikandra and the holy city of Mathura.
Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Night stay in
Delhi.
Day 22 / Departure
Transfer to airport to connect the onward flight.
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