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Rajasthan King
TourPlaces to Visit : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore -
Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
- Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Day 01 Delhi Begin your tour. Arrive into Delhi., the capital of
kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of
the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture
of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. Welcome
to Vardhman's Rajasthan King Tour ! On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred
by Vardhman's representative to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Day 02: Delhi - Agra (By Road 250 Kms/6 hr)
This morning after leisurly breakfast proceed for Agra. AGRA: Two great
Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra
into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat
{seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies,
and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains.
It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most
conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce
the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. On arrival at Agra check
in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian
architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry,
the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens
and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Proceed for sightseeing to the 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. Visit Itmad u Duallah's Tomb built by Empress
NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj). Overnight :Hotel. Day 03: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221
Kms/6 hr) After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built
that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience.
It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition
... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days
of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
On arrival at Jaipur check in at hotel. JAIPUR- The origins of the beautiful
city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign
of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still
retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the
locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the
royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts,
magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Overnight: Hotel
Day 04: Jaipur After leisurly breakfast at hotel proceed for
excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. 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. Proceed
for sightseeing of the city. 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 - This is 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. 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. Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at
the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight: Hotel Day 05: Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
After leisurly breakfast at hotel proceed for Pushkar. Reach Pushkar
by noon and relax. On arrival at Pushkar check in at hotel. PUSHKAR- Amongst
the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The
creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely
spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple
in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar
Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from
across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer
attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial
with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural
heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a
lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle
fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in
mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to
the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities
and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over
different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan
- the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has
the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to
a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals
- especially on the new and full moon days. Afternoon visit the mausoleum,
Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Overnight: Hotel Day 06: Pushkar -
Ranthambhore (By Road 240 km/6 hr) After breakfast visit the BRAHMA TEMPLE
- The only one in the world. Later, we will proceed for Ranthambhore, Ranthambhore
Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas, is a unique
example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the
vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai
Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle.
Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild.
The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National
Park in the country. 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.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat-topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp
ridges of the Aravallis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An
important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus
meet the Aravallis hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The rivers Chambal
in the south and Banas in the north bind the National Park. Overnight: Hotel
Day 07: Ranthambhore Full day (two private safaris) at Ranthambhore.
Overnight: Hotel Day 08: Ranthambhore - Kota (By Road 140 km/3
hr) Proceed for the morning SAFARI.. After breakfast at hotel we
will proceed for Kota Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks
of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature
school of art which specialized in hunting scenes. Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT-
On the banks of the Chambal river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the
city palace complex, which houses the RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics
of the former rulers of Kota. JAGMANDIR- in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake
was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around
the same for a spiritual experience. Also visit the Govt. Museum and the
famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Overnight: Hotel Day
09: Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh (By Road 180 km/5 hr) After breakfast
at hotel drive to Bundi 36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One
of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it
was ruled by the Had Chauhans - an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled
Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravallis hills on the three sides
and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.. In 1193 AD when Prithviraj
Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked
shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved
towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing
their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate
states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded
by the Aravallis hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with
four gateways. Visit the TARAGARH or STAR FORT. Perched on a thickly wooded
hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water
to the palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of
Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture,
housing some of the superb Bundi murals. CHATRASAGAR is a fascinating pavilion
of a gallery of miniature murals. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict
scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the Radha-Krishna story. SUKH MAHAL
is a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings
of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh
Mahal to the old palace. Proceed to CHITTAURGARH. THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE
AND VALOUR- The pride and glory of Rajasthan, CHITTAUR echoes with the tales of
romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. This is a ruined citadel, where
the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular CHATTRIS.
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: Hotel Day 10: Bijaipur - Udaipur
(By Road 180 km/5 hr) After a leisurly breakfast at hotel we will proceed
for Udaipur. On arrival at Udaipur chck in at hotel. The city of Dawn, Udaipur
is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS.
A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend
of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets,
painters and writers. Its 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
PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled
by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Evining at leisure. Overnight:
Hotel Day 11: Udaipur After breakfast at hotel proceed for 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. 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. Overnight:
Hotel Day 12: Udaipur - Kumbalgarh (By Road 100 km/2 hr) After
breakfast drive to Kumbalgarh. En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back
to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls.
The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two
more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Kumbalgarh.Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravallis
ranges, the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands a wary sentinel to
the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level,
the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the
principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km northwest of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates
and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers
strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Overnight: Hotel Day 13: Kumbalgarh - Jodhpur (By Road 150 km/4
hr) This morning after a leisurely breakfast proceed for 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. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions
encompasses the city. On arrival at Jodhpur check in at hotel. In the
evening visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE Overnight: Hotel Day
14: 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 Rathores 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. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Overnight:
Hotel Day 15: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By Road 300 km/5 hr) This
morning after a leisurely breakfast proceed for 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. On arrival at Jaisalmer
check in at hotel.Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Day
16: Jaisalmer After a leisurly 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. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.
Also visit Barabagh Hill. In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES
for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes,
as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani
musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight: Camp Day 17: Jaisalmer
-Nagaur- Bikaner (By Road 330 km/5 hr) Breakfast at the camp. Continue
with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR. On arrival at Bikaner check
in at hotel. 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. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Day 18: Bikaner - Mandawa (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
After a leisurly breakfast at hotel we will proceed for sightseeing tour of
Bikaner. Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded
this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed
between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE. Proceed for 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. On arrival at Mandawa check
in at hotel Overnight: Hotel Day 19: Mandawa - Delhi (By Road 260
km/5 hr) After breakfast at hotel take a 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. Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting
the local village chief. Proceed for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi check in
at hotel. Overnight: Hotel Day 20: Delhi After breakfast
at hotel. Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi. OLD DELHI-
A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial
site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India
and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk. NEW DELHI- An
extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's
Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the
imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end
with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Evening at leisure. Overnight:
Hotel Day 21: Delhi - Home Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore
the city and finish last minute shopping. Proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA
SHOW in the evening at 1800 hr after checking out of the hotel. After the show
you will have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with
sweet and unfogettible memories of 'Rajasthan King Tour'.escorted by Vardhman
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