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Rural & Rustic
Rajasthan TourPlaces to Visit : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Mahensar - Bikaner
- Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet - Narlai - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Kishangarh
- 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 Rural &
Rustic Rajasthan 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 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 03: Delhi - Agra
(By Road 201 Kms/4 hr) After Breakfast proceed to Agra. On arrival at
Agra check in at hotel. Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of
the World. The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory
of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying
her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving birth
to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard
were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still
alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the
Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children;
and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first
and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years.
Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The Iranian architect Istad
Usa designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments
are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep
his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it
was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost an
entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative,
astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally transferred
to the monument, completed twenty-two years later. After Taj we will visit
Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After Agra Fort we will visit
Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Relax
in the evening. Overnight: Hotel Day 04: Agra - Jaipur Early
morning sunrise visit of TAJ MAHAL from the other side of the river Yamuna.
After breakfast drive to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. 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 its grandeur. Also visit
the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Continue your drive
to Jaipur and on arrival 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 05: Jaipur After a 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 06: Jaipur - Mahensar
After a leisurly breakfast at hotel proceed to the village of Mahensar.
En-route visit the town of Mandawa which lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted
arched gateway with lord Krishna and his cows adorns the entrance that leads to
the bazaar. Look up at the beautiful Shekhawati temples and wander through the
streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate frescoes.
Relax for the day in the beautifully frescoed room of the Castle. Overnight:
Hotel Day 07: Mahensar - Bikaner After breakfast we will proceed
for Bikaner. On arrival at Bikaner check in at hotel. 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
08: Bikaner 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.
Overnight: Hotel Day 09: Bikaner - Jaisalmer 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 10:
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 11: Jaisalmer
This morning after breakfast visit the deserted village of KULDHARA. The village
was vacated overnight by the villagers who used to be regularly tortured by the
king. Some people believe that they fled because of a bad omen on the village.
But both the schools of thought agree that there are riches buried under the grounds.
Return to hotel in Jaisalmer for the night. Overnight: Hotel Day
12: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet After breakfast we will Proceed to Rohet.
Enrout visit the city of 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. 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. On arrival at Rohet check in at hotel.
Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rather
of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom)
of Rohet was bestowed upon him as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle.
Generations of valiant noble men have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding
the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. The visitor of today
experiences the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality. Brilliantly plumed
peacocks strut about; perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and
the wind whispers through the NEEM tree groves and bougainvillea. Within these
time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom
- ROHET GARH. Rohet Garh is a recognized Heritage Hotel in India. Rare
among hotels it has remained a family home, where the members of the erstwhile
ruling family welcomes you personally as their honored guest. Its elegantly appointed
rooms have their own individual character and furnishings. Most of them are air-conditioned
and have attached bathrooms and modern facilities. The drawing room has ornately
carved wooden ceiling, traditional lamps and old photographs. You are invited
to relax in spacious verandah lounges decorated with historic trophies and artifacts.
There is a beautifully designed swimming pool with four charming pavilions at
each corner where musicians perform in the evenings as dinner is served by the
poolside. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Hotel . Day
13: Rohet - Narlai After breakfast at hotel proceed 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. Later drive to Narlai.
Visit Kumbalgarh on your way - a picturesque town on a hillock surrounded by forest.
This place is famous for the hunting folklore. Reach Narlai and check in
at RAWLA NARLAI. Overnight: Hotel . Day 14: Narlai - Bijaipur
After breakfast drive to Bijaipur. 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. On arrival at Bijapur check in at the CASTLE. Overnight:
Hotel . Day 15: Bijaipur After a leisurly breakfast at hotel
relax during the day enjoying Rajasthani hospitality. Meet the villagers and enjoy
the different customs. Go on a village visit on carts. In the evening Proceed
for Jungle Safari. Enjoy a theme dinner after you come back from the safari.
Overnight: Hotel Day 16: Bijaipur - Udaipur After a leisurly
breakfast, proceed to Udaipur. En-route you will visit the Historic Chittor
Fort. CHITTORGARH 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.
Visit PADMINI PALACE - The palace of the legendary queen of Mewar. 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 Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udiapur is the jewel
of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Evening
at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Day 17: 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 18: Udaipur - Pushkar
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 19: Pushkar -
Kishangarh After a leisurly breakfast visit of the PUSHKAR FAIR.
In the evening drive to Kishangarh. KISHANGARH is situated on the National
Highway 8 in the Center of Rajasthan, 100 Km South West of Jaipur. It is primarily
known for its world famous Miniature Paintings and Handicrafts and for the largest
marble and granite cutting industry in the Country. Around the fort of Kishangarh
is the moat and garden - on which "Phool Mahal" was built in AD 1870
and was the Palace of the flowers for the Maharaja's of Kishangarh A private residence
of the Royal Family of Kishangarh opens for the discerning traveler. The Palace
has lovely views of centuries old "Gundalao Lake" - where herons fly
and peacocks strut in fanned delight. The lake water beneath the graceful Palace
is a paradise to flamingoes, pelicans, wild duck and the SARUS CRANE. On
arrival at Kishangarh check in hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight:
Hotel Day 20: Kishangarh - Delhi After breakfast drive to Delhi.
Reach by evening and relax. Overnight: Hotel Day 21: Delhi
After breakfast day at leisure. In-time transfer to Internaitonal airport
to board the flight for onward journey to back home with sweet and unforgettable
memories of 'Rural & Rustic Rajasthan Tour' escorted by Vardhman Vacation.
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