Mughal India - Rajasthan
Heritage Tour
Duration of Rajasthan Heritage Tour –
13 Days
Destinations of Rajasthan Heritage Tour - Delhi,
Agra, Jaipur,
Khimsar,
Osian,
Jodhpur,
Deogarh,
Kumbhalgarh,
Udaipur.
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants,
is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the
ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old &
New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts
and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping
malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s
crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight hotel.
Day 02: In Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day
tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great
mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the
colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit
Street”). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of
Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor
of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the
Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built
to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s
House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite
from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern
and colourful Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants
on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi – Agra
This morning you drive to Agra (220kms/4 hrs.).
Agra - “The Land of Taj” was once the capital
of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in
the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their
passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest
structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said
that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that’s
finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times
Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital
city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals.
It was during the time of the third emperor “Akbar”
that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson “Shah
Jehan” ornamented the city with that masterpiece of
Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel. Afternoon,
you are collected from your hotel for half day tour of Agra
visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white
marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural
styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument
ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the
Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the
16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost
in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the
years of 1565-1573.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Agra –
Jaipur
This morning you drive to Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs.), visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route – often called the ghost city
, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as
the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously
abandoned 13 years later. Later continue your drive to the
Pink City of Rajasthan— Jaipur
Jaipur - Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song
with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's
most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer
Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation.
Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications
from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings
are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses
the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The
royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The
palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions,
now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition
accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing
people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a city
tour of Jaipur.
This tour includes a visit to the Hawa Mahal or "Palace
of Winds,” one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although
it is actually little more than a façade. The five-story
building was originally built to enable the ladies of the
royal household to watch the everyday life and processions
of the city.
The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is
a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and
also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient
astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion
for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a
warrior.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort, situated
on the outskirts of the city. Here; you are transported back
in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and
painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort
was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside
the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur – Khimsar
This morning you drive to Khimsar (330 kms/07 hrs.).
Khimsar - Perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert
reflecting the rural India, the unique Khimsar fort offers
a wide range of experiences to the tourist. The battle-scarred
walls and turrets remind one of the glorious past in India.
Today, the Khimsar Fort is counted amongst the premier classified
heritage hotels of India.
Upon arrival in Khimsar check-in to the Khimsar Fort. Overnight
at the Fort .
Day 07: Khimsar - Osian
This morning you drive to Osian Village for an overnight at
the Osian Camel Camp. (45 kms/01 hrs.).
Upon arrival check-in to the Osian camel camp.
Osiyan Camel Camp - The Safari club after conducting many
camel safari's and mobile desert camps in crowded and tourist
places like Jaisalmer, Bikaner etc. has finally chosen a permanent
camp site-Osian which makes it possible for even a single
travelers to experience a deluxe camel safari. The tents are
similar to the african safari deluxe tents but with an ethnic
(paisley) design for the inner sheeting. The tents are fully
carpeted, well furnished, insect/ mosquito and waterproof.
All tents have attached toilets with running water and flush
camodes.
Afternoon you are collected from your camp to start a short
Camel Safari to the nearby oasis, en-route you will see blue
bulls, gazelles, foxes and also make a short stop at a local
village-visiting weavers, local porters at the Bishnoi village
settlements. From the village guests are bought back to the
Camp by four-wheel drive jeeps.
In the evening at the Camp there is folk entertainment followed
by a sit down dinner after which guests can either retire
to the tents or sit in the safari style lodge and sip a cognac
or smoke a cigar.
Overnight at the Camel Camp.
Day 08: Osiyan - Jodhpur
This morning you drive to Jodhpur (65 kms/1½ hrs.)
Jodhpur - An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the
second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing
this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history
that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning
tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and
tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur
has them all and in plenty.
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel.
Afternoon, you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Jodhour. This tour includes the visit of Meherangarh
Fort, Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible
stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over
a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful
fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed
windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches
speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort
you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses
reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the
second largest cannon in Asia rests, the recoil of which requires
an area as large as a football field!
Following the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada -
Close to the fort complex, this 19th century cenotaph was
built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's past rulers are also
displayed here. Walk around and savour the intricate work
both on the lattices and the doors. Your tour ends with a
visit to the Sardar Market – This colourful market with
tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes is situated in the heart
of the city and is popular for a wide range of handicrafts,
making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Jodhpur
– Deogarh
This morning you drive to Deogarh (170 kms/5 hrs.)
Deogarh Ideally positioned in the heart of the Aravalli Hills,
owned and run by one of the kindest, most affable families
around, they have restored their family fort from near ruin
and have created one of Rajasthan's finest heritage hotels.
A stunning swimming pool and dining room, endless comfortable
roof terraces, and the beautiful, traditional bedrooms are
the result of a great deal of hard work, immense love and
care, and superb taste. The surrounding village is one of the friendliest and safest to immerse yourself in and the
neighboring countryside boasts wonderful, secluded picnic
spots.
Upon arrival check-in to Deogarh Mahal.
The rest of the day is at leisure to either relax or explore
the surrounding village town with its colorful bazaars on
your own. Overnight at the Deogarh Mahal.
Day 10: Deogarh - Kumbhalgarh
This morning you drive to Kumbhalgarh (85 kms/2 hrs.)
Kumbhalgarh: Also known as the “Eye of Mewar”
lies atop the Aravali range of hills at a height of about
3500 feet. The seat of the world’s oldest dynasty, it
holds the distinction of being unconquered. Rearing its frame
bravely through time and bearing the honour and pride of the
Rajputs, the Kumbhalgarh fort was built in the 15th Century
by a Rajput ruler, Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The fort has
structurally been an unassailable destination – guarded
by several iron gates and walls that were impossible to scale.
The fort is famous for its parapets having a parameter of
36 Kms. around the fort and wide enough to hold eight horses.
It is like a mini great wall of China. Within the Fort are
more than 350 temples spread over the entire area. The scenic
surroundings are spellbinding.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel The Aodhi Palace - The
Aodhi is the best location from where to explore the fort.
The structure of this Royal Retreat has been designed to match
the landscape of the terrain. The Aodhi has a picturesque
hilly and lush setting, not far from the citadel.
Afternoon visit the Kumbalgarh fort and perhaps even the
nearby Kumbalgarh sanctuary, the only panther reserve in India.
Overnight at the Aodhi Palace.
Day 11: Kumbhalgarh
– Udaipur
This morning you drive to Udaipur (90 kms/2½ hrs.)
Udaipur - The enchanting city of Udaipur was once the lakeside
capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and serene, Udaipur was
built around shimmering blue lakes that reflect the green
hills of the Aravali Ranges. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur
in 1599, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come
to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini and
Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes
of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city
was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through 11
gates. Ruins of the se ancient fortifications are still in
evidence, and the more recently built palaces can still be
visited. Udaipur was also the location where the Hollywood,
James Bond blockbuster “Octopussy” was filmed.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Your day ends with a
sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters of the Lake Pichola
,within which seemingly floats The Lake Palace hotel considered
one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out
of the Turquoise Waters of the Lake Pichola like an elegant
fantasy in white marble.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Udaipur.
The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted
balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now
preserved as a museum.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor”
is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble
elephants, and delightful lotus pools.
Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 13: Depart Udaipur
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Delhi or Mumbai
followed by a connecting flight to home. |
