Rajasthan Heritage Tour
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination: Delhi - Agra - Bhandarej - Ranthambore - Kota - Bundi -
Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Delhi
Day 01. Arrival in Delhi (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is
the main gateway for travelers. You are met by a representative and transferred
to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Riksha
Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and
Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes also the site where Mahatma
Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of old Delhi.Today We
also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is the first substantial
example of Mughal architecture in India and “Kutab Minar” which is
71 meter high and was constructed in 1199.Before we proceed to the Hotel we
have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings
and Embassies.
Day 03. Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
In the morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the
most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and
repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Agra. Arrival
in Agra in the evening.
Day 04. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort,built by three of
the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began
in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign,
Shahjahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit
of Agra fort, we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the
Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty.
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and
memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at
the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal
to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a
look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra
by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day 05. Agra - Bhandarej (about 175 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages
in direction of Bhandarej. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri,
which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the
Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones
was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated
that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival at the
palace Hotel of Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture.
The Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted verandahs
and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its temples and historical
sites has a history which dates back to 11th century.Rest of the day at leisure.
At the dinner time local dances will be performed in the palace.
Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore Nationalpark.
after a break & refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore
the park on a Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas
and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 sq2. The Tiger remains the
biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about 135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep Safari
and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave for Kota.
The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi.
In Kota we will visit the city fort and palace, this type of fort-palace complex
is one of the largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan.
Day 08. Kota - Bundi (about 38 km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most famous for
its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On the top of the
hill is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting fort is worth exploring
for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding
the streets leading down to the city.After the whole day excursion we return
to Kota in the evening.
Day 09. Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh.The Fort of Chittorgarh is
indomitable pride of Chittor,the fort is massive structure with many gateways
built in 7th century A.D Perched on a height of 180m hill it sprawls over 700
acres.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 stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about 120 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan.
A city built around shimmering,clear,blue water lakes which reflect the green
hills of the Aravali ranges.In the evening we enjoy a Boat ride on the lake
Pichola.The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former
rulers.The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more
known in the west.
Day 11. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.We start our sightseeing
with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari.This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well
laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks.After the visit of Garden of Maids
we visit a Museum of folk art.This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on
display. After a break we proceed to city palace, the biggest Palace in India,
where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned
and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that
it was not conceived as a whole.The museum of the palace includes the beautiful
peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology.Today we have
an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature
paintings done.
Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar.Pushkar being one of the most religious
places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town.The only temple
of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city
for Hindus.Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival
which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed
into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the
holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place
here where Farmers,breeders and camel traders buy and sell.(if this tour takes
place during the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar
instead of one and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for
one more day making it 17 days tour.)
Day 13. Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the Pink City Jaipur,this
city owes its name,foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and
astronomer,Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and
famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.After a break
in Jaipur we visit the city palace in the afternoon which is still the formal
residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture.In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection
of the Jaipur Mahrajas.We continue to Jantar Mantar,a stone observatory,the
largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.It's complex instruments
reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber,laying 11 km. away
from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries
before it was moved to newly created Jaipur.We will ascend to the Palace Fortress
on the back of an Elephant.Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of the Winds),built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having
its own balcony.The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to
watch processions below without being seen.In the afternoon we have a walk through
the colorful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing
work being done since centuries in Jaipur.In the evening we drive through the
new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir",a Hindu temple
made out of white marble.We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer
ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
Late morning, after having our Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi
in the afternoon.The rest of the day at leisure. (Opportunity for the last shopping
or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 16. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.
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