Luxury Rajasthan Heritage Tour
Destination Covered :Delhi - Mandawa – Bikaner - Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - Udaipur – Deogarh - Chattrasagar – Jaipur - Ranthambore – Agra - Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi
Humayun's Tomb - DelhiDELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Sightseeing of Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Enjoy the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Mandawa
By Road
250 km/6 hr
Proceed for Mandawa after breakfast.
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. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room 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. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Junagarh Fort - Bikaner Day 04 : Mandawa – Bikaner
By Road
180 km/4 hr
Breakfast will be 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 meet the local village chief who is also one of the best wine makers in Rajasthan.
Proceed to Bikaner. Reach and 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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 05 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
By Road
330 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
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 known for its step wells so visit one ancient well and then the famous KARNI MATA temple.
Start for Jaisalmer by noon. Enjoy lunch on the way.
Reach and proceed to the hotel.
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.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer.
Camel Safari - JaisalmerIt 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.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend first half of the day in FORT and then proceed to explore the LODURVA VILLAGE in the desert.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAND DUNES for a short CAMEL SAFARI visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.
Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Return to the hotel and overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on full day sightseeing tours of the Shekhawati region including Mandawa, Fatehpur and Nawalagarh. The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Open Air Art Gallery and famous for the exterior decoration of the havelis depicting an endless range of topics. Explore the havelis of the region and see the beautiful paintings on various topics. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 09 : Mandawa – Bikaner – Gajner
After hearty breakfast in the morning drive to Gajner visiting en route the town of Bikaner and its various attractions which include Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Breeding Farm, etc. Upon arrival in Gajner, Rajasthan Luxury Tour representative will assist you to transfer you to the designated hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 10 : Gajner – Jaisalmer: the Golden City of India
Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the desert city of Jaisalmer, also popularly known as the Golden City of India. The exotic, remote, and beautiful city of Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Luxury Tour representative will assist you to transfer you to the designated hotel. Relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 11 : Jaisalmer City Tour
Breakfast will be 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 the 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 will be at Udaipur.
Deogarh Mahal - DeogarhDay 12 : Udaipur – Deogarh
By Road
120 km/2 hr
Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.
Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers.
Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.
Day 13 : Deogarh - Chattrasagar
By Road
150 km/4 hr
Breakfast will be at the palace.
Proceed for sightseeing of the place around the town.
ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV: It is an extraordinary cave temple believed to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island in the Raghosagar Lake.
GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace situated over a hillock is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around Raghosagar Lake, the palace is around 200 years old.
Drive to Chattrasagar.
The fort of Nimaj was built in 1733 by the valiant ruler- Thakur Jagram Singh. Situated in the heart of the town, it is a massive structure built in traditional Rajput style with courtyards and separate wings for men & women. The little township is surrounded by places of historical interest, like the 9th century temple Magar Mandi, 3 kms away. Visit nearby villages to see local craftsmen at work & a little further see blackbucks, blue bulls etc.
Lakes in the desert region are a rarity having their own charm. Chhatra Sagar, 4 kms from the fort is a beautiful water body nestled between two hillocks. Built as a summer retreat, the lush green lawn, flowering trees and clear waters are like an oasis in the otherwise dry region. Boating and angling is possible. It is surrounded by lush green fields and vast grazing pastures. Chhatra Sagar, a hundred-year old reservoir with a periphery of about 10 kilometers, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect getaway from the chaotic city life.
As a hunting preserve of the Nimaj Estate, Chhatra Sagar has witnessed many exciting shikar camps and leisure parties. Today, the campsite, situated on the dam, offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the Aravalli ranges on the horizon. The old shooting box - Aodhi has been put to good use as it provides a closer view of the water fowl and birds of prey.
Chhatra SagarRelax in the tastefully designed and well-appointed tented accommodation. Each tent has an attached bath with running hot and cold water, and its own private sit out overlooking the lake.
Overnight will be at the camp.
Day 14 : Chattrasagar
Enjoy the day at CHATTRASAGAR.
Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen to old folk lore - or be more adventurous and take one of the many safaris on offer.
Experience the warm hospitality, and enjoy some truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables in the family kitchen.
Overnight will be at Chattrasagar.
Day 15 : Chattrasagar - Jaipur
Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on sightseeing tours of Jodhpur. Visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort – spread over an area of 5sq km in the heart of city. Explore the fort complex and see the beautiful palaces within the fort complex. Visit the Jaswant Thada – a white marble cenotaph memorial built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum. Also visit the Mandore Gardens, the Government Museum, the Zoo, Old Fort Museum, and the Balsamand Lake & Garden, etc. In the evening explore the colorful local bazaars laden with beautiful Rajasthani jewellery and handicrafts. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.By Road
150 km/4 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the camp and drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 16 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
City Palace - JaipurAMBER 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. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
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. It is a 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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently.
In the evening enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 17 : Luni – Jodhpur
Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the city of lakes, palaces and rising sun – Udaipur, also popularly known as the Romantic City or the Venice of the East. En route visit the temple town of Ranakpur, globally known for its terrific Jain Temples. The temple town of Ranakpur is located in the remote valley of Aravali Ranges and is certainly worth seeing. The mail temple of Ranakpur is Chamukha Temple. Continue your drive to the city of dawn – Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, Rajasthan Luxury Tour representative will assist you to transfer you to the designated hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure or relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 18 : Udaipur City Tour
Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then embark on full guided city tour of Udaipur. Also known as the White City & Romantic City, Udaipur is one of the most popular travel destinations of Rajasthan, famous for its beautiful palaces, picturesque lakes, rich museums, terrific temples and beautiful gardens. Visit the City Palace Complex and see palatial palaces and museum within the palace complex. The City Palace Complex is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. While exploring its museum you will have an excellent opportunity to see the stunning collections of objects collected by different Maharanas of Udaipur over the centuries.
Lake Palace - UdaipurIn Udaipur you will also see some picturesque lakes such as Pichola Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Pratap Sagar Lake, etc. Because of these lovely lakes the city is also known as the city of lakes. Also visit the Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the Jag Mandir, the Lake Palace, the Pratap Memorial, etc. In the evening enjoy boat ride over the serene water of lovely Pichola Lake and see the romantic view of sunset. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 19 : Udaipur - Delhi - Departure
Have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, Rajasthan Luxury Tour representative will assist you to transfer you to the hotel. After change and wash, enjoy last minute shopping in Delhi. After a farewell dinner at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport to board flight for your home/onward destination
TOUR ENDS
