Rajasthan King Tour
Places 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 Vacations..
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