Forts, Havelis and Palaces of Rajasthan
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Check-in time is 12.00 Noon.
Day 02 : Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. The city conceals within its bosom the remains of a civilization that flourished over the last three thousand years. Since those legendary days, many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by its rulers.
Old Delhi tour covers the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 AD, Jama Masijd, the largest mosque in India also built by Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat and Shanti Van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and drives past Chandni Chowk, the street of silversmiths in Old Delhi.
New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD) Humayun's Tomb - the fine monument believed to be forerunner of the Taj Mahal, India Gate, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers who died in war, drives past Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple and Connaught Place.
Day 03 - Dellhi/Neemrana, 122 km
Afternoon drive to Neemrana and on arrival; check-in at the hotel.
Neemrana Fort, situated on a majestic plateau in the Aravalli ranges. Constructed in 1446 AD. by Rao Rajdeo, it is perhaps the oldest heritage resort in India. Restored to its former glory, the fort has some beautiful suites furnished with traditional Indian and colonial furniture. The property covers 25 acres of land and the palace spans five levels of construction.
Overnight at Neemrana Fort Hotel.
Day 04 : Neemrana-Samode, 140 km
In the morning, drive to Samode Palace.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Samode Palace, Samode - its history goes back more than four and half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons-Gopal Singhji along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled picturesquely on rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur and frescoed walls is one of the most impressive small places in the whole of Rajasthan. The palace is full of architectural delights - the paintings on the walls of Sultan Mahal, the dinning room with its stained glass windows, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings, intricately carved walls, Chandeliers give the palace its old world charm.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 : Samode-Mandawa, 135 km(Shekhawati)
Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Mandawa Castle, Mandawa - Towering high above the town of Mandawa, this rugged handsome fort guides the tired and weary traveller to its portals. 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.
In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Mandawa.
Day 06 - Mandawa-Khimsar, 275 km
Drive to Khimsar and on arrival, check-in at Khimsar Fort
Khimsar - perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of Rajasthan lies a unique 16th century fort. Rao Jodha - the founding Maharaja of Jodhpur successfully launched the royal dynasty at Khimsar. Currently, the 18th, 19th and 20th generations of the royal lineage still reside in this historic fort. Originally, the fort walls were built in the 16th century. Subsequently, by the mid-18th century, the royal family moved in and a new ladies residence was erected with finely carved windows in stone. Thakur Onkar Singh, the present Chief built himself a regal additional wing in the 1940's. Today it is one of the finest heritage hotels with 25 rooms, all air-conditioned with attached bath.
At sun-set, jeep safari to Panchla Dunes.
Day 07 - Khimsar-Jaisalmer, 325 km
Drive to Jaisalmer stopping en-route at Osian to visit temples.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at the hotel.
Day 08 - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - much has been written about this city but nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 100 metres over the city with its 99 bastions, several entrances, a group of Jain Temples from 12th to 15th century. The other places of interest include Tazia Tower with its five-tiered splendor, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and conspicuous facades.
Late afternoon, visit Sam Dunes for sunset view and camel ride.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 09 - Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Luni, 335 km (5 hours to Jodhpur)
In the morning drive, to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur - The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 m, the fort appears rugged and impenetrable from the outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal are some of the important areas to visit. A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in white marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaphs also houses portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Afternoon drive to Luni, 35 km/1 hour
On arrival, check-in at Fort Chanwa Luni
Fort Chanwa - located 35 kms from Jodhpur belongs to Maharaja Dalip Singh, youngest son of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Over a hundred years old, this heritage hotel has ornately carved latticework friezes and intricate jharokhas. The small village at Luni is home to many artisans who work with metal, clay and wood.
Day 10 - Luni
Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village
A Bishnoi village-steeped in history: this 450-year-old tribe has a distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wilds in scientific and local routines evolved over the centuries of living with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes, one can witness the opium ceremony - a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. A drive through the starkly beautiful landscape could encounter the agile black buck, wild camel and flights of rare birds
Day 11 - Luni-Ranakpur-Udaipur, 255 km/5 hours
An early departure for Udaipur en-route visit Ranakpur.
Ranakpur - The Jain community, had always enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions were held by the Jains. In the 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a large stretch of land in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to the Jains. This area came to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is one of the five main holy places of the Jains. Although over 500 years old, these temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. The central temple is the Chaumukha temple, dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar (saint). This temple is the most complex and extensive in design. It has 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is interesting is that no two pillars are alike.
Travel to Udaipur. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.
Day 12 - Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Udaipur- Sightseeing tour of Udaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana Udaipur, the places of interest include the City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's resort for her ladies).
Afternoon at leisure
Day 13 - Udaipur-Deogarh, 135 km
Morning drive to Deogarh.
Deogarh Mahal -Deogarh, located 135 km from Udaipur on Udaipur-Ajmer route, on a hillock and encircled by the town was built in 1670 AD by Rawar Dwarkadasji of the Sisodia dynasty . Constructed by the famed Sompura architects, well known for their talents, Deogarh is a testimony to their skilled craftsmanship. There are five floors and over 200 rooms in this Castle, numerous balconies, carved pillars and extensive use of marble has added to its attraction. Only 22 rooms have been renovated maintaining the old décor.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Deogarh village and lake.
Day 14 - Deogarh - Pushkar, 155
km
Drive to Pushkar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Pushkar, this sacred town lies 11 km north east of Ajmer and 130 km from Jaipur. According to mythology, Pushkar Lake is supposed to have appeared miraculously when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and dropped into this valley. On Kartik Poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. The fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its visual impact. Colorful bazaars are set up, camels are paraded and also bought and sold. Besides colorful bazaars, shops selling sweets, snacks, handicrafts and utensils, there are also sports for children, camel races and cultural performances.
Overnight at Pushkar Palace situated on the banks of Pushkar Lake, a family run heritage hotel.
Day 15 - Pushkar-Jaipur, 130 km
Drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in at Samode Haveli.
Samode Haveli, Jaipur was built by Rawal Sheo Soinghji, a Prime Minister in the royal court of Jaipur. The Haveli is the result of around 200 years of construction in phases, by its occupants. The haveli with 18 rooms and 2 suites has some beautiful frescoes, arched windows and intricate wall designs. It is located in the heart of the walled city.
In the afternoon city sightseeing tour.
Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past old Jaipur city
Day 16 - Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amer Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 - Jaipur-Bharatpur, 185 km
Drive to Bharatpur and on arrival, check-in at the Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur was built in 1899 for the younger son of the then Maharaja of Bharatpur, Jaswant Singh. The palace is an interesting combination of traditional Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. Its single entrance, a massive and richly carved archway, sunny courtyards and enchanting cupolas, spacious airy rooms are adorned with colorful frescoes, period furniture and several antiques and objects d'art. The hotel is 30 km from the famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, 50 km from Agra.
Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, famous for its rare species of Migratory Birds as far as from Siberia.
Day 18 - Bharatpur-Agra, 50 km
Drive to Agra visiting en-route Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this beautiful city is interesting. There, in a grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his renown, asked for the blessings of a son, and when a son was born, not only was the child named Salim, the site for a mighty and ambitious project - a city - was chosen near the residence of the saint erected in 1569. The shortage of water lead to the desertion of this city. Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces.
Arrive Agra and check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19 - Agra-Delhi drive, 204 km/4 hours
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra.
Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by Empress Nur Jehan, in memory of her father, Ghias-id-Din Beg., is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Afternoon drive to Delhi airport for the flight to onward destination, with unforgettable memories of your tour of the Forts, Havelis and Palaces of Rajasthan
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