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 "Rajasthan,
the "Land of Kings", is steeped in romantic
history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana,
it boasts some of the finest fortress - palaces, built with
sandstone quarried from the land itself. In contrast to the
pastel shades of the desert landscape are the brightly coloured
costumes of its handsome people. With its turbaned men and
richly jeweled women, its crystal lakes and island palaces,
its quaint havelis and villages, its fairs and festivals,
Rajasthan constantly beckons"
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Duration:
11 Nights / 12 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi
- Mandawa - Bikaner - Khimsar - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
- Rohetgarh - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Delhi
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DAY 01 Delhi - Mandawa (By Surface
225kms / 6hrs):
Morning proceed for Mandawa - the semi-desert area of Shekhawati
region is situated in the triangular mass of land between Delhi,
Jaipur and Bikaner. This region famous for its painted havelis
or mansions with beautiful frescoes, it today termed as an open
air gallery of Rajasthan. There is no record of a distinct school
of painting in Shekhawati other than the frescoes. History took
this colourless page and made Shekhawati blossom with frescoes.
On arrival check-in at the hotel, afternoon sightseeing tour
of Mandawa - founded in the mid 18th century, Mandawa skyline
today is dominated by an imposing mirage like fort. A painted
archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to
the bazaar. The terrace of castle Mandawa offers a panoramic
view of the town. Overnight stay.
Day 02: Mandawa - Bikaner ( By Surface 230kms / 6hrs)
Today we will drive for Bikaner, on arrival check-in at the
hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of 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. Visit Junagarh
Fort - built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a General in the
army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled
by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces,
made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque Lal Garh
Palace - the architectural masterpiece in red sand stone, the
palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his
former Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework
and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea
and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat.
Overnight stay
Day 03: Bikaner - Khimser (By Surface 150kms / 4hrs):
Khimsar: Khimsar also known as the Oasis of peace is perched
on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of chaste
India where lies a unique 16th century fort. Rao Karamsi - the
eighth prince of Rao Jodha - the founding Maharaja of Jodhpur
- successfully launched the royal dynasty at Khimsar. This Fort
architecture offers great diversity of experiences. The battle
scarred walls and turrets remained one of the relics of its
glorious past. After breakfast proceed by surface for Khimsar,
en-route visit Deshnok - Karni Mata rat temple. Legend has it
that the more rats jump over you the more you will be blessed
and Nagaur Fort, on arrival check-in at Khimsar Fort - its battle
scarred walls and turrets remind one of its glorious past. Today
the Khimsar Fort ranks high amongst the premier heritage hotels
of India, day to relax and enjoy the hospitality of Khimsar
Fort, overnight stay.
Day 04: Khimsar - Jaisalmer ( By Surface 325kms / 7hrs)
The morning takes you to Jaisalmer via Osian - an oasis in the
desert, a drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating
terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets,
Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples,
on arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05: Jaisalmer
Day to explore Jaisalmer, rising from the Thar desert like a
golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Fort - the golden
hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80
metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within
its ramparts. Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Gadisar Lake Havelis - some of the most exotic mansions or havelis,
all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer - each
with a different facade. Patwon-ki-haveli - the most elaborate
and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely
carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. Salim Singh-ki-haveli
- this 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer. In the evening visit
Sam Sand Dunes - (42 km) no trip to Jaisalmer is complete without
a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on
the wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are
surely a delight for a trigger-happy photographer. Various cultural
programmes are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating
sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real
feel of the desert on the camel back.Overnight stay.
Day 06: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (By Surface 330kms / 7hs)
In the morning transfer to Jodhpur and check-in at
the hotel. Afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort - the 5 km long majestic
fort on a 125 meter high hill is one of the most impressive
and formidable structures. Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal
cenotaphs built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur
rulers. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Jodhpur - Rohetgarh (By Surface 55kms / 1hr):
In the morning we drive to Rohetgarh on arrival check-in at
hotel Rohetgarh. Afternoon we get into the waiting jeeps and
proceed on a safari to Bishnoi villages - stepped in history,
this 450 years old white turbaned tribe has a distinct way of
life. They are the world's first environmentalists preserving
the black buck, brought back from the verge of extinction. Also
visit the villages of craftsmen - potters, weavers, and metal-ware.
Overnight stay.
Day 08: Rohetgarh - Ranakpur - Udaipur ( By Surface 200ms /
6hrs):
After breakfast proceed for Udaipur, en-route visiting Ranakpur
Jain temples - renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples
in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the
Jain community, on arrival check-in at the hotel, overnight
stay.
Day 09: Udaipur
Today we will explore Udaipur - the city of dawn.
Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched
in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights,
sounds and experience - an 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 flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valour
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the lake
Pichola is an enticing sight. Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple,
Sahelion-Ki-Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum. Afternoon boat
ride on lake Pichola - two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag
Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
Overnight stay.
Day 10: Udaipur - Jaipur (By Air / train)
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Jaipur, on
arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of
Pink City Jaipur, visit the city Palace, a blend of Mughal and
Rajasthani Architecture is now a museum, containing all the
paraphernalia of Jaipur's princely past. Jai singh, notable
astronomer, built for himself the curious jantar mantar, an
observatory of immense brick and mortar instruments of astonishing
accuracy. Not far from the Jantar Mantar, is the beautiful Hawa
Mahal (palace of winds), tall and pink, faced with delicate
pierced stone, it is not really a palace. The queens of Jaipur
and the royal ladies once used this decorative facade to watch,
unobserved, numerous festive processions winding through the
streets of their city. Overnight stay.
Day 11: Jaipur
In the morning excursion to Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant
ride on the ramparts of the fort, for six centuries the capital
of the state. The pavilions and courtyards of the palace ascend
in successive levels up the hill the Sheesh Mahal, or pavilion
of mirrors, the finest of its kind, is studded with small mirrors
which reflect flame in a thousand flickering lights.Afternoon
free for leisure / shopping, overnight stay.
Day 12: Jaipur - Delhi - Onward Destination
(By Surface 245km / 6hrs)
After breakast proceed to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and drop at international
airport for your flight to onward destination.
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