A Date With Aristocrat Rajasthan
(15 Nights / 16 Days)
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations covered : Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Samode – Kuchaman – Khimsar – Jaisalmer – Pokharan- Jodhpur – Narlai – Udaipur – Delhi
” So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked. ” — Mark Twain, from following the Equator.
Namaste ! – We welcome you with folded hands
Day 01. : Arrival / Delhi
Late Night arrival. Traditional welcome with garlands as our representative welcome you board into your Luxury Car & ride to your hotel, during which time our representative would introduce, India as well as some common Indian customs and courtesies.
Upon arrival at the hotel, whilst our representatives organize your check in, a refreshing welcome drink is served to you – ‘Namaste’ and welcome to India or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you !
Day 02. : Delhi
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.
Afternoon, cross over to the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour includes visit to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description – including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 03. : Delhi / Agra (205 kms/4 hrs)
Morning Breakfast & drive to Agra. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon 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 Shahjehan 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. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by Empress Nur Jehan, in memory of her father, Ghias-id-Din Beg., it is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04. : Agra / Jaipur (235 kms/6 Hrs)
Morning Breakfast & drive to Jaipur visiting enroute 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 of 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 k1569. The shortage of water lead to the desertion of this city. Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.
On arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free – can use transport for shopping/local running. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05. : 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 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 the old part of Jaipur city. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06. : Jaipur / Samode (40 kms/ 1hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout, move further for encounter with local shopkeepers & Shops of Jaipur.
Drive to Samode astride an old caravan route, lunch is taken among the fountains and pavilions of the Samode Bagh, the 400 year old formal gardens of the Palace. In the afternoon we taken a walk in the fascinating local village, where artisans produce printed cloth and glass bangles, to discover something of village life, visit the old citadel, In evening be a witness of old royal aristocrat lifestyle, for an overnight stay in the fabulous Samode Palace, Home to the former ruling family
Day 07. : Samode / Kuchaman (140 kms/3hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Kuchaman, fort enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Visit the Kuchaman Fort, built between 450-750 A.D to control the ancient trade from Central Asia. It has 32 bastions that house cannon points, thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were showered upon enemies, 10 strategic gates and various secret passages and escape tunnels. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 08. : Kuchaman / Khimsar (210 kms/4hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Khimsar, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Khimsar Fort, Khimsar- perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of virgin India 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 16th century. Subsequently, by 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.
Evening jeep safari to Panchla Dunes with high tea for sunset view. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 09. : Khimsar / Jaisalmer (335 kms/6hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Jaisalmer, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Enjoy the evening walk in the Golden shopping streets of Jaisalmer, may be you can encountered with the local turban wearer man don’t get afraid have Indian Masala Chai with him and test the thunder .Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 10. : Jaisalmer / Sam Sand Dunes (40 kms/1hr)
Morning Breakfast & proceed for sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Before 12.00 noon checkout from hotel.
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 splendour, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and conspicuous facades.
In late afternoon proceed to the World Famous Sam Sand Dunes enjoy the Camel Ride over their and Dinner over Sand Dunes with Traditional Rajasthani Dance. Stay overnight at the Swiss Tents on Dunes.
Day 11. : Sam / Pokharan (155kms/3hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Pokharan, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Pokharan – Near Jaisalmer Is Called The The Place Of Five Mirages. Fort Pokharan Is Made Of Red Sand Stone And Is A Heritage Hotel. Pokharan houses a fourteenth century fort made of red sand stone, lying equidistant from Bikaner and Jodhpur on the way to Jaisalmer. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel and is a charming place for a relaxing break. Pokharan means ‘The Place Of Five Mirages’. It gets its name from the five salt ranges surrounding the town. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day12. : Pokharan / Jodhpur (210 Kms/4hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Jodhpur, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
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 metres, 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 while marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of rulers of Jodhpur. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day13. : Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Narlai (190kms/4hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Leave the Suncity and reach Ranakpur a big pilgrimage for the Jains. Jains are a community that developed during the 3rd century under Lord Mahavira (a contemporary of Lord Buddha) and they are strict vegetarians by religion. They eat nothing that grows below the earth like carrots, radish, potatoes etc. Their food consists of rice, wheat, lentils and green leafy vegetables.
Admire the workmanship from the 16th century. The temples are built out of marble and the main shrine of Adinath with 1444 columns is awe inspiring and none of these are similar. Also see the sun temple and the other temples in the campus.
After lunch in Ranakpur continue towards Narlai. Upon arrival in Narlai time is free for you to visit the local bazaar of the village that is so exciting and colourful. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day14. : Narlai / Udaipur (90 kms/3hrs)
Morning Breakfast & Checkout from hotel, Drives to Udaipur.
Eenjoy the enroute sightseeing of royal temple complex at Eklingji that is famous throughout the region. Eklingji temple is group of temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. The most important of them all being the Shiva temple which is visited by the royal family of Mewar. Later visit the Saa Bahu temple complex in the vicinity that dates back to the 7th century.
Arrives at Udaipur check into hotel. Free for own activities, in evening enjoy the shopping in narrow streets of old city. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day15, : Udaipur
After breakfast in your hotel leave for the magnificent city tour of Mewar – Udaipur.
Visit the City Palace the richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan. See the Peacock Square and the miniature painting school inside the palace premises. Udaipur has the prestige of housing the best miniature art schools in the country under the royal patronage of the king of Udaipur.
Return to the city and visit Sahelion ki Bari a garden with fountains and a small palace inside it. Sahelion ki Bari is a garden complex where Maharana Sangram Singh build this garden complex with fountains and lakes for his beautiful daughter.
In the evening we take a lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan lived and got inspired to build the Taj mahal later. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 16,: Udaipur / Delhi Flight / Onward Destination
Morning Breakfast at hotel after that Free morning. Catch the flight for Delhi (around 1 H 15) in the afternoon. Transfer to Delhi International airport in the evening.
