Rajasthan Desert Adventure

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Duration :-15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations :- Delhi - Mukundgarh - Bikaner- Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Bundi- Pushkar - Jaipur -Agra - Delhi

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Exploring the Forts and Palaces of India’s colourful desert state ,Rajasthan . The land of people who are brave and chivalrous people with a warlike life style around whom grew the most amazing legends of romance and heroism . It is packed with history, art and culture that goes back several centuries. Rajasthan -where the mood and rhythm is so overpowering that it impresses even the most seasoned traveller. The destination Jaisalmer , truly exotic, with golden sandstone walls, narrow alleys and exquisitely carved buildings evoking memories of Arabian Nights. Selected departures are timed to visit the world famous Pushkar Camel Fair and the smaller Jaisalmer Festival.

Day 01 Delhi
Arrive and transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 Delhi
Morning half day city tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat - The Mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid - the biggest Mosque in India and drive past Red Fort and tricycle tour of Chandini Chowk. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi. Drive past President House, Parliament House (House of Representatives) and India Gate - War Memorial (stop for photography), Qutab Minar - 72.55 meters, high Victory Tower, onto Bahai Temple (lotus temple) Humayun's Tomb - built of red sandstone and is a first substantial example of the Mughal architecture, Laxmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu temple built by the Birlas, a leading Indian industrialists. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 Delhi-Mukundgarh
Morning after breakfast drive to Mukundgargh On arrival stay at Hotel Mukundgargh Fort. Afternoon half day local city tour of Havelies of Nawalgarh, Dundload & Mandawa. Mandawa is renowned for its innumerable painted havelies (mansions), which were the homes of the Marwari trading community. These handsome havelies, adorned with elaborate and intricate frescoes, are over a hundred years old, and have withstood the ravages of time. The grand havelies of the Goenkas, Ladias, Sarafs and the Chokhanis, in Mandawa are fine examples of the famous Shekhawati workmanship

Day 04 Mukundgarh - Bikaner
Morning after breakfast drive to Bikaner. On arrival stay at Bhanwar Niwas Palace or Similar. Afternoon half day city tour of Bikaner to visit Fort and Palace which is built on red sand stone marked brilliantly by intricate filigree work. Bikaner: stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Rao Jodha's eldest son Rao Bika set out of his father's kingdom to conquer a separate kingdom for himself. By 1587 Junagarh Fort had begun and the city of Bikaner had come into being.

A major centre of trade in the 16th century on the ancient silk route.Junagarh Fort built around 1587 to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, the fort is one of its kind. Today Junagarh houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace - the imposing red sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental facade, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar; and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy

Day 05 Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Morning after breakfast visit the Deshnoke temple later drive down to Jaisalmer. On arrival Check in at Hotel Narayan Niwas Palace or similar.

Day 06 Jaisalmer
Morning after breakfast half day city tour of Jaisalmer and afternoon camel ride at village Khuri Jaisalmer - Much has been written about Jaisalmer but nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 100 metres over the city and also houses an entire lying area with its huge ramparts.

It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and Hava Pol are other main entrances which guard the Megh Durbar and Jawahar Mahal. Also, in the inner enclosure are a group of Jain temples dating back from the 12th to 15th century.

Outside the Fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk, which is the center of local activity, From Manek Chowk one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found. Patwon-ki-Haveli are among the better known havelies in Jalsalmer. Also, visit Paraswanath Temple, the oldest and most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures.

Day 07 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in at hotel Ranbanka or Similar Jodhpur - a city founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is today one of the leading centres for wood , cattle , camels , salt and agriculture crops.Jodhpur is surrounded by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. The second largest city of Rajasthan is famous for the impregnable Meharangarh Fort . Also visit Jaswant Thada, a collection of royal cenotaphs built in white marble, Mandore Gardens. Evening Jeep safari to visit Bishnoi Village

Day 08 Jodhpur - Mount Abu
Morning after breakfast half day city tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada and later drive down to Mount Abu.On arrival check in at Hotel Cama Rajputana Palace or Similar

Day 09 Mount Abu - Udaipur
Morning after breakfast visit the temples of Mount Abu and proceed to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur - The Jain community, like several others, had always enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions were held by the Jains. In 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 Chamukha 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.

Upon arrival check in at hotel Paras Mahal or Similar. Day 10 Udaipur Morning visit the temples of Nagda & Eklingji. Afternoon city tour of Udaipur. Udaipur - is one of the most beautiful city of Rajasthan, known as city of Lakes, Palaces and Gardens. Morning visit the City Palace in all its ancient glory, the residence of the Maharajas of Udaipur. City Palace has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, onto Sahelion- Ki-Bari (queen's resort for the friends) famous for its spectacular lawns, fountains and shady walks.

Day 11 Udaipur - Bundi
Morning after breakfast proceed to Bundi Enroute visit Kota Fort. Upon arrival at Bundi ,check-in at Hotel Braj Bhushanji ki Haveli. The Haveli was built a hundred and fifty years ago by a family that grave the state four of its prime ministers. Bundi:- Its Palace has a distinguished characteristics. It has most picturesque location, isolated and independent that it apperars like a miniature. Built of locally querried stone, presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture.

Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used frequently. Chitra Shala inside the palace provides a colourful glimpse of history, the walls and ceiling of this palace are completely covered with paintings. Other places of interest are Phool Sagar Palace, Suke Mahal and Shikar Burj. Bundi is also known for its baolis or step wells. Unique to Rajasthan and Gujarat, the step wells served as water reservoir for the months of summer when there was a scarcity of water. One of the best preserved is Raniji-ki-Baoli with its exquisitely carved pillars and ornate.

Day 12 Bundi - Ajmer - Puskar
Morning after breakfast drive to Pushkar. Enroute visit Tomb of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer . Ajmer: Famous for the tomb of the sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the Dargah Sharif. The city was founded by the Chauhan ruler, Aiaipal, during the 11th century and is dominated by the Taragarh Fort built by Prithiviraj Chauhan. Some 800 years ago, a splendid embankment was built by Anaji by the lovely lake, Ana Sagar and some 500 years later Shah Jehan erected 5 beautiful marble pavilions.

On arrival Check in at hotel Pushkar Palace. Pushkar is Sacred town and lies 11 kms north east of Ajmer. According to mythology, the 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. Evening enjoy sunset view.

Day 13 Pushkar - Jaipur
Morning after breakfast proceed to Jaipur. On arrival stay at Hotel Narayan Niwas Palace or Similar Morning excursion tour of Amer Fort. Amer Fort-Remarkable for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. Also climb upto the fort on the back of an elephant. Afternoon city tour visiting City Palace - where the former Maharaja still resides in a part of it, but rest now serves as a Museum. Also visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by a great astronomer Sawai Jai Singh onto drive past through Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds).

Day 14 Jaipur - Agra
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra. . En-route visit Fatehpur - Sikri - once the capital of Mughal Empire and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Its fortifications and Palaces are in a wonderful state of preservation. On arrival at Agra , check-in at Hotel Holiday Inn or Similar.

Day 15 Agra - Delhi
Morning after breakfast half day city tour visiting the World famous Taj Mahal , built by Mughal Emperor Shah
Jehan in the year 1652 as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to create this jewel. Agra Fort -four successive rulers helped create this massive fort. Tomb of Itmad-ud-daullah- built by Empress Noorjehan in the memory of her father. Afternoon leave by road for Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and after dinner at city restaurant , departure transfer to international airport to fly back home / onward destination.

Rajasthan Tour Packages

The Romance of Rajasthan - Rajasthan Desert Adventure - Exotic Rajasthan - Rajasthan Tours - Royal Heritage Hospitality of Rajasthan

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