Itinerary
Day 01 : Saturday, 10 Nov 2012 : Arrive DELHI
Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Manor Hotel.
A capital way to begin your discovery of India “I asked my soul what is Delhi?
It replied the world is the body; Delhi is its soul…..
This is how a 19th century poet described this city that has ever been so many things to so many different people. To the weary travellers on the ancient silk route it was the first plain after having crossed the Himalayan Mountains with the promise of shelter, food and business opportunities. To the Afghan, Turk, Greek, Arab and Roman kings it was a vast and inexhaustible source of treasures of all kinds. To the Chinese travellers it was the land of knowledge and wisdom. Its ageless face saw the advent of Islam. It saw empires being built and destroyed or even merely dismantled to make way for the new and Delhi lived on….
Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, politics and religions of India’s colourful past in its monuments, its palaces, and in the faces of its people that they narrate the story of their glorious past.
New Delhi: Touch of Faith, Philosophy & British India Afternoon: The discovery of New Delhi continues with a visit to Qutab Minar which is Delhi's Eiffel Tower, its Statue of Liberty and Nelson's Column. Visit the mosques, mausoleums and ruins of forts that lie around it. Later visit the Humayun’s tomb - the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble – one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. We drive to one of the most colonial parts of New Delhi called Raisina Hill. Drive past the Viceroy's House (now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan, present residence of the President of India) Lutyen's magnum opus; the India Gate, a war memorial arch. We then drive past a Sikh place of worship called a Gurdwara or Temple. This shrine is the scene of constant devotional music, whose ethereal tones are relayed throughout the entire complex. A Sikh temple without a Community Kitchen or “Langar” is inconceivable. Food is serviced in the kitchen of the Gurudwara 24 hours to all visitors without any distinction of caste, creed, color or religion. All people – high or low, rich or poor sit in the same queue. Approximately 40,000 visitors share meals everyday.
Overnight: The Manor Hotel (Manor rooms)
Day 02 : Sunday, 11 Nov 2012 : DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel We will indulge in a bit of sightseeing of Old Delhi today.
Old Delhi – Happily Chaotic! 10:00 hrs We proceed for our unique yet fascinating experience of Old Delhi. Visit the mighty Red Fort followed by “cycle rickshaws” through the lanes of “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy Avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk literally means “moonlit crossroads” and an area which best represents the “super-Oriental”- the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange aromas, the pungent odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and “rickshaw- walas” and the clatter and whirr of furious industry. The thrill of being driven through the narrow, winding lanes is a memorable experience. This is perhaps one of Delhi's most populated areas and the largest marketplace. Conclude the tour with Raj Ghat – Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
13:00 hrs Break for lunch.
Afternoon is exclusively for shopping with a guide.
Evening: A group dinner is organized this evening
Overnight: The Manor Hotel (Manor rooms)
Day 03 : Monday, 12 Nov 2012 : DELHI –MANDAWA (263 kms / 4-5 hrs approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Mandawa Mandawa – In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajsthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and Havelis. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade till date. Arrive and check in at hotel Castle Mandawa
This afternoon, visit the Forts and Havelis of Mandawa.
Overnight: Castle Mandawa
Day 04 : Tuesday, 13 Nov 2012 : MANDAWA / BIKANER (170 kms/3.5 hrs approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Bikaner. Bikaner is situated on the north of Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by great walls, and dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner more popularly called the camel country. Also, Bikaner is famous Carpet-weaving and blanker making center, and known for pottery making and the manufacture of sugar candy. Bikaner has played a notable role in the history. Bikaner state has produced several worriers and distinguished rulers. Raja Anup Singh who ascended to throne in AD 1669 was a scholar and warrior. His period has been described as "the Golden Time of Bikaner”. The city is on the old caravan trade route that linked Central Asia, China and the Middle East to North India and the Gujarat seaports. Arrive and check-in at hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace A city tour is arranged for this afternoon, which will include Gajner Palace, Gajner Fort and Museum, Deshnoke Temple and Junagarh fort.
Overnight: Laxmi Niwas Palace
Day 05 : Wednesday, 14 Nov 2012 : BIKANER/JAISALMER (320 kms/05.5 hrs approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out and drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check-in at The Serai/Taj Gateway hotel Rawalkot.
Jaisalmer-The Golden City. This captivating city is popularly known as the Golden City because of the honey colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the rays of the setting sun.
One of the main attractions is the imposing 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis are another interesting aspect of the desert city. The best way to explore the vast desert landscape and sand dunes is on camel back.
Overnight: Taj Gateway Hotel Rawalkot
Day 06 : Thursday, 15 Nov 2012 : JAISALMER
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing of Jaisalmer arranged for the day.
Jaisalmer Fort - Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan after Chittor and commands the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal-all interconnected behind the seven-storied façade. Small stairs take you from one court to another with superb jail screens shading interiors from the fierce heat and desert wind. Havelis of Jaisalmer - It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh haveli, at the eastern end of the city, is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wild flower, blossoms at the top.
Overnight: Taj Gateway Hotel Rawalkot
Day 07 : Friday, 16 Nov 2012 : JAISALMER/OSIAN (241 kms / 3.5 hrs approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out and drive to Osian
Osian, an ancient small temple town in the Thar Desert, is located about 241 kms, south east of Jaisalmer. Osian is a great centre of Brahmanical and Jain religions and contains the largest group of the Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. These temples belong to the two periods; 8th century represented by nearly 12 temples and 12th century represented by 6 temples.
Visit to these temples proposed for this afternoon.
Enjoy a camel ride at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Camel Camp
Day 08 : Saturday, 17 Nov 2012 : OSIAN-JODHPUR (65 Kms /01 hr approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Jodhpur.
Jodhpur – the imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaar is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts, the tie-and-die fabric, embroidered jutis or slippers in suede, camel skin and an extensive range of useful and decorative items.
14.00 hrs: An exciting safari to the village of the famous “Bishnoi” tribe who are well known lovers of nature & staunch environmentalists.
Overnight: RAAS
Day 09 : Sunday, 18 Nov 2012 : JODHPUR
Breakfast at the hotel
09.00 hrs: City tour of Jodhpur ‑ the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha Chief of the Rajput clan known as Rathores and the Rathore kingdom was once known as Marwar ‑ the Land of Death. The tour includes Meherangarh Fort the majestic fort ‑ one of the most impressive & formidable in the whole of fort‑studded Rajasthan, Jaswant Thada ‑ the Royal Cenotaphs.
Afternoon: Leisure/ Shopping
Overnight: RAAS
Day 10 : Monday, 19 Nov 2012 : JODHPUR / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR (250 Kms/05 Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check-out and transfer by surface to Ranakpur (160 Kms) RANAKPUR ‑ these magnificent 15th century Jain temples are situated in a deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Although over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Continue drive to Udaipur Stop-over for lunch at Maharani Bagh Orchard
Evening: Arrive and check-in at Trident Hotel.
Overnight: Trident Hotel Udaipur
Day 11 : Tuesday, 20 Nov 2012 : UDAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel
09:30hrs Sightseeing of Udaipur City City Palace - overlooking the lake Pichola is the City Palace, a marvel of marble and granite. The largest palace in Rajasthan, its exquisite worksmanship makes it a must on every visitor's itinerary. The three mahals - Baari, Dilkush and Moti, the Suraj Gokhada of the Sun Balcony, the Mor Chowk Known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics ; the shrine of Dhuni Mata and the Museum of Rana Pratap are the highlights of this complex.
Shopping after lunch
17.00 hrs: Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola at sunset visiting the Jagmandir Island - in the middle of the romantic Lake Pichola. It commands a magnificent view of the City Palace, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Fort, on its own island, and it is where Prince Khurram was given refuge in the 17th century.
Overnight: Trident Hotel Udaipur
Day 12 : Wednesday, 21 Nov 2012 UDAIPUR / DEOGARH (135 Kms /3 Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Deogarh after breakfast
Deogarh Mahal: A magnificent palace located on the top a hill at Deogarh, provides a picturesque views of the village, lake, and the beautiful mountains of the Aravali range. Deogarh is also famous the miniature painting school, the example of the fine art called fresco can be seen on the walls of the palace. The palace was built in 1670 A.D. now converted into a heritage hotel offering an unforgettable experience & a comfortable stay.
Arrive and check-in at Deogarh Mahal.
Evening is free for a walk in the village around the hotel.
Overnight: Deogarh Mahal
Day 13 : Thursday, 22 Nov 2012 : DEOGARH / PUSHKAR (167 Kms /3 ½ Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out and drive to Pushkar, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Pushkar, the sister city of Ajmer, is only 13 kms away from the city. Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th century writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts writing during the era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and for Brahma Temple. It is said that in a battle Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and Pushkar where Lakes sprang up. the bath at Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is famous in His name. So it is blessed by Him in every way. In olden times the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma. According to another legend back in a legendary time Lord Brahma was flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan when some petals fell from his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers had touched the soft sands. Just then, Lord Brahma realized that this was the auspicious moment to perform a fire sacrifice.
Evening: Walk around the city of Pushkar
Overnight: Pushkar Palace
Day 14 : Friday, 23 Nov 2012 : PUSHKAR
Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy Pushkar fair today Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar ka Mela, is the world's largest camel fair held in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. Pushkar Fair is undoubtedly the world's largest camel fair and it also makes it world's largest cattle fair in general. Competitions such as the "Matka Phod", "moustache", and "bridal competition" are interesting attractions of this fair. Get a feel of the real, rural India during your time here.!
Overnight: Pushkar Palace
Day 15 : Saturday, 24 Nov 2012 : PUSHKAR
Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy Pushkar fair again today
Overnight: Pushkar Palace
Day 16 : Sunday, 25 Nov 2012 : PUSHKAR / JAIPUR (131 Kms/ 03 Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out and depart to Jaipur
Arrive Jaipur and check-into hotel.
Jaipur – The City of Royalty Jaipur was one of the first examples in the world of city planning. The 250 year old city is a startling blend of forts and palaces, of teeming markets, shops and transport of every kind, from cars to camels!
Jaipur today, is the capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 ½ million people. Jaipur is called the “Pink City”, for by law all the buildings in the old city must be painted a deep saffron-pink. It is especially known for its arts and crafts: jewellery, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colourful place. On its streets you see women in their brilliant read and orange head coverings and sweeping skirts, and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned moustaches. Jaipur is also a city of polo which is played on horseback, elephants and at times on bicycles!
Overnight: Jai Mahal Palace
Day 17 : Monday, 26 Nov 2012 : JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel
Amber – The Medieval Rajput Citadel “I have seen many royal palaces, but for varied and picturesque effect, for the richness of carving, for wild beauty of situation and the strangeness of finding such a building in such a place and country, I am able to compare nothing with Amber.” Bishop Heber, 1824. Morning: Amber, the former capital of Jaipur state stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. To add the sprit of adventure and royalty, we ascend the hill on elephant back (subject to availability). Amber is a fortified complex of many splendid palaces evolved over a period of six centuries. 953 little windows and balconies : Afternoon: We proceed to visit the highly ornamented Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds built in 1799 which has no less than 953 little windows and balconies. It is a stunning example of Rajput artistry and was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life in the streets below through delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.
Later visit the imposing City Palace now a museum this was the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which now houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals & Rajputs. Also visit the ancient Observatory – Jantar Mantar & picturesque bazaars of the walled city.
Overnight: Jai Mahal Palace
Day 18 : Tuesday, 27 Nov 2012 : JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI /AGRA (235 Kms/ 06 Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
0800 hrs: Check-out and drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (195 Kms/05 Hours)
1300 hrs: Fatehpur Sikri - this exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. It is a visual experience of an ancient city abandoned by its ruler and yet well preserved to this day. One can visualize the splendour and glory of a bygone era. Fatehpur Sikri radiates a true sense of faith and belief in oneself and in God. Even today, people visit a shrine within the complex to pray for a better life.
1500 hrs: Arrive Agra and check in to Hotel
Agra – The city that created the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Agra city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery. It has witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan, all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches to transform the land into one of the greatest centres of art, culture, learning and commerce. Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments and in the majesty of the buildings.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 19 : Wednesday, 28 Nov 2012 AGRA / DELHI (200 Kms/ 04 Hrs Drive Approx)
Breakfast at the hotel
It is said that the world is divided into two parts; those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not.
0600 hrs: Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. A flawless architectural creation. For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and son. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come & see this ultimate memorial to love, few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna river. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir's third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps. A labour of love ~ Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across India and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdad, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi. Intricacy in design ~ what is most amazing about the Taj Mahal is the fine detailing. The coloured inlay is never allowed to overwhelm the design, as carvings done in relief sensitively balance it. The ornate pietra dura and relief carvings are of floral, calligraphic and geometric designs. However, flowers remain the main decorative element as the tomb depicts a paradise garden. The skill of the inlay worker is so fine that it is impossible to find the joints, even when as many as 40 tiny pieces of semi-precious stones have been used in the petals of a single flower. Some of the best calligraphy of Koranic verses can be seen around the entrance arches and on the two headstones. The colours of the Taj ~ Taj Mahal changes its moods with the seasons and the different times of the day. At dawn, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, by noon it glitters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk. Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage in the drifting mists of winter. It can be solid and earthbound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces of Taj Mahal display seductive power of architecture at its best.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
1100 hrs: Visit to the Agra Fort has been arranged.
The Agra Fort’s construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565 when he was just 23 years of age. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings – the Pearl Mosque built of marble, the Hall of Public Audiences, the Hall of Private Audiences where the famous "peacock throne" was kept, the Octagonal Tower, the Jehangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir and the Khas Mahal, a beautiful white marble structure used as a private palace.
Return to hotel; check out & drive to Delhi
Arrive Delhi and proceed to Indira Gandhi International Airport to board your flight to your next destination.
