Day 01 : Udaipur
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Udaipur airport and transfer to the
hotel. Evening at leisure or an option to visit Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum.
Overnight stay at Udaipur.
Udaipur
there is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets
and painters, travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side
capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable
past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall
the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms like a vision in white.
Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which
give in to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow
streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every
feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichhola.
Day 02 : Udaipur
Full day sightseeing of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace, Jagadish Temple
and Saheliyon – ki – Bari (Garden) and in the evening visit the
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum to see the cultural puppet show and folk dances (1
hr). Overnight stay at Udaipur.
City Palace
A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded
by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions,
terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through
the triple arched gate, the ‘Tripolia’ with eight marble porticos.
The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of
which was distributed among the populace.
The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi
Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to
restore their confidence. The ‘Mor Chowk’ known for its exquisite
peacock mosaics in glass and the ‘Chini Chitrashala’ noted for its
blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the Palace.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the
largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted
images.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum
includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments, folk deities and paintings. Puppet show and folk dance timings:
6pm – 7pm.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor)
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies
came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its
four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
Pratap Memorial
Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the
memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the
Maharana.
Day 03 : Udaipur - Ranakpur by road (80km)
Early
Morning, after breakfast drive to Ranakpur. Visit the Ranakpur Temples.
Overnight stay at Ranakpur.
Ranakpur
is famous for the beautiful Jain temples that date back to the late
14th-early 15th century. These temples of exceptional beauty are dedicated
to various Jain Tirthankaras (enlightened souls), making Ranakpur one of the
five holiest places for the Jains. Situated in a picturesque valley in the
Aravali Mountains, the temple with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets
and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The main temple in
the complex is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, dedicated to the first
Tirthankara - Rishabha also known as Adinath. Its 29 halls are supported by
1444 pillars, no two of which are alike.
Day 04 : Ranakpur - Rohetgarh by road (140 km)
After breakfast proceed to Rohet Garh. Upon arrival, check into the hotel
and experience the courteous Rajput hospitality amidst royal splendor. Rest
of the day at leisure. A cultural programme in the evening. Overnight stay
at Rohetgarh.
In true royal style, lounge about in the spacious verandas and watch the
colorful peacocks strutting about or take a dip in the elegant pool designed
with four charming pavilions. The carved stone archways, colorful wall
murals, ancient artifacts and trophies speak volumes about the chivalry and
glory of the generations of valiant noblemen who lived here. No new building
has been added in the renovation process, but rather, old edifices have been
skillfully redesigned to create a heritage property that has few parallels.
Situated on the banks of a lake and set in the midst of rural surroundings,
it is a haven of peace and tranquility. Often dinner is served by the
poolside as folk musicians enliven the evening atmosphere.
Day 05 : Rohetgarh
Morning
after breakfasts depart for a village safari and after the safari, check
into a Wildness camp. Overnight stay at Wildness camp.
The Safari
Showcasing the best of the land, is a complete cultural experience, which
encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable
people, to the various customs and ceremonies and the abundant wildlife,
guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people's homes and
interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life
that takes them closer to their roots.
They meet the 'Premier ecologists of the world', the Bishnois tribe, who
have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the
very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India's most
beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a
beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays
close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust
in the Bishnoi people. Guests also meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their
glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals, the Brahmin farmers and
weavers respectively.
Wildeness Camp
Luxury tents sit comfortably on a small dune in the lap of nature and total
wilderness. The small dune happens to be the highest point of an otherwise
pan flat landscape. The views are spectacular.
Day 06 : Rohetgarh - Jodhpur by road (65 km)
After
breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival at Jodhpur, check into the hotel.
Later visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Tada and The Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Overnight stay at Jodhpur.
Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’ because
of the blue walls of its houses, is most famous for the impressive
Mehrangarh Fort. Built on a hill and 400 feet above the city, the fort is
one of the largest in India. Inside the fort are magnificent palaces made of
intricately carved panels and traditional latticed windows and doors. The
Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) even has a ceiling decorated with gold filigree.
The splendor in which the kings of Marwar, who built the fort, lived is
evident in every inch of this huge complex.
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km)
A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid Summer Palace stands by the
lakeside surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Mehrangarh Fort situated on a low sandstone Hill,
includes Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. This fort is one of the largest forts
in India. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 m and is spread
over an area of 5 sq km, with seven gates. It has been a witness to the
splendors of a bygone era. Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort".
Jaswant Thada which is a white marble memorial built in
memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant
succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that
gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16
years. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the
former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part as a
museum.
