Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at
the hotel.
Delhi
The capital of the country, and one of India's fastest growing cities, has
spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and
the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna,
straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek-by-jowl
with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial
complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its
boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and
contemporary crafts, from all over the country.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing visiting - Red Fort, built
in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Raj Ghat and shanti vana - the
cremation sited of Mahatma Ghandi and Jawaharlal Nehru. and drive past Jama
Masjid, one of the longest mosque in India and Chandini Chowk, shopping
center of Delhi. New Delhi visiting Qutub Minar built by Qutub - ud -Din
Aibek in 1199. India Gate (War Memorial Arch). Lakshminarayan Temple - a
modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past President House, Parliament House, and
Government Secretariat Buildings
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra by surface (204 kms).
After breakfast drive to Agra and check-in at the hotel.
Agra
Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal
city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomise
the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and
17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder
of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks
of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts
of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces,
courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques,
palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.
Afternoon proceed for half day city tour visiting the world famous Taj
Mahal and Agra Fort -
Taj Mahal - One of the most photographed
tourist attractions in the world, Taj Mahal is the attraction that pulls the
tourists from all over the world. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white
marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay)
work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones
were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This
magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which
is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style.
( Taj Mahal
remains Closed on Friday)
Agra Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified
with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the center
of the city. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high, 2.4-km outer
walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. One
can enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate. The public access is
limited to the southern part of the fort, which includes nearly all the
buildings of tourist interest. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and
Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience) were built by Shahjahan for
receiving audiences.
Jehangir's palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the
fort. Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman
Burj. It was here that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of
imprisonment. Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Agra- Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur
Sikri by surface (237 kms).
After breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri and check-in
at the hotel.
Fatehpur Sikri
Thirty-nine kilometres from Agra stands Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone
city of yesteryears. The city was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD
1564 in honour of the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Fatehpur Sikri was
intended to be the capital city but the shortage of water and unrest in the
north-west made Akbar abandon it after 14 years . One of the major
attractions of this city is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Other
places of interest include Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch
Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Jaipur
Popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan,
named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. It has, long been
established, on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden
Triangle, just 300 kilometres southwest of Delhi, and 200 kilometres west of
Agra. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the
major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur
After breakfast excursion to Amer Fort - At a short distance of 11 kms.
from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking
the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the
still waters of the Maota Lake below.
One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient
capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man
Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience",
the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh
Niwas where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of
air-conditioning.
Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed
screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court in
privacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry",
with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors".
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace and
Jantar Mantar (Observatory).
The City Palace is now converted into a museum, except a small portion that
is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus
style, the palace covers almost one-seventh part of the city. One of the
major attractions in the museum is the portion that is devoted to the arms
and ammunition used by the royal family in the past. Other important
attractions are the Textile and Costume Museum, Art Gallery, Chandra Mahal,
Mubarak Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am.
Drive past Hawa Mahal - Strange though it may seem, this most famous
landmark of Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone
screens. This pink structure was constructed so that the ladies of the
palace could watch the royal processions without being seen by any outsider.
This sandstone edifice was named Palace of Winds after the many brass wind
vanes that adorned it until 1960s. Later visit the unique Jantar Mantar
Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been
accurately measured since the 17th century.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Mandawa by surface (167 kms)
After breakfast drive to Mandawa and check-in at the hotel.

In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, 190 km off Jaipur, lies
the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts
and havelis. Mandawa - often called the 'open air art gallery of Rajasthan',
the region is famous for the high quality frescoes. Mandawa provides the
visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer
spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an
arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most
importantly, the fact that no two rooms are alike in the palace here
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing visiting the semidesert Shekhawati region
lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. Starting
around the 14th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and
the towns which developed in the region became important trading posts on
the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. The town have still
not lost its charm, i.e. the beautiful havelis (mansions) constructed by the
merchants of the region. Most of the buildings date from the 18th century to
early this century, and the entire area has been dubbed by some as the open
air gallery of Rajasthan". There are also forts a couple of minor
castles, baolis (stepwells), chhatris, and handful of mosques
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Mandawa - Bikaner by surface (170 kms)
After breakfast depart by surface for Bikaner and check-in at the hotel.
Bikaner, the northern most point on the triangle of desert cities, was
founded in 1488 AD. by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur,
Rao Jodha. Like Jaisalmer, in the south, it was, once, an important trade
centre. The old city is bolstered, by 7 km long imposing walls, with 5
entrance gates, built in the 18th century.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing
Bikaner offers several attractions to the tourists besides, of course, the
exotic camel safaris. Some of the major attractions around the city are
Junagarh Fort, sumptuously decorated with its ornately lacquered walls in
red & gold and panels of dazzling coloured glass inlay set over the
coronation throne, it has several Palaces. Among them are Karan Mahal, Anup
Mahal, Badal Mahal are prominent. Lalgarh Palace is carved out of red sand
stone, and of late has been converted into a Heritage Hotel. You can visit
the majestic forts or go to the Mata Karni temple where rats are considered
sacred and worshipped. The camel festival held in the month of January is
also an event worth witnessing.Camel Breeding Farm, Gajner Palace, Deshnoke
Temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer by surface (333 kms)
After breakfast depart by surface for Jaisalmer on arrival check-in at
hotel.
Jaisalmer, One of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the
heart of Thar Desert, abounds in ancient palaces, temples and quaint
settlements. As the sun sets, the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow,
that make Jaisalmer the "Golden City". Founded by Rawal Jaisal in
1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer, kept it almost untouched by
outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast a full day sightseeing tour to visit this city of giled
magic. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal and where a fourth of
the population lives;Jaisalmer fort is the main attraction of this
picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta
Hill, it is visible from a distance of about 15 kilometres. The ramparts,
bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during
early morning and at sunset Jain Temple This group of fine jain temples were
built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer fort. They are
beautiful carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. there is
also a Shiva and Ganesh Temple inside the fort. Gyan Bhandar or Library :
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library
established as a part of Jain temples. Patwon ki Haveli The life within the
citadel gives you a clear picture of the medieval majesty with its
magnificent palace, havelis, temples and the skilled artisans and camels all
around. Among the havelis made by Jaisalmer/'s wealthy merchants include the
Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. The Patwon ki
haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having ceiling supported by
exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive
corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight.
Half day excursion to Sand Sunes of the Thar desert near Jaisalmer on
camel's back.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur by surface (298 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and check-in at the hotel.
Jodhpur, Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold
of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state
of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur . The town was
once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably, referring to
the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off
from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different
directions
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Jodhpur - Udaipur by surface (259 kms )
After breakfast half day sightseeing tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort,
situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. This
fort is one of the largest fort in India. the fort is situated at an
altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq km, with
seven gates. It has been a witness to the splendor of bygone era. The beauty
and the grandeur of numerous places in the fort narrate a saga of hard
sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpur sculptures. Mehrangarh
literally means "Majestic Fort".
Visit 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 - This immense palace known as Chittar Palace because
of the local chittar sandstone used. the only palace built in 20th century
under the famine .It was built in a time of peace and is quite western in
its design. It was built as a famine relief project which employment to
people for 16 years. It has its own theatre, eight dining rooms, and a
banquet hall which seats three hundred people. A Ball Room had been built,
catering to the Westernized royal lifestyle. Much of the interior of the
palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of the finest
surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an
indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs
as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as
royal residence.
Government Musuem - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, sculptures, antique weapons, local crafts and images of
Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Afternoon drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple which
was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana
Kumbha in the 15th century. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of
which are intricately carved with no two being alike.The main temple is a
Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain
temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well
worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of
Amba Mata.
On arrival in Udaipur check-in at the hotel.
Udaipur, There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination
of poets and painters, travellers 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 splendour, continue
to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision
in white.Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three
lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details
- narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and
palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the
City Palace, Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill
surrounded by crenellated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple
arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of
the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in
times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is another
fascinating monument Jagdish Temple, Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat
Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Drive around
Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the
three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh
Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a
boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Queen resort for her friends) is a 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. Bharatiya Lok Kala Musuem has
interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes
folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments,
folk deities and paintings and the high point of the exhibits puppets.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Udaipur - Mumbai / Delhi / Jaipur
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for home.
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Hotels in Delhi
Hotels in Agra
Hotels in Mandawa
Hotels in Jaisalmer
Hotels in Udaipur
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Hotels in Jaipur
Hotels in Fatehpur
Sikri
Hotels in Bikaner
Hotels in Jodhpur
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