DAY 01
DELHI Morning: In the morning Tour of New Delhi. The tour
starts with a drive to Raisina Hill. Visit the Viceroy’s House (now the
residence of President of India) and Lutyen’s magnum opus. It is larger
than Versailles and architecturally is a fusion of Indian and Western
design. Within the courtyard is the 145 feet high Jaipur column, a symbol of
victory designed by Luyten. Luyten created masterpiece - the 250 acre Mughal
Gardens on the grounds of the Rashtarpati Bhavan, which at one time required
the care of 418 men and the great Vice Regal Palace required a staff of
2000.
At
the foot of Raisina Hill is the India Gate, a war memorial arch which Luyten
built in honor of 60,000 soldiers who died in World War -I. It is also
inscribed with the names of some 13,000 Indian and British soldiers missing
presumed dead. Next to it is Luytens last Imperial monument he built, a
stone canopy in which he placed the marble statue of King George V after his
death in 1936. Proceed to Parliament House, which the Lutyen built in a
circular coliseum design. It was here that the constitution of Independent
India was drafted. Drive to Humayuns Tomb which is perhaps the finest Mughal
building in Delhi. The tomb stands on a raised platform and is built of red
sandstone. The construction of the tomb was completed in 1565. The tomb
stands in a well-laid out Mughal Garden. Proceed to Qutub Minar complex,
which is Delhi’s Eiffel Tower, its Statue of Liberty and Nelson Column.
Visit the mosque, mausoleums and ruins of forts that lie around it including
the Iron Pillar which is Delhi’s totem pole 24 feet high, made of 99%
steel and which has stood for 1600 years without a speck of rust on it.
Afternoon:
A city tour of Old Delhi. The tour of Old Delhi starts with the visit of
Red Fort. This palace citadel was built Shah Jehan in 1648 and was a
veritable city within a city. When Shah Jehan transferred his capital from
Agra to Delhi he built the Red Fort as his residential palace as well as his
military fortress. The fort is a complex of marble buildings with balconies,
filigreed windows, massive red sandstone walls, ramparts and gateways. The
most elegant building is the DIWAN I KHAS or the Hall of Private Audience.
From the Red Fort you will take a cycle rickshaw to Chandni Chowk or the
Moonlit Square. It is a medieval area in which you will recognize not just
Cairo or Istanbul, but also Chester and Heidelberg. This is perhaps one of
the Delhi’s most populated areas and the largest marketplace -
jewelers, spice merchants, food vendors, money lenders, shopping arcades,
workshops as well as residences, are crammed here. Within this area is the
British built Town Hall, the St. James Church built by colonel Skinner in
the early 19th century, the old St. Stephens college and the office of the
state department of Archeology with a colonnaded facade going back to the
19th century when it was the British Residency.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 02 DELHI / BAGAR (224 KMS) Morning:
Drive to Bagar.
Afternoon: Tour of Bagar. The Bagar Haveli is
situated in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, which is famous for its
painted havelis (mansions). Bagar is a charming little village, rich in
culture and history. The painted mansions are most interesting. Bagar is a
15th century town and is a famous for its painted havelis.
Overnight
at Hotel Piramal Haveli DAY 03
BAGAR / JHUNJHUNU / MANDAWA / MUKUNDGARH / DUNDLOD / NAWALGARH (100 KMS)
Morning: Drive to Nawalgarh via Jhunjhunu, Mukundgarh,
Dundlod, which lie in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan famous for their
frescoes. Some of these frescoes date back to the early 1800whilst the
majority of them were painted between 1860 and 1900. Starting form purely
religious themes, the frescoes moved on to ornamental designs and imitations
of European lithographs and etchings. The technique of fresco paintings are
very similar to the Italian fresco techniques developed in the 14th century.
Evening: Late evening, arrive Nawalgarh, which has the
distinction of having the largest number of painted havelis in the
Shekhawati region.
Overnight at Hotel Roop Niwas Palace. DAY
04 NAWALGARH / DESHNKOKE / NAGAUR / KHIMSAR (153 KMS) 
Morning:
Tour of Nawalgarh, Nawalgarh was founded by Nawal Singh in 1737. It has a
college with a very British clock tower and hundreds of painted havelis, old
and new. Walking through the streets of Nawalgarh there is much to discover.
Also visit the Shiva temple and the frescoed telephone exchange. Later drive
to Sikar and Fatehpur. At Sikar visit the Fort and the Clock Tower around
which are a number of interesting painted havelis. Time permitting walk
around the interesting market place. Fatehpur was founded in the 15h
century. Magnificent frescoes adorn the homes.
Afternoon:
Proceed to Bikaner. Here the visitor is in the heart of the desert. This
medieval town was founded by Rao Bika, a Rathore prince.
Overnight
at Hotel Bhanvar Niwas DAY 05 BIKANER /
DESHNOKE / NAGAUR / KHIMSAR (153 KMS) Morning: A city tour
visiting the Junagarh Fort built between 1558 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh who
was a general in the army of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The fort has a
989-meter long wall with 37 bastions. The Sun Gate is the main entrance to
the fort. Within the fort are several palaces, pavilions and temples with
superb stone carvings. This fort in one of the forts in India, which has
never been conquered although it was attacked many a times. The Lalgarh
Palace, part of which is now a hotel still houses the Bikaner royal family.
Visit the Fort museum that has a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts,
miniature paintings, jewelry, costumes, carpets, armory etc.,. A tour of
Rampuria Havelis is a must. These havelis are intricately carved out of red
sand stone.
About 10 Kms from Bikaner is perhaps the only camel
breeding Farm in India, where you will find hundreds of camels. The British
army had a camel corps drawn from Bikaner during World Ware - I.
Afternoon:
Drive to Khimsar via Deshnokhe and Naguar. Just 30 Kms from Bikaner is a
unique temple called KARNI MATA TEMPLE. Here rats are considered holy and
are worshipped. Hundred of rates run all over the place. The inside of the
temple is best observed from its entrance. The fort at Nagaur is worth a
visit since it is enroute to Khimsar.
Evening: Arrive Khimsar,
a place isolated in a time - wrap. Khimsar’s romance is heightened by a
sunset drive into the desert.
Overnight at Hotel Royal Castle DAY
06 KHIMSAR / OSIAN / JAISALMER ( 295 KMS) Morning: Early
morning safari to the sand dunes 13 kms from Khimsar to watch the sunrise
whilst breakfast is served.
Afternoon: Drive to Jaisalmer via
Osian. Osian has an interesting collection of Jain temples ranging from the
8th to the 12th century.
Overnight at Hotel Himmatgarh DAY
07 JAISALMERMorning: Tour of Jaisalmer - the desert
citadel. This magical and incomparably romantic desert city fortress is
straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights. Because of its strategic
location on the route between India and Central Asia, Jaislamer was once a
very wealthy place. The merchants and townspeople built magnificent houses
and mansions all exquisitely carved from wood and red sandstone. Visit the
Fort built in 1156, which has 99 bastions around its circumference. Houses,
temples and palaces are packed within the fort complex between narrow and
winding lanes. The views from the fort’s walls provide superb views.
Within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples between 12th
and 15th centuries. Enjoy a camel ride from the fort to the Patwa haveli,
which is the most elaborate and magnificent of all havelis in Jaislamer. The
other havelis worth visiting are the Salim and Nathamal.
Afternoon:
At leisure
Overnight at Hotel Himmatgarh DAY 08
JAISLAMER / JODHPUR (308 KMS) Morning: Drive to Jodhpur.
Beginning in 1549, when the city was called Jodhagarh, the Rathore clan of
Rajputs fought and ruled from virtually impregnable fort until their
territory covered 35000 sq. Miles making it the largest Rajput State. Today
the former capital of the state of Marwar retains much of its medieval
character.
Afternoon: City tour of the Jodhpur. Visit the
Meherangarh Fort or the “Majestic Fort” which is still managed by
the former Maharaja of Jodhpur, Inside the fort there is a whole series of
courtyards and palaces which house a fantastic collection of Indian Royalty
including an amazing collection of elephant howdahs, miniature paintings,
folk music instruments, the Rajput armory, palanquins, furniture and
costumes. There’s also an Enormous and luxurious tent originally made
for the emperors. The palace apartments are beautifully decorated and
painted and have delicately carved latticework windows of red sand stone.
From the ramparts of the fort ancient cannons look out at the city below.
The views from the rampart are almost magical. Visit the royal cenotaph
closeby built in 1899. Drive out to the local market area where the clock
tower is a popular landmark in the old city near which narrow alleys that
lead to bazaars selling textiles silver and handicrafts.
Overnight
Hotel Ummaid Bhavan Palace DAY 09 JODHPUR /
LUNI (42 KMS) Morning: Drive to Luni, a very peaceful and
charming little place. Proceed on a jeep safari of the Bishnoi Village.
The elegantly dressed Bishnois welcome you into their homes whilst the
head of the village performs the opium ceremony which is very traditional
gesture when a guest visits the village. The fort at Luni is now a
delightful hotel resort. The owner is the uncle of the current Maharaja of
Jodhpur who is personally on hand to welcome his guests. Luni will be an
unforgettable stay.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby pottery and
carpet weaving villages.
Overnight at Hotel Fort Chanwa.DAY
10 LUNI / PALI / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR (195 KMS) Morning:
Drive to Pali, one of the biggest textile manufacturing cities in Rajasthan.
Drive on to Ranakpur.
Afternoon:
Visit Ranakpur, one of the biggest and most important Jain Temples complexes
in India. The main temple in this complex called Chamaukha (four faced )
built in 1439 and is the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India
covering over 40,000 sq. Feet. It has 29 halls containing 1444 pillars each
carved with intricate, delicate carvings. No two pillars are alike. Later
proceed to Udaipur via Eklingji and Nagda. A tour of the temple complex at
Eklingji and Nagda is known for its 108 temples. The present structure dates
from the 16th century. The walled complex includes an elaborately pillared
hall and features the four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Close
by is Nagda which has fine intricate architecture and carvings including
some erotic figures.
Overnight at Hotel Lake Palace DAY
11 UDAIPURMorning: City tour of Udaipur. Udaipur is often
called the “Venice of the East” and the most romantic city in the
state of Rajasthan. Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by
green hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake
Pichola. Visit the city Palace which once was the home of the Mewar rulers.
Most of the Palace is converted into a museum and a luxurious hotel. Wander
through the markets and bazaars to get a feel of the city situated close by
behind the City Palace. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 ornamented
with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda. Proceed to the
Garden of the Maidens of Honor constructed in the early 18th Century which
was used as venue for royal parties. Drive on to the abandoned Mansoon
Palace which is situated on the highest point in Udaipur from where the
views are spectacular.
Afternoon: Boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
Overnight
at Hotel Lake Palace DAY 12 UDAIPUR /
DARIAWAD (126 KMS) Morning: Drive to Dariawad. Dariawad -
an area where one can see and experience the best of the tribal life in
Rajasthan which is yet unspoiled by modern civilization. The Bheel tribal in
this area are quite a rare sight. Close by is SITA MATA SANCTUARY with dense
forests famous for its “flying squirrel” and other wildlife.
Afternoon:
Excursion to surrounding Bheel tribal villages.
Overnight at Hotel
Dariawad CastleDAY 13
DARIAWAD / SITAMATA SANCTUARY / CHOTTORGARH / BIJAIPUR (145 KMS)Morning:
Visit the Sitamata Sanctuary. Later proceed to Chittorgarh.
Afternoon:
Tour of the Chittorgarh Fort, a palace which witnessed one of the most
fiercely contested seats of power in India. Three times in its long history,
Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and on each occasion the end came
when men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to certain death
whilst their women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre.
Honour was always more important than death. The fort is a deserted ruin
now, but the impressive reminder of its grandeur still stands. Chittor was
sacked 3 times, the last one took place in 1568 when Akbar took the town.
During the struggle 8000 men rode out to their death whilst their women
committed sati. Visit the fort, which involves a climb of 1 km. Enroute you
will see some memorials that mark the spots where some of the war heroes
fell during the battle. Within the fort complex there are several palaces,
museums and temples. Visit the Tower of Victory built between 1458 and 1468
commemorating the victory. Hindu sculptures adorn the outside of the tower.
There are many sati stones here. The other interesting tower is the Tower of
fame built by the Jain merchant decorated with erotic figures and dedicated
to the first of the 24 Jain preachers.
Drive to Bijaipur Overnight
at Hotel Bijaipur Castle DAY 14 BIJAIPUR /
MENAL/ BIJOLIA / BUNDI / KOTA (230 KMS) Morning: An
excursion to the nearby villages. Drive to Bundi by Menal and Bijolia
Temples. Menal has some very interesting 12th century temples. At Bijolia
there used to be as many as 100 temples. Today just a handful remain of
which the Shiva and Ganesha are the best.
Afternoon: Arrive
Bundi. The palace is considered to be one of the finest specimens of Rajput
architectures. The only area that is open for tourists is the Phool Mahal
(Flower Palace). The murals that grace the walls are exquisite. Later drive
on to Kota.
Overnight at Hotel Brij Raj Bhavan DAY
15 KOTA / KISHANGARH (180 KMS ) Morning: Drive to
Kishangarh a charming town close to Ajmer. It was founded in 1611 by Kishan
Singh,
brother
of the Raja of Jodhpur. Kishangarh is famous for its miniature paintings,
which were developed in the 18th century. The greatest patron of Kishangarh
art was Raja Satwant Singh who fell in love with a court singer called Bani
Thani. It is believed that the famous Kishngarh paintings of a lotus -eyes
woman is made in her likeness. The fort and Palaces overlook the lake. The
ambiance of Kishangarh is medieval and in many havelis miniature painters
are still at work. There is also an interesting bazaar where goldsmiths and
silversmiths can be seen at work crafting traditional jewelry.
Afternoon:
Tour of Kishangarh
Overnight at Hotel Roopangarh FortDAY
16 KISHANGARH / JAIPUR (106 KMS) Morning: Drive to Jaipur
Afternoon:
City tour of Jaipur Morning: City tour of Jaipur. The city is a living
testament to one of the most remarkable men of his age - Jai Singh II, he
was an extremely talented politically as well as on the battle field.
Indulging in his passion for science and the arts resulted in the creation
of Jaipur. However, much of the pinkness of the city goes to the credit of
Maharaja Mansingh who dressed up the city in the symbolic welcoming colour
when the prince of Wales, later Edward VII visited Jaipur in 1876. A tour of
the city visiting the City Palace and Museum comprising of several
courtyards, gardens and buildings and is a blend of Rajasthani and Mogul
architecture. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the palace. The
museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware, old weapons,
miniature paintings, an armory of guns and swords, costumes and dresses of
the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. On display are 2 huge silver
vessels, which have found their way into world record of being the largest
single pieces of silver in the world. A former Maharaja used them to carry
his drinking water to England a he was a devout Hindu. Adjacent to the city
palace is the observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728, who had a passion for
astronomy. Stop at the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds built in 1799. 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 the delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.
Overnight
at Hotel Rambagh Palace DAY 17 JAIPURMorning:
A tour of Amber Fort. About 11 Kms from Jaipur is Amber, the former capital
of Jaipur state stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake
which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Ascend the hill on elephant back.
Construction of the palace - fortress began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the
Rajput commander of Akbar’s army.
It was later he extended and
completed by Jai Singh. An imposing stairways leads to the “Hall of
Public Audience ” which has a double row of columns and latticed
galleries.
Next to the hall is the Kali Temple whose entrance doors are
made of silver. Walk over the: Hall of Victory, noted for its inlaid panels
and glittering mirror ceiling. On the opposite side is the “Hall of
Pleasure ” with an ivory - inlaid sandalwood door. The “Hall of
Private Audience ” is decorated with delicate murals. But the jewel of
the fort is the “Hall of Mirrors ” whose interior is encrusted
with tiny mirrors. With doors closed and candle lit, it is like being inside
a vast twinkling diamond, The oldest part of the palace are the apartments
of Raja Man Singh, where each of his dozen wives had a separate suite.
Afternoon
: At leisure
Overnight at Hotel Ram Bagh Palace DAY 18
JAIPUR / KARAULI (155 KMS) Morning : Drive to Karauli, a
delightful little village where the main attraction is its beautiful Palace.
Afternoon : Tour of Karauli visiting Karauli Palace and the
nearby market place.
Overnight Bhanwar Niwas palaceDAY
19 KARAULI / AGRA (180KMS)Morning: Drive to Agra via
Fatehpur Sikri. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, which is perched atop a rocky ridge.
Fatehpur Sikri is the work of one man - it was vigorous city built with
inspiration and genius by a king who had not yet turned 28 - the Emperor
Akbar. Unfortunately, at that time Akbar had no son and heir to his vast
empire. He visited several holy men and shrines to seek blessings for the
birth of a son, but in vain - till one day he visited the saint Salim Chisti
who predicted the birth of a son. Akbar quickly built a few royal palaces
close to the saints hermitage and the queen who had just conceived moved in.
Thus was born Mohammed Salim named after the saint. Akbar was so overjoyed
that he decided to move his court from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in gratitude.
Fateh pur Sikri - the “ City of Victory ” was thus built as an
affirmation of faith, hope and of joy.. But 15 years later this dream city
with lofty mosque, pleasure pavilions, sunken gardens and multi level courts
was abandoned. Many believed that due to shortage of water the city was
abandoned, another reason was that Akbar found it impractical to maintain 2
establishments - at Agra and at Fatehpur Sikri - simultaneously. Walking
through the Fatehpur Sikri’s empty palaces, one cannot but be
transported back 400 years, and visualize the glory and the splendor that
must have existed.
Afternoon: Drive to Agra and continue with
the tour of Agra city. Half-day tour of Agra, the city of the Moguls made
famous by Emperor Akbar. Visit Agra Fort - Emperor Akbar started its
construction 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 Audience 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.
Proceed to the Taj Mahal - often described as the most extravagant
monuments ever built for love. It took 22 years for the Taj Mahal to be
built and in total 20000 people worked on the Taj. Several experts
contributed to the designing of the Taj Mahal such as Frenchman Austin of
Bordeaux and the Italian Veroneo of Venice. The Taj Mahal is amazingly
graceful from almost any angle. The semi-precious stones inlaid the marble
in beautiful designs are through a process called “pietra dura ”.
Overnight at Hotel Mughal SheratonDAY
20 AGRA / DELHI (200 KMS) Morning: Visit Dayal Bagh. Dayal
Bagh is a very special place where a monument is being built since 1911 and
which is dedicated to a saint who died in the last century. It will take
another 25 tears before this masterpiece is completed. It is made entirely
of marble with intricate carvings. No visit to Agra is complete without a
visit to Dayal Bagh
Afternoon: Drive to Delhi
Overnight at
Hotel
DAY 21 DELHI Morning Transfer to
the airport for your International flight
