Inbound Tour
Tour Name : Royal Rajasthan
Tour Code : IH-004
Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Places covered : Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur, Pushkar-Agra -Delhi
Interests : Culture, Heritage, Wildlife, Photography
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You will be met and assisted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Delhi is as modern or ancient as you want it to be. Today's Delhi is cosmopolitan, modern and fun loving. With feasts for art and theatre lovers, concerts for the musically inclined and food that can make a gourmet cry with delight, Delhi is a place with something for everyone.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Mandawa
After breakfast in the morning proceed for the half day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. In Old city, drive past Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. Later, visit India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President’s house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping centre.
After lunch at a local restaurant in New Delhi, drive 280 kms to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan’s open art gallery. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthani town, which is deep rooted with culture.
Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Evening free to explore the surroundings of this village.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast, explore the surroundings of Mandawa and later leave for Bikaner, (190 km), which was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This afternoon during your tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within.
Approximately 30 kms south of Bikaner is the village of Deshnoke, where the famous Mata Karni Temple is situated. The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be very careful while entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for the lost life. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
After breakfast, drive 333 km to Jaisalmer - a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'.
The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antiques, stone-work and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert. Afternoon is free to walk around in the colourful and bustling bazaars.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: In Jaisalmer
After breakfast, leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors. Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisal, THE FORT here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
In the evening, proceed for the excursion to Sam Sand Dunes which are located at a distance of 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer for an unforgettable experience of camel ride and sunset. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast, today drive 285kms to Jodhpur. An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. The hospitality of the locals, the demure women, the colourful turbans -all set against the unmerciful desert is something to feel, not just see.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort in the afternoon. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. Also visit Jaswant Thada - a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. Return to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Jodhpur - Udaipur
This morning we'll drive to Udaiur, which is around 245 kms from Jodhpur. We will drive through valleys in the remote and peaceful Aravali Range to Ranakpur to visit one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike. We'll continue driving south, arriving Udaipur, described as the “City of Sunrise” in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: In Udaipur
Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. During a guided tour you will visit the City Palace built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Next visit Jagdish Temple built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. Visit Fateh Sagar originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the rains destroyed the dam. In the afternoon, enjoy the boat ride on Lake Pichola (Subject to water level in the lake). Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Udaipur – Pushkar
After breakfast in the morning drive to Pushkar situated at a distance of 285 kms. Arrive Pushkar &
check-in o hotel. Later visit the world famous Barhma temple & Pushkar Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Pushkar-Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur - The capital of the state of Rajasthan which is popularly known as the 'pink city' as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink-colored sandstone. It is approximately at a distance of 150 kms from Pushkar. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). In 1728 he constructed the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur's central attractions. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enamelled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts.
Day 11: In Jaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En-route to Amber you will stop and see the ‘Palace of Winds’, also known as Hawa Mahal. Afternoon, visit the city of Jaipur. The most prominent highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh. You will also have the opportunity to wander the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur - Agra
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra for 235 kms, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Break there to see Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Salim Chisti & various Palaces made by Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Agra has long been renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. This has often overshadowed the fact that this royal Mughal has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many magnificent monuments that epitomize the high point of the Mughal architectural achievement. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Agra–Delhi, Depart Delhi
After breakfast in the morning start for a half day city tour of Agra city. Visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them.
Then proceed for the famous white marble mausoleum Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visit the Taj Mahal surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Rest of the day is at leisure. Later in the afternoon drive back to Delhi, which is around 203 kms. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Please note that above Itinerary can be reversed also.
Tour Ends
Imperial Holidays offers you flexibility of choosing your Holidays – We mix it, match it to suit your interest, preferences & budgets…
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS (FIT/GIT)
QUOTE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation for a total of 12 nights on Bed and Breakfast basis in hotels as mentioned or similar. (01 additional night at Delhi to be billed separately if applicable or required )
- All transfers, sightseeings and excursions using air-conditioned transport as per program.
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Elephant Ride in Amer Fort, Jaipur [In case failing, Jeep ride as alternate]
- Services of English speaking local guides envisaged for sightseeing below 06 Pax. Accompanying English Speaking escort for groups 10 pax onwards.
- Complimentary Indian Dinner at a specialty local restaurant in New Delhi on the date of final departure.
- All currently applicable taxes.
QUOTE EXCLUSIONS:
- Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any Insurance, airport departure tax.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Our quote is not valid for period other than mentioned above
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Hotel Check-In, Check-out time 1200 Hours Noon & may change as per Hotel’s Policy
- Rates not valid during peak period i.e. 20th Dec - 05th Jan
- Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost.
- Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
- Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
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