Rajasthan
Holidays Tour
Places to Visit: Delhi
- Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Duration:
9 Nights / 10 Days
Day 01 : Delhi - Jaipur By Road
260 Kms/5 hr
After
breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Reach and check in
at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic
realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies
in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging
to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made
fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and
authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power.
Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the
British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur
takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title
Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a
quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable
than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan,
but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State
Visit from Prince Albert.
In the afternoon you can enjoy shopping or
take an optional visit to SANGANER.
Sanganer is a little village just
16 kilometres from Jaipur. Here you will find the centre of the region's block
printing industry. Traditionally, only coarse cotton was printed for the ankle-length,
flared skirts of Rajasthani women and today, you can see cotton cloth being printed
by hand. It is said that the water of Sanganer makes the colors fast. Sanganer
is the busiest crafts centre in the region and you should have time to visit artisans
in their workshops and browse for gifts. You can also visit the Blue Pottery Factory,
to see pottery created in Jaipur's distinctive style; graceful floral designs
in white or deep sea-green painted over a traditional inky-blue glaze.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed
in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the
temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu
pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi.
Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being
lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and
spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day
02 : Jaipur Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for excursion
to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort
palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by
his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful
blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls
over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal,
Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR -
This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built
by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting
of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL -
The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark
in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted
with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows.
Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace
women.
In the evening enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling
bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving,
semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja
Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas',
the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day
03 : Jaipur - Bikaner By Road 280 km/5 hr
Drive to Bikaner after
a leisurely breakfast.
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert
State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor
that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the
city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert
is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains
or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers.
Proceed for sightseeing
tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of
Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the
Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general
in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Visit the Old City and the Karni Mata Temple.
Also visit the one of the wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are
other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 04 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
By Road 330 km/5 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the palace and drive to Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the
city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued
city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to
which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote
descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His
prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav
Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital
-Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAND DUNES for visiting the typical
Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on
fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting
tunes.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 05 : Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer.
It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its
temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of
intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER
FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.
Also visit Barabagh Hill.
Also visit the ROYAL CENOTAPHS and relax in
the evening. The sunset is beautiful from the small hillock or from the terrace
of NARAYAN NIWAS PALACE. You could also spend some time at the fort in the evening.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
By Road 320 km/5 hr
Drive to Jodhpur after a relaxing breakfast.
Reach later in the afternoon and in the evening relax at the hotel.
Set at the edge of the THAR Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha - chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Enjoy the blue city walk in the evening
and have dinner at the roof top restaurant in PAL HAVELI. Overnight will be at
Jodhpur.
Day
07 : Jodhpur Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning sightseeing
tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar,
visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit,
overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number
of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different
miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada
Memorial.
In the afternoon visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES and the country
side of the desert city.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day
08 : Jodhpur - Udaipur By Road 260 km/6 hr
Start for Udaipur
after breakfast.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to
the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls.
The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two
more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely
land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision
in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights,
sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and
writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an
enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
09 : Udaipur Enjoy breakfast at the palace.
Proceed for sightseeing
tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms
with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies
and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens,
the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor
launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be
able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the
middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island
palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur - Delhi
By Flight Number : 9W 3318 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure
: 1335 hr
Arrival : 1505 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi. Reach and enjoy shopping and
stay at a hotel for freshening up close to the airport.
Later in the
evening take flight home with sweet memories of India after a FAREWELL DINNER.
TOUR ENDS THE TOUR WILL
INCLUDE: a) DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS
MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) PRIVATE AC CAR AT DISPOSAL FROM AIRPORT TO
AIRPORT,
d) DRIVER FOR THE FULL TOUR,
e) ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDES
FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
f) MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE,
g) DAILY BREAKFASTS,
h) DINNER WITH CAMEL RIDE IN THE DUNES OF JAISALMER,
i) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA, UDAIPUR,
j) TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING,
k) ECONOMY CLASS AIRFARE FOR THE MENTIONED SECTOR,
l) ELEPHANT BACK ASCENT
AT AMER FORT, JAIPUR AND
m) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
Suggested Hotels :
| CITY | LUXURY & HERITAGE | NIGHTS |
| Jaipur | TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE | 02 |
| Bikaner | LAXMI
NIWAS PALACE (SUITE) | 01 |
| Jaisalmer | FORT RAJWADA
(SUITE) | 02 |
| Jodhpur | TAJ UMAID BHAWAN PALACE | 02 |
| Udaipur | TAJ LAKE PALACE | 02 |
