Rajasthan Cultural Tour Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days Destination: Delhi - Agra - Bhandarej - Ranthambore - Kota - Bundi
- Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Delhi Day 01. Arrival in Delhi (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi
is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by a representative and transferred
to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take
a Riksha Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city and famous Silk
Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes also the site
where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of old
Delhi.Today We also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is
the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Kutab
Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199.Before we
proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the
India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03. Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
In the morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and
consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended
to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged
twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive
to Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Day 04. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort,built by three
of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure
began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's
reign, Shahjahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque.
After the visit of Agra fort, we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument
of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually
fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between
1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel
of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.
We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After
the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work
which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of
builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day 05. Agra - Bhandarej (about 175 km)
Today we leave Agra, drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages
in direction of Bhandarej. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri,
which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar
the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand
stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally
stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival
at the palace Hotel of Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana
architecture. The Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally
painted verandahs and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its
temples and historical sites has a history which dates back to 11th century.Rest
of the day at leisure. At the dinner time local dances will be performed
in the palace.
Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore Nationalpark.
after a break & refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore
the park on a Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas
and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 sq2. The Tiger remains
the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about 135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After the Jeep
Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave
for Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom
of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city fort and palace, this type of fort-palace
complex is one of the largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan.
Day 08. Kota - Bundi (about 38 km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most famous
for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On the top
of the hill is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting fort is
worth exploring for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually
emptied flooding the streets leading down to the city.After the whole day
excursion we return to Kota in the evening.
Day 09. Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh.The Fort of Chittorgarh
is indomitable pride of Chittor,the fort is massive structure with many
gateways built in 7th century A.D Perched on a height of 180m hill it sprawls
over 700 acres.This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each
time the outcome was "Jauhar" When women and children immolated
themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom
rode out of the fort towards a certain death.Overnight stay in Chittorgarh.
Day 10. Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about 120 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan.
A city built around shimmering,clear,blue water lakes which reflect the
green hills of the Aravali ranges.In the evening we enjoy a Boat ride on
the lake Pichola.The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence
of the former rulers.The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made
this palace more known in the west.
Day 11. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise.We start our sightseeing
with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari.This Garden of the Maids of Honour is
well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks.After the visit of Garden
of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art.This museum has a rich collection
of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments
and paintings on display. After a break we proceed to city palace, the biggest
Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution,
is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that
it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole.The museum
of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings
of Indian mythology.Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional
painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done.
Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar.Pushkar being one of the most
religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town.The
only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important
pilgrimage city for Hindus.Pushkar has become famous in the world due to
its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the
whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands
of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest
cattle and camel markets take place here where Farmers,breeders and camel
traders buy and sell.(if this tour takes place during the time of Pushkar
Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one and therefore
the duration of this Tour will be extended for one more day making it 17
days tour.)
Day 13. Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the Pink City Jaipur,this
city owes its name,foundations and careful planning to the great warrior
and astronomer,Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan
and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.After
a break in Jaipur we visit the city palace in the afternoon which is still
the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani
and Mughal architecture.In the museum of the city palace we visit the private
collection of the Jaipur Mahrajas.We continue to Jantar Mantar,a stone observatory,the
largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.It's complex instruments
reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber,laying 11 km. away
from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries
before it was moved to newly created Jaipur.We will ascend to the Palace
Fortress on the back of an Elephant.Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa
Mahal (Palace of the Winds),built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements
with each having its own balcony.The windows enabled cool air to circulate
and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen.In the afternoon
we have a walk through the colorful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory
to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur.In
the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi
Narayan Mandir",a Hindu temple made out of white marble.We might have
an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with
a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km)
Late morning, after having our Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi
in the afternoon.The rest of the day at leisure. (Opportunity for the last
shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)
Day 16. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight to home destination.
