|
RAJASTHAN WITH TAJ MAHAL TOUR
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places to See: Delhi : Agra : Jaipur : Jodhpur : Udaipur : Delhi
 Day 1 : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi, Transfer to Hotel. Day Relax
Day 2 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a
visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past
the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one
of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the
river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of
Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People
stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a
nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the
rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which
reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between
New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the
British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled
city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The
walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past
life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in
contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century
standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower
in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India
Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the
President's residence.
Spend night at Delhi.
Day 3 : Delhi - Agra
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed
the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the
Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the
Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of
contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow
galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this
favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most
conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city
will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for sightseeing.
Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was
built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj
Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal
(Shah Jahan's second Wife).
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the
fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the
picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj.
Shopping or relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 4 : Agra - Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his
capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating
experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in
pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life
must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the
Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Continue drive to
Jaipur.
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.
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 5 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast.
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. At the foot of the hill
you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady
climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured
fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over
100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating
insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Continue
sightseeing.
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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore
independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold
and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris,
wooden handicrafts and carpets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 6 : Jaipur - Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur.
Stop at Pushkar on your way.
Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which
attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of India.
Pushkar is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from
Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain.
The town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many
bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important
pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a
spiritual search).
 Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might
expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were
deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is
the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world
dedicated to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the
entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is
said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.
Enjoy the BRAHMA TEMPLE and the holy lake.
Continue drive to Jodhpur after lunch and reach by late afternoon or
early evening.
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.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 7 : Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
In the morning visit Mehrangarh Fort (1459 AD) by Rao Jodha who
considered themselves the descendents of Lord Rama. In this palace
you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After
this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Take a walking tour of the old town and return at the hotel late in
the afternoon after lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace with palace museum
visit.
In the evening proceed for shopping in the old city or relax at the
hotel. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 8 : Jodhpur - Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Udaipur.
Visit Ranakpur en route. A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating
back to the 15th century is part of the itinerary. 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.
Enjoy a village drive in a jeep enjoying the rural culture of the
rustic country side. Reach Udaipur 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 Pichhola is an enticing
sight.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 9 : Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur in the morning, 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.
In the evening proceed for a 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.
Visit the 300-year-old Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs of the
Rajput kings. Relax in the evening at the beautiful hotel. Overnight
will be at Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur - Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at the city or in
the hotel and proceed in time for an afternoon flight to Delhi.
Reach and enjoy last minute shopping in Delhi. Reach the
international airport in time for your flight home with sweet
memories of India. |
