Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Samode - Mandawa -
Kuchaman - Deogarh - Devigarh - Mt. Abu - Udaipur -
Nimaj - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive -
Delhi
Arrive: Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will
be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi ?
Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers
ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling
bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and
board the 'cycle rickshaw ride' for a unique
experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk"
or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds
of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort.
Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in
India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also
built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon visit New Delhi ? drive past the stately
government buildings of the British Era designed by
Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential
Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of
the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj
Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab
Minar.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi -
Samode
Morning drive to Samode (260 kms). Upon arrival,
check-in at the hotel.
Samode - the small principality of Samode lies 50 kms
northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the
16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient
capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of
whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his
gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of
the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler
added to the fort and the palace.
Samode Palace - The comfortable palace is today full
of architectural delights with stately corridors,
frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously
reflecting the skill of master craftsmen.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Samode -
Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (100 km). Upon arrival,
check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway
adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the
bazaar. You can wander through the streets where
mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate
& lively frescoes, cataloging the life,
habits/fashions of the Marwari community.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Mandawa
- Kuchaman
Morning drive to Kuchaman (90 km). Upon arrival,
check-in at the hotel.
Kuchaman Fort - a rare jewel set in a glittering sea
of golden sands. The Kuchaman Fort was built between
450-750 A.D to control the ancient trade from Central
Asia. It has 32 bastions that house cannon points,
thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets
were showered upon enemies, 10 strategic gates and
various secret passages and escape tunnels. This
recently restored Fort is an exotic mix of the modern
and the ancient. An amazing contrast of the severity
of its exterior and the sheer delicacy of the beauty
of its interior.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Kuchaman
- Deogarh
Morning drive to Deogarh (240 kms) enroute visiting
Jodhpur.
Visit Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive
and formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded
Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff
from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama
of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada -
the Royal Cenotaphs.
Later drive to Deogarh (120 kms).
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D.,
the Mahal stands at a height of 2100 ft. above sea
level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and
balconies offering a commanding view of the
surrounding Aravalli mountains and its rugged
rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 : Deogarh
- Devigarh
Morning drive to Devigarh (90 kms). Upon arrival,
check-in at hotel.
Devi Garh - Tucked away in the age-old Aravali hills
of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace,
in the village of Delwara commands one of the three
main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Sajja Singh,
who hailed from the neighbouring state of Gujarat, was
awarded this strategically significant principality,
in recognition of his bravery and loyalty to Maharana
Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar, at the battle
of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction of the
fort palace started in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh
II, with further additions being made to the structure
by the rulers who followed.
Today, after years of restoration and reconstruction,
Devi Garh has regained its past glory. An imposing and
impressive structure, it is now a unique all-suite
boutique hotel, with 23 suites and 6 tents.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Devigarh
- Mount Abu
Morning drive to Mount Abu (120 kms). enroute visit
Ranakpur Temples.
Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century
Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of
the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the
temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect
condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha
temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive
features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars,
of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable
surface is carved and every corner and angle is
engraved with Jain images. Includes visit to two more
Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its
erotic sculptures.
Thereafter continue drive to Mount Abu and upon
arrival, check-in at hotel.
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills,
Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desert of
Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali
range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its
rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes
coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.
Afternoon enjoy the peaceful surrounding of Nakki
Lake: The islets in the artificial lake and the rock
formations on the sides are of interest. According to
a legend, the Gods carved out the lake with their
nails, nakki meaning nail.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Mount
Abu - Udaipur
Mt. Abu offers a stunning array of exquisite Dilwara
Jain temples, beautifully carved temples built between
11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in
marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal
Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the
first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a
merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it
is a superb example of temple architecture. Another is
Lun Vasahi temple and Adhar Devi temple with its many
stairs is a tourist attraction.
Afternoon drive to Udaipur (190 kms). Upon arrival,
check-in at hotel.
Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a
wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the
east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens
running down to the waterside.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur
- Nimaj
Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most
romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and
lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering
through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then
continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari".
Afternoon drive to Nimaj (280 kms). Upon arrival in
Nimaj, check-in at hotel.
Jagram Durg is situated in Nimaj village of Pali
district in Rajasthan. Built in 1773 by Thakur Jagram
Singhji, the fort has been witness to many battles in
the past. The family continues to live in the fort,
which was converted into a hotel in 1995. Care has
been taken to retain the original character of the
place, though all modern amenities have been added to
it.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Nimaj -
Pushkar
Morning drive to Pushkar (90 km). Upon arrival in
Pushkar - check into the Deluxe Tents.
The Royal Camp which captures the luxurious nostalgia
of a bygone age of the Maharaja's Safari and Shikar
camps, combined with innovative design demonstrating
many of the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp
consists of tents, each with verandah, bedroom and
bathroom. There is a large dining tent serving the
best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception
tent with seating areas.
Pushkar is famous for its annual Fair during kartik
poornima (full moon) in the November each year. It is
one of the most colorful fairs of India and is one of
the major cultural reflectors of the state of
Rajasthan. Besides trading of horses, camels, cows and
bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and
cultural events, people from different parts of India
gather on the fair ground to participate in the
various entertaining events. The variety of folk
dances and songs lend vivid splashes of colour and
music to the atmosphere that is already charged with
excitement of the camel races and the cattle fair. The
bargaining process, which involves a great deal of
haggling between the camel traders and the buyers, add
to the spirit of the fair. This fair attracts people
not only from India but a large number of tourists
from other countries as well.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 12 : Pushkar
Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun,
frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some
wonderful photographic opportunities and is a rare
change to see Rajasthani women decked out in all their
traditional jewellery, dress and finery. It is worth
getting up early to see the camels and tribes rousing
themselves in the pink of the dawn desert light.
Temple music wafts through the night, as the fires die
down and the Rajasthani melodies played on the
stringed ek-tara come to a close.
Overnight at Camp.
Day 13 : Pushkar
- Jaipur
Early morning drive to Jaipur (140 km). Upon arrival,
check-in at hotel.
Thereafter proceed to the impressive Amber Fort,
situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. 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.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is
spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills,
dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will
include the imposing City Palace, still home to the
Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to
the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to
the ruling family are housed here, including a
collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa
Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar
Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical
instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful
bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Jaipur -
Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Morning drive to Agra (260 Kms) enroute visit Fatehpur
Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city was
built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in
the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the
largest gateway in the world.
Thereafter continue drive to Agra and upon arrival,
check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the famous Taj Mahal -.This most
famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of
the Taj". It has been described as the most
extravagant monument ever built for love, for the
emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17
years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th
child.The central structure has four small domes
surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of
Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common
practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on
Fridays).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : Agra -
Delhi
Morning visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the
river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was
built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73
in the finest architectural style. It has imposing
gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Afternoon drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival,
transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Delhi -
Onward journey
Early morning transfer to the International airport
for flight for your onward journey.
Depart Delhi.