ITINERARY :
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at the airport, meet our local representative and check in to
your hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
This morning we will take you on a tour of the magical city of Old Delhi .Visit
the Raj Ghat and see the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Jama
Masjid, India’s largest mosque and architectural extravaganza dating
to 1658, the Red Fort a magnificent structure of red sandstone built
at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire, and the fabled shopping bazaar, Chandni
Chowk (Silver Street).
In the afternoon tour of the modern city of New Delhi see the Qutub Minar,
a superb example of early Afghan architecture going back to 1199, the Emperor
Humayun’s Tomb ,the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal in
Agra, the Houses of Parliament and the Presidential Palace, both
grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj.
Day 03 : Delhi – Mandawa
The morning drive to Mandawa (approx 6 hrs) through the suburbs of Delhi,
and beyond to yellow mustard fields and small towns of Rajasthan is a picturesque
and colorful reflection of rural life and its environs. Mandawa, is in the heart
of Shekhavati – also called the “open air Art Gallery” of
India, due its intricately painted buildings and monuments. Here, check into
a medieval castle, now comfortably furnished with all modern amenities as a
heritage hotel.
Day 04 : Mandawa - Khimsar By road - 6 hours drive
In the morning stroll through this small town, famous for its Havelis
(traditional mansions), its superb traditional murals and its quaint old-world
charm. Later, we also drive to some neighboring towns to see some more of these
interesting mansions.
At 1300 hours, we depart for Khimsar ,the ancient city founded some 2500
years ago by the Jain saint Mahavir and the starting point of the Great
Indian Desert. On arrival in Khimsar, check into the magnificent Welcom Heritage
Khimsar Fort. The fort was built in the mid 15th century by Prince Karamsi,
the son of the founder of Jodhpur. This imposing structure is perched on the
edge of the desert and today stands as an oasis of peace with its pool and sprawling
lawns.
Day 05 : Khimsar - Jaisalmer By road - 5 hours drive
The 5 hour morning drive through the stark ,unusual Rajasthani countryside
and the Thar desert brings you to Jaisalmer with its magnificent view of its
desert fortress, straight out of the “Tales of the Arabian nights”
rising ethereally from the sand. Home to several intricately carved magnificent
Havelis, Jaisalmer is also famous for its surreal sunsets which give the
sandstone buildings the golden hue that makes Jaisalmer the “Golden City”
Check in. to your hotel.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
This morning, we take you on a tour of this romantic, tranquil and beautiful
city. Visit the beautiful Havelis, or old mansions, built 200-300 years
ago by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. See the elaborate wall and ceiling
murals, and carved doorways and entrances.
Next visit the fascinating Jaisalmer Fort with its four huge gateways
built 1156 and its “death well” where criminals were sent to their
doom. See the five-storey Palace of the Maharawal whose façade
displays very fine masonry work with interiors decorated in typical Rajasthani
style. Admire the impressive detail of the sculpted motifs of the ancient JainTemples
where Jain manuscripts and astrological charts dating to the eleventh
century are meticulously preserved.
In the evening visit the rustic Khurhi Village for a camel ride into
the breathtakingly beautiful sunset on the romantic sand dunes around The Golden
City.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
In the morning, drive 5 hours to Jodhpur, “The Blue City” .After
you have checked into your hotel, and rested, visit the Mehrangarh Fort in
its majestic splendour with all the trappings and finery of Indian royalty,
and the Jaswant Thada, the white marble Royal Cenotaphs. Later, you may
choose to go to the little village of Luni to see weavers and craftsman
as they work in the surrounds of their village life.
Day 08 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh
In the morning we drive first to Ranakpur to see one of biggest Jain Temples
in India with its 1444 sculpted pillars, none of which is duplicated. We then
proceed on to the 6 hour drive to the city of Kumbalgarh. The mighty hilltop
fort built by Maharana Kumbha the legendry Mewari hero in the 15th century is
protected by seven thick ramparts and was successfully besieged only once in
its history. Crenellated walls encircle the fortress which encloses many temples,
some from the 2nd century, and many palaces and gardens. We check you into the
delightful Hotel Aodhi, a charming hotel built into the mountain-side,
surrounded by greenery. There is a game reserve nearby and the area is excellent
for long walks.
Day 09 : Kumbalgarh - Dungarpur By road - 5 hours drive
This morning we drive 5 hours to the old city of Dungarpur ,famous for its
unique style of Sculptured Balconies as can be seen in the palaces and mansions
of the region. On arrival, we check you in to Hotel Udai Bilas Palace.
This impressive royal residence has got ornately carved pillars, intricate balconies,
arched windows and lavish, well-furnished rooms.
Day 10 : Dungarpur - Udaipur
In the morning visit the Juna Mahal, the 13th century seven -storey structure
with crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances and corridors constructed
strategically to inhibit invading armies, Gaib Sagar Lake ,a famous shrine
commemorated in several exquisitely built temples merging into one main temple
and the Govt. Archaeological Museum housing a fine collection of ancient
statues. In the afternoon enjoy the 2 hour drive to the magical city of palaces,
Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur
In the morning, tour the romantic, fairy-tale city of Udaipur .See the City
Palace with its beautiful mosaics ,mirror-work and fine gardens ,visit Sahalion
ki Bari ,the delightful garden for the Maids of the Court with its lotus
pool and fountains, and see the Jagat Temple, constructed in the Indo-Aryan
style and dedicated to Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe. In the late
afternoon, enjoy the serene boat ride around the beautiful Lake Pichola,
and visit Jagmandir, a beautiful island palace on the lake that some
say inspired the Taj mahal.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Jaipur By flight
In the morning we fly you to the historical city of Jaipur ,otherwise known
as the Pink City , also famous for its silver jewellery and sparkling gems,
its carpets and textiles, and beautiful mirror-work and brightly lit and vibrant
bazaars humming with activity. Check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon we take you on a tour of the city. See the magnificent City
Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds),
a stunning example of Rajput artistry and the Jantar Mantar, the incredibly
accurate Royal Observatory built in 1728.
Day 13 : Jaipur
In the morning we take you to the Amber Fort atop an elephant in true
Maharaja style. This ancient and imposing palace is a superb example of Rajput
architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 14 : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
This morning we commence the 6 hour drive to Agra via Fatehpur-Sikri ,the ancient
city built in a fusion of Hindu and Muslim artistic styles by the great Moghul
Emperor Akbar. See the magnificent Royal Palace with its famous
Panch Mahal, the five-storeyed palace and the imposing Jami Masjid with
its impressive Buland Darwaza (great gate).
On arrival in Agra check in to your hotel and in the afternoon visit the Agra
Fort, the majestic citadel built by Emperor Akbar and the seat and stronghold
of the Mughal Empire for successive generations. Its massive gates lead to the
graceful Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience) with its ornate architecture,
and to the ornamental royal palaces and royal pavilions built
to catch the cool river breeze.
Day 15 : Agra - Delhi
At sunrise see the splendor of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s
most marvellous buildings. The eternal monument of the romantic love of an Emperor
for his favourite Queen, the Taj Mahal is stunningly constructed in gleaming
white marble. It’s exquisite and subtle carvings highlighted by floral
patterns inlaid with precious stones are extraordinary It took some 20000 workers
21 years to build this incredible marble tomb.
Next we drive to Sikandra en-route Dehli. to see the Mausoleum of the
Mughal Emperor Akbar. Four massive gates representing different religions
lead to the red sandstone tomb with its three-storey minarets and marble patterns.
The design of building, planned by Akbar himself, had a significant impact evident
in later Mughal architecture and the Taj Mahal.
In the evening we drive you to the International airport for your flight for
your onward journey.
Packages are available on Palace
On Wheels
(Click here to know more about palace on wheels package)
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