The Majestic Rajasthan

Home The Majestic Rajasthan
The Majestic Rajasthan Tour
(10 Nights / 11 Days)

 

Day 01: – Arrival Delhi                                                                      City Palace Udaipur 2    

Welcome upon arrival at Delhi international airport. You will be assisted upon arrival and transferred to Hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02: – Delhi – Agra                                                                                                

Morning you will be transferred to Agra (205 Kms – Approx 4.30 Hours).

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Upon arrival at Agra, visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the still of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ‘Love Poem in Marble’ (Closed on Fridays).

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 2.5 km northwest of famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.  Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. His historian, Abdul Fazal, recorded that this was a brick fort known as ‘Badalgarh’. It was in a ruined condition and Akbar had it rebuilt with red sandstone from Barauli area in Rajasthan. Architects laid the foundation and it was built with bricks in the inner core with sandstone on external surfaces. Some 4,000 builders worked on it daily for eight years, completing it in 1573.

Later check in at Hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

 Day 03: – Agra – Jaipur

 Morning you will be transferred to Jaipur (233 Kms – Approx 5 Hours). En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

 Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

After your visit continue your drive towards Jaipur.

 Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in at Hotel.

 Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 04: – Jaipur                                                                                                

 Today you will enjoy city tour of Jaipur.

 Jaipur (Pink City) was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. Jaipur was the capital of former Kachwaha rulers and it so presents itself as a versatile tourist destination. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and colour to this Pink City’s uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthral any visitor. Jaipur is also known as Pink City.

Morning visit Amber Fort and in the afternoon you will visit City Palace, Obervatory, drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Albert hall.

Amber Fort Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharaja.

 City Palace the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of   the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons.

Observatory is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1738 CE. It features the world’s largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 05: – Jaipur – Bikaner                                                                                          

 Morning you will be transferred to Bikaner (354 Kms – Approx 7 hours).

 Bikaner The city was established in the year 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, a Rajput prince. The city is known for producing great warriors. The excavations from this city prove that the civilization was at its peak here even before Harappan civilization. Imposing palaces, forts and stunning temples with great architecture boast of the finesse of the Rajput civilization.

Upon arrival at Bikaner visit Junagarh Fort.

Junagarh Fort was constructed in the year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. It is believed that crocodiles were bred in the water moat surrounding the formidable fort. The construction is a fine blend of Mughal, Gujarati and Rajput style of architecture. The picturesque courtyards beautify the fort. The amazing architecture inside the fort inspires you. Some of the attractions inside the fort are Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Dungar Mahal, Diwan-e-khas and Ganga Mahal.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 06: – Bikaner – Jaisalmer                                                                                                             

Morning you will be transferred to Jaisalmer (333 Kms – Approx 7 Hours).

Jaisalmer  is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD. “Jaisalmer” means “the Hill Fort of Jaisal”. Jaisalmer is sometimes called the “Golden City of India” because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area.

The city is located deep inside in the famous Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert).

Upon arrival check in at hotel.

 Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 07: – Jaisalmer                                                                                                      

Today you will enjoy tour of Jaisalmer which includes Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmalji Ki Haveli.

Jaisalmer Fort It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert.

 Patwon Ki Haveli  is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. It is believed that Patwa was a rich man and was a renowned trader of his time. He could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.

 Salim Singh Ki Haveli Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock.

 Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape.

 Later visit to Sam Sand Dunes.

 Sam Sand Dunes This is the closest place from where you can loose yourself in ‘the Great Thar Desert’. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. The best way to get here, of course, is on camelback.Join a camel caravan at Jaisalmer and ride along the breathtaking crests and troughs. Enjoy the romance of solitude as your camel takes you deep in the hearts of the Thar Desert.

 Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 08: – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

 Morning you will be transferred to Jodhpur (310 Kms – Approx 6.30 Hours).

 Jodhpur “The Sun City” was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. The city is known as the “Sun City” because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year.

Upon arrival visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada,.

Mehrangarh Fort one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 120 metres (400 ft) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate.

Jaswant Thada To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort complex is the Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is a 19th-century royal cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. The son of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, Maharaja Sardar Singh, in the memory of his father, built the Jaswant Thada. The cenotaph has two more tombs within it. Near to this are the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs.

 Later check in at Hotel.

 Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 09: – Jodhpur – Udaipur                                                                                             

Morning you will be transferred to Udaipur (270 Kms – Approx 5.30 Hours). En-route visit Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult. The temple is said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. Ranakpur got its name after the name of the Rajput Monarch and likewise the temples. The temple complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are certainly creditable for their splendid architecture.

After your visit continue your drive towards Udaipur.

Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at Hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 10: – Udaipur                                                                                                         

Today you will enjoy full day city tour of Udaipur.

 Udaipur founded by Udai Singh II in 1559, is a small city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, formerly the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. It is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur also called ‘the city of lakes’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the ‘Venice of East’. In context of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the second most-sought after tourist destination of the state, the first being Jaipur. Udaipur had been the capital of Mewar for centuries.

Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir.

City Palace Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola, It was built over a period of nearly 400 years being contributed by several kings of the dynasty. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors. City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

 Saheliyon-ki-Bari is one of the most beautiful and popular destination in Udaipur. The garden lies in the northern part of the city, on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Saheliyon Ki Bari is famous for its lush green lawns, fountains and kiosks, a delightful lotus pool and marble elephants. There is also a small museum here; of which the main attraction are some stuffed cobras. This renowned garden was designed by Maharana Sangram Singh as a present to his queen in the 18th century. The queen with her 48 maids, who were presented to the king as a part of the dowry on their marriage, came here for some leisure time. The queen with her maids spent some pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court. This patterned garden used to be the popular relaxing spot of the royal ladies. The garden is also known as the ‘Garden of the Maids of Honour’ for the same reason.

Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 11: – Udaipur – Delhi + Departure                                                                                 

Morning you will assisted and transferred to airport to connect your flight for Delhi.

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

 Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be met and assisted for panoramic city tour of Delhi.

 Humayun’s Tomb was the first Persian architecture building with surrounding gardens to come up during the Mughal era and marked the beginning of building large exquisite tombs for the erstwhile emperors. This gave birth to Indo-Islamic architecture which is dominant in the architecture of the Mughal era. Humayun’s tomb was build in the center of fours parts of a quadrilateral garden known as the Char Bagh Garden – it was the largest garden in Asia at the time covering an area of 30 acres. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993

Qutub Minar a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the tallest minaret in India. Construction of Qutub Minar was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, his successor Iltutmush added 3 more sections and Firoz Shah Tughlak added two more sections in 1368. The 72.5 meter tall minaret is built of red sandstone and marble, this victory tower was used as a watch tower. Qutub Minar was repaired by Firoz Shah Tughluq (Late 1300s) and Sikandar Lodi ( early 1500s). Qutub Minar was built on the ruins of Lal Kot or the Red Fortress, in the then city of Dillika – the capital of the last Hindu Rulers

Tomars and Chauhans of Delhi. The 7 meter tall Iron Pillar in the Qutub Complex is an alloy made of many metals and has Sanskrit inscriptions in Brahmi script dating back to the 4th Century.

Lotus Temple, also called Bahai Temple. This distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden and is a symbol of peace. Similar in style to the Sydney opera house is this white marble and concrete structure in the shape of a lotus flower. This is the Asian headquarters of the Bahai faith (Closed on Mondays).s

India Gate war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers. Then pas thru the president’s residence – Formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

Raj Ghat Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. A memorial to the father of the nation, Rajghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with “Hey Ram” inscribed on it.

Jama Masjid (Mosque) This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor.

 Later in time you will be transferred to international airport to board your flight for onward destination.

Visit ends

 

 

 

 

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