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Discover India Holidays Cultural Tours Land of Rajputs
Cultural Tours
 
Land of Rajputs  
Duration : 16 Days
Destinations :

Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaislamer – Jodhpur – Rohetgarh – Udaipur – Deogarh – Pushkar – Ajmer – Samode – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi 

Holiday Theme : Cultural Tours
   
Itinerary

 
DAY 01:
Arrive at Delhi Airport. You will be met and assisted by a Travel House Representative, reach and check in the hotel. Overnight will be at the hotel.

DAY 02:

After breakfast continue with full day Delhi sight seeing tour and visit:

Qutub Minar - the tallest stone tower in India built in 1191 AD.

Chhatarpur Temple - the most popular Hindu temple with blissful tranquility and serene ambience.

Humayun's Tomb – believed to have been designed by his widow. Its plan is based on the description of Islamic paradise gardens and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs.

Red Fort – Built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra. A short drive brings us to the Great Mosque - The Jama Masjid.

Drive on to see the memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Also visit the Bahai Temple - a lotus shaped structure. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility.

Rashtrapati Bhawan - Rashtrapati Bhawan is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, with the India Gate right opposite to it. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held.

Purana Quila - The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress.

Car at disposal for evening drive through the city for shopping and other leisurely activities. Return to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel


DAY 03:

Morning drive to Mandawa, a rustic town located in the Sekhawati region of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'Open-air gallery' of Rajasthan. A local Rajput warrior named Thakur Nawal Singh established this town in the year 1755. Today Mandawa has a flourishing handicrafts and furniture industry whose products have gained worldwide appreciation. Reach and check in the hotel later proceed fro sightseeing of Mandawa visit some of the most famous tourist attractions:

The Fort of Mandawa – Fort of Mandawa have number of beautiful paintings adorn the rooms of this fort, which has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The walls are richly decorated with intricate carvings and mirror work, which are a treat to the eyes of any visitor.

Havelis - A number of ancient Havelis that dot the entire landscape of Mandawa form the main attraction of this small town. Some of the prominent Havelis in the town are the Bhagchandika Haveli, the Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Chowkhani Haveli and the Mohanlal Haveli. These havelis are famous for their wall paintings, frescoes and beautiful carvings.


DAY 04:

Morning drive to Bikaner, this desert city of Rajasthan (India's north-western province) is an eye-catching site of well-fed camels and citadels. Bikaner is situated in the north of Rajasthan. Great walls surround the city just like Jodhpur. Reach and check in the hotel later proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner visit tourist destinations as:

Junagarh Fort – Built by a Mughal army general, Raja Rai Singh, in 1593. The various parts of the palace-the Dewan-iI-khas, the Phool Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal-reflect the glorious architecture of Bikaner.

Lalgarh Palace – Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Some portions of the palace have been converted to tourist hotels while other parts of the palace have been converted into a museum named as the Sadul Museum.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, The Bhandasar Jain Temple and The Camel Research Farm are the other must visits. Overnight will be at the hotel.


DAY 05:

Morning drive to Jaisalmerevokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Legend has it that Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 A.D. After consulting a local hermit by the name of Eesul. Tricuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva to establish this new capital.

DAY 06:

After leisure breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visit:

Jaisalmer Fort – The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak deserts cape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.

Gadsisar Lake – A scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli – The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion, which were carved by two brothers, are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

Patwon -ki-Haveli – The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli – This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.

Jain Temple – The fort has three exquisitely carved jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Paraswanath. 

Sam Sand Dunes - Sam Sand Dunes, 42 kms from Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion to see the total sandy bush less desert. It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes. It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a Camel Safari/Jeep Safari. The desert festival held sometimes in February each year is a big draw and it is full of fun, colour and laughter, cultural events and competitions.

DAY 07:

Day 07: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (285 kms/06 hrs)
Morning drive to Jodhpur, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. It is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side.The

Mehrangarh Fort
– Fort is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs.   Umaid Bhawan, the only 20th-century-built palace, was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur.

The Jaswant Thade – Jaswant Thade is a shrine built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899.

Mandar Garden – Garden was the ashram of Rishi Mandu. This garden has a gate known as the Ajit pole.

Giridkot and Sardar Market, located in the heart of the city, are popular for a wide range of handicrafts. About 4 miles away from Jodhpur lay the Balsamand Lake and Garden, an artificial lake built in AD 1159, an ideal place for picnics and excursions.


Day 08:

Morning drive to Udaipur en-route visit Rohetgarh & Ranakpur:

Rohetgarh – A fortified desert home between Jodhpur and Udaipur which, thanks to the Rohet family, plunges you into village life in a way that would be impossible on your own. Despite the impressive dining hall display of antique hunting rifles, shields, spearheads, daggers, tigerskins and trophies, the rooms are rather plain (and the mattresses too thin). This residence of the rulers of Rohet now has been turned to a heritage hotel, which offers peaceful and very comforting stay. Enjoy excursions out to the local Bishnoi tribal lands with camel ride and exclusive visit of Rohetgarh Fort.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all worth a visit.

Continue drive to Udaipur The city of Udaipur is located in the Aravalli ranges of the royal state of Rajasthan and is also known as the jewel of Mewar. Also known as the City of Dawn, Udaipur is surrounded by ancient mountains and set on the edge of three lakes. It is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples meandering through it. Evening proceed for boat ride at Lake Pichola. Overnight will be at the hotel.


Day 09:
Morning proceed for sightseeing tour visit famous destination of Udaipur:
Lake Palace and Lake Pichola – Lake Palace is a shimmering granite and marble structure that overlooks the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola. It is a harmonious arrangement of pavilions, courtyards, terraces, rooms, corridors, and hanging gardens. According to legend, the eight marble porticos that mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor.

Bhim Vilas Palace – The Bhim Vilas Palace that lies within the City Palace has a series of lovely wall paintings. The Mor Chowk is known for its stunning peacock mosaics.

Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir – The summer residence of the princes of Mewar was called Jag Niwas, and is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other island palace has a marble dome and is made in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he was exiled after a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir.

City Palace and Museum – The imposing City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake on a hill and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. the complex manages to retain a uniformity of design despite being a conglomeration of buildings constructed by various Maharanas over a long period of time. It has many courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari – To the north of the city lies Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, a garden of the maids of honour. This small ornamental garden has many fountains, delightful lotus pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.

Jagdish Temple – The Jagdish temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. Built in Indo-Aryan style , the temple is the largest temple of Udaipur. A black stone image of Lord Vishnu and a brass image of Garuda can be seen here.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir – Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir, the Indian folk arts museum, has interesting exhibits that include folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Puppet shows are held here daily.

Overnight will be at the hotel.


Day 10

After leisure breakfast drive to Deogarh reach and check in the hotel. After lunch proceed for sightseeing tour of Deogarh visit:

Deogarh Mahal – Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.

Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details, which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.

Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 11:

After leisure breakfast drive to Pushkar, reach and check in the hotel. Pushkar is the Land of Fairs and Festivals. Surrounded on three sides by hills and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair.
Afternoon proceed to visit:

Brahma Temple – One of the most popular and charismatic fairs of the desert is the Pushkar fair, held on the 11th day of the bright half of the moon. The most famous temple in Pushkar is the Brahma Temple, the one and only temple dedicated to Brahma in India.

Savitri Temple (wife of Lord Brahma) – A red spire marks the temple, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans (goose), the symbol of Brahma who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as his place on a hilltop.

Other important places to visit in Pushkar are numerous ghats that run down the lake.

Overnight will be at the hotel


Day 12:

Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visit Ajmer, The city of Khwaja is located in Rajasthan, 130 km southwest of Jaipur. It is flanked by the Ana Sagar Lake on one side and the Aravali range on the other. Ajmer is drained by the Luni River and by the tributaries of Banas River.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Ajmer visit:

Dargah Hazrat Khwaja – It houses the Dargah or tomb of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to visit the tomb every year.

The city also boasts of a number of monuments belonging to the Mughal era. It is also known for its traditional handicrafts.

The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh are other important sites within the city.

Ajmer also has an imposing fort built by Akbar. It also houses the government museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit.

Afternoon drive to Jaipur reach and check in to the hotel. The city of Jaipur is capital of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Also known as Pink City due to the Pink stones used in the construction of the houses in Jaipur. Overnight will be at the hotel

Day 13:

Morning excursion to Amber Fort later proceed for Jaipur sightseeing tour and visit Jaipur famous destinations:

Amber Fort – Perched on a hill some 11km from Jaipur, and nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. Set in a picturesque background, the splendid Amber Fort (Jaigarh) was built in 1600 by Raja Man Singh, commander-in-chief of the Mughal army during Akbar's reign and certainly one the greatest general of medieval India.

Jantar Mantar – The Jantar Mantar is equipped with futuristic scientific instruments and does Maharaja Jai Singh II, Newton of the East, pioneer the best among the five observatories.

Hawa Mahal – Near Jantar Mantar stands the Palace of Winds, more commonly known as the Hawa Mahal, welcoming the onlookers. The 500 windows are reminiscent of the furtive glances of royal women who had resigned themselves to a veiled existence within the havelis.

City Palace – Enter the palace from the Sireh Deorhi Gate where two elephants extend a warm welcome. Mubarak Mahal in the outer courtyard hosts a museum that flaunts rich silks and brocades alongwith musical instruments from 17th century

onwards. The magnificently painted ceiling of the Diwan-e-Am (the public court) in the inner courtyard houses the second largest chandelier in India.

Sheesh Mahal – Sheesh Mahal in Amber Palace is known for its multiplication of a single ray of light into billions of stars. The Kali Temple s silver door is 400 year old.

Jaigarh Fort – A stark change from the glamorous interiors of the Amber Palace, the rugged and stocky Jaigarh Fort is perched on a hilltop near the palace. It houses the largest wheeled cannon in the world, the Jai Bana.

Evening visit near by Village and enjoy the village culture. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 14:

Morning drive to Agra en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri:

Buland Darwaza – Buland Darwaza is the highest and grandest gateway in India and ranks among the biggest in the world. It can be approached by a 13-metre flight of steps from outside, which adds to its splendour. The gate was raised in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan.

Diwan-khana-I-khaas – Exquisitely built, Diwan-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience was used by the emperors for private meetings.

Diwan-I-Am – Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public Audience was used for the public meetings. The place was also used for celebrations and public prayers.

The Jami Masjid – Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, was built in 1571 AD. Inside the masjid, there is a vast congregational coutyard. On the right side, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of the royal ladies. On the left side of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters’ mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri.

Other tourist attractions – Turkish Sultana’s House, The Treasury, Daulat khana-I-khas, Palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid, Birbal’s Palace, Sunehra Makan, Panch Mahal, Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti.

Reach and check in the hotel at Agra, the charms of Taj Mahal, and the bustling nature of the city of Agra, therefore blend together to make it an ideal destination for tourists from all over the globe. Yet this position of primacy that it enjoys on the tourism map of the world would not have been possible if the place was bereft of easy accessibility. As a result of the efforts of those concerned, Agra is today, well connected by road, rail and air with all-important cities in India. Overnight will be at the hotel.


Day 15:

Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra visit:

Taj Mahal – No word can justify the beauty of the Taj Mahal. A wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a monument which no other in the world can match its beauty and grandeur. Called the most beautiful temple in the world, the white marbled mausoleum at Agra has become the epitome of a man's love for a woman.

Synonymous with India, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the epitome of India tourism. India travel is incomplete without experiencing the Taj Mahal. This supreme temple of love, standing gracefully by the sacred Yamuna at Agra, is set amongst the serene ambience of a well laid out garden. The massive white marble structure was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort – Within a radius of 3 kilometres, on the banks of the river Yamuna, rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid.

Jama Masjid – Jami Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Built in 1571 A.D., it is the most scared building in Fatehpur Sikri and has, therefore, been built on the highest point. The mosque has a vast courtyard. Towards the corner on the right side, is the Jammat Khana hall and next to which is Zenana Rauza, the Tomb of the Royal Ladies.

After sightseeing tour of Agra drive to Delhi en-route visit Sikandra:

Sikandra: Akbar himself started Construction of this beautiful monument. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. A broad paved causeaway leads to the tomb, which has five storeys and is in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The main tomb has a unique square design which is unparalleled by all other Mughal buildings.

Reach and check in the to the hotel, overnight will be at the hotel.


Day 15:

After leisurely breakfast departure transfer at the hotel and drive to International Airport for your onward flight.
   
 
   

 
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