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Welcome to Incredible India! A journey into mysticism through the land of the unexpected.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. Modern India is home alike to the tribal with his anachronistic lifestyle and to the sophisticated urban jet-setter. It is a land where temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip. Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy.

The timeless mystery and beauty of India can be experienced only by visiting this ancient Land. There’s just one thing you’ll need to travel through 5000 years of culture and tradition- A comfortable pair of shoes.

Rajasthan Programme

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi. You will be meet by our representative outside the custom lounge and escorted till you check in at hotel. Birla Temple

Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Mandawa

MandawaMorning after breakfast visit combined city tour of Delhi. Drive past at Red Fort, the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. The magnificent Red Fort built of red sandstone dates from the very peak of the Mughal power, Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid,The Qutub Minar, 72 meters high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque.

Later Continue drive to mandawa.
The town of Mandawa emerges like a mirage. A medieval fort (dated around 1750) gradually rises on the horizon. The Mandawa bazaar has many painted houses, parts of which have now been turned into curio shops. The havelis of the Chokanis, the Goenkas and the Sarafs have extravagantly painted frescos.

On arrival transfer & check in at hotel.

Afternoon a walking tour of Mandawa Village.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Mandawa-Bikaner

Morning after breakfast leave Mandawa for Bikaner.

Bikaner is a medieval flavoured city set along the old caravan route, which linked Central Asia & North India with the Gujarat seaportsLaxmi Niwas. Bikaner takes its name from Rao Bikaji, the sixth son of Rathore Rajput Prince Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Bhika set up his independent kingdom in 1488. Charming red stone havelis (mansions) (unlike the gold sand stone one’s of Jaisalmer) stand in the old part of this walled city and a leisurely lifestyle still prevails in this sublimely picturesque place surrounded by harsh desert.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikaner.

Visit the Junagarh Fort, one of the finest of Rajput monuments. Paved courtyards, narrow staircases and terraces in this Rathor stronghold connect all thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and beautiful Jain temples built by different kings. One must take particular note of the designed ceilings of the various homes in this region - done either in wood, or copper plates, which are then covered with intricate painting work.

Overnight at Hotel .

Day 04: Bikaner-Jaisalmer

Morning after breakfast leave Bikaner for Jaisalmer enroute visit the Rat Temple at Deshnok.

Deshnok Temple.

Jaiselmer FortDeshnok is a village 30km south of Bikaner along the Jodhpur road. A visit to Deshnok's fascinating temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga, is not far for squeamish. Here the holy rodents are considered to be incarnations of the storytellers and run riot over the temple complex.

Karni Mata lived in the 14th century and performed many miracles during her lifetime. When her youngest son, Lakhan, drowned, Karni Mata ordered Yama, the god of Death, to bring him back to life. Yama replied that he was unable to do this, but that Karni Mata is an incarnation of Durga, could restore Lakhan's life. This she did, and decreed that members of her family would no longer die, but would be incarnated as kabas (rats), and these kabas would returns as members of her family. There are around 600 families in Deshnok who claim both decent from Karni Mata and that they will be reincarnated as Kabas.
On arrival transfer & check in at hotel Heritage Inn.
Founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer grew to be a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert from India to the West. Set in a sea of golden tinged sand, Sonar Kila, a golden fort rises out of a rock of topaz. The entire living area of Jaisalmer lies within the gigantic citadel walls

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: In Jaisalmer

Morning proceed for Half -day city tour of Jaisalmer.

Visit the silent 12th century Fort built by Prince Jaisal and the Palace. The uniqueness of this fort is that it is the only ‘living fort’ only fort Jaswant Thadain Rajasthan – people still reside within the fort walls. The fort stands at the highest point (100 meters) above the marketplace. Also visit the Jain Temples (12th-15th century), which lie within the fort complex. Some of them have quaint but impressive figures of Jain saints of white marble and of red and black stone. Others have beautiful images of deities, which indicate the remarkable religious tolerance of that age. The famous art of the stone carvers of Jaisalmer is evident in the elaborate facades of the yellow sandstone desert havelis (mansions), which glow softly in honey tones. Visit intricately carved Havelis built by Merchants; the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer is Patwon ki Haveli. Patwas were the merchants trading in rich brocades, gold and silver embroidery, sequins and ribbons. This family eventually expanded their business to include opium, banking and revenue collecting. A brief stop at Gadhi Sagar is a must – a man made pond; a luxury in the center of the Thar Desert

Evening camel ride at sam sand dunes.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Jaisalmer-Jodhpur

Morning drive to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur CityRao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan ‘Rathores’, founded Jodhpur in 1459. Jodhpur certainly has one of the country's most spectacular fortress and palace complexes. It was from here that those baggie tight horse-riding trousers ‘jodhpurs’ took their name.

On arrival check in hotel.

Afternoon proceed for city tour of Jodhpur, which sprawls along the top of a steep escarpment. Started in 1459 it has walls up to 36 meters high and 21 meters wide towering above the plains. It’s a fine example of Rajput architecture and remained the royal residence until the Umaid Bhawan Palace was completed in 1943.
The fort museum has the Maharaja’s private collection of art and artifacts. There is a wonderful display of palanquins, armory and miniature paintings; stop by to see the well-preserved Hall of Public Audience and the Sheesh Mahal.

Jaswant Thada, located half way up the interminably long road that climbs onwards to the fort, is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. Taking pride of place amongst the ornamental gardens and chattris is the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers, in the same neighborhood, are relatively simpler. Inside the main hall are royal portraits and other possessions.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Jodhpur - Udaipur

Morning leave Jodhpur to Udaipur.Udaipur City

Enroute visit the Famous Jain Temple at Ranakpur. a deep, secluded valley at Ranakpur are the most magnificent Jain temples in India. It is an extensive complex covering 3,600 sq. metres and has 29 halls with 1,444 pillars, each unlike the other, intricately covered with delicate carvings. The main temple is Chaumukha Temple or four-faced temple, dedicated to Adinath, the Revealer of Truth.

On arrival check in at hotel.

Balance day at leisure. Overnight at hotel

Day 08: Udaipur

Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, is today a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces, which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh and past the Kala Mandir (Puppet Museum) and the Cenotaph of Maharana Pratap. And of course last but not the last - the Jagdish temple.
Late afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichhola wil be provided - This Lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its West Bank. In the lake are several islands. On two of them the maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Udaipur - Jaipur

Amber FortMorning leave by surface for Jaipur with meeting & assistance check in at Hotel Clarks Amer.
Balance day at leisure. A cycle Rickshaw ride will be provided to see the colourful Market area.

Overnight at hotel.

 

 

Day 10: In Jaipur

The day begins with a visit to the Amber fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated on elephants, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door.

Afternoon, visit the open-air royal observatory "Jantar Mantar", with gigantic, astronomical instruments, the City Palace and Museum stopping by the "Hawa Mahal" or the Palace of Winds.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur – Sikri-Agra

Morning after breakfast leave Jaipur for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.Taj Mahal

35kms before Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures.
Continue to Agra.

On arrival transfer & check in at hotel Clarks Shiraz.

Balance day at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12: Agra - Delhi

Early morning visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Every Friday) With its incredible lacy white grandeur the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity'. In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding

Later visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions.

Afternoon drive to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi no hotels envisaged. Dinner will be served in a city hotel where 02/03 rooms will be provided for wash and change. Later in time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination leaving during early hours on Day 13

End of Programme / Services

 


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