| Day 1 - Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel. |
| Day 2 - Day 02: Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of Old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
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| Day 3 - Day 03: New Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. After a break in Jaipur we visit the City Palace in the afternoon which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. It's complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
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| Day 4 - Day 04: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colorful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
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| Day 5 - Day 05: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Jaipur and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was earlier an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Agra. |
| Day 6 - Day 06: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra fort, we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal. |
| Day 7 - Day 07: Agra - Ranthambore (about 300 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for Ranthambore. After a break and refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we will explore the Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. |
| Day 8 - Day 08: Ranthambore - Kota (about 135 km)
In the early morning we again explore the park. After the Jungle Safari and perhaps with the memories of our encounter with tiger we leave for Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In Kota we will visit the city fort and palace, this type of fort-palace complex is one of the largest to be found in the state of Rajasthan.
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| Day 9 - Day 09: Kota - Bundi (about 38 km) - Kota
Today we have an excursion to the fort city of Bundi. Bundi is most famous for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. On the top of the hill is majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, the interesting fort is worth exploring for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding the streets leading down to the city. After the whole day excursion we return to Kota in the evening. |
| Day 10 - Day 10: Kota - Chittorgarh (about 140 km)
After an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh Fort is the indomitable pride of Chittor. The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD, perched on a height of 180m hill and sprawls over 700 acres. |
| Day 11 - Day 11: Chittorgarh - Pushkar (about 200 km)
Today we leave Chittorgarh and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where Farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell. (if this tour takes place during the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for one more day making it a 18 days tour.)
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| Day 12 - Day 12: Pushkar - Jodhpur (about 220 km)
Early morning, after the breakfast we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the marwaris got benefit from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
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| Day 13 - Day 13: Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 290 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting the temple we proceed further to Jaisalmer. In medieval times Jaisalmer prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. In the evening we drive around 40 km. away from Jaisalmer to Sam Sand dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
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| Day 14 - Day 14: Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330 km)
In the morning we have sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mansions). We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. Then we drive through the desert and proceed for Bikaner via Osian. Osian is a great center of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. In the evening arrive in Bikaner.
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| Day 15 - Day 15: Bikaner - Mandawa (about 190 km)
After having our Breakfast we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us. Then we drive to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Arrival in Mandawa in the evening. Shekhawati lies in the north east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India. They developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia |
| Day 16 - Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi (about 250 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The hovels are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping.) |
| Day 17 - Day 17: Flight Back Home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
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