The Rajasthan Classical tour offers complete coverage to the famous and ancient monuments, forts and palaces of the heritage cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The tour also covers other major destinations such as Mumbai, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur etc. The package also offers ample opportunity to enjoy the camel riding adventure on the famous Thar deserts of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Classical tour also takes you to some of the ancient temples of Rajasthan.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & to our hotel for check-in. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1000 hrs, beginning with morning sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat followed by drive around India Gate & President's House. Afternoon visits to Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) & Qutub Minar. Overnight Hotel- Delhi (B)
Day 2: Delhi - Mathura - Vrindavan - Agra (220 km- 5 hrs)
Early morning after breakfast we will depart for Agra, En route we visit Mathura (Shri Krishna Janmabhumi Temple) & Vrindavan (Bankey Bihari Temple & ISKCON Temple) (Temples are close between 1200 - 1600 hrs.), related with the birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. Next we will visit Sikandra (Tomb of Emperor Akbar) Later we drive to Agra,erstwhile capital of great Mughals & known for Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians & foreigners alike. Most of Agra is on West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort & Taj Mahal at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations. Upon arrival check-in hotel. In the evening enjoy the magic show performed by the local magician. Overnight Hotel- Agra (B)
Day 3: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (260 km / 6 hrs)
After breakfast, we visit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long, considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. In the afternoon we leave for Jaipur, En route visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with stunning elegance of its palaces & courts. Further we proceed to Jaipur, the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. Upon arrival assistance & check-in hotel. Overnight Hotel- Jaipur (B)
Optional Excursion to Chokhi Dhani: An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Guests can move around freely & enjoy the evening. Later drive back to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Jaipur - Excursion to Samode
Decorated Elephant at Amer FortAfter early breakfast, we drive 11 km to Amber, the capital of the gallant Rajputs from the year 1037 to 1728 AD. We ride the Elephant's back & reach the Fort situated on the hill & then visit the Fort Palace. Later in the early afternoon we visit famous Samode located at a distance of 40 km from Jaipur city & belong to the Rawals of Samode are affluent noblemen. This family was bestowed the title of "Maha Rawal" by the royal family as a reward for their loyalty & courage. The Samode Palace is about four hundred years old & has gone through a lot of restoration work.
While you are at your tour of Samode, you can visit Samode Palace, which has now been turned into a heritage hotel. On the first floor of the palace is Sultan Mahal, which is a magnificent hall, with a beautiful marble pillared verandah. The room is decorated with blue tile work & the walls are decorated with patterns painted with vegetable dyes. The room is furnished with intricately carved silver furniture, imported from Nepal. On the left side is the Durbar hall, which is quite like the other hall & has floral motifs & paintings. While you are at it, do not miss the chance to take a tour of the Hall of Mirrors, which as the name suggests, is a hall decorated with minute fragments of mirror on the walls. Though the room looks wonderful during the Day, one can really admire the exquisite mirror work at night, when it looks like a million stars have lit up the room. Above the palace, on the hill, lies the Samode Fort. It's in quite a bad condition since it seems to have been hard hit by time yet it is still popular with tourists for its historical significance & view it offers of the town below. While you are at Samode, you can also travel to Samode Bagh, which is 3 kms from Samode & is a beautiful garden that has regained its former beauty after some restoration work. In the evening drive back to Jaipur. Overnight Hotel- Jaipur (B)
Day 5: Jaipur - Mandawa (200 km - 4 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we visit the City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory & Palace of Winds. In the afternoon we drive to Mandawa, lies in the heart of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan & is basically a municipal town of the Jhunjhunu district. Evening at leisure. Overnight Hotel- Mandawa (B)
Day 6: Mandawa - Bikaner (160 km - 4 hrs)
Camel safari, RajasthanAfter breakfast departure for half Day sightseeing tour covering the Shekhawati region, rich in fresco painted dwellings. This region is often referred to as the 'Open Air Gallery' of Rajasthan. Later leave for Bikaner & check in at our hotel upon arrival. Late afternoon we drive to Camel Research Farm (8 km): Spend a Day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research & breeding centers which are only one of its kinds in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land & is managed by Central Government. These camels are sold in cattle fairs of Bikaner & Jaisalmer where they are decorated in all their fineries which are colorful & attractive, complementing brown terrains of the desert. Overnight Hotel - Bikaner (B)
Day 7: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (325 km - 6 hrs)
Morning after breakfast our guide will take you for half day sightseeing of Junagarh Fort, which has palatial rooms richly decorated with emeralds & intricate carvings in gold. Later leave for Jaisalmer. On arrival, you check in at our hotel. Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 8: Jaisalmer
Set deep in the heart of Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions of the region. Founded on the crossroads of lucrative trade routes, where the rich merchants hired craftsmen who worked with great diligence on the sandstone mansions they built, filing up facades with sculpture filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions & balconies. After breakfast half Day sightseeing tour covering Jaisalmer Fort on the 80m high Trikula Hill built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 & Patwon Ki Haveli, known for its most elaborate & magnificent facade. Next on is a camel ride at Sam dunes, 45 km from the city. Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer (B)
Day 9: Jaisalmer - Khimsar (295 km- 6 hrs)
Jaisalmer FortMorning after breakfast we drive to Khimsar. Upon arrival at Khimsar check-in.
Khimsar, Perched on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the Heart of Rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of Experiences. The Battle scarred walls & turrets remained one of the Glorious past. The initial Construction began in 1523 AD, family moved in during 18th Century when a new 'Zenana' (Ladies Wing) was constructed. Thakur Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself in 1940s.Today the Khimsar fort ranks high amongst the premier classified heritage hotels of India. The village of Khimsar provides an excellent starting point to explore the District of Nagaur Which lies midway between Jodhpur & Bikaner. The Historic fort at Nagaur encompasses a beautifully painted place. The old city harbors several mosques, one of which was commissioned by Emperor Akbar. Nagaur cattle fair is a major cultural event of the region & it draws a large number of local people who come to trade & Celebrate at this important fair.
In the early evening we will visit to Osian, a small place situated around 27 km off Khimsar & known for its sixteen ruined Jain & Hindu temples. These temples date back to the 18th & 19th centuries. Most important temples are Sachhiyamata Temple & Jain Temples. While the Hindu temples are in a dilapidated condition, the Jain temples are well preserved. Overnight Hotel - Khimsar (B)
Day 10: Khimsar - Jodhpur (100 km- 2 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, a glittering blend of modern & traditional architecture reflecting upon its numerous palaces. The enchanting forts, temples & other royal residences have retained a medieval character, which comprises of the town's multifaceted attractions. Upon arrival we help you check in at our hotel. In the afternoon we will take you on half Day tour of Jodhpur. Visits to imposing Mehrangarh Fort, undoubtedly the most prominent landmark of the city, followed by Jaswant Thada the white marble memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. A leisurely evening follows highlighted by Folk dances of Rajasthan. Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Day 11: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh (260 km- 5 hrs)
Ranakpur Jain TempleMorning after breakfast we drive to Ranakpur to visit the secluded 1439 Jain Temple Complex with 29 halls dissected by 1444 pillars, each sculpted with unique designs. Lunch is suggested at the nearby Maharani Bagh Orchard retreat.
Further we will continue our drive to Kumbalgarh, with its impressive 36-km long wall & soaring towers. It stands on the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the second century AD belonging to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. It defined the boundaries between Mewar & Marwar & became a refuge for Mewar's rulers in times of strife. Its steel gray ramparts encircle the fertile Shero Mallah Valley, with ancient monuments cenotaphs, ponds & flourishing farms. Kumbalgarh fell only once in its history, to the combined forces of Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, & Raja Udai Singh of Amber, & Raja Udai Singh of Marwar. Its location had always been its greatest advantage. Because it was virtually inaccessible in the 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar built this great defensive fortress on a 3,500 feet (1,100 meters) high hill overlooking the approaches from Ajmer & Marwar. Overnight Hotel - Kumbalgarh (B)
Day 12: Kumbalgarh - Udaipur (100 km- 2 hrs)
Today early morning before breakfast a hazardous, barely Gypsy track takes you to the 586 sq km Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The main attraction here would be panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four-horned antelope or crocodiles, "scientifically bred" in the lake. After breakfast we drive to Udaipur, Set around the vast Pichola Lake & dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is Rajasthan's most picturesque city. Upon arrival assistance & check-in hotel At sunset you can cruise around in a boat amidst the romantic waters of Lake Pichola. Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 13: Udaipur - Mumbai (9W-3406 1925 - 2110 hrs)
Garden of the Maids of HonourThe 'City of Lakes' awaits your attention on this Day, morning after breakfast take a tour of Udaipur's fascinating City Palace. Molded in soft yellow stone, its windowless base is crowned with ornate turrets & canopies. Part of the Palace is now a museum with its marble & granite walls laden with brilliant miniature paintings & decorated with colored glass & mirrors. Tour continues to the Garden of the Maids of Honour & Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum. At sunset you can cruise around in a boat amidst the romantic waters of Lake Pichola. Later we drive to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival assistance & check-in hotel. Overnight Hotel - Mumbai (B)
Day 14: Mumbai
Morning post breakfast we will proceed for full Day sightseeing tour of Mumbai starting with the Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Historically the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops, which left independent India by sea, marched through its portals. It is followed by the Elephanta Caves (Closed on Monday) boat cruise from Gateway of India. The caves are at the top of a gentle stairway, which begins almost immediately where the ferry wharf hits dry land. Other attractions would be the Prince Wales Museum (Closed on Monday) & Marine Drive which runs along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill. Evening at leisure. Overnight Hotel- Mumbai(B)
Day 15: Depart Mumbai
Tour concludes. We thanks you for your patronage & ensures a punctual transfer to the railway station for your onward travel.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Rates are not valid from 20 December to 10 January
- Monument charges : US$ 75 per person extra
- Optional tour to Chokhi Dhani : US$ 15 per person extra
- Supplement cost of Local speaking escort : US$ 325
Above Cost Includes:
- 14 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with early check in facility.
- Breakfast
- A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).
- English speaking guide at rest of the destinations.
- Boat ride at Lake Pichola - Udaipur (Boat cruise is subject to availability of water)
- Elephant ride in Jaipur.
- Camel ride in Jaisalmer.
- Magic show in Agra.
- Elephanta boat cruise in Mumbai.
- All presently applicable taxes.
Cost Does Not Include:
- Any airfare or airport tax.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Monument charges.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the cost includes.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Desert Expeditions
Cultural Journey
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