Rajasthan Palace Tour

Tour Duration : 11 Nights & 12 Days
Places Covered : Bikaner - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner

Detailed Itenarary :

Day 1 : New Delhi

Arrive Delhi, met upon arrival in Delhi and proceed to the hotel - Later you will visit: - Laxmi Narayan Temple :: is the biggest temple in North India, it was built by richest family of India in 1938. It is dedicated to Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) and Narayan (god of preserver). Jantar Mantar (Observatory) :: is built by Jai Singh in 1725, its passion for astronomy was more notable. Its main feature is the measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths and calculating eclipses. President House :: is official residence of the President of the Country designed by Luytens. It was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Parliament House :: is a circular building where the Indian Parliament meets and the Worlds largest Democracy works. India Gate - is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. Their bear the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I. Below the arch is the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees. Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple) :: was designed like a lotus flower. 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. Humayuns Tomb :: is a mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humayun. Bega Begum also known as Haji Begum, wife of Humayun constructed the mausoleum for her husband. It was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyuth and built between 1562 and 1572 A.D. Qutab Minar :: is 72.5m tall and takes 379 steps to reach to the top. The construction was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibek and completed by his successor. Back to hotel for over night stay.

Day 2 : Delhi - Udaipur

Have breakfast & proceed for the city tour with guide for Old Delhi city tour: - Red Fort :: is one of the most magnificent palaces in the World. The Mughal Emperor, Sha Jahan, after ruling from Agra for eleven years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. Jama Masjid :: constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palaceat the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India. A fine example of Mughal architecture, the Jama Masjid has three gateways. The main courtyard of the mosque is 408sq feet and paved with red stone. Raj Ghat :: a simple sq platform of black marble marks the spots where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To North of Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, and Rajeev Gandhi are also in the vicinity. Later in the evening, leave the hotel and proceed towards the Domestic Airport to board a flight for Udaipur. Met upon arrival and transfer you to the hotel. Remain day at pleasure. Over night stay in the hotel.

Day 3 : Udaipur

Have breakfast and proceed for city tour & visiting - City Palace :: is one of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, situated on a promontory on the picturesque Lake Pichola. The complex has 11 beautiful palaces with balconies and towers. Offering the breathtaking view of the lake the City Lake Palace :: also known as Jag Niwas is a beautiful Island Palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Situated on picturesque Lake Pichola, the white marble structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on the lake, creating a spellbound effect. Jag Mandir :: is another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD. The palace once sheltered the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the world-famous Taj Mahal) who rebelled against his father Jehangir in the 1620s. The Palace has a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive chattri (cenotaphs) that add to its beauty. Saheliyon- Ki- Bari :: garden was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful Garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors. Maharana Pratap Memorial (MOTI MAGARI) :: an impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his favourite and loyal horse, who was fiercely protective about his master and stood by him till his last breath, stands at the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount) overlooking Fateh Sagar. Lake Pichola :: Pichola Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. Moreover, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks. Eklingji (21 Kms) :: is A Religious Complex Northern region of Mewar (22 Km). It houses 108 temples chiselled out of sandstone and marble, this temple of Eklingji was build in 734 AD. Enclosed by high walls, it is devoted to Eklingji (A form of Shiv Deity adored under the epithet of EKLINGA). Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord Bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are cover with base relief of alligators; elephants, equestrians and celestial musicians rise in tiers. Evening is free and over night stay in the hotel.

Day 4 : Udaipur - Jodhpur

Have breakfast and leave for the Blue city of Rajasthan i.e. Jodhpur, which is located on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, has the distinction of neither being a part of the Thar Desert nor out of it. At best, it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. It is the home of the Rathors - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan, who conquered Marwar or Maroodesh, land of the sand after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj. In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stonewall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10 km in length and has eight gates facing various directions. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! Moreover, dauntless in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort. On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. Moreover, from here, as you look at the fort, a tantalizing view rises before your eyes at sunset. The peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted. After reach Jodhpur, transfer you to the hotel. After lunch start visit the following: - Mehrangarh Fort :: Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is sprawled across a 125m high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable fort in fort-studded Rajasthan. A winding road from the city 5km below approaches the fort. Seven gates lead into the fort. The Second gate is still scarring by cannon ball hits; Maharaja Man Singh built the Jayapol in 1806 following his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner; the Fatehpol or Victory Gate was erecting by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate his defeat of the Mughals. The Lohapol (Iron Gate) is the final gate beside which are 15 hand prints, the sati (self-immolation) marks of Maharaja Man Singhs widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. They still attract devotional attention. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. There is even a display of rocking cradles. The Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Durga, stands on the southern end of the fort. There are also old cannons on the ramparts at this end and the views from here are superb. Umaid Bhawan Palace :: Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world. Jaswant Thada :: On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji built the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. Maha Mandir :: The Mahamandir Temple is supported by 100 pillars and has carvings depicting yoga postures. Mandore Gardens :: Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur, but was later abandoned for the security of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will find the dewals, or cenotaphs of Jodhpurs former rulers. Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone. Evening you have the walking tour of Clock Tower market also called as the Spice Market and is quite interesting to see the villagers shopping. Later return to the Hotel for over night stay.

Day 5 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

Leave after breakfast for the Golden city of India - Jaisalmer - you enjoy the ride as the roads are absoloutely empty and you only watch the camels and at certain places sometime the Deers and other wildlife - upon arr. have lunch and proceed for a walking tour to Havelis: - Nathmalji ki Haveli :: This late 19th century haveli displays intricate architecture and sheer craftsmanship. One very interesting fact about this haveli is that two brothers carved its two sides. Though not identical they are very similar and in perfect harmony. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building. Patwon ki Haveli :: This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. Located in a narrow alley, it is five storeys high. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the rooms is painted with beautiful murals. Salim Singh ki Haveli :: is 300 years old, this haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks is distinctive, and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey. Lodurva (15 Kms) :: is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim centre of the Jains Some of the magnificent Jain temples are located here. The temples have intricate carvings on the arches at the main entrance. A Kalptaru or a divine tree is the main attraction of the temple. Evening is free for leisure & over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 6 : Jaisalmer

Have breakfast & proceed for the city tour of Jaislamer and visit: - The Fort :: this 12th century fort that withstood the ravages of time rises out of the sea of sand. Its rounded battlements of golden sandstone, echoes the colour of the desert. The fort has four approach gateways. Several entrances guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which bear the imperial symbols of the Bhatti clans lunar lineage. Outside the fort, is the main market place called as Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes, where the famous carved havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th -15th century and five interconnected palaces can be find. Tazia Tower :: the pagoda - like five storey Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of the tower has a beautifully carved balcony. Muslim artisans built the tower, in the shape of a Tazia and presented it to their royal patron. Gadisar Lake :: it is a scenic rainwater lake surrounded with numerous beautiful shrines. The lake is a tranquil spot for outings. Manak Sqaure :: a main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis. Sam Sand Dunes (42 Kms) :: No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without trip to Most picturesque dunes of Sam . The ripples on the wind - caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for trigger- happy photographer. Various cultural programmes are organize against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes, Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Have dinner and over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 7 : Jaisalmer - Bikaner

Have breakfast & drive passing through the villages and the sand dunes - you arrive at Bikaner which is - the royal fortified city, stands on a slightly raised ground, and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Bikaner, more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Visits after Lunch - Junagarh Fort :: The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. The major buildings within the fort include the Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal, Dungar Mahal, and Ganga Mahal. The Chandra Mahal has remarkable frescoes. Beautiful mirror work adorns the walls of Phool Mahal while golden pen work decorates the Anup Mahal. Lalgarh Palace :: Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to the palace. To promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has converted a portion of this palace into a hotel. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum :: One of the best museums in Rajasthan, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins dating back to Harappan civilization and Gupta and Kushan era . Camel Research Farm (8 Km) :: Eight kilometres from Bikaner, the government-managed Camel Research and Breeding Farm is only one of its kinds in Asia. The farm carries out breeding and training of camels. And over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 8 : Bikaner - Pushkar

Leave after breakfast for Pushkar - the Holiest city of the hindus - Pushkar- the quiet little town of eastern Rajasthan, is located 11 km from Ajmer, on the edge of a small and beautiful lake. Pushkar is a city of 400 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma. Every November, Pushkar comes alive with the vibrancy and colour of the famous Pushkar Fair and the full moon festivities at the Ghats. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of one of the countrys most colourful cattle fairs - the Pushkar Fair of Hindus. Pushkar became a favorite residence of the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughals and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jehangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by British rather than being part of a princely state. Upon arrival, check in the Hotel. Take a rest for couple of an Hour. After lunch start visiting, Pushkar Lake :: The pious Pushkar Lake is believed to having been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is considered to be as old as the creation. The lake is considered as one of the most sacred spots, and believed that one dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima occasion is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years Brahma Temple :: This is the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma and was constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors name engraved on them Saraswati Temple :: Saraswati is the wife of Brahma. Literally her name means the flowing one .In the Rig Veda she represents a river deity and is connected with fertility and purification. She is considered the personification of all knowledge - arts, sciences, crafts, and skills. She is the goddess of the creative impulse, the source of music, beauty, and eloquence. Evening is free and over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 9 : Pushkar - Jaipur

After taking breakfast, leave for Jaipur - the Pink city of India which is - Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravalis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan. Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvelous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated. With its origin buried deep into the pages of history, the city still exudes a magical old world charm; an aroma of chivalry and romance is evident, despite having evolved into a city that is the hub of modern commercial activity in the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past and regal splendor of the city lie strewn across with gay abandon. Widely known as the Pink City, Jaipur is color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with Shilpa Shastra- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture. The lively spirit of fanfare, festivity, and celebration of the people adequately match the colorful and intricately carved monuments. Even today, one can find weather beaten faces with huge colorful turbans, fierce moustaches, and lips that spontaneously crease into a heart-warming smile. A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand, is truly rare. Perhaps this is what makes it an attractive destination for tourists who flock to Jaipur, year after year. Upon arrival check in the hotel later proceed for a drive around the city & over night stay in the hotel.

Day 10 : Jaipur

Full day city tour of Jaipur and visit to - Hawa Mahal :: The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women City Palace :: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum Jantar Mantar :: This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use Amber Fort Palace :: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression Jal Mahal :: Also known as Water Palace, Built in the mid 18th century by Madho Singh I The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, opposite the cenotaphs. Evening is free for shopping and over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 11 : Jaipur - Agra

After taking b/fast, leave for Fatehpur Sikri :: The Deserted city - which got built by the Third mughal ruler " Akbar " and remained as capital from 1570 unitll 1585 and due to the water shortage the mughal ruler Akbar was compelled to shift his capital from Fathepur sikri to Agra . The Important Features of the fort are Shahi Darwaza ( Kings Gate ) , Tomb Of Sheikh Salim Chisti , Palace of Jodha Bai , Birbal Bhawan , Panch Mahal , Hide and seek Palace , Hall for the Common - Private Audience. After taking lunch, now there is the time to proceed for Agra, the Taj City by road enjoying country side & enroute visit Mathura & other small old villages. Stop in between for Lunch/ snacks. After reaching Agra, transfer you to your hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Over night stay in the Hotel.

Day 12 : Agra - Delhi

Morning - at sun rise visit: - Taj Mahal (at sunrise) :: is also known as Crown Palace, is in fact the most well preserved & architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. The English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as “Not a piece of architecture, best describes it as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones." It is a celebration of woman built in marble and that’s the way to appreciate it. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. The Iranian architect Ustad Isa designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love. Back to hotel for b/fast and then proceed to visit - Agra Fort :: built by Akbar in red sandstone. Most of the buildings within the Agra Fort are a mixture of different architectural styles. The assimilation of these different styles has given the buildings within the fort a distinctive look. Jama Masjid the mosque at Sikri was the first structure to be built in 1571.The exterior is modest but the interior carries the most gorgeous ornamentation in the floral arabesques and ingenious geometrical patterns in brown. Sikandra Tomb :: The tomb of Third Mughal Ruler "Akbar " during the early 16th centaury , the five storied building is quite Impressive and is an interesting to place to study the gradual evolution in design that culminated in the Taj Mahal. Later in afternoon, drive towards Delhi & directly transfer you the International Airport to board a flight for back home.