Rural and Rustic Rajasthan Heritage Tour

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Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi

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Major Attraction

- Elephant back ascent at amer fort, Jaipur. - Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj. - Visit to the Taj Mahal. - Visit to the Bulund Darwaza, the largest    gateway in the world. - Excursion to Amber fort. - Visit to a rug and gem factory in Jaipur. - Boat ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur - Sand dune village dinner at jaisalmer.

- Private jeep village safari at jodhpur (bishnoi villages). - Visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE. - Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. - Visit the typical Rajasthani Desert Village at SAM SAND DUNES. - Dinner at the Desert Village. - Visit to the Rat temple & camel breeding farm in Bikaner. - Frescoe painting on the walls of the hawelis of Mandawa. - Dances of India show in Delhi.

Day 1 : Arrival at Delhi
Namaskar! Our representatives will receive you with traditional Indian hospitality at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and escort you to the comforts of your luxury hotel. Night stay at the hotel.
Bustling avenues, crowded streets, high rise buildings and a fragrance of Indianness in the air, that is Delhi for you. The sprawling Indian metropolis and the capital of India is sure to sideswipe you with it's clamour and diversity...A perfect start to your fascinating voyage of this kaleidoscope of cultures, rightly called Incredible India.

Overnight stay will be at Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi - Agra
A hearty dose of culinary delights awaits you in the morning. Proceed for Agra after breakfast.
The comfortable drive of 181 km from Delhi to Agra introduces you to the charm of the countryside. Quaint villages, lush fields gently swaying in the breeze and a pastoral setting marks the 3 hour journey. Reach Agra in the afternoon.

AGRA : Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Muglai cuisine.

Check in at the hotel and proceed for sightseeing.

Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Visit other famed monuments like the Jehangir Mahal, Chisti's Tomb, Chini Ka Roza and Ram Bagh.

Overnight at Agra.

Day 3 : Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Jaipur is situate at a distance of 222 km from Agra, a 5 hour journey by road. Reach and check in at the hotel.

JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honour of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Day 4 : Jaipur
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
NAHARGARH FORT - The gigantic Nahargarh Fort stands proudly on a steep rocky face with its towering ramparts visible from a great distance. Earlier labeled as Tiger Fort, it was renamed after Nahar Singh, an erstwhile Rajput prince.

SISODIA RANI KA BAGH - About 8 km from Jaipur, the lush gardens catch the eye of the visitor. The myriad variety of plants and flowers lend it an exotic look. The palace is equally intriguing with brightly colored murals adorning the huge walls.

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.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-story structure 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.

Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.

Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 5 : Jaipur - Udaipur
Start for Udaipur after breakfast. A pleasant ride of 7 hours through the sandy pathways takes to Udaipur, situated at a distance of 333 km from Jaipur. Enjoy the scenic view and the pastoral countryside environs enroute. Reach and check in at the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 6 : Udaipur
Proceed for an extensive sightseeing tour of Udaipur immediately after having breakfast at the hotel.
Our first stoppage is the magnificent City Palace. Rising above the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, the white palace surrounded by crenellated fort walls, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Steeped in history, the major attractions of the palace are the Jagdish Temple, Hati Pol (Elephant Gate), Bara Pol (Great Gate) and Raj Aangan or the Royal Courtyard.

Other things to see on our itinerary include the beautiful Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, adorned with fountains and kiosks, an enchanting lotus pool and life like marble elephants. Also visit the local folk museum to explore the folk culture of the area.

Next, enjoy a delightful motor boat cruise on the golden waters of Lake Pichola from where the city of Udaipur supports a new, more elegant look. Proceed to visit the mesmerising Jag Mandir palace, situated on another island in the middle of the lake.

Return to hotel. Overnight at Udaipur

Day 7 : Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast, your air-conditioned chauffeur driven car will be ready to take you to the rustic Rajasthani city of Jodhpur.
Stop at the famous Ranakpur Temples en route. One of the most important and biggest Jain temple complex in India, Ranakpur is situated in the lap of the peaceful Aravali valley. A major attraction, the intricately crafted Chaumukh temple built in 1439, still maintains its pristine glory. Also visit other temples around the area including the Sun Temple, famous for its erotic sculptures.

Reach Jodhpur after a drive of 202 km and check in at the hotel.

Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Rising like a mirage amidst rolling sand dunes, the city is complete with tales of bravery, chivalry and astounding courage. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. The old city, surrounded by a 10 km long wall, is an interesting flummox of winding streets and narrow pathways of great interest to wander around. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort, situated on top of a hill, is a major attraction.

Relax in the hotel and visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 8 : Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast, go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city is the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. The palace is adorned with miniature paintings and intricate carvings. After this we will move on to the Jaswant Thada Memorial - situated left of the Mehrangarh Fort complex is the Jaswant Thada memorial. The 19th century royal cenotaph was built in memorialization of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd ruler of Jodhpur.

Overnight at Jodhpur.

Day 9 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Relish an array of Rajasthani cuisine for breakfast, after which we will proceed for Jaisalmer. A four hour journey through the undulating terrain takes us 222 km to the historic city of Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Reach and check in at the hotel. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 10 : Jaisalmer
Start the day with a relaxed buffet breakfast. Next, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temples, forts and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Haveli - constructed by a famous trader Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, the five-storied structure is the largest of its kind in Jaisalmer, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli - the elaborately chiseled brackets on its walls speak a lot about the love for intricacy and beauty among the artisans of those days and Gandhi Sagar Tank - once an important source of water supply for the city, it was a crucial reason which led prince Jaisal to settle here. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.

Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.

Day 11 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
Check in at hotel.

BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying to the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with numerous sand dunes.

More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.

Day 12 : Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE - famed for thousands of rats that are revered by the devotees.

Proceed for Mandawa in the afternoon and complete the 200 km journey by evening.

The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two hundred and forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.

Reach and check in at the hotel. Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 13 : Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.

Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight at Delhi.


Day 14 : Delhi - Home
Breakfast will be served at the hotel after which we will proceed for a full day tour covering the major attractions of Old and New Delhi.
Moving through narrow streets and crowded pathways, our Old Delhi tour is constructed to give you a flavour of real India. Witness some of the most incredible and awe inspiring monuments including the Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid. Be introduced to the common man's transport, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk. Roam through the interiors of the Red Fort, built entirely of red sandstone, and gorge on a sumptuous snack at a local restaurant.

New Delhi, the place where India comes alive. After having a glimpse of the capital of kingdoms, we move on to visit famous monuments including king Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's residence. The tour can be modified to include other known sights, if time permits.

A farewell dinner would be served in the evening before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of your Indian escapade