Rajasthan Culture Travel Package
Duration: 15
Nights / 16 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi, Agra, Bhandarej,
Ranthambore, Kota, Bundi, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Delhi
Best Time To visit : Round the year
except June & July (due to high temperature)
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 01. Arrival in Delhi (Delhi) Around Midnight
arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main
gateway for travelers. You are met by a representative and transferred to
your Hotel.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 02. Old - New
Delhi This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old
Delhi. We take a Riksha Ride parallel to the red fort through the old city
and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes
also the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great
mosque of old Delhi.Today We also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb"
which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and Kutab
Minar which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199.Before we
proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the
India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 03. Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
In the
morning we visit "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and consists
of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be
the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged
twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368.After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive
to Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 04. 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, Shahjahan 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.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 05. Agra -
Bhandarej (about 175 km) Today we leave Agra, drive through a
series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Bhandarej.
Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once 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. Late evening arrival at the palace Hotel of
Bhandarej which has a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture. The
Bhandarej palace has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted
verandahs and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its temples and
historical sites has a history which dates back to 11th century.Rest of the
day at leisure. At the dinner time local dances will be performed in the
palace.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 06. Bhandarej - Ranthambore (about 120 km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore
Nationalpark. after a break & refreshment at our hotel in Ranthambore we
will explore the park on a Jeep. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by
the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 sq2. The
Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 07. Ranthambore - Kota (about 135
km) In the early morning we again explore the park on jeeps. After
the Jeep 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.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 08. 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.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 09. Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140 km) After
an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh.The Fort of Chittorgarh is
indomitable pride of Chittor,the fort is massive structure with many
gateways built in 7th century A.D Perched on a height of 180m hill it
sprawls over 700 acres.This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and
each time the outcome was "Jauhar" When women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron
robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.Overnight
stay in Chittorgarh.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 10.
Chittorgarh - Udaipur (about 120 km) Today we drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around
shimmering,clear,blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the
Aravali ranges.In the evening we enjoy a Boat ride on the lake Pichola.The
famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former
rulers.The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more
known in the west.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 11.
Udaipur Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of
sunrise.We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari.This
Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and
shady walks.After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk
art.This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets,
masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a
break we proceed to city palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4
generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned
and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe
that it was not conceived as a whole.The museum of the palace includes the
beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian
mythology.Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting
school and see the famous miniature paintings done.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 12. Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km) Today
we leave Udaipur 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 17 days tour.)
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 13.
Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km) Today we leave the holy city of
Pushkar and 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 Mahrajas.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.
Cultural
Tour of Rajasthan: Day 14. 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.
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 15.
Jaipur - Delhi (about 270 km) Late morning, after having our
Breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon.The rest of
the day at leisure. (Opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in
the Hotel)
Cultural Tour of Rajasthan: Day 16. Flight to
Home Around Midnight flight to home destination.