Duration: 14 Nights -15 Days |
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Day 01:Arrive Delhi Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles. Day 02 : Delhi – Jodhpur (by train) Mandore Express 2045/0800 hours Full Day Tour In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Day 03: Jodhpur Today in the morning we arrive Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan & once was the capital of the Princely State Marwar. It was founded in the year 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs & its landscape is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort. While the graceful palaces, forts & temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, the exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music & the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.. Half Day Tour We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Day 04: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (by train) Intercity express 2330/0520 hours Day free in Jodhpur. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Day 05: Jaisalmer Arrive Jaisalmer. Half day city tour Day 06: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (by train) Intercity express 2315 /0520 hours Day free in Jaisalmer. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Day 07: Jodhpur - Ranakpur – Udaipur(300 kms / 6 hr) Morning arrive to Jodhpur, then drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur - 98 kms from Udaipur, the Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quiet and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The magic of light & shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions. Udaipur was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples. Day 08: Udaipur Full Day Tour Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake. Day 09: Udaipur – Jaipur (by train) Udaipur Jaipur express 2140 /0710 hour Morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Jaipur night train. Day 10: Jaipur Morning arrive Jaipur popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors. Half Day Tour Optional Tour - Chokhi Dhani Day 11: Jaipur – Agra (by train) Marudhar express 1540/2110 hour Today in the morning we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Later transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Late evening arrive Agra . Transfer to hotel. Day 12: Agra Today in the morning we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613. Afternoon we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti. Day 13: Agra – Delhi (by train)Shatabdi Express 2030/2230 hrs Today in the morning we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Delhi train. Day 14: Delhi Departure Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future. |
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