Grandeur of Rajasthan 15 Nights / 16 Days

The Rajput state of Rajasthan offers accommodation in several stately homes, forts and palaces as well as picturesque rural country side, imposing ruins, colourful proud people and a rich history and culture. On this journey experience palace life at Samode Palace, Castle Mandawa, Deogarh Mahal, Rohetgarh and Neemrana. Visit the pink city of Jaipur, the desert city of Jaisalmer and Udaipur - known as the Venice of the East and spend a night in the quiet lake side town of Pushkar, famous for its annual fair and the Brahma temple.
Destinations covered: Delhi - Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Rohet - Udaipur - Deogarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Neemrana - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.

Day 02: In Delhi
Red Fort, Delhi

After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi:
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
Indian Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.

Day 03: Delhi - Samode (264 Kms 5.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Samode.
Samode: It is a place of great interest for people who appreciate culture and local arts. The village or town is famous for its magnificent havelis, mansions and handicrafts, so for your next holiday travel to Samode and see the rural life and flavors of Rajasthan.

Arrive Samode and check in at Samode Palace, one of India's most charming and romantic hotels and awarded as the Best Heritage Hotel in the country for 5 consecutive years. The Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history.
In the afternoon start for sightseeing of Samode.
Visit Samode fort which is above the Samode palace, on the hill. It is 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 and the view it offers of the town below. Also visit the Samode Bagh, which is 3 kms from Samode and is a beautiful garden that has regained its former beauty after some restoration work.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04: Samode to Mandawa (130Kms 03 Hours by road)

After breakfast drive to Semi desert region of the Shekhawati is colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. This region is also known as "The Open air art gallery".
The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh, founded the fort in Vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Built as per a medieval theme, the castle of Mandawa is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror work.
The Durbar Hall of the palace houses a number of antiques and paintings. Situated in the middle of the town, the Mandawa Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
Upon arrival check in at hotel.

After lunch 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, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Mandawa-Bikaner (190 kms or 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive toBikaner.
Bikaner- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in North West part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.
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.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.

After lunch start for Bikaner sightseeing.
Junagarh Fort This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujarat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort.
KarniMataTemple, 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnok, is one of the strangest holy spots in India. The Karni Mata Temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style. The entrance, pictured here, is lavishly decorated with beautifully sculptured marble panelling full of intricate patterns, and delicately worked doorways, colonnades, pavilions and balconies. Not only the mother goddess but well fed rats (called kabas) reside here and receive homage. The high priests have gone to great length to protect the rats whose bodies are believed to house the souls of Karni Mata's departed devotees.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 Kms 6.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer "Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage".
Jaisalmer another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at hotel.

Late afternoon visit Sam Sand dunes. It is a major attraction of Jaisalmer. It is 3 kms long and 1 km wide and is half a kilometer high. The Sam sand dunes are unreliable and they are picturesque. Sam Sand dunes are just the place to surf the golden sands of Rajasthan through a safari. Witness beautiful sunset.
Overnight stay will be at Jaisalmer.

Day 07: Jaisalmer Sightseeing /Rohet (285 Kms 5.5 Hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort - Rising like a sunbeam from the golden sands of the desert, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture, especially of the stone carver's art.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli - Patwon - Ki - Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli - Unusual and mystic! It is a Salim Singh Ki Haveli. The top most stories of this haveli are destroyed yet the surviving structure has peerless grandeur. You indeed would be enticed with the intricate workmanship and designed Jharokhas.
Gadissar Lake - The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon Ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city.
Afterwards drive to Rohet.
Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja Of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle. Generations of valiant noble-men have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. The visitor of today experiences the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.
Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the neem tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within these time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom - your Oasis in the arid land of Marwar. Arrive Rohet and check in hotel.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: In Rohet

After breakfast enjoy a village jeep safari and be introduced to the local cultures and traditions. Learn a little of the various communities living in the area - the Bishnoi, protectors of nature for five centuries and arguably the world's first ecologists, responsible for the survival of species such as the black-buck antelope: the semi nomadic Raika shepherds of Marwar whose brilliant crimson and marigold costumes would put modern designers to shame: the Paliwals and the Meghwals, the farmers and weavers. See village artisans at work creating leather articles, pottery and woven handicrafts. Besides being home to three species of antelope the chinkara, the blue bull and the black-buck-Rohet is also a haven for bird watchers with up to two hundred domestic and migratory species.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Rohet - Udaipur (235 Kms 5.5 Hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Udaipur.
Udaipur- The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. 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. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace a marvel n granite and marble. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewelson the Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Evening leisure for shopping Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: In Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur

After breakfast start for sightseeing of Udaipur.
Kumbhalgrah Fort The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravali. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side. Close by is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.
CityPalaceAs the hub of Udaipur the City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. A riot of arches, domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-Ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the city Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level).
Enjoy dinner and dance shows. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur - Deogarh (140 Kms 03 Hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Deogarh
Deogarh - is situated on the boundaries of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, north-east of Udaipur, in Rajasthan. With an altitude of about 2100 ft, it is cooler than other parts of Rajasthan. 'The Rawat', chief of Deogarh, was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) entitled to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. These type of feudal estates, called 'Thikanas' were sanctioned by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also has famous school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures are in the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. There are some interesting rooms in the palace to venture through, like Sheesh Mahal, the colourful hall of mirrors, is one of them.
Check in at Deogarh Mahal the major attraction of Deogarh
Deogarh Mahal - This 17 the century Palace, standing atop a hill offer a panoramic view of the Aravali mountain range and the numerous lakes, spread through out the countryside. With its majestic domes, turrets, Jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a spellbinding sight from the town below. This palace has been converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh
Visit dasawtar temple and visit the village of Deogarh.
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal

Day 12: Deogarh - Pushkar (135 Kms 03 Hours by road)

After breakfast drive to Pushkar.
Pushkar- one of Hinduisms most holy places, known for the sacred lake at its heart and home of the only Brahma Temple in the world. The famous Pushkar Fair is held here every year during November. The Fair is a gathering for farmers and sellers of camels, cattle and horses but it attracts games, races, local folk dances and other entertainment.
Arrive Pushkar and check in hotel.
In the afternoon visit the Famous Brahma Temple which holds utmost importance to the pilgrims as it is the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It's marked by a red sphere, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma. Inside, floor and walls are engraved with dedications to the dead.

The one hour trek up to the hill top Saraswati Temple. Also visit Pushkar Ghats.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Pushkar - Jaipur (145 Kms 03 Hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Jaipur.
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed. Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: In Jaipur Amber Fort Palace, Jaipur

After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
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. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
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.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey 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.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Jaipur to Neemrana (155 Kms 3 Hours drive by road)
After breakfast start to Neemrana.
Neemrana is an important site located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It is an ancient town with unmatched scenic beauty. At this place you will come across the 14th century hill fort that was ruled by the Chauhans. You will get a feel of the past glory and grandeur since it was a place under the rule of the royal figures. There are many things about Neemrana that you should have a prior knowledge of before you set out for a tour. There are many things the tourists can watch here among which the most renowned is the Neemrana Fort, which is the most famous among the tourist attractions of Neemrana.
In the afternoon visit the Neemrana Fort which is among India's oldest heritage resorts. It was the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori. Neemrana derives its name from a courageous local chieftain called Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Neemrana to Delhi (122 Kms 2.5 Hours by road)
After breakfast start to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport to destination ahead with sweet memories of the tour.

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