Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra- Bhandarej- Ranthambore- Kota- Bundi- Chittorgarh- Udaipur- Pushkar- Jaipur
The state of Rajasthan is undoutabely one of the most beautiful region of India. Rajasthan's many princely states, impressive forts and magnificent palaces set in the thar desert evoke uniquely colorful images of medieval India. Rajasthan means land of Rajas(of kings) but also called Rajputana "the country of Rajputs" The aravali mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, extending from north to south, Divides the state into two natural regions. Aravali range and the Thar Desert are the two most contrasting features of Rajasthan Geographical make-up. Fair and festivals of Rajasthan reflect the vigour and life style of its people. Vibrant colors, music and festivities make the golden sand come alive. Veiled, bejeweled women sing and dance to devotional rhythms. Rajasthan has a fair for every religious occasion, for every change of season and for every harvest.
This Rajasthan tour with hadoti region makes get to know the less known places. During this Hadoti region tour of Rajasthan we visit: Delhi, Agra, Bhandarej, Ranthambore, Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur. This Rajasthan tour is like the tales of the Thousand and One Nights and it will make your tour an unforgettable memory.
Day 01: Flight to India (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main getway for traveles. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 02: Old-New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Riksha Ride parallel to the red for through the old city and famour Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi include also the site wher Mahatma Gandhi was cremate; Jama Masijid and the great mosque of Old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun's Tob" 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, Goverment Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra (about 180km)
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 the be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repared in 1326 and 1368. After the sightseeing of Delhi we drive to Agra. Arrival in Agra in the evening.
Day 04: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal empeerors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the tome of his grandson's, Shahjahan who buid the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra fort, we procceedto vist 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 to Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inly work which is still being done in Agra by the desendants of the families and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Day 05: Agra - Bhandrej (about 175km)
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 Fetehpur Sikri, which was one an imperial capital frwzen 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 build. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Lat evening arrival at the palace hote of Bhandarej which has courtyards, arched windows, traditionally painted verandahs and front lawns. The nearby Bhangarh village with its temples and historical sites has history which dates back to 11th century. Rest of the day at leisure. At he dinner time local dances will be performed in the palace.
Day 06: Bhandrej - Ranthambore (about 120km)
Today after the breakfast we leave for the world famous Ranthambore National Park. 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 Ranthambore National Par.
Day 07: Ranthambore - Kota (about 135km)
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 leaver for Kota. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajpurt Kindom 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.
Day 08: Kota - Bundi (about 38km)
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 for id wirth 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.
Day 09: Bundi - Chittorgarh (about 140km)
Afer an early breakfast we drive to Chittorgarh. The fort of Chittorgarh is indomitable pride of Chittor, the fort is massive structure with many gatways build in 7th century A.D perched on a height of 180m hill it sparwls over 700acres. This fotified 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 maryrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Overnight stya in Chittorgarh.
Day 11. UdaipurToday we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of 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, maskks, 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 intergrated 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 mosaic and miniature wallpaintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done.
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 religiour 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 waterof Pushkar Lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.(if this tour take place during the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one and therfore the duration of this tour will be extended for one more day making it 17 days tour.)
Day 13. Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)Today we drive to the Pink City Jaipur, this city owes its name. foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Sing 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 blend of the Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. 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.
Day 14. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11Km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawha 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), build 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 colourful 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.
Day 15. Jaipur - Delhi (about 270km.)
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 Hotel)
