Classical Rajasthan
Overview
We will help you understand the meaning of Rajasthan and unfold the mysteries of North India when we take you through the STORIES of Classical Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is considered as the perfect potpourri of a rich Vibrant cultural, its Heritage, Its lively Folk dances, Its Cuisine, Its Deserts, Its colourful bazaar, Its festivals and fairs, Its fort and palace offering glimpse of heritage and modernity, STORIES OF INDIA take a close look at what makes this State one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India and World.
Before 1947 Rajasthan meaning “The Abode of the Rajas” and it truly is. And was formerly knows as Rajputana (Sons of Rajas). Rajasthan is home of brave Rajput warriors. STORIES of battles fought and romance of the riches adorn every wall, folklore or literature of the state.
Its culture, heritage, fair and festivals, Lively folk dance, art & music, handicrafts, cuisine all together create an unforgettable and colourful tapestry. Philosophy of Rajasthani culture are being reflected across the nook and corner of the State. That’s the reason why the main tourist destinations
In Delhi and Agra, the Mughal rulers left fascinating monuments to eternity. And Rajasthan such as Alsisar, Deogarh, Udaipur, Bundi, Ranthambhore, Bharatpur are highly popular among tourists. A journey through this region of India will be an experience beyond the wildest dreams.
These attractions and more are only part of the diversity to be found in Rajasthan, and will make visitors hungry for more.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TOUR
Delhi: Old and New Delhi come to life during visit to the Jama Masjid, Cycle Rickshaw Ride (In Old Delhi), Qutab Minar.
Jaipur: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) and Enjoy short bicycle rickshaw ride through colorful bazaars of Jaipur.
Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada.
Deogarh: Spend a night in the luxurious palace of Deogarh Mahal, a princely palace transformed into a hotel.
Udaipur: City Palace, Jagdish Mandir, Garden of the Maidens / Sahelion Ki Bari, Heritage Walk and Boat Ride on Lake Pichola.
Chittorgarh: Visit the Chittorgarh fort and the Vijay Stambha monument.
Bundi: Enjoy Bollywood movie at heritage cinema hall. Garh Palace and Taragarh Fort.
Ranthambhore: Morning and Afternoon Game drive.
Bharatpur: Visit Bharatpur bird Sanctuary.
Agra: Admire monument of LOVE Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Routing Map
Itinerary
Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal (T3).
After clearing the immigration and collecting the baggage, as you step into the “Meet and Greet Hall”, you will be met by our representative, who will escort you in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to you hotel and assist with check in.
(Hotel Check in time is 1500 hours and early check in is subject to availability)
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast Check Out from hotel and proceed for combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.
In Old Delhi visit The Masjid-i Jehan-Numa commonly known as Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosque in India. Drive pass Red Fort (Closed on Monday) a marvel in red sandstone. Also visit Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
Continue to New Delhi sightseeing tour.
Drive past India Gate (Memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy's residence),Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings. Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years.
Later continue drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash - a traditional color of welcome in 1853 in honor of the visit of Prince Albert.
Upon Arrival Check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Morning excursion to Amber Fort (With a Jeep ride or Elephant ride up to the fort entrance). Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.
Enjoy short bicycle rickshaw ride through colorful bazars of Jaipur.
Afternoon city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for Jodhpur.
Jodhpur This princely state is referred as “The Blu City” among Rajasthan`s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This 500 years old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs celebrated for their tales of daring.
Upon arrival check in at hotel
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
Later breakfast Check Out from hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
Visit the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125 mt high hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
The Jaswant Thada is a Royal cenotaph which was built with pure white marble in Jodhpur. It was built by Maharaja Sadar Singh in the year 1899 for his father Maharaja Jaswanth Singh II, hence the name 'Jaswant Thada'.
After sightseeing tour of Jodhpur continue drive to Deogarh.
Deogarh Mahal – Luxury Heritage Hotel in Rajasthan was converted into a Hotel by the Deogarh family members. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by them. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervise and manage it. Deogarh is situated on the boundaries of Marwar, Merwara and Mewar about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. Deogarh is enclosed by Bhil villages whose colourful way of life and celebration of festival is unique. It is located at an altitude of about 2100 feet above sea level and is cooler than other parts of Rajasthan.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast Check Out from hotel and proceed for village walk to the near by village.
Village Walk steeped in the art and culture that reflects the traditional way of life their daily life. It is said that the heart of any state especially Rajasthan lies in the villages so what’s better way to experience this magical land than by spending time in its rural communities. During this walk you will get a chance to see their daily life and interaction with local people.
Later continue drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur, The ancient city of Udaipur often referred as the City of Lakes, the Venice of the East and is said to be “The most ROMANTIC” city in India.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Morning visit the City Palace, once entirely the home of Mewar’s rulers, is today largely a museum run by the Maharana Mewar Foundation. Later visit he Jagdish Mandir, close by the main gate of City Palace, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains.
Later enjoy the heritage walk.
Heritage Walking Tour of Udaipur is a short, informative and interesting tour of Old City which starts from the famous Jagdish Chowk and ends at the Tonga Stand. The tour takes you across narrow lanes and bazars offering rich views and deep insights into the past and present that makes Udaipur truly unique.
Walk starts from Jagdish Chowk and going through kansaro ki gali. Continue to Clock tower, it is 19 th Century Structure Raised by Maharana Fathe singh than move towards BADA BAZAR which was Main Market of Udaipur there are fabric Shops , Jain temple, MOCHI WADA , Mandi KI NAL which was the passage leading toward dhan Mandi , and finally you come towards the Vegetable Market and Saler they do not have shops they sit on Ground with their Vegetable Basket's and at the same time they can view GANCH community whose traditional Job is to make Bamboo Basket and other things made out of Bamboo , finally you proceed towards delhi gate which was one of the Twelve entry Gate of City End at Old Tonga Stand from where you get your vehicle.
Late afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola, 4 km long and 3 km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, Palace, temples, bathing Ghats and embankments. (subject to water level in lake)
Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast proceed for Bundi. Enroute visiting Chittorgarh Fort.
Chittorgarh Fort is a fitting symbol of the Rajput spirit. Set atop a 180 metre high hill and spread across 240 hectares, this majestic fort features in tales of courage, pride and romance that the bards of Rajasthan have been singing for centuries. Vijay Stambha The Vijaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) called the symbol of Chittorgarh and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a 22-metre-high (72ft) tower built on a 30-foot (9.1m) base with 15 feet (4.6m) at the top. Built by the Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar
Later continue driver to Bundi
Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling who is said to have penned part of his famous novel ‘Kim’ while in Bundi. In fact, so impressed was he by the place, that this is what he wrote about the fort ‘Jaipur Palace may be called the Versailles of India, Jodhpur’s House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams – the work of goblins rather than of men.’
Bundi, the peaceful town set in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan was once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. Bundi located around 36 kilometres from Kota. Dotted with palaces and forts, the place has a fairy tale quality about it. Bundi’s charm lies in its location –surrounded by orchards of orange, guava, pomegranate and mango trees, flanked by the Aravalli range and rivers and lined by fields of cotton, barley and wheat. Situated far from the crowds, it is the simple rural folk that lend Bundi its allure.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Later in the evening enjoy the Bollywood movie at Ranjit Talkies (Cinema Hall). Bollywood which is the largest film industry in the world and at the same time enjoy an old heritage cinema hall.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Bundi.
Visit Sukh Mahal, a small, two-storied palace was a summer retreat of past rulers. Today, it is quite famous for being the place where Kipling wrote ‘Kim’. Taragarh Fort situated on a hilltop, this ancient and grand fort was built in the year 1354. Fort is counted among the most impressive structures in Rajasthan. The town of Bundi was founded by Rao Deva, and it was he who built this fort which is also known as the Star Fort. One can enjoy some amazing panoramic views of the entire city from here.
and Garh Palace also known as the Bundi Palace is inside the Taragarh Fort and counted among the largest palaces in India. Garh Palace is known for its Rajput architecture, which is easily noticeable in the jharokhas and pillars, many of which sport elephant carvings. Garh Palace is the main palace of Bundi and has many small places palaces here include Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal, but one of the most famous ones has to be the Chitrashala, which has a fascinating pavilion and gallery of miniature murals.
Later continue driver to Ranthambore.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best known tiger reserves in India. Once a private game reserve of the royal House of Jaipur. Located 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur and at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges-the Aravallis and Vindyas - Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. Park terrain is a major wildlife
tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers from all over the world.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Overnight at hotel
Morning game drives at Ranthambore National Park by open canter shared vehicle / exclusive jeep.
Preparing for the Jungle safaris
Dress in layers. It will be cold in the mornings but gets progressively warmer during the day
Avoid bright colored clothing as the wildlife may get distracted. It is better to opt for comfortable clothing with soothing colours - grey, forest green, brown, which blend with the colours of the foliage.
Apply suntan lotion / mosquito repellent.
Carry a cap/hat, sun glasses etc. so that you are protected from the heat.
Don’t forget to take your cameras.
After game drivers return back to hotel for breakfast.
Rest of the morning at leisure for independent activities.
Afternoon game drives at Ranthambore National Park by open canter shared vehicle / exclusive jeep.(Tentative timings; 14:30 hours – 17:00 hours).
Later in the evening return back to hotel
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast proceed for Bharatpur.
Bharatpur bird sanctuary is home to the finest birds and faunal species and recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. The park got its name from Keoladeo Temple that is located inside the boundary of this sanctuary. Park came into existence 1850s and was a game reserve for Maharajas and the British. 1982, Bharatpur bird sanctuary was declared a national park and then later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The park is home to some 370 species of birds and animals such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai and many more.
Upon arrival Check In at hotel
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at hotel
Early morning visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage site). Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is home to the finest birds and faunal species and recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds.
Return back to to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast proceed for Agra. En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri a city predominantly in red sand-stone, situated at a distance of 40 kms from Agra, was built by the Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar, in honour of the great Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, & the other palaces.
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri continue drive to Agra
Upon arrival Check In at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast at check out from hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal (One of the Seven wonders of the world) is a breathaking white-marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore described as "the tear-drop on the cheek of time". (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Agra Fort, UNESCO world heritage site is situated just 2.5 Kms from Taj Mahal and major tourist attraction.
After sightseeing tour of Agra. Continue driver to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to local restaurant for farewell dinner.
Farewell dinner at local city restaurant. You will have a chance to share your experiences and making new friends and say goodbye to group members.
Later in time transferred to Indira Gandhi international airport to take flight back home with some amazing STORIES OF INDIA.
END OF THE TOUR