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| Royal
Rajasthan | Royal
Rajasthan
20 Nights / 21 Days
1st April'2007 to
31st March 2008
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This Tour |
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ITINERARY: |
Day-01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi meet, assistance
on arrival and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit fascinating sights of
old & New Delhi. Delhi, one of India's fastest growing cities has spread far
beyond the "Seven Cities" created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Now
it's divided in to two parts old and New Delhi, city carried history of thousand
years, Old Delhi was the capital of Muslims between 17th to 19th centuries. City
that is as old as civilization itself and has been over nine capitals, each built
with loving care by several destinies. Delhi was the city of magnificent kings
and prince's who gave world famous masterpieces of beauty like the Red Fort, Qutab
Minar, Purana Qila, Raj Ghat, India Gate, President's House, Parliament House
etc. New Delhi designed and constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker
is a mixture of east & west. Overnight hotel. |
Day-02:
DELHI - JAIPUR (258 KMS. 06-hrs. DRIVE)
After
breakfast depart Delhi for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur meet, assistance on arrival and
transfer to your hotel. Jaipur the Rajput City, in a land of forts, palaces and
temples, the city that stands out for its unique design and layout is Jaipur,
the "Pink City". Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and his
architect-builder Vidyadhar. Basically this is the city of culture, tradition
and crafts. Overnight hotel.
Full day visiting sights of Old and New Delhi.
Overnight hotel. |
Day-03: JAIPUR
After breakfast city tour of
Jaipur visit: The City Palace: Specially designed for the royal family with lots
of doors and windows a part of which remains the residence of Jaipur family and
rest of the palace serves as a museum, which explain the saga of that era. Jantar
Mantar: Jantar Mantar is one of the Jai Singh's five remarkable observations.
The two Ram Yantras used for the gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation.
Hawa Mahal: The ornamental façade of this "Palace of winds" is a landmark in Jaipur.
Its five-storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trelliswork and
balconies has 953 windows. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal
grandstand place for royal family women's. Amber Fort: The complex of palaces,
halls, pavilions, gardens and temple were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja
Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. Overnight
hotel. |
Day-04: JAIPUR - KOTA
(246 KMS. 07-hrs. DRIVE)
After
breakfast depart Jaipur for Kota. Arrive Kota meet, assistance on arrival and
transfer to your hotel. Kota: One of fascinating city of Rajasthan, Kota an impressive
fort stands like a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with its
many dams- Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. While
an old palace, dating back to the time when Kota was part of the Hada Rajput fiefdom
- Harawati or Hadoti - overlooks the Kota Barrage on the turbulent Chambal River.
The Hada chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory in the 14th century and
founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir,
at the beginning of the 17th century, Rao Ratan Singh, the ruler of Bundi gave
his son, Madho Singh, the smaller principality of Kota. In course of time Kota
come to be regarded as a hallmark of Rajput power and culture. Overnight hotel. |
Day-05:
IN KOTA
After breakfast city tour of
Kota visit: Maharao Madho Singh Museum:Situated in the old palace, it houses a
rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures,
frescoes, arms and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure house of
artistic items used by the rulers of Kota. Jag Mandir: The Prince Dher Deh of
Bundhi constructed Kishor Sagar, a picturesque artificial lake in 1345. Jag Mandir
an aesthetic monument was built in the middle of the lake with ripples of the
blue waters enhancing the serenity. Boating facility is an added attraction of
the place. Near the lake is Kshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs. Government
Museum: It is situated in Brijvilas Palace near Kishor Sagar Lake. It has a superb
collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti
sculpture. Apiece brought here from Baroli is noteworthy for it's beautiful and
historical interest. Haveli of Devtaji: In the middle of the busy market is located
the Haveli of Devta Shridharji. It is famous for its frescoes. The Havelie has
few rooms full of wall paintings, which are worth a visit. It is a private residence.
Kota Barrage: This is a part of the irrigation canal system on Chambal River.
The setting is beautiful ideal for a stroll. Overnight hotel. |
Day-06: KOTA - BUNDI
(38 KMS. 01-hrs DRIVE)
Depart
for Bundi. Bundi, was the capital of a major princely state during the hay day
of the Rajputs. Although its importance dwindled with the rise of Kota during
Mughal times, it maintained its independence until its incorporation into the
state of Rajasthan in 1947. Kota itself was the part of Bundi until its separation
in 1624 at the instigation of the Mughal emperor, Jehanjir. Bundi is a picturesque
little town whose medieval atmosphere more or less remains. The towns Rajput's
legacy is well preserved in the shape of the massive Taragarh fort. Visit: - Taragarh
Fort (The Star Fort): This white fort of the top of a thickly wooded hill is one
of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. It has an enormous tank, which once
supplied the palace with water. The Palace: It was begun by Maharao Balwant Singh
and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Chitrashala:
The palace at Bundi has a beautiful pavilion and a gallery of murals in the miniature
style. The walls are covered with elaborate paintings of scenes from the Ragamala
and Rasila, the Radha-Krishna story. The colour scheme of all these paintings
is strikingly beautiful with all the colours of the rainbow. Sukh Mahal: A summer
palace built on Sukh Sagar Lake is set in a beautiful formal garden. It is said
that an underground tunnel runs from Sukh Mahal to the old Place. Overnight hotel. |
Day-07: BUNDI - CHITTAURGARH
(146 KMS. 04-hrs. DRIVE)
After
breakfast drive to Chittorgarh. On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your
hotel. The town known for its massive fort atop a hill covering an area of 279
hectares, can be singled out for its glorious past and valour. He fort has a checkered
history and has witnessed some bloodiest battles in history and three great sakas
and some of the most heroic deeds of valour, which are still sung by the local
musicians. The antiquity of the fort is difficult to trace, but it is believed
that Bhim the legendary figure of Mahabharata, visited this place and opened a
water reservoir with the dash of his foot, this reservoir is called as Bhim Lat.it
later on came under Mauryas. There are different opinions as it came under the
Mewar reulers, but it remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was shifted
to Udaipur. Evening for individual activities. Overnight hotel. |
Day
08 : IN CHITTAURGARH
After
breakfast visit interesting sights of Chittaurgarh visit: The Fort: Believed to
have been constructed by later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D., this fort is
located on a 180 mts. high hill, covering 700 acres. The fort has many architectural
attractions. Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): Built by Maharana Kumbha in commemoration
of victory over Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440 A.D., this 37 Mts.
high tower is a structure of nine storeys. Its exoterior is decorated with sculptures
and it has withstood the vagaries of nature through the centuries. Kirti Stambh
(Tower of Fame): This 22 Mts. high, Tower of Fame, was built by a wealthy Jain
Merchants in the 12th centuries A.D. and is dedicated to Adinathji, the first
of Jain tirthankaras. The tower is decorated with figures from the Jain pantheon.
Rana Kumbha's Palace: The great historical and architectural palace in Chitourgarh.
It is believed that in one of the underground cellars, Rani Padmini and other
women committed jauhar. This palace is the biggest monument in the fort of Chittaur.
Padmini's Palace: Rani Padmini was a celebrated beauty and according to a ledgent,
it was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of her to Allauddin Khilji,
the Sultan of Delhi. It overlooks a pool in which the 'Zanana Mahal' is situated,
where Padmini stood when her reflection was shown to Allauddin Khilji in a mirror
in the main hall. Meera & Kumbha Shyam Temple: This temple is associated with
mystic poetess and a great devotee of Lord Krishna, Meerabai: She is the wife
of Rana Bhojraj and is set to have consumed Poisson sent by the Rana but survived
because of Lord Krishna's blessing. Goverment Museum: The magnificent Fateh Prakash
Mahal has been converted into a museum now. It has a rich collection of sculptures
from temples and buildings in the fort. Overnight hotel. |
Day
09 : CHITTAURGARH - DUNGARPUR (218 KMS. 05-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast drive
to Dungarpur. On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
Dungarpur
the picturesque town at the foothills of the Aravali, it is surrounded on three
sides by hills, and it blooms with beauty during the rainy season. Literally Dungar
is a hill and Pur means town, thus Dungarpur means a 'Hill Town'. Rawal Veer Dev
annexed it from the Bhil Chieftain Dungaria, who had built this city and the old
palace in 1282. Udai Bilas Palace: In the east of this beautiful town is Udai
Bilas Palace, the residence of the Royal Family named after Maharawal Udai Singh
II, a great patron of art and architecture. Maharawal Udai Singh built a wing
of bluish grey local stone 'Pareva' overlooking the lake and the 'Ek Thambia Mahal'
(literally one pillared palace), balustrades bracketed windows, arches and frieze
of marble carvings-a vertiable marvel of Rajput architecture. Still the royal
residence - the Udai Bilas Palace offers accommodation with all major facilities.
Juna Mahal: Almost as old as the town itself, the construction of the palace was
started in the turbulent 13th century using the superb natural defence of a rocky
peak some 1500 ft. above sea level. This seven storied structure resembles a fortress
with crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances and passageways to slow down
the enemy. Inside, one will see the most colourful and vibrant rooms embellished
with frescoes , miniature paintings and glass and mirror inlay work. Overnight
hotel. | Day
10 : DUNGARPUR - UDAIPUR (120 KMS. 02:30 hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to the
City of Lakes "Udaipur". On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
Udaipur: Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur the last of the capitals of Mewar,
in 1567. Driven by the besieging armies of Emperor Akbar, he abandoned struggle
and choosing the fertile valley between the famous Mewar forts of Chittaurgarh
and Kumbhalgarh, centred his new city round three lakes. Udaipur was to become
the most beautiful cities of India. There is no place in India, which appeals
more to the imagination of poets, painters, travelers and writers. In the afternoon
visit: -City Palace: Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on
a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. The sparking white filigreed balconies
and windows, ornate arches and small domes. Now become a museum, is labyrinth
of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror work, galleries covered with
wall pictures. Its main entrance is through the Triplearched Gate, the Tripolia,
built in 1725. There is Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, where the Suryavanshi
Maharana of Mewar presented themselves in time of trouble to the people to restore
their confidence. Lake Pichola: An island on the lake houses the elegant Jag Nivas,
built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and now the Lake Palace Hotel.
Overnight hotel. | Day
11 : UDAIPUR
After
breakfast excursion to Jagdish Temple: Built in 17th century has a remarkable
bronze statue of Garuda (a mythical bird) facing his revered Lord Vishnu. It is
the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Eklingji: This temple of Eklingji
was built in 734 A.D. A complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls is devoted
to the presiding goddess of the Maharanas of Mewar. A remarkable place of worship
is carved from marble and even today the Maharana of Udaipur who is the Diwan
of the temple, makes it a point to visit every Monday. Nagada: The first capital
of Bappa Rawal, the ancient place has a magnificent arch, which is ornately carved.
The tenth century Sas Bahu temples dedicated to Sas (mother-in-low) and Bahu (daughter-in-law)
are rated among the best temples in India. There is a lake surrounded by temples.
The Abudji Jain Temples is worth visiting. Nathdwara: Nathdwara 48 km from Udaipur.
It is the popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The important 18th century shrine of
Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna has a black marble statue. It is more than 600 years
old, and was brought from Mathura in 1669 to protect the statue from the fanatic
hands of Aurangzeb. It is one of the richest shrines of India. Return back to
Udaipur. Overnight hotel. | Day
12 : UDAIPUR - KUMBHALGARH (130 KMS. 03-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Udaipur
for Kumbhalgarh. On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Kumbhalgarh
built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, amidst the hills of Aravalli, on
the site of an ancient castle which tradition ascribes to Samprati, a Jain prince
of the second century B.C. This is the second most important fort of Rajasthan
after Chittourgarh. Within the bastions of the fort are many palaces and temples,
which are of great antiquity and interest. The important among them is "Bada Mahal"
or the Cloud Palace at the top, it offers a scenic view of the surrounding country
side. Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary: Situated in the lush green environs of Aravalli,
the home of rare species of animals struggling for their survival. It has the
four horned antelope, the only member of genus tetracerus. This is also the only
sanctuary where Indian wolf is breeding successfully. The sanctuary is equally
well known for its archaeological value, and the famous Kumbhalgarh fort and the
Ranakpur temples are also situated in its precincts. Return to hotel Overnight
hotel. | Day
13 : KUMBHALGARH - RANAKPUR (045 KMS. 01-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Rankpur.
Rankpur: In a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes of
the Aravalli hills is a remarkable complex of Jain temples at Rankpur, one of
the five main holy palaces of the Jain sect. Though over 500 years old, the temples
here are superbly preserved in a near perfect condition. In the center is the
main temple dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabdeo with a chaumukha or four-faced
shrine dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of
the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike. Every
conceivable surface of the wall pillars, and ceiling is carved and every corner
and angle is engraved with Jain images. The quadruple image of Adinath stands
in the main sanctuary, which is open on all four sides. Rising in three storeys,
it has four subsidiary shrines with a total of 80 spuies supported by 420 columns.
There are also 24 mandapas or porticos and spires. The entire temple is an orchestration
of pillars, portico domes and spires. In front of the Chaumukha temple two more
Jain temples situated. One of these is dedicated to Parsvanath and was built in
the 14th century. The exterior bears some erotic carvings. Overnight hotel. |
Day
14 : RANAKPUR - JODHPUR (245 KMS. 06-hrs. DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Ranakpur
for Jodhpur. On arrival meet, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Jodhpur:
Rao Jodha Ji who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero of epic Ramayana) founded
Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar State, in 1459. The city was built as a
result of warring brothers. Jodhpur and its historic origins are best revealed
by countless cultural celebrations taking place here, of these Marwar festival
an annual feature is the most inspiring spectacle of the region. A variety of
Rajasthani folk music and dance performances introduce the audience with the local
folklore. Marked with ecstasy, the cultural bonanza enlivens and transports the
participant's back into the historic origins of this colourful region of Rajasthan.
Overnight hotel. | DAY
15: IN JODHPUR
After breakfast visit: - Mehrangarh
Fort: Spread over 5 km. On a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height
of about 100 Mts. the fort appears invricible and impenetrable from outside but
houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels
and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat
Khana are some of the important palaces. There is a remarkable collection of musical
instruments, miniature paintings, costumes, silver cradles, etc. in the museum.
Jaswant Thada: this 19th century cenotaph commemorating Maharaja Jaswant Singh,
lies close to the fort complex. Built of white marble, in 1899, it presents a
stark contrast to the hill it stands on. There are portraits of the rulers of
Jodhpur and genealogical tables. Umaid Bhawan Palace: Believed to be one of the
largest personal residences of the world, the palace was constructed as a famine
relief work and was in the making for 15 years. It is also known as Chhitar Palace
because of the stone it is made of. An amazing feature is the underground swimming
pool. One of the domes rises to a height of 190 feet. Large parts have been converted
into a hotel while some parts continue to serve as the personal residence of the
Maharaja. Among the collections on display are royal memorabilia and a fascinating
collection of clocks. Mandore: Mandore was the capital of Mewar before the founding
of Jodhpur. The place is believed to derive its name from Mandavya Rishi who is
said to have had his hermitage here. The area is surrounded by a landscaped garden
with high rock terraces. Overnight hotel. | DAY
16: JODHPUR
- KHIMSAR (90 KMS. 02-hrs DRIVE)
After
breakfast depart Jodhpur for Khimsar 90 kms. (02-hrs. Drive) from Jodhpur. On
arrival chick-in hotel Khimsar Fort. Khimsar Fort specially designed for Royal
Family with luxurious facilities for modern generation, a part of which becomes
a well prestigious hotel. It gives us great pleasure to invite you to our Indian
ancestral home, the renowned Khimsar Fort. Rao Karamsiji who was the 8th prince
of Rao Jodhaji (the founding Maharaja of Jodhpur) successfully launched the royal
dynasty at Khimsar. He established himself between his brothers the Mahalrajas
of Jodhpur and Bikaner. This commenced the construction of our fort in 1523 A.D.
in the fairy tale land of majestic forts & palaces. Khimsar was one of the
premier chieftains of Marwar also the head house of the Karamsot Rathors. Khimsar
Fort situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India
lies this unique fort offering a wide range of experiences. The battle scarred
walls & turrets remind of the glorious past in the mid of 18th century the
royal family moved in and a new "Zenana" or ladies residence was built with finely
carved windows in stone grills to provide 'Pardah' of veil for ladies in waiting.
Overnight hotel. | DAY
17: KHIMSAR - NAGAUR
- DESHNOKE - BIKANER (150 KMS. DRIVE)
After
breakfast drive to Deshnoke via Nagaur. Enroute visit Nagaur and Deshnoke. Nagaur
is one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships. The town is cordoned in by
massive ramparts and has to be entered through stately gates. Emperor Shah Jahan
granted Nagaur to Amar Singh Rathore. At the main entrance to the town there is
a complex of royal cenotaphs. The cenotaph of Raja Amar Singh Rathore is near
a shimmering pool. The fort contains many royal apartments such as the Moti Mahal,
Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. The Baradari or courtyard has walls painted with beautiful
murals in a synthesis of the Persian and Nagaur styles. Frescoes of dancers and
flowers adorn the walls. Deshnoke is famous for its Karni Mata Temple this temple
is dedicated to the mystic Karni Mata. Maharaja Ganga Singh donated the huge silver
gates to the temple and the marble carvings and a golden umbrella tops the temple.
The main interest here, however, is the rats. Like cows in the rest of India,
the rats here are regarded as holy and are fed by the priests, who care for them
in the belief that they will be reincarnated as mystics or holy men. Strolling
around this temple with rats playing leapfrog over your bare feet can be a little
unnerving. On arrival at Bikaner, check-in hotel and Overnight hotel. |
DAY
18: IN BIKANER
Bikaner
was founded by Rao Bika Ji in 1488, son of Rao Jodh Ji the real founder of Jodhpur.
The desert city Bikaner stands on a slight eminence and has fascinating royal
monuments, temples, havelis and colourful bazaars. This desert city was a major
trade center on the old caravan route linking central Asia and north India with
Gujarat seaports long before a Rathor prince, Bika conquered it in 1486 A. D.
and called it Bikaner. Bikaner is famous for the best camel riding in the world.
After breakfast visit: -
Junagarh Fort: Akbar's contemporary, Raja Rai Singh,
built this building in 1593 A.D. It is one of the finest of Rajput monuments having
37 Palaces, Temples and Pavilions within, it is one of its kind. The palaces inside
the Fort Worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Rang Mahal or Palaces of
Pleasure and the Chander Mahal or Moon Palalce. Lalgarh Palace: The imposing red
sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental façade and occidental interiors,
designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father
Maharaja Lal Singh. Aesthetically, few palaces in India match Bikaner's Lalgarh
Palace. Statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII greet visitors in Lalgarh's
entrance hall. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum:
A museum that has amazing collection. In fact, it's one of the best museums in
Rajasthan. There are brilliant examples of Harappan civilisation, the Gupta and
Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. It houses a rich collection
of terracotta, poetry, carpets, paintings and coins. There is a separate section
for arts and crafts of this region. Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples: The
oldest existing monuments in Bikaner, this 14th century Jain temples were built
by two brothers & are named after them. The rich mirror work, décor and their
gold leaf painting are noteworthy. Overnight hotel. |
DAY
19: BIKANER - NAWALGARH (224 KMS. 06-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Bikaner
for Nawalgarh. Nawalgarh: Founded in the early 18th century, Nawalgarh has two
old forts and a palace hotel with garden and fountains. The Bala Kila has a kiosk
where some of the finest frescoes in Shekhawati are painted. The prominent havelis
here are of the Poddars, Chhawachharias, Bhagats, Dangaichs and others. A host
of temples with interesting architecture and frescoes are also recommended for
a long and fruitful visit. Overnight hotel. |
DAY
20: NAWALGARH - NEEMRANA
After
breakfast drive to Neemrana. Arrive Neemrana and transfer to your hotel. In the
afternoon visit: - Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on a majestic plateau concealed
in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges, considered the oldest Fold Mountains
in the world. The Palace hides itself from view till the visitor arrives at the
fort of the hill. The Chauhan ruler Raja Rajdeo chose the picturesque site of
Neemrana Fort Palace. Overnight hotel. | DAY
21: NEEMRANA - DELHI (122 KMS. 03-hrs DRIVE)
After breakfast depart Neemrana
for Delhi. On arrival check-in hotel, whole day for individual activities, after
dinner transfer to airport for flight to onward destination. |
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