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Visit the forts and palaces of Rajasthan and admire
the architectural excellence of a bygone era. Reputed as Rajasthan heritage
tour, it covers visits to the forts and palaces located at Jaipur, Mandawa,
Udaipur, Bikaner, Bundi, Deogarh and Samode.
Day : 01 Arrive Delhi
After breakfast leave for a city tour of New
Delhi & Old Delhi.
Old
Delhi
Visit-: Raj Ghat where father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated (1948
AD), Red Fort (1639-48) built by builder of Taj Mahal – Shahjahan and famous
for its delicately curved inlaid and marbled Royal Chambers, Jama Masjid
(India’s largest mosque – built of red sandstone and white marble by Emperor
Shahjahan in the 17th Century. Three sides of the great courtyard are
boarded by the delicate cloisters leading out of three gate way the northern
way of the mosque leads on to this once imperial avenue down which rode
lavish cavalcades.
New Delhi
Visit-: Humayun
Tomb(1565AD) aptly called predecessor of Taj Mahal, built by the wife of
Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure
is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of
the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayu's wife is also buried in
tomb.
72 meter high Qutab Tower (12th Century AD)- one of the most perfect tower
in the world, near by amidst the ruins of Quwat-Ul-Eslam Mosque Stands the
iron pillar which does not rust and has stood the vagaries of weather for
1500 years, India Gate (The country memorial to the unknown soldiers), drive
past embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), Govt. Building (1921-30AD) Central
Secretariat, President’s House, Parliament House, Laxmi Narayan Tample,
1938AD & Down town area
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day : 02 Delhi - Samode drive
(260 km)
Morning drive to Samode and on arrival,40 kms
northwest from Jaipur is the splendid Samode Palace set amidst fairy tale
surroundings. Its history goes back more than four and half centuries.
Prithviraj Singh ji of Amber, the seventeenth Prince of the house of
Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons, Gopal
Singhji, along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled
picturesquely amidst rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur
and frescoed walls is one of the most impressive small palaces in whole of
Rajasthan.
The palace is full of architectural delights - the paintings on the walls of
Sultan Mahal, the dinning room with its stained glass windows, the Durbar
Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved walls. The chandeliers
give the palace its old world charm. The Palace has a front lawn, terrace
and boasts of hosting number of incentives every year. Encircled by hills,
it is a refreshing treat with spectacular landscapes. The 400-year-old
palace has a wealth of frescoes, many of them depicting religious subjects.
The ornate interiors are a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture..
Samode Palace :
The history of Samode Palace goes back to more than four and a half
centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house
of Kachhawah Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons - Gopal
Singhji alongwith the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Set cosily in the
scenic rocky hills, Samode Palace with its stately majesty opens a grand
journey into the glorious past through its frescoed corridors. The palace is
full of architectural delights. The birds, animals and flowers painted on
the walls of the Sultan Mahal, the dining room with its stained glass
windows and its collection of old family portraits, the Durbar Hall with its
painted ceilings and intricately carved walls and beautiful chandeliers,
give this palace its ethnic charm. Each room is done up in traditional
Rajasthani style and the antique furniture blends well with the
surroundings. A traditional welcome with camel carts, buggies, elephants and
local musicians is organized on preference. Camel safaris are available.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 03 Samode - Mandawa drive (135 km/3
hours)
Mandwa was founded by
Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha after whom the whole
Shekhawati region was named. Today this small town has come out as a major
centre of handicrafts and furniture industry.
Castle Mandawa
This castle was built in the year 1755 and is approachable through two
gateways mounted with cannons. Several narrow staircases and courtyards
connect the dinning room with the rest of the rooms, which were added to the
palace over the centuries. A terrace offers a view over the entire town. Now
converted into a charming heritage hotel, do not miss to enjoy the dinner in
the open environment of the castle's back lawns
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 04 Mandawa - Bikaner drive
(200 km/4 hours)
Drive to Bikaner
The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the
name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to
establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose
the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner
came into existence.
FORTS AND PALACES
Junagarh Fort: One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh
Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th
century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai
Singh.
MUSEUMS
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: This small museum has a large collection of
pre-Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich collection of pottery,
carpets, paintings, armoury and coins make this museum one of the best in
Rajasthan. The Bikaneri miniatures, which are displayed in a sepetrate
section for local arts, makes visit to the museum a must.
Lalgadh Palace:
Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a
magnificient blend of Oriental and European style
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 05 Bikaner- Khimsar drive
(153 km/4 hours)
Drive to Khimsar
Khimsar is a small village situated around 92 km on the highway from Jodhpur
to Bikaner in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. The village of Khimsar
provides an excellent starting point to explore the district of Nagaur,
which lies midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. There are good road
connections from Khimsar to other important tourist destinations in the
region including Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Nagaur.
Climate Khimsar has an extreme climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Temperatures during the summer months range between 42.2°C and 27.3°C, and
between 27.5°C and 9.5°C during winters. Annual rainfall in this region is
around 31-cm. Recommended clothing for the summer is light tropical while
light woolens should work in the winter
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 06 Khimsar - Jodhpur - Luni
(135 km/5 hours)
Drive to Jodhpur,Jodhpur city is surrounded by
a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is
settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into
life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was
founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite
palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial
grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle,
festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep 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.
PALACES
Umaid Bhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th century under the famine
relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some parts being
retained as a museum.
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble, in
commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers
of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 07 Luni - Ranakpur - Udaipur
(275 km/5 hours)
Luni - The village Luni nestles in the shadow of the
fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal,
clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down
over the centuries by their ancestors. Fort Chanwa Luni is an exceptional
example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture, built by maharaja
Dallip Singh over a hundred years ago. The entire fortress is carved out of
the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice
work friezes and intricate Jharokas, it exquisitely captures the romance and
grace of a bygone age. The fort has been beautifully restored to its former
glory and each room has been created and decorated with its own particular
charm and me many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and
ambience set to capture your heart.
Ranakpur - Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 23
kms. away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing
lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any
fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign
of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An
enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary
shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over
four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are
intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs
playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an
engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108
kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 08 Udaipur
The ā€œCity of Lakes†awaits yours attention on
this day. Morning tour of Udaipur fascinating City Palace. Molded in soft
yellow stone, its windowless bese is crowned with ornate turrets and
canopies. Painting and decorated with color glass and mirrors. The Tout
continues to the garden to the maids of Honor and Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum.
At senset you can cruise around in a boat amidst the romantic water to Lake
Pichola..
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 09 Udaipur - Deogarh
(135 km/3 hours)
Deogarh is a small town in Rajasthan, famous
for the Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh lies in the Rajsamund district, in Southern
Rajasthan - 150 kilometres from Ajmer, off National Highway No 8, running
from Delhi, through Jaipur and Udaipur.The Deogarh Mahal is a 17th century
palace built by Rawat Dwarka Das, a Rajput Jagirdar. The palace stands at a
height of 2100 feet amidst lakes and the enchanting Aravalli mountains. The
bulbous domes and pretty arches make the mahal look like something out of a
storybook.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 10 Deogarh - Pushkar
(185 km/4 hours)
Drive to Pushkar and on arrival,Pushkar is a
sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the north-west of Ajmer.
About 400 temples and shrines are located at Pushkar around its holy lake,
which finds a mention in the Padma Purana. Legend has it that Lord Brahma in
search for a spot to hold his 'yagna' (religious ritual), dropped the lotus
from his hand, the three spots touched by this flower were turned into
lakes. These are today known as the 'Jyeshtha Pushkar' (main Pushkar), the 'Madhyam
Pushkar' (medium Pushkar) and the 'Kanishtha Pushkar' (little Pushkar). A
temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar; the other important
temples are those of Gayatri, Savitri, Shiv and Badri Narayan.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 11 Pushkar - Jaipur drive
(140 km/3 hours)
Morning visit Ajmer and continue to Jaipur,
The Rose Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the
capital of Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the first-time visitor.
Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts &
enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets
with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is
almost magical at sunset.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 12 Jaipur
Morning visit Amer Palace: The magnificent fort
with its huge ramparts & watchtowers, overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.
It is believed to have been the capital of the "Minas", the original
inhabitants of Rajasthan.
City Palace:
Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by
stone elephants, is monumental.
Hawa Mahal: A
Pandora's box of wonders, the enchanting Hawa Mahal is a multi-layered
palace, with a profusion of windows and stone screens.
Jai Garh: Built on a peak, Jai Garh overlooks the palace & city of Amber
below. Jal Mahal is Jaipur's lake palace. It is surrounded with water.
Nahargarh Fort:
Originally called Sudarshan Garh, it affords a splendid view of Jaipur.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day : 13 Jaipur - Dehi
Drive to Delhi and on arrival, check-in at the
hotel.
Day : 14 Delhi - Dep.
At tour conclusion. The Golden Triangle thanks
for your patronage ensure and punctuality for proceed to Delhi after lunch.
And will drop you at Delhi International Airport with sweet memories. |