Essence Of Rajasthan

Package Name: Essence Of Rajasthan

Duration: 16 Nights – 17 Days

Location: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi Departure

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT DELHI

• Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. (Our representative will meet you at outside of EXIT GATE NO – 05).
• Transfer to Hotel.
• Check in at hotel.
• Overnight at hotel – Aura.

DAY 02: DELHI – MANDAWA (240 KM /6HRS)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and Proceed to Mandawa.
• Check in at hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing of Mandawa, visit Mandawa fort located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture, Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants and camels on its facade. Goenka Double Haveli built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its facade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combine traditional frescoes of horses & elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars & the Wright Brothers’ plane.
• Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: MANDAWA – BIKANER (200KM/5HRS)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Bikaner.
• Arrive at Bikaner.
• Check in at hotel.
• After check in take some rest and proceed to sightseeing of Bikaner visit – Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. Anup Mahal now displays the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King’s Orders).
• Overnight at hotel – Hotel Sagar.

DAY 04: BIKANER / JAISALMER

• After breakfast at hotel check out and transfer to Jaisalmer.
• Arrive at Jaisalmer.
• Afternoon sightseeing of Jaisalmer – Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only “Living Fort” in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.
• Overnight at hotel – Hotel Royal.

DAY 05: JAISALMER (Tented Camp)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and proceed to Tented Camp of Jaisalmer – 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.
• Camel Safari at Dunes.
• Dinner with in house folk dance and music.
• Overnight at Tented Camp (Deluxe).

DAY 06: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (290 KM / 6 HRS)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and proceed to Jodhpur.
• Arrive at Jodhpur.
• Check in at hotel.
• Half day sightseeing of Jodhpur visit Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. The Fort Museum,We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
• Overnight at hotel – Hotel Kuchaman Haveli.

DAY 07: JODHPUR /UDAIPUR (250 KM / 6 HRS)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Udaipur.
• On the way visit Ranakpur – Beautifully sculptured Jain Temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain Community. These were created in the 15th Century.
• Arrive at Udaipur.
• Check in at hotel and rest of time at leisure.
• Overnight at hotel – Pichola Haveli.

DAY 08: UDAIPUR

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Half day sightseeing of Udaipur Visit City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen’s court, Jagdish Temple, the Indo – Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur. Boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing Ghats & embankments.
• Return to hotel.
• Overnight at hotel – Pichola Haveli.

DAY 09: UDAIPUR – JAIPUR (400 kms / 7 hrs drive)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Jaipur.
• Arrive at Jaipur.
• Check in at hotel.
• Rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight at hotel – Hotel Sarang Palace / Nahargarh Haveli.

DAY 10: JAIPUR

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning visit Amber fort – the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
• Elephant ride subject to availability – Limited elephant first come first basis.(Direct payment by guest)
• Return to hotel.
• Afternoon visit City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
• Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five – storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799.
• Return to hotel.
• Evening Visit to Chokhi Dhani (Optional Tour) – An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
• Overnight at hotel – Sarang palace / Nahargarh Haveli.

DAY 11: JAIPUR /AGRA (232 KM /5HRS)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Agra .
• Check in at hotel.
• Afternoon visit of Taj mahal – symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal than visit Agra Fort.
• Overnight at hotel – Crystal Inn.

DAY 12 : AGRA

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning visit Fatehpur Sikri – Akbar old capacity visit shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisti, palace of Jodha Bai, panch mahal and various attraction, then drive to Agra. On arrival Agra visit Agra fort- taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century.
• Return to hotel.
• Afternoon visit AGRA FORT.
• Overnight at hotel – Crystal Inn.

DAY 13: AGRA – JHANSI by Shatabdi Train and JHANSI TO KHAJURAHO by road

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and proceed to Agra railway station.
• Board the train for Jhansi.
• Arrive at Jhansi and proceed to Khajuraho.
• Arrive at Khajuraho and evening visit one set of Temple.
• Overnight at Hotel – Usha Bundela.

DAY 14: KHAJURAHO – VARANASI by Flight

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning visit Temples of Khajuraho is well known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptures. Situated in the heart of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it lies in the forested plains of the region of Bundelkhand. The Khajuraho temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries by the warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty. However, the definite reason behind such mass scale temple construction that is now over a thousand years old remains unknown. According to local legend, these temples were built by the first Chandela raja to atone his mother’s sin, whose consummation with the Moon god heralded the start of the Chandela dynasty.
• Return to hotel, Check out and transfer to Varanasi by Flight.
• Arrive at Varanasi.
• Transfer to Hotel.
• Evening visit the Evening Prayer at Varanasi Ghat.
• Return to hotel.
• Overnight at hotel Zeeras or similar.

DAY 15: VARANASI

• Early morning during sun rise Boat ride at Ganges.
• Return to hotel.
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple. In the evening enjoy the Rickshaw ride (Optional) while exploring this old city – Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon, also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC symbolize both Ashoka’s imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.
• Afternoon visit Ganges Ghat.
• Return to hotel.
• Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: VARANASI – DELHI by Flight

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Airport for Delhi Flight.
• Arrive at Delhi.
• Transfer to Hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing of Delhi – Humayun Tomb and Drive tour of India Gate and President House.
• Overnight at hotel Aura.

DAY 17: DELHI – DEPARTURE

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Check out and transfer to Delhi International Airport for onward journey.

Mandawa fort located in the very heart of Mandawa & a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture , Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior & interior walls with elephants and camels on its facade. Goenka Double Haveli built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants & horses decorating its facade.

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. It is located 330 kilometres northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner, the city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganges Canal, completed in 1928, and the Indira Gandhi Canal, completed in 1987, facilitated its development. Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Anup Mahal now displays the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King’s Orders).

Jaisalmer nicknamed “The Golden city”, is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located 575 kilometres west of the state capital Jaipur. Once known as Jaisalmer state it is a World Heritage Site. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert). It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District. Camel Safari at Dunes.

Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and officially the second metropolitan city of the state. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name. The capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. The city is known as the “Sun City” for the bright and sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. Jodhpur is also known as the “Blue City” because of the blue colours that decorate many of the houses in the old city area. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades.

Udaipur also known as the “City of Lakes,” the “Venice of the East,” or the “Kashmir of Rajasthan,” is a major city, municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. It was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia clan of Rajput, when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur. Five major lakes, namely Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichola Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Rang Sagar and Doodh Talai Lake.

Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Jaipur is also known as the Pink City of India. Amber fort – the palace complex was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Jaigarh Fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts overlooking Jaipur city. City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone.

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is a major tourist destination because of its many Mughal-era buildings, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Varanasi also known as Banaras or Kashi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of North India. A major religious hub in India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon. Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. The Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC, symbolize both Ashoka’s imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.

Khajuraho is well known all over the world for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptures. Situated in the heart of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it lies in the forested plains of the region of Bundelkhand. According to local legend, these temples were built by the first Chandela raja to atone his mother’s sin, whose consummation with the Moon god heralded the start of the Chandela dynasty.