COLOURS
HERITAGE CULTURE OF ROYAL AND PRINCELY RAJASTHAN
Day 01 Depart London.
Day 02 Arrive Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi you are met and transferred to your
pre booked Hotel.
Delhi - Living testament to the glory of the Mughal days,
patron of palaces and tombs and the capital of India. New
Delhi is all of this and more. Situated about 160 kms south
of the Himalayas and on the west bank of the Yamuna River,
a trib utary
of the Ganges, Delhi has the distinction of being the historic
hub of politics. Delhi is as modern or ancient as you want
it to be. Today's Delhi is cosmopolitan, modern and fun-loving.
With feasts for art and theatre lovers, concerts for the musically
inclined and food that can make a gourmet cry with d elight,
Delhi is a place with something for everyone. People from
all parts of the country inhabit Delhi. There are different
cultural pockets with Punjabi's being the most dominant section
here. The most common languages spoken here besides English
are Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. After a leisurely morning, embark
on a tour of New Delhi – Places you can visit.
Rashtrapati Bhavan - Formerly the Vice-Regal Palace,
it is the official residence of the President of India. This
340-room palace and its gardens cover an area of 330 acres.
Special permission has to be obtained in advance to visit
the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
Qutub Minar - The emblem of Delhi, the 72.55 meter
high Qutub Minar was erected in the 13th century by Qutub-Ud-Din
Aibak. Within the complex is an Iron pillar, which has never
rusted. This five-storied tower is visible from a distance
of several kilometers. Which means that you could be visiting
a lot of places in Delhi and the Qutub Minar stays with you.
Rajpath – Rajpath is worth a visit. Every January
26, the grand Republic Day Parade is held there. At one end,
is the India Gate where the eternal flame burns to commemorate
India's war heroes. At the other end is the Presidential Palace,
the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On some days in early spring, visitors
are allowed to wander around the building's famed Mughal Gardens.
Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is an observatory. About 300
years old, it can measure the
movement of the earth and the stars. It is also a very peaceful
park in the centre of town. India Gate - This massive 42m
tall structure was built as a memorial to the 90,000 Indian
soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The structure
has the names of the soldiers engraved on it. An eternal flame
burns here in commemoration of the brave soldiers. Lodi Gardens
- These beautiful gardens have majestic domed tombs of many
Sayyid and Lodi
Sultans. The well-kept gardens with fountains, ponds, flowering
trees, blossoming shrubs and bushes are ideal places for joggers
and those who seek solitude.
Humayun's Tomb - Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor
Humayun built this mausoleum in the mid 16th century. The
tomb is situated amidst avenues of trees, watercourses and
flowerbeds. A magnificent example of refined early Mughal
architecture, the structure harmoniously blends with nature.
Connaught Place - Connaught Place is an upmarket shopping
area designed by Edwin Lutyens who also designed the whole
of New Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi – Mandawa (by surface 260 kms time
taken 6 hrs)
After breakfast leave by surface for Mandawa. Upon arrival
in Mandawa check in at your pre booked Hotel. Mandawa in the
Shekhawati region known as "the open air art gallery"
of Rajasthan. The Castle Mandawa, a rugged and handsome fort,
featuring war-scarred turrets, lofty domes and ancient cannons,
offers gracious hospitality with modern comforts for your
night stay. Visit enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region.
The many havelis (town mansions) are covered with frescoes
painted by local artists.
Day 04 Mandawa – Bikaner (by surface230 kms
time taken 5 hrs)
After breakfast leave by surface for the city of Bikaner.
Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika, second son of the founder
of Jodhpur. The city figured importantly on the great caravan
trade routes. A long city wall encircles the old city while
all important buildings, including the fort and the palaces,
are outside the city walls. The Ganga Canal, built between
1925 and 1927, brought prosperity to this otherwise arid desert
region.Enjoy your stay at historic hotel, carved out of red
sandstone and still inhabited by the royal family. Upon arrival
in Bikaner check in at your pre booked Hotel. Afternoon your
visit includes Junagarh Fort & Museum - The late 16th
century fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh, a general
in the army of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. It housed palaces
inside and subsequent Maharajas added luxurious suites. Don't
miss the beautiful diwan-e-khas (private audience hall), Anup
Mahal, Badal Mahal, Gaj Mandir and Hawa Mahal. A major feature
of the fort and palaces is the superb quality of stone carvings.
Several rooms at the fort house an interesting collection
of royal vestments, armory (enormous bore guns used from the
back of camels), Maharaja Ganga Singh's 56 kilogram suit of
armour, sword with ivory and crystal handles and a biplane
presented to Ganga Singhji by the British during World War
I. There are supposed to be only two models of this plane
in the world.
Lallgarh Palace - One of the most impressive palaces
constructed during the last half of the nineteenth century;
the Lallgarh Palace defies the bleak and rugged reality of
the harsh Thar Desert around Bikaner. Lallgarh Palace was
the most completely integrated example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Ganga golden Jubilee Museum - Don't miss the exhibits at this
interesting museum. You can enjoy terra-cotta ware, traditional
Rajasthani musical instruments, a miniature of the Royal Bikaner
train, antique carpets and royal vestments. You can also see
the royal decree of Prince Jehangir advising Rai Singh to
immediately proceed to Delhi as Emperor Akbar is dying.
.
Camel Breeding Farm - Just 8 km away from the city,
at the govt. run camel breeding farm, you discover a lot about
the Ship of the Desert. You learn that the long-haired camel
with hair on its ears is the Bikaner variety, famed for its
strength. The light-coloured ones are the ones from Jaisalmer,
and are prized for their speed. The dark-coloured camels come
from Gujarat and the female camels are prized for their milk-producing
capacity.
Day 05 Bikaner – Jaisalmer (by surface
320 kms time taken 5 ½ hrs)
After breakfast leave by surface for Jaisalmer - a fascinating
city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden
mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands
in awesome splendor. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress
is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer,
an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic
location on the camel trade routes, is often described as
the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the
19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone
and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by
Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high
Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual
desert festival take place in January and February each year
and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous
for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets,
antique,
stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert.
Day 06 Jaisalmer
Today morning you can explore the visit of Jaisalmer city
includes. Jaisalmer Fort - Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler,
Jaisala, the fort stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill.
The fort is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions.
Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed
many battles between the Bhattis, the mughals and the rathors
of Jodhpur.
Jain Temples - Within the fort complex lie the beautifully
carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but
were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion.
There are 7 temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath,
Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev
Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of corridors
and walkways. Closeby is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded
in 1500 A.D. This house is priceless ancient manuscripts and
other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain
equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
Laxminath Temple - It is located in a centre of the
fort. The less ornate Hindu
 temple
in the complex features an interesting dome that exhibits
fine paintings.
Havelis - Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel
terrain route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous
and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their
ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow
sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent
condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer
havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between
1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened
to visitors. Gadi Sagar Tank- Once the source of water supply
to the city. The tank is surrounded by shrines and temples
and a variety of waterfowl can be spotted here in the winter
months
Added Attraction - Sunset camel ride on the Sam Sand Dunes
A trip to Jaisalmer is in incomplete without this visit to
most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where
the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns on this
desert sand. truly the essence of the desert, the ripples
of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the Sam
Sand Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into desert life
from Jaisalmer itself! Camel rides on the Sand Dunes are a
thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset.
Day 07 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (by surface 290 kms
time taken 5 hrs) After breakfast leave by surface for Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check in at your pre booked Hotel.
Jodhpur -An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur
is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing
this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history
that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning
tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and
tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur
has them all and in plenty.
Day 08 Jodhpur
Morning city tour of Jodhpur visiting.
Mehrangarh Fort - Considered one of India's best forts,
this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep
hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It
is also a beautiful fort and
undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows,
elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak
of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are
in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling.
Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second
largest cannon in Asia rests, the recoil of which requires
an area as large as a football field. Umaid Bhawan Palace
- If forts can be ornate, this is a palace we are talking
about. The Umaid Bhavan Palace was built in the 20th century
as a famine relief project, providing employment to its people
over a time period of 16 long years. And if the Mehrangarh
fort is the jewel, the Umaid Bhavan comes a very close second.
A fabulous art-deco edifice, Umaid Bhawan is fabulously maintained
and contains within, the museum - a veritable treasure-trove
of memorabilia showcasing the royal past of Jodhpur. Peek
into a little of everything that royalty lived with - from
tea sets and clocks to paintings and royal apparel. The palace
now operates as a heritage hotel, though part of it is retained
as the royal residence. Jaswant Thada -Close to the fort complex,
this 19th century cenotaph was built in white marble, in commemoration
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's
past rulers are also displayed here.
Walk around and savour the intricate work both on the lattices
and the doors. The gardens and water tank built in front of
the cenotaph provide this place the perfect setting for serenity.
Day 09 Jodhpur – Udaipur (by surface 275
kms time taken 5 hrs) via
Ranakpur
This morning depart for Udaipur. Stop en route and tour the
beautifully sculpted 15th century Jain Temples of Ranakpur.
Continue your journey, stopping for Optional lunch at Maharani
Bagh - a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharana
of Jodhpur. Upon arrival in Udaipur check in at your pre booked
Hotel.
 Udaipur - the city of lakes, also known as "the
Venice of the East", is the second most visited city
in Rajasthan after Jaipur. A royal past makes itself evident
in every nook and corner in Udaipur. Whether it is the ornate
doors that are entrances to people's homes or the palaces,
gardens and monuments, Udaipur gives one a glimpse of what
the place would have looked like in its time of glory. Founded
by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568, and considered the jewel of
Mewar, Udaipur's air is filled with a strong sense of romance,
adventure and the best of Rajputana.
Day 10 Udaipur
This Morning Tour the famous "City of Lakes," known
as Udaipur, one of the most picturesque and romantic cities
of India. Visit City Palace - Built in 1725, the grand City
Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking
the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful
palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal
residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument
is an architectural wonder in
granite and marble.
Jagdish Temple - Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh,
this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located.In
the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble
image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part
of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble.
Fateh Sagar -Originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh,
Fateh Sagar was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the
rains destroyed the dam. The garden island in the middle of
the lake is Nehru Park, which also has a cafe. You can also
hire pedal boats to tour the lake. Lake Pichola - With its
main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the
lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir Lake Pichola is about 4 km in
length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat
of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city
palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you
can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat.
Shilpgram - Udaipur has some fabulous handicrafts,
which is why Shilpagram or the art village is a great place
to go to. A craft bazaar, it is on the outskirts of Udaipur,
about 3 km from Fateh Sagar. The place showcases crafts from
Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Rajasthan, and you can pick
up quite a lot of wonderful pieces from here.
Bharatiya Lok Kala - Udaipur Folk Museum Conserving
local folk arts like paintings, dolls, masks and musical instruments,
this museum can be quite an eye opener on everything from
the society that exists here to the talent and creativity
of its people.City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted
balconies and cupolas Saheliyon ki Bari Garden and the folklore
museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets
typical to this area.
Day 11 Udaipur – Deogarh (by surface 140 kms time
taken 3 hrs)
After breakfast leave by surface for Deogarh. Upon arrival
in Deogarh check in at your pre booked Hotel.
Day 12 Deogarh – Jaipur (by surface 295 kms
time taken 4 – 5 hrs)
 After breakfast leave by surface for Jaipur. Jaipur -popularly
known as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II. Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra –
an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture – Jaipur follows
a grid system. Jaipur's regal heritage is evident in its architecture
and culture. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive
monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence
of Maharajas are testaments to the Rajasthan of yesteryears.
The arts and crafts of the state are amazing. You'll find
elaborately fashioned jewellery, the multi-coloured 'bandhini'
fabrics, richly decorated handlooms, and other trinkets at
the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. These bazaars are a lot of
fun not just what's available, but also for the cheerful people
in their traditional costumes..
Day 13 Jaipur
Today morning we visit
Amber Fort - in the Aravali Hills, which is a super
example of Rajput (medieval Hindu) style Architecture.
City Palace - A magnificent structure, the palace
occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur and is a
wonderful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Constructions
and additions to the palace continued until twentieth century.
The palace houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, Mughal carpets, costumes
and textiles, arms and weapons, objects of art and royal paraphernalia.
Hawa Mahal - The enchanting Hawa Mahal is a multi-layered
palace, with a profusion of windows and stone screens.
Jantar Mantar -Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories
built by Maharaj Jai Singh, in 1718. He was an avid Astronomer
and loved to study the movements of stars. It is the one of
largest and the best preserved observatories today. A collection
of complex astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone
- most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information
to this day - is the highlight of the observatory. Constructed
with stone and marble, its complex instruments whose setting
and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent
the high -points of Medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14 Jaipur – Agra (by surface 240 kms
time taken 5 hrs) enroute
Visit Fatehpur Sikri. A fter breakfast leave by surface for
Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival in Agra check
in at your pre booked Hotel. Agra was the chosen city of the
Mughal emperors during the early years. It was here that the
founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian
garden on the banks of the River Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his
grandson, raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort.
Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts
and gardens. Shah Jehan embellished it with marbled mosques,
palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. At Sikandra,
on the outskirts of Agra, Akbar built his own garden ausoleum.
And at Fatehpur Sikri he created a whole new city - a leap
of the imagination that made real a unique concept of planning
and design and gave expression to a style of architecture
that was a perfect blend of Islamic spatial concepts and the
Hindu genius for decorative sculpture. Across the river, Jehangir's
gifted queen, Noor Jehan, designed an exquisite marble-inlaid
tomb for her parents. But Agra's crowning glory remains the
Taj Mahal, a monument to love built by Shah Jehan in memory
of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal.
Afternoon proceed for the city tour of Agra visiting the Agra
Fort - Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story
to tell than the Great Fort of Agra. Originally planned as
an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort,
over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness
and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 3 km upstream
of the Taj Mahal on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra
Fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim
Khan, his Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul. It took
eight years to complete and entailed an expenditure of three
and a half million rupees.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb - About 4 km north of the Taj,
on the left bank of the Yamuna, is the perfectly proportioned
marble mausoleum of ltmad-ud-Daulah. Noor Jehan constructed
this splendid marble monument in her father's memory. This
double-storied marble tomb is replete with mosaic, inlaid
with semi-precious stones.
Day 15 Agra – Delhi (by surface 210 kms time
taken 4 ½ hrs)
Very early morning visit the Famous Taj Mahal at Sunrise.
This is a breathtaking view- the mausoleum built by a sorrowing
Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The
Building’s stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent
white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel
are truly breathtaking. Later leave by surface for Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your pre booked Hotel. Afternoon
Half day tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid,
one of the largest mosques in India was built by Shah Jahan.
The Masjid overlooks the old markets of the city that are
massed around Chandni Chowk and stretches till the great Red
Fort. Walking through this area can prove to be a trip down
the times, where the flavor of old Mughal charm still lingers.
Purana Qila -This is the sixth city of Delhi. Located
south-east of India Gate, it is one of the most prominent
monuments in Delhi. Humayun started the fort's construction
but Sher Shah, who drove him out from Delhi, completed the
city during his own reign (1538-1545). The massive walls and
huge gates were constructed by Humayun. The octagonal Shermandal
and the Quila-i-Kuhran Masjid were built by Sher Shah. Red
Fort -Also called the Lal Qila, the Red Fort is laid out along
the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded
by a wall of about 2.4 kms in circumference and is built of
red sandstone. The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan transferred his
capital from Agra to Delhi and after nine years, the fort
was completed in 1648. The fort has two main entrances, the
Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at
the Typical Indian Restaurant with a presentation of Indian
music and dance.
Day 16 Leave Delhi.
You are transferred to International airport for your onward
flight
COST
Per Person on Twin / Double Room Basis
Sterling Pounds 1570 Per Person (Inclusive Of International
Air Fare)
( Single Room Supplement Sterling Pounds 595 )
| COST INCLUDES |
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International Flight |
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Airport Taxes |
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Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis with breakfast. |
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All transfers, sightseeing and road transportation by
Air conditioned Vehicle |
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Use of Local English speaking guide for city tours. |
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Entrances to Monuments. |
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Farewell Dinner in Delhi with Dances of India. |
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01 Camel Ride with Dinner in Jaisalmer |
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01 Lunch in Ranakpur |
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Service of an Indian Company Escort for the Round Trip
for More than 10 Persons traveling on the group |
| COST DOES NOT INCLUDES |
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Insurance of any kind |
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Visa Charges |
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Expenses of personal nature |
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Meals :- Lunch and dinner |
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Camera & Video Charges |
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Tips |
| Accomodation |
| Place |
Hotels |
|
| »
|
Delhi |
Park Land /Africa Avenue |
|
| »
|
Mandawa |
Castle Mandawa |
|
| » |
Bikaner |
Gajner Palace |
|
| » |
Jaisalmer |
Fort Rajwada |
|
| » |
Jodhpur |
Ajit Bhawan |
|
| » |
Udaipur |
Radisson / Trident (Deluxe Garden View Room) |
|
| » |
Deogarh |
Deogarh Mahal |
|
| » |
Jaipur |
Golden Tulip/ Country Inn & Suites |
|
| » |
Agra |
Clarks Shiraz/ Howard Park Plaza |
|
| Departure Dates - Guaranteed
Group Departure & Price even if we have just 2 Persons |
| Group Code |
Departure Dates |
Arrival Date |
| »
|
RPR 01 |
08 November 09 |
23 November 09 |
| » |
RPR 02 |
06 December 09 |
21 December 09 |
| » |
RPR 03 |
24 January 10 |
08 February 10 |
| » |
RPR 04 |
07 February 10 |
22 February 10 |
| » |
RPR 05 |
14 March 10 |
29 March 10 |
|
