Welcome at "THE HOLY CITY VARANASI".
Varanasi, or Banaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living
cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually
unrivalled. Mark Twain, the English author and literateur, who was enthralled
by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote : "Banaras is older
than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice
as old as all of them put together".
Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days Places Covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni
- Udaipur - Deogarh - Khajrela - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi Day 01:Abroad / Delhi
Arrive late night at New Delhi International airport. On arrival the guest will
be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival at hotel
the guests will be provided with the traditional Indian welcome. Consisting
of aarti-tikka and garlands.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. This morning you will be taken to visit
Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments,
narrow streets and bustling bazaars.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Upon arrival check in at Hotel . Late afternoon visit the Shekhawati region.
Walk through the Shekhawati region, which was the stronghold of Kayamkhani
Nawabs till 1730. Besides the cenotaphs, wells, forts and temples the majority
of frescoes are painted on the walls and gateways of Havelis.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner - Gajner
Upon arrival in Bikaner lunch at one of the hotels followed by city tour.
City sightseeing tour of Bikaner, this desert town in the north of the state
was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur,
Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja
Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.
Day 05 : Gajner - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - is India's most exotic and unusual town - a medieval looking place,
straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights'. This beautiful city is
situated inside a huge mud fort and grew as a result of its strategic position
on the trading route between India and Central Asia bringing great wealth
to the city.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit this perfect Rajput walled desert city which is like
a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain
temples and magnificent Havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated
and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade
Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni
City tour of Jodhpur - the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur
stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha. Chief
of the Rajput clan known as Rathores and the Rathore kingdom was once known
as Marwar - the Land of Death.
Day 08 : Luni - Udaipur
Early morning visit the surrounding villages and witness their daily lifestyle
of living and enjoy cup of tea / coffee with them.
Day 09: Udaipur
Morning, city tour of Udaipur - the romantic Lake City in Southern Rajasthan,
famous for the stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake
Pichola. It was the former Palace of the Maharana and now converted to one
of the most glamorous hotels in India.
Day 10: Udaipur - Deogarh
Ranakpur temples: A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating back to the 15th
century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple
abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures.
Day 11: Deogarh - Khajrela
Khajrela seems to rise out of the Narwar plains like a sentinel. A sturdy
fort, it is quite simple and uses very little ornamentation to break the almost
forbidding exterior. The interiors too are simple and neat where the guests
can look forward to genuine Rajput hospitality. In the surrounding area has
several interesting temples, cenotaphs and stepwells and for the more adventurous
- camels are available to explore the countryside and visit Raika and Bisnoi
villages.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Khajrela - Pushkar
After breakfast drive to Pushkar (180 kms) enroute visiting the Dargah at
Ajmer. Ajmer, is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India.
Ajmer is a green oasis on the shore of Ana Sagar Lake, hemmed in by barren
hills. Historically, Ajmer has always had great strategic importance. It was
founded in 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan.
Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur
Afternoon tour of "Pink City" - Surrounded on three sides by the
rugged Aravali hills, Jaipur is the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. It takes
its name from the prince, soldier and astronomer Jai Singh II who moved his
capital here in 1727.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Jaipur
Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur
City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for
the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the
time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took
over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight
into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Day 15 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Fatehpur Sikri - the impressive sandstone fortress was built in the 16th century
and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings
in virtually perfect conditions. Thereafter, visit the Taj Mahal, the guests
will board the 'decorated tongas' (horse carriage) which will take them to
Taj Mahal…… Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra.
Day 16 : Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red Fort. Red Fort- lies on the
bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it
as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It
has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Best
of India Holidays