Rajasthan Heritage Tour 26 Days

If you are on India Tour and you don't experience the heritage of the country, your tour will not be complete. So, presenting you the Rajasthan Tour, this will take you through the heritage and legacy of the country. You will start from Delhi experiencing the modernity and yester years of the state and will move towards Rajasthan, visiting Jaipur, Mandawa and Bikaner. The state is known for its massive and gargantuan buildings, so will you experience here. Apart from these huge buildings, the city Jodhpur and Jaisalmer also serves you one of the most unique characteristic of Camel Riding, which is seriously an enchanting way of exploring the vast Thar Desert. The next is a wonderful sightseeing of Mount Abu and Udaipur, the most gorgeous cities of Rajasthan from where you will move to Chittaurgarh and Ranthambore. Ranthambore is a world famous Tiger Reserve which is full of vibrant and rich flora and fauna. You will then move towards Agra, enrooting Fatehpur Sikri where you will visit Taj, the great monument of love considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next you will visit is Khajuraho, very famous for its erotic sculptures and temples and is also considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then the final destination is Varanasi, the most scared and holy city of India, where you will visit the scared temples of India near the divine river Ganga..

Itinerary Details

Destinations Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

Day: 01 - ARRIVAL DELHI
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI: the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight stay at Delhi.

Day: 02 - DELHI SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast our company guide will meet you at hotel lobby and proceed to sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi,

Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Evening Proceed to see the DANCES OF INDIA show in the evening,

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day: 03 - DELHI - JAIPUR
Morning breakfast at hotel, and proceed to Jaipur by road,

JAIPUR: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Proceed to Jaipur and check in at hotel and relax, Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day: 04 - JAIPUR
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Continue sight-seeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Relax in the evening or visit the markets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day: 05 - JAIPUR - MANDAWA
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandawa by road,

MANDAWA: The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking View of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.

Day: 06 - MANDAWA - BIKANER
Morning breakfast at hotel, and proceed by road to Bikaner,

On arrival Bikaner transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel in Bikaner,

Day: 07 - BIKANER
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner,

BIKANER: Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.

Also visit Mahensar and meet the local village chief who is also one of the best wine makers in Rajasthan.

Proceed to Bikaner. Reach and check in at hotel.

Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here - Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Camels are the prime helpers. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy.

Bikaner's history date backs to 1488 AD when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them.

Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called "jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji after the Founder's Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from west/Central Asia, made it a Prime trade center in the times of the year.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.

Day: 08 - BIKANER - JAISALMER
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.

Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Visit the Old City and the Karni Mata Temple. Also visit the one of the wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.

Continue drive to Jaisalmer. Reach and proceed to the hotel.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

Day: 09 - JAISALMER
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer.

It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. (It is a huge water reservoir which is man made and looks like a pristine lake in the middle of the desert.

Also visit Barabagh Hill. The sunset is best enjoyed from here.

In the evening enjoy your time visiting the FORT at leisure and roaming in the lanes exploring the ancient city architecture.

Overnight will be at hotel.

Day: 10 - JAISALMER - OSIYAN - JODHPUR

Proceed to Jodhpur in the morning after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

On your way, stop at Osiyan.

Osiyan was a religious and trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sixteen Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period are located here. Dominated by the Jains during this period, the town has special significance for Jains because it is associated with the origin of the Oswal Jain community of merchants who became very wealthy through trade. This wealth enabled them to build the beautiful temples. Built from local sandstone, the buildings have withstood time and are in excellent condition.

Reach Jodhpur by early evening.

JODHPUR: Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Evening proceed to visit UMED BHAWAN PALACE. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day: 11 - JODHPUR
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Enjoy a walk of the blue city in the early evening and then proceed for a roof top dinner at a local restaurant with a breathtaking view of the MEHRANGARH FORT.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day: 12 - JODHPUR - MOUNT ABU
Morning breakfast at hotel, and proceed by road to Mount abu,

MOUNT ABU: The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull.

On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan.

On arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

Day: 13 - MOUNT ABU
Morning leisurely breakfast at Mount abu,

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Mount abu

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day: 14 - MOUNT ABU - UDAIPUR
After breakfast drive to Udaipur.

Continue drive to Udaipur after a relaxing breakfast. Reach Udaipur and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day: 15 - UDAIPUR
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day: 16 - UDAIPUR - CHITTAURGARH
After breakfast in the morning proceed for Udaipur via Chittaurgarh

Chittaurgarh: Visit the grand Fort of Chittaur epitomizing the romance of Rajput Chivalry.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day: 17 - CHITTAURGARH - KOTA
After breakfast proceed to Kota by road,

We set out to uncover one of the beautiful sculptures of Rajasthan .Bundi, set in a narrow encircling is one of the least explored regions. The Bundi palace presents a fine example of Rajput architecture with its carved bracket, pillars, and balconies. Within the palace lies the famous Chitrashala , which is a store of splendid paintings. Kota we see the Raj Mahal Palace and the museum.

Return to your hotel at Bundi and stay overnight.

Day: 18 - KOTA
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of kota,

Overnight stay at Kota,

Day: 19 - KOTA - SAWAI MADHOPUR (RANTHAMBORE)
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to Ranthambore,

Reach and transfer to the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch some slides on the tiger.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type, further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree are good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.

Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently around mid-April. During the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted atop hills are noticeable.

Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and 'crocodile bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are highly relished by Sloth Bears. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck weeds, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck (another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in the National Park is common in Devpura area, in the outskirts of the park.

Overnight at resort,

Day: 20 - RANTHAMBORE
A full day game viewing inside the jungle (Two safaris) and Overnight at the resort,

Day: 21 - RANTHAMBORE - AGRA
Drive to Agra after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.

Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day: 22 - AGRA SIGHTSEEING
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra visiting.

Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan's second Wife).

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Afternoon proceed to delhi by road, on arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Day: 23 - AGRA - JHANSI - KHAJURAHO
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.

Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Continue drive to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Watch the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temples.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day: 24 - KHAJURAHO - VARANASI
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for a tour of the FAMOUS WESTERN & EASTERN TEMPLES of Khajuraho.

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.

Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day: 25 - VARANASI SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Daswamedh Ghat early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.

Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge.

Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return for breakfast to the hotel.

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day: 26 - VARANASI - DELHI
Morning breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to catch flight to delhi,

Reach Delhi and proceed to the restaurant for a FAREWELL DINNER and GHAZAL SHOW before driving to the airport for flight home (early morning of the next day) with sweet memories of India.

TOUR END