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Duration: 10 Days |
Delhi-Agra-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Fatehpur Sikri |
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Day 01 |
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Fly to New Delhi , the capital of India . Transfer to the Hotel. Halt overnight in the Hotel.
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Day 02 |
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In Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi , Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple , Humayun's Tomb (1586) , the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place the heart and main shopping district of the capital. We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour includes visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square ) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi , on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra ) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. |
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Day 03 |
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Transfer to airport to connect your flight to Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. Udaipur is also popularly known as the "City of sunrise ". Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun God. You will be taken to the Hotel. Afternoon, we proceed on a tour of this " Lake City ". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art. We would also have an opportunity to visit the bustling bazaars or simply enjoy your charming heritage hotel overlooking the Lake city. Halt overnight.
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Day 04 |
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Udaipur / Narlai (120 Kms)
Following breakfast we ride to Narlai, stopping several times for photos and walks through the countryside to interact with and witness the life styles of the natives. Upon arrival check into Rawla Narlai. Situated in the Narlai village, Rawla Narlai, is a 17th century fortress renovated over the years to have 15 exquisite double rooms. Rawla Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village bustling with activity and bursting with colours. But, inside the Rawla (fortress) there is only serenity and stupendous view of a gigantic350 ft single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples and crowned by a statue of a white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other. Halt overnight.
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Day 05 |
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Narlai / Rohet
After breakfast, we ride out to Rohet. In the afternoon explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dust trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc. Halt overnight.
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Day 06 |
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Following breakfast, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages where tradition centuries old still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here. Later, we drive to Jodhpur Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur . Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Tara - the Royal Crematorium. Following the tour, you can go to Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India 's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc Halt overnight.
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Day 07 |
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Jodhpur / Jaipur (365kms)
This morning, drive to one of India 's most colorful and dynamic cities, Jaipu, a vast open-air museum of bazaars, gardens, and fanciful pink architecture.Settle into your room in a converted 200-year-old palace graced with fine art and antiques, and lavish grounds where folkloric entertainment is often staged. As evening approaches, you can walk through the city, where every lane and byway pulsates with an endless procession of camels and elephants, brilliantly attired people, and free-roaming cows. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting. Halt overnight. |
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Day 08 |
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Jaipur
There are many interesting places in Jaipur that will catch your attention. In the morning visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake , and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills. We shall also visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens. |
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Day 09 |
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Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (240 kms)
Following breakfast drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri . This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. Afternoon, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects. And of course the Taj Mahal cannot be missed. Halt overnight. |
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Day 10 |
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Departure |
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