HOME
Rajasthan Tour Packages
Rajasthan Imperial Tour
Rajasthan Imperial Tour
Places
to See : Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu -
Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Delhi
Duration : 23
Nights / 24 Days
Day 01: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel.
Reach Jaipur. A warm
welcome at the station/airport or hotel(if arriving by surface) by
local tour manager.
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 it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. 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.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 02: Jaipur
- Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for 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. It's
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed
to JAIGARH FORT.
JAIGARH FORT - Jaigarh used to be the royal
arsenal. The view of the city of Jaipur from this picturesque fort on top of
a hill is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Return to city.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day
03: Jaipur - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for morning sightseeing
of Jaipur covering the important palaces and monuments.
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. Its
five-storey structure 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.
Shopping in the city. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 04: Jaipur - Mandawa - By road covering 160 km in 3hr.
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for 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. Built in
1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the
city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms 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. A two hundred and
forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family into a fine
example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all traces of
the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War scarred turrets,
lofty domes, heroic cannons that seem to look down at you, as silent
retainers in green appear to whisk you away, the tails of their orange
'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze, mark your arrival to the fanciest
destination in Shekhawati. Caparisoned camels and horses saunter in,
carrying the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal
Welcome. In the Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah and wander
in the under the high ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where the walls
adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era
that was royal, rich and resplendent.
Relax for the evening.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 05: Mandawa - Breakfast at hotel.
From Castle Mandawa you will 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.
Shopping
in the evening and spending time with the local villagers.
Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 06: Mandawa - Bikaner - By road
covering 200 km in 4hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bikaner.
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city
with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is
dotted with many sand dunes. 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. 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.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 07: Bikaner - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach and
check in at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded
this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort,
constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul
Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel Country".
Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 08: Bikaner - Jaisalmer - By
road covering 340 km in 6hr. Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for Jaisalmer. 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.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight 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. Also visit
Barabagh Hill.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10: Jaisalmer - Breakfast at hotel. Day will be free
to explore the culture of this unique city.
In the afternoon,
visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a
camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. It
can be an unforgettable experience.
Return to the village to
drive back to Jaisalmer after a Rajasthani dinner served in the village
amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - By road covering 330 km in
6hr. Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur. Reach and
check in at hotel.
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 MehrangarhFort 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.
Relax in the evening or proceed
for shopping. Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 12: Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse
into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game)
and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while
driving along the countryside.
Afternoon 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. Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN
PALACE.
Overnight at Jodhpur.
Day 13: Jodhpur -
Mt Abu - By road covering 320 km in 7hr. Proceed to Mt Abu
after breakfast. Reach Mt. Abu. Transfer to hotel.
At 1,200 meters, Mount Abu is the highest point of the Aravalli range
passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan. It is build
around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to the legend,
the place derives its name from ARBUDA, a serpent who descended to the spot
to rescue Shiva's bull NANDI. Besides having all the features of a pleasant
hill resort, this place is also famous for the DILWARA TEMPLES and many more
archeological remains. There are romantic royal retreats and relics of the
Raj.
Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit the temples and
the museum in the afternoon.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day 14: Mt. Abu - Breakfast at hotel. Day will be at Mt
Abu. Visit the Dilwara Temples during the day. The architecture of these
temples is very interesting and famous.
Relax during the
evening.
Overnight at Mount Abu.
Day 15: Mount
Abu - Udaipur - By Road 185 km in 5 ½ hr Breakfast at
hotel. Proceed for Udaipur. Reach 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
Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar -a
kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
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.
Relax in the
evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 16: Udaipur - Breakfast at
hotel. Proceed for day 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. Overnight at Udaipur.
In the afternoon, proceed for motor-launch cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola. From the 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.
Relax or shopping in the afternoon.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 17: Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - By
Road 121 km in 3 hr After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh.
The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales
of romance and valor unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel -
Where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular chattris.
This fortified settlement has been ravaged
thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar'-when women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron
robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
Proceed for sightseeing of CHITTAURGARH FORT - Believed to have been
constructed by the Mori rulers in the 7th century, this fort is located on a
180m high hill, covering 700 acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris"
lie between several monumental gates. Visit PADMINI PALACE - The palace of
the legendary queen of Mewar.
Overnight at Chittaurgarh.
Day 18: Chittaurgarh - Kota - By Road 121 km in 3 hr
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed to Kota in Western Rajasthan.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Along the eastern bank
of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic
medieval age and modern industrialization, temples and untouched wealth of
impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples. Kota dates back over
several centuries but still retains its past glory, present day edifices and
heavy industries. The industries have made it the industrial heartland of
Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th
century AD when the HADA Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and
founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the
reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh,
gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then
Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
Relax for the day. Overnight at Kota.
Day 19: Kota -
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing. Brijraj Bhawan
Palace, a colonial style palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal, was
build in the early nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are
tastefully done up with antique furniture. An intresting feature of the
palace is the fact that almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river
providing an arrresting view of the mighty river.
Umed Bhawan
Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota. Built in 1009 by
Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota. This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob
who spent many years in Rajasthan. The overall design of the palace is
European. There is an Edwardian drawing room, a billiard room and a very
well laid out garden surrounding the palace.There are long corridors,
courtyard and Italian marble floors.
Chambel Garden The lush green garden at Amar Niwas makes a lovely picnic
spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated in the old palace, it houses
a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school, exquisite
sculptures and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure house of
artistic items used by the rulers of kota.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight at Kota.
Day 20: Kota - Sawai Madhopur
- By road covering 173 km in 4hr. Proceed to Sawai Madhopur
after a relaxing breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Lying on the main Delhi - Mumbai railway line, Sawai Madhopur is the
gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhore National Park - the famous Tiger
Reserve, just 12 kms away from here. Ranthambhore has been a witness to the
rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes. In the 13th
century AD, Govinda, the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign
of the land. Later his successor Vagbhatta, beautified the city and built a
noteworthy temple at Jhain. In the middle of the 5th century AD, Rana Kumbha
captured the fort and gifted it to his son to be occupied later by the Hada
Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal Emperors, Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor
Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1740's and
since then it was maintained as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja. (Queen
Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting
parties who stayed here.
Get in tune with nature for a luxury
holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambore is 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 Aravallis, 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 River Chambal in the South and the River Banas in the North bind the
National Park.
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 leaf of this tree is 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.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed,
lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts
of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive 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.
Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life with over 300 species of birds.
In fact, for a keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore and its surrounding areas are
paradise. Birds like Greylag geese, Bar headed geese, Painted stork,
Pochards, Gadwall, Mallard, Tawny Eagle, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle,
the rare Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingoes and many more are
regular winter migrants which come from their nesting grounds north of
Himalayas to Ranthambhore and surrounding areas.
During summers
also there are many migratory species of birds that come to this region from
southern parts of India and Srilanka. Such species include Indian Pitta,
Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Painted Snipe, Common Hawk Cuckoo (or Brain Fever
Bird) and Golden Oriole.
Besides Tiger, there are many other
animals to observe, understand and enjoy, Elegant and graceful Spotted Deer,
huge
Sambar,
Crocodiles basking around the banks of the lakes, Vultures soaring in the
sky, Crested Serpent Eagle scanning the ground from its perch or the
kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the pools are all the interest for a visitor
with sensitivity.
Relax for the day.
Overnight at
resort.
Day 21: Sawai Madhopur - Breakfast at hotel.
Game drives can be availed through the day as per annexure given
at the end of the itinerary.
Overnight at resort.
Day 22: Sawai Madhopur - Agra - By road covering 400 km in 8hr.
Proceed by surface for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra and
check into hotel.
Badal Singh established the city of Taj in
1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those
days was considered to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more
prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose
this place beside the RIVER YAMUNA to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi
made Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra
but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire.
The coming of
Babar heralded a new era, which was to see Agra at its zenith during the
reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that
Agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend
reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the Mid
16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building
activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was
built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary
Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected in
whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with
aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master
pieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had
once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist
attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time
as a major tourist destination of India.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 23: Agra - Delhi - By road covering 201 km in 4hr.
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing.
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.
Proceed to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy
city of Mathura. Reach Delhi and check in at hotel.
India's
capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling
metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the
modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive
dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that
what constitutes Delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the
region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid 11th century,
siri established by Allauddin Khilji, tughlakabad and Ferozabad built by the
Tughlaks followed by the city of the lodhis and then came Shahjahanabad,
capital of the Mughals under Shah Jehan. New Delhi also reflects the legacy
the British left behind. The division between new and old Delhi is the
distinction between the capitals of the British and the Mughals
respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes he will invariably confront the
city's past.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 24: Delhi -
Home - Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for day tour of Old &
New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing 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.
Cycle
rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An
extensive sightseeing 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 would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Transfer to airport or station in time for flight or train or leave by
surface for the next destination.
RAJASTHAN IMPERIAL TOUR RESERVATION
FORM
Copyright©,
India
Tourism.us. All Rights Reserved. (No rights for reproduction of Images / Contents from this website) 
