DAY
01 - DELHI / MANDAWA (242 kms. 6 hrs.)
Drive to Mandawa in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known
for its frescoed havelis. Driving in a south-westerly direction
form Delhi one immediately leaves behind the urban environs
of the capital of India and gets the glimpses of the country
side. Stopping midway at Peer Mal Ki Haveli. On arrival
in Mandawa check into your hotel. In the afternoon visit
the Havelis notable among them being the Chokani, Ladia
and the Saraf Havelis. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 - MANDAWA / BIKANER (164
kms. 4 hrs.)
After an early breakfast start the drive to Bikaner, which
is in true desert country, and part of the ancient caravan
route that came from west and central Asia. After traversing
this part of the Thar desert stopping at Ratangarh for lunch,
one arrives at the Royal fortified city of Bikaner lying
in the north of the desert state. Check into the hotel.
In the afternoon a city tour of Junagarh Fort and the Lal
Garh Palace. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 - BIKANER / JAISALMER (353
kms. 8 hrs. 30 min.)
Depart after an early breakfast 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 sand
stone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the
Amber - hued city. Upon arrival check into your hotel. Rest
of the day at leisure or take an evening walk towards the
chattris and watch the sun set on the golden fort. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY
04 - JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is well known for weaving, embroidery, silver
jewellery and its colourful bazaars. The golden hued fort
has some of the most intricately carved havelis such as
the Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Singh
ki Haveli and beautiful Jain temples. In the afternoon take
a drive to the sand dunes of Sam and watch the spectacular
sun set. One has the option to take a short camel ride.
Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 05 - JAISALMER / JODHPUR (300
kms. 8 hrs.)
This morning after breakfast leave Jaisalmer, stopping midway
at Pokhran you arrive at 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 A.D. by Rao
Jodha. In the late afternoon visit the most impressive and
formidable structures - Mehrangarh Fort. Return to the hotel
for an early dinner. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 - JODHPUR/ UDAIPUR (260
kms. 7 hrs.)
An early morning after breakfast leave for Udaipur the city
of dawn. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled
by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. Its a lovely land
around the water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the
Aravalis. Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temples which are
well preserved and in near perfect condition. The most distinctive
feature of the shrine dedicated to Adinath are the 29 halls
of the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two
are exactly alike. After lunch at Maharani Orchard, continue
drive to Udaipur. Check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07 - UDAIPUR
The sightseeing tour of Udaipur city involves a visit to
the City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari - Garden of the maids
of honour, Jagdish Temple and museum of folkart. In the
evening one has the option to take a boat ride on the Lake
Pichola. Return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 08 - UDAIPUR / KOTA (285 kms.
8 hrs.)
Leave Udaipur for Kota via Chittorgarh the most romantic
name in Rajasthan. Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack
Chittaur in 1303 A.D., over powered by a passionate desired
to possess the regal beauty, Queen Padmini whom he saw in
the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising
beauty. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort believed to have been
built by the Mauryan rulers in the 7th century AD. Arrive
at Kota - a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and
modern industrialisation - an impressive fort stands like
a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with
its many dams, while an old palace of the Hada Rajputs overlooks
the turbulant Chambal river. Overnight at your hotel in
Kota.
DAY 09 - KOTA / JAIPUR (242 kms.
7 hrs.)
Depart Kota via Bundi to the capital city of Jaipur. Enroute
visit Bundi Fortress of medieval times standing sentinel
to the city. Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings
and murals. Arrive Jaipur check into the hotel. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY 10 - JAIPUR
The
picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed
pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput
culture. Also known as the 'Pink City' is one of India's
most well planned cities with wide straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes in a grid system. It is here that the
seekers of India experience their fantasy of a voyage of
discovery. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and
song with the traditional arts and crafts. In the morning
visit the impressive Amber Fort, the former capital of the
Royal Family of Jaipur, taking an elephant ride to the top
of the fort. In the afternoon visit the City Palace, the
Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11 - JAIPUR / AGRA (232 kms.
5 hrs. 30 mins.)
Depart Jaipur the land of the Rajputs to the Mughal splendour
of Agra, enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri the ghost city
35 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone
in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth
of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability
combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents
a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas,
Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza.
Drive on to Agra and check-in to the hotel. Later visit
the incomparable Taj Mahal. This monument is a fine example
of fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders
of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan.
It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete
this poem in white marble. In the afternoon visit the Agra
Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. It was here that
Aurangzeb the third son of Shah Jahan kept his father under
house arrest. One can get the most moving view of the Taj
from the little octagonal tower in the Fort. Overnight at
hotel.
DAY 12 - AGRA / DELHI (201 kms.
4 hrs.)
Morning free. Drive to Delhi in time to catch your flight
for onward destination.