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The Palaces
of Rajasthan
Duration :
13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations Covered :
Delhi - Jaipur -
Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Rohet - Deogarh
- Kumbhalgarh - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Delhi
The deserts and northern plains of
Rajasthan are home to a spectacular collection of princely
castles, palaces and forts. From the frescoed walls of
Shekhawati to the impressive forts of the kingdoms of
Marwar and Amber and the desert city of Jaisalmer, this
tour encompasses both the familiar and the lesser known
attractions of this diverse and dramatic region. This tour
will enable you to experience the cultural heritage of the
region.
Highlights
of Palaces Tour of Rajasthan :
Day 01
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:
Abroad -
Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and
assistance on arrival and transfer from airport to
hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02
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:
Delhi
Full day sightseeing
tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid (the
largest mosque in Asia), Red Fort (built between
1639-48 by the Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj
Mahal) and the Rajghat (the cremation site of the
Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi).
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi, drive past
Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD). Visit the Qutab Minar
(72m high), the most perfect of towers of the Persian
world. The drive through New Delhi includes the
Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), government
buildings, India Gate, Birla Temple and Connaught
Place.
Day 03 :
Delhi - Mandawa (250 kms)
Morning drive west to
the Shekhawati region. Upon arrival in Mandawa, check
into Hotel Castle Mandawa / Desert Resorts for a
two-day stay.
Throughout this area mansions and palaces are
decorated inside and out with detailed, vivid
paintings and frescoes.
Day 04
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:
Mandawa
Full day sightseeing
tour of Shekhawati region - known as open art gallery
- exploring the magnificent "havelis" (mansions),
built by the rich merchants of the area and called "havelis
" derived from the Persian word for "enclosed space".
Day 05
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Mandawa - Bikaner (200
kms)
Morning drive further
west to Bikaner en route visiting the bustling town
of Fatehpur, where almost every street is flanked
with the painted walls of "havelis". Continue your
drive to Bikaner and, upon arrival, check into hotel
Lallgarh Palace / Laxmi Vilas Palace. Afternoon
exploring the city, seeing the ancient Jain temples
in the Old City, Junagarh Fort and the Camel
Breeding farm, the first of its kind in Asia.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 --
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:
Bikaner
- Jaisalmer (333 kms)
Continue driving west
to the desert city of Jaisalmer en route visiting
Gajner and Pokaran. Gajner (a former hunting resort
of the Bikaner royal family), Pokaran (a 14th
century fort), Pokaran Citadel (previous known as
Balagarh) of the Champawat Rathors, the mighty
Rajput nobles of Marwar. Continue your drive to
Jaisalmer and, upon arrival, check into Hotel
Rajwada Fort / Gorbandh Palace for two nights.
Day 07
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:
Jaisalmer
Morning sightseeing
tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort (built
on the highest point of the Tricuta hill), Salim
Singh ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli, some of the
beautiful mansions with stone carving and
latticework of breathtaking intricacy.
Afternoon excursion
to Sam Sand Dunes (45 kms). Take a short camel ride
to view the sunset, which can be an unforgettable
experience. Overnight at the hotel
Day 08 --
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:
Jaisalmer
- Khimsar (305 kms)
Drive east to Khimsar,
a tiny village on the fringe of the desert. En route
visit Osian, which has 16 Jain and Vaishnava temples
dating between the 8th to 11th centuries. They
present the grandeur of Indian temple architecture.
Continue your drive to Khimsar and check into Hotel
Royal Castle, a unique 15th century castle converted
into a hotel.
Afternoon jeep safari to view sunset at sand dunes
with high tea. Overnight at the hotel.
Day
09
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:
Khimsar -
Jodhpur (90 kms)
Morning visit the
nearby medieval town of Nagaur, which possesses a
fine 11th century mosque and fort. These monuments
boast numerous relics from the days of the Great
Emperor Akbar. Continue your drive to Jodhpur and
upon arrival check into Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace,
a vast building where the Maharaja still maintains
his residence.
Afternoon visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort
(that reflects the city's glorious and troubled
past), Jaswant Thada (the cenotaphs of the former
rulers of Marwar) and Mandore (the ancient capital
of the state of Marwar). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 --
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Jodhpur - Roopangarh
(260 Kms)
Drive to Roopangarh
via Ajmer to the excellently converted Roopangarh
Fort for one night. Situated in the heart of
Rajasthan, it is a very impressive building, built
in 1653 as the capital for the Maharajas of
Kishangarh
Day 11
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:
Roopangarh - Samode (170 Kms)
Morning drive to
the wonderful village of Samode situated on the
outskirts of Jaipur. Stay one night at the
exquisitely converted Samode Palace/ Samode Bagh
(in luxurious tents in beautiful gardens).
Afternoon free to explore the nearby village on
camel back. Over night at the hotel.
Day 12
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Samode - Jaipur (45kms)
Morning drive to
Jaipur, en route visiting Amber Fort (located on a
hill overlooking the Maota Lake). You will climb
to the fort on gaily-caparisoned elephants. It is
a stunning example of Rajput architecture. Upon
arrival, check into the glorious Rambagh Palace
for two Nights. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 --
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Jaipur
Morning city
tour of Jaipur, popularly known as " The Pink
City of Rajasthan". Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of the Winds), which is an elaborate façade
behind which ladies of the court used to observe
life going on in the streets below. Also visit
the City Palace, a wonderful blend of Rajput and
Mughal architecture where the present Maharaja
still resides. Also visit the Museum, which
houses a rare collection of manuscripts,
paintings, carpets and armory. Explore the
Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Sawai
Jai Singh in 1728. It is the best preserved
amongst five observatories built by him.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14
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Jaipur - Agra
(232kms)
Morning drive to
Agra en route visiting the deserted Red
Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri, built by
Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital but
abandoned soon after. Upon arrival, check into
Hotel Amar Vilas or Taj View.
Evening visit to
the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15
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Agra- Delhi (205 kms)
Morning visit to
the imposing Agra Fort and Itimad-Ud-Daulah,
otherwise known as the 'Baby Taj', across the
river Yamuna. Afternoon drive to Delhi en route
visiting the Sikandra; Akbars stunning
mausoleum. Continue your drive to Delhi and
transfer to the international airport in
time to board flight for
onward destination.
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