DAY 01: ARRIVAL DELHI
Arrive Delhi by flight. You will be met and assisted at the International airport by a Leisure Tours representative upon arrival and then transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 02: DELHI
After breakfast at hotel, visit of Great Mosque Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. It was built from 1644 to 1656 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build a replica of the Moti Masjid contruite by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is the largest mosque in India.
Humayun Tomb - Surrounded by gardens of Persian style, the tomb of Humayun is the most beautiful monument in Delhi. It is an immense mausoleum of red sandstone and white marble built in his honor, 1565 to 1569, by his widow Haji Begum. This is the first example of Mughal architecture. Characteristic of the splendor of Mughal art, with its arcades (17) and its dome, built by a Persian architect and produced by 300 artisans Arab, this type of monument reaches its zenith with the Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra.
After noon visit of Qutub Minaret - The minaret of Qutub Minar is part of a group of buildings gathered in a huge park. It is a tower built to commemorate the victory of Muhammed Ghura in 1192 against the Hindu king Prithviraj III, which marks the debut of the sultanate of Delhi.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03: DELHI – AGRA (203 KMS / 05 HRS)
After breakfast, Depart to Agra. On arrival, installation and Lunch at hotel. Afternoon visit of visit of RED FORT.
Red Fort was designed and built by the great Mughal ruler, Akbar, in about 1565 A.D. It was initially built as a military establishment but later on his successors made many additions to the main structure. Several Mahals, which were built afterwards, converted half of the structure into a magnificent palace. The Red Fort is situated in Agra, on the banks of Yamuna River. It is known as Red Fort because it is built of a kind of red sandstone. Within this Fort there lies some of the most exquisite architecture of the Mughal Period; like the Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Jahangiri Mahal. The Red Fort in Agra encompasses a radius of three kilometers and is bordered by a wall, which is 70 foot tall. Two walls made of red sandstone surround the fort. The Red Fort has four gates.
The fort contained more buildings in it but just a few of those remain till date. The most eminent of these remaining buildings is the Jahangiri Mahal; a multi-storied palace built by Akbar for his Begum, Jodha Bai. Among the other important structures that still remain are the Mausam Burj, the Diwan-i-khas, and the Shaha Burj.
In the evening, visit of one of timeless wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a pride of India. Built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife, Mumtaj Mahal, Taj Mahal is considered to be the epitome of Love. It is perhaps the greatest pilgrimage spot for the lovers on earth. Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble, is also an architectural poetry.
An 'Elegy in Marble' as some says, Taj Mahal or the Crown Palace, is a Mausoleum. It is the grave of Shah Jahan's most favorite Queen, Mumtaj Mahal. Taj Mahal has very intricate details engraved on it. The beauty of Taj Mahal surpasses all other material beauties and its divine beauty is even more intensified with the Jamuna River flowing by it.
Construction of Taj Mahal took as long as 22 years and it required around 20000 workers to work intensively on it to make the Emperor's dream come true. The majestic structure stands on an elevated platform, square in size, which forms a somewhat unequal octagon. The colossal Palace has complex geometrical patterns imbibed into its designs. The making of Taj Mahal includes some intricate and complicated principles like that of self-replicating geometry. The main central dome is a huge one and there are four more domes enclosing the main one. There are four tall minarets on the four sides. The entire building has delicate designs made on it, which are stuffed with precious stones and gems.
The Taj overlooks a well decorated garden and with the river Jamuna flowing by it, the Taj Mahal is indeed the crowning glory of India. It is in true sense the 'Taj' of India. Everyday millions of people throng this place of historical importance to savor the essence of Love Personified. Like Kubla Khan's Perfect Dome, the Taj Mahal will always be an out-of-the-world-pleasure for all people on earth. (Transfer by Tonga from hotel to Taj Mahal)
Overnight at hotel
*NOTE (Taj Mahal remains close on Friday)
DAY 04: AGRA – JAIPUR (230 KMS / 05 HRS)
After breakfast, depart to Jaipur enroute visit of Fetehpur Sikri, One of the world Heritage Sites of India, Fatehpur Sikri is also known as the "City of Victory". Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar in the 16th Century to celebrate the birth of his son Jahangir.
Today, this huge monument is one of the architectural marvels of our country with some of the best monuments within its premises. The huge architectural wonder is a major place of tourist interest which reflects a beautiful coalesce of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
Thereafter, continue to Jaipur, JAIPUR is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It includes nearly 05 million people. It is nicknamed the "pink city" because of the color of the buildings of the old city.
The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the eighteenth century. He designed the city ramparts and follow the principles laid down in the Treaty of Hindu architecture, the Shilpa Shastra. The whole city was painted pink by Maharaja Ram Singh II in 1876 on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII. The old city is the main tourist attractions. It is surrounded by crenellated walls pierced with doors that are the main Chandpol, Sanganeri and Ajmer. Avenues divide the Old City in perfect rectangles. Several large bazaars brighten up the city.
On arrival, installation at hotel, Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel, Depart to an excursion trip to Amber fort, thereafter visit of Kali Temple, Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of goddess Kali and he worshipped the goddess for victory during battles. The Kali temple has huge doors made of silver. The image of Goddess Kali was brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal, which is now known as Bangladesh.
City Palace: City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers.
Afternoon, visit of Jantar Mantar, JANTAR MANTAR is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. During the period between 1727 and 1733, It has a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It portrays noteworthy attempt of the ancestors, who were interested in astronomy and knowledge of celestial bodies. Above all, this observatory still, provides accurate information, which can be compared with today's modern instruments undeniably. The compound instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed depicts the forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy
Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Usta in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white quakeee quick lime. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot months.
In the evening, free to stroll the streets and in local market of Jaipur with a rickshaw ride in the small alleys of Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 06: JAIPUR – BIKANER (330 KMS / 08 HRS)
After breakfast, depart to Bikaner. Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika, second son of the founder of Jodhpur. The city figured importantly on the great caravan trade routes. A long city wall encircles the old city while all important buildings, including the fort and the palaces, are outside the city walls. The Ganga Canal, built between 1925 and 1927, brought prosperity to this otherwise arid desert region.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit of JUNAGARH FORT: Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. It has a 96 mt long wall, with 37 bastions and 2 entrances. The main entrance of the fort is Suraj pol or sun gate. The fort encompasses many palaces amongst which the most spectacular ones are the Chandra Mahal or Moon palace, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace, both ornated with carved panels and mirrors and the Karan Mahal. Karan Mahal was built in remembrance of the celebration of the grand victory over Aurangzeb. Durga Niwas, a fabulously painted courtyard and Ganga Niwas which housed a finely carved red sandstone front, are the other places of attraction in this fort.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 07: BIKANER – JAISALMER (290 KMS / 07 HRS)
After breakfast depart to Jaisalmer, Lunch at Fort Pokhran. On arrival at Jaisalmer, installation at hotel rest of the day free for leisure activity.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 08: JAISALMER
Morning, take a city tour of Jaisalmer. See the citadel-the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth ofthe population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples ofthe 12th to 15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli a five storey mansion with carved pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once supplied water to the city; the temples & archways around it have been built by a courtesan. Later in the evening take an excursion to Sam -45 km away, which is known for its sand dunes & is the venue for the Desert festival. Get the real feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 09: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (290 KMS/6.7 HRS)
After breakfast at hotel, Depart to Jodhpur, JODHPUR. Nicknamed the "Blue City" because of the painted facades of the houses in the Old City, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha in the doors of the Thar desert. The city was on the Silk Road and hosted a large number of passengers. The old city is surrounded by a wall 10 km long and pierced by seven gates. Jodhpur still occupies a key geo-strategic proximity of Pakistan. On arrival, check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit of Jaswant THADA and MEHERANGARH FORT, this majestic and impressive citadel dominates the city from the top of a hill 120m above sea level. Some walls have a thickness of more than 5m and a height of over 20m. Within are several palaces known for their sculptures and their succession of courses. The Moti Mahal in carved facade houses the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowk. The villa contains miniatures Umaid rajpoutes and Ajit villa includes musical instruments and costumes of royalty. The arms are held in Jodhpur in the Phool Mahal. Besides a door pregnant, Lohapol or Iron Gate, is the imprint of the fifteen hands of the widows of Maharaja Man Singh died in 1843.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10: JODHPUR – UDAIPUR (275 KMS / 6 HRS)
After breakfast, depart to Udaipur. enroute visit of Ranakpur, visit of Jain Temple, The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. Also all the statues face one or the other statue. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest image. This temple was nominated as one of the top 77 wonders in a contest for the new seven wonders of the world.
Continue towards Udaipur - Udaipur, the famed 'city of sunrise', was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a fearless Rajput king. This languid lake city with its fantasies in marble, picturesque hibiscus-covered gardens and elaborate fountain pavilions, embodies the glory of the Rajput era. Like many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the legacy of an honour-bound race that loved the good things in life - and often gave up their lives defending them.On arrival at Udaipur installation at hotel.
In the evening, boatride at Lake Pichola and the visit the Jagdish temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Overnight at hotel
DAY 14: UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit of Saheliyon-Ki-Bari that was the garden for the maids of honor of the queen. You visit the Jagdish temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is approachable by a broad flight of steps; the shrine is a rectangular platform on the lines of Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
Then visit of the City Palace that is located in the middle of the Lake Pichola. The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharajas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15: UDAIPUR- DELHI (DEPART DELHI)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. Then you will be transferred to airport in time to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival at Delhi, Rest of the day at leisure later transfer to the airport to board the flight for on ward destination . |