Rural and Rustic Rajasthan with Best of North India

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Travel Duration: 28Nights & 29Days
Covered Destinations:DELHI / VARANASI / KHAJURAHO / ORCHA / AGRA / BHARATPUR / RANTHAMBHORE / JAIPUR / KHIMSAR / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / MOUNT ABU / RAWALANARLAI / UDAIPUR / DEOGARH / SAMODE / DELHI
Tour Type: Customized Tour with Private Car & Driver

Detailed Travel Plan

Aarti Varansi Day 01: Arrival at Delhi

Upon arrival at the international airport in Delhi, you will meet our Company representatives late in the evening. He will transfer you to your hotel where you can relax for the day.

DELHI, has served as the capital to many kingdoms and empires. It is now considered as a busy metropolis that takes pride in its unique blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight stay will be at the Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi Varanasi
Flight: 9W-723 Dep:10:40 Arr:11:50

Transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will go for sightseeing city tour.

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was a growing trading centre during 500 BC when Lord Buddha had come to Sarnath to teach his first sermon. It was also a city of great wealth and religious importance when the Chinese traveler, Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Here in this city, you will be taken on a visit to noted attractions like Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 3: Varanasi

Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge. Many come here for bathing, worshipping and meditating. On stone platforms under palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals. On a boat trip, you will cover several ghats along with the cremation sites. The pious Hindus believe that those who die in Kashi (Varanasi) and are cremated on the banks of the Ganges, they attain release from the cycle of birth and death. In the afternoon, you will visit Sarnath which is about 7 kilometers from here. Sarnath is the place where Buddha taught his first sermon more than 2500 years ago.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 04: Varanasi Khajuraho
Flight: 9W- 723 Dep: 14:40 Arr:15:20

You will be transferred to the Airport for the flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Khajuraho, once the great capital of Chandela, is now a quiet town. Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela period from 950 to 1050 AD. The intriguing beauty and the size of the temples have always appealed to the people and made them explore why and how they were built here as Khajuraho is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals and in great detail - women and sex.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 05: Khajuraho Orcha
By surface: 180 Km 4 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will explore the Temple complex on city tour. Khajuraho is famous world over for the erotic temples built in the medieval times by the mighty kingdom of Chandelas with inspiration taken from Kamsutra - the celebrated Indian treatise on sex. The temples are classified under three groups Eastern, Western, and Southern. Kandariya Mahadeo is the most celebrated of all temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for erotic sculpture on its walls.

After lunch, you will be driven to Orchha. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 06: Orcha Jhansi Agra
By train: Bhopal jan shatabadi 2001 Dep:17:56 Arr: 20:25

After breakfast, you will visit orcha. It has now become a small hamlet in the state of Madhya Pradesh but in medieval times it served as the capital to the Bundela kings. Here, the places of tourist interest are Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Rai Parveen Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, and Laxmi Narayan Temple

Late in the evening, our company representative will transfer you to the railway station. Upon arrival, you will meet our company representative. He will transfer you to the hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today, in Agra you will be fascinated at the sight of the contrasting edifices built of red sandstone and white marble, slender galleys and old buggies. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

You will check in at the hotel to relax.

Day 07: Agra

After breakfast, you will visit Taj. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the main reason behind every tourist's visit to Agra. Taj was erected by Shah Jahan. The Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Along with striking designs and fine symmetry, the Taj is also recognized for its elegant domes, richly carved screens and of course the rich inlay work. Visit AGRA FORT. It was constructed by the noted Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. The fort is made of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Take a trip to the Itmadullahs Tomb. It was built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Agra.

Day 08: Agra Fatehpursikri - Bharatpur
By surface: 40 Km 1 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Bharatpur. En route, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted red Sandstone City was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition. See Bulund Darwaza also. It is the largest gateway in the world.

Bharatpur is most famous for its bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The park is noted for its population of some of the most exotic bird species, along with other wildlife. The other places of tourist interest in Bharatpur are the Bharatpur palace and museum. You will also come across temples and Lohargarh fort. Apart from these, there are a number of other places also to see around Bharatpur.

In the evening, take a short walk to the Jungle to observe the roosting of large bird swarms.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 09: Bharatpur

After breakfast, you will be visiting Bharatpur Bird Park. Enjoy a boat ride to the nesting colonies of birds. It will be a fascinating experience to hear the distinct sounds produced by the dwelling birds that roost on the rich aquatic harvest.

In the evening, you are free to spend time in leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 10: Bharatpur Ranthambhore
By surface: 200 Km 4 Hrs,s

After breakfast, you will be driven to Ranthambhore. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel to relax. In the afternoon, you will leave for the Jungle safari.

Ranthambhore is a national park and tiger reserve in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur, which is also the nearest airport. The nearest town and railway station is at Sawai Madhopur, 11 km away. The park is located at the edge of a plateau. It is surrounded by the stunning Banas River and the Chambal River. You can also see lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km, and is famous for its tiger population, and is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. You can also spot other wildlife species like leopard, dhole, wild pig, sambar, chital and the gaur.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 11: Ranthambhore

You have full day game viewing inside the jungle (two safaris morning and evening).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Ranthambhore - Jaipur
By Road 180 Kms/3 hrs

Early in the morning, you will leave for the safari. After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur, the Pink City.

Reach and check in at hotel.

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 its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is famous 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. In Jaipur, you will come across majestic forts, beautiful palaces, rich temples and verdant gardens.

Overnight stay will be at Jaipur.

Day 13: Jaipur

Enjoy areakfast at hotel.

Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber Fort is famous for its classis desigs and romantic ambiance. The construction of this Rajasthani fort palace was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

You will move on for the sightseeing tour of the city.

CITY PALACE City Palace is best visited for its fine fusion of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. The City Palace covers one-seventh of the area in the fortified city. The main attractions of the palace are 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 boasts of very big astronomical instruments and is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The five-storey structure of this palace is built of the plastered pink sandstone which is beset with fine trelliswork. The elaborate balconies are also attractive. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 14: Jaipur Khimsar
By surface: 235 Km 5 Hrs,
By A/C Overnight Houseboat.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Khimsar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

This splendid fort is located away from the beaten track. Set in the midst of sand dunes, this amazing fort stands as securely as it did over many centuries of battle and strife. The construction of the fort was begun in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, 8th son of the founder of Jodhpur Rao Jodha, who chose the spot of Khimsar, 90 km from Jodhpur where one brother resided and 150 km away from Bikaner, fiefdom of another brother.

Twenty one generations later, a part of this fort is still residence to the Karamsot Rathor direct lineage while the rest has been opened out to royal Rajput hospitality, personally overseen by the family, on a grand and elegant scale.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 15: Khimsar Khichan - Osyian - Jaisalmer
By surface: 240 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaisalmer. En-route, you will pay a visit to the Osian Jain Temple. Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira are most recognized for their splendid architecture.

After a visit to Osian, you will be driven to Khichan village. Here, you will see countless Demoiselle Cranes pecking on the grain put out for them.

Continue drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Jaisalmer ("The Golden City") is a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 16: Jaisalmer

After a leisurely breakfast, you will go for full day sightseeing city tour of Jaisalmer the Golden City. 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. You will pay a visit to the JAISALMER FORT here. It is the oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

Explore the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank along with Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, you will leave for the SAM SAND DUNES to explore the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. It will be a mesmerizing experience to view sunset from the dunes. You will come back to the village to have dinner while the Rajasthani musicians play traditional tunes for you.

Stay overnight at the Hotel.

Day 17: Jaisalmer Jodhpur
By surface: 290 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, also known as Marwar. Jodhpur is mainly frequented for its palaces, forts and temples. However, along with them, it is the beauty of the desert landscape that appeals most to the tourists. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue city, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The blue houses were originally for Brahmins but non-Brahmins soon joined in, as the color was said to deflect the heat and keep mosquitoes away. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall. The wall consists of six gates named as Nagauri gate, Sojati gate, Jalori gate, Merati gate, Siwanchi gate and Chand pol.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 18: Delhi Home

After breakfast, you will pay a visit to the majestic Mehrangarh fort. This is a stronghold of the Rathore princes from 1453AD. Here, you will come across the collection of paintings, arms and ammunitions. The view of the city from the rampart walls is breath taking. Going down from the fort, you will visit Jaswant Thada. After lunch, you will be driven to Luni. Later in the afternoon, you will go for safari to explore the beauty of the jungle. Here you would be visiting the Bishnoi villages. Bishnois are a tribe that respects life in every form - animals trees and even dead branches. They are vegetarians and even in the villages they protect the animal life and don't let anybody practice hunting in the vicinity of their villages. They live in a joint family system where the oldest member is generally the head of the family. Then we would like you to witness the opium ceremony with the Patels - a rich tribe. It is a ceremony prevalent in this part of Rajasthan where the youth offers opium to drink mixed with water to the elders of the family when they come back from work in the fields.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 19: Luni Mount abu
By surface: 220 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Mount Abu. After you reach, you will be transferred to the hotel. Proceed to explore the Jain Temple.

Delwara Jain Temples: These are the beautiful temples erected between 11th and 13th century A.D. Fine example of marble beauty - these temples are consecrated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankaras. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines, each housing a beautiful statue of tirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. The Lun Vasahi Temple is consecrated to the 22nd Tirthankaras namely Neminath. The temple was erected in 1231 A.D. by two brothers namely Vastupal and Tejpal, Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat belonging to the Porwal Jain community. With door casings, pillars, architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 20: Ranakpur Rawalanarli
By surface: 180 Km 3 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Rawalanarlai.

En-route, you will visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES. The temples are as old as 15th century. The temples boast of 200 pillars that support 29 halls and are not alike. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Rawla Narlai has been transformed into a heritage hotel and is situated in the center of a quintessential Rajasthan village where activity and color predominate. The Rawla (fortress) however is an oasis of serenity and offers a splendid view of a gigantic [350 ft high] single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples, 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.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 21: Rawalanarlai Kumbhalgarh Udaipur
By surface: 90 Km 1 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Udaipur. En-route, you will visit the Kumbhalgarh fort, Nagada and Sass Bahhu Temple. Late in the afternoon, you will be driven to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Kumbhal Garh fort: Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel- Kumbalgarh stands as a wary sentinel to the past glory. The fort was erected in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD). It stands on the prominent ridge about 1914 meters above the sea level. It is also the main fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.

The fort with 36-km long wall flaunts seven gates and seven ramparts. Rounded bastions and high watchtowers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.

Udaipur, also known as the city of Dawn, is an adorable land by the azure lake. The lush hills of the ARAVALLIS dot the landscape more perfectly. 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. You will enjoy a view of these bustling areas reflecting on the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 22: Udaipur

Have breakfast at hotel.

You will go for a tour of Udaipur. First you will stop by the 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.

Do pay visits to the places of interest like Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From boat, you will enjoy the exciting views of the city of Udaipur which emerges splendidly above the lake in the center 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.

Overnight stay will be at Udaipur.

Day 23: Udaipur Deogarh
By Road 230 km/4 h

After breakfast, you will be driven to Deogarh. Reach and explore the village life and old tradition of Rajasthan as well as explore the Local village markets.

As soon as you reach the spot of Deogarh Mahal, you will realize that its rulers must have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy, their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen umraos - the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. Even so, you might not necessarily guess that the Rawats of Deogarh (a local title equivalent to Raja) once ruled over the fourth largest jagir in the whole of Rajasthan. The territory included around 210 villages with the defensive fort located about 100 km away. Yet there is little ostentation and even less gold to be found in their palace.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 24: Deogarh Samode
By surface: 240 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to samode. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel.

Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. Samode was counted among the richest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 25: Samode Delhi
By surface: 240 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Delhi. En-route, you will visit the Neemrana fort. After visiting the fort, you will resume your drive to Delhi. Once you reach, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 26: Delhi Corbett
By surface: 280 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Corbett national park. There you will be received by Castle & Kings representative and transferred to the hotel in Corbett.

Corbett National Park: Corbett Tiger Reserve is India's first and one of finest Tiger Reserves. It was first established as Hailey National Park in 1936. In the year 1957, it was renamed to mark an honor to the legendary hunter turned naturalist, author and photographer, Major Jim Corbett. Nestling in the base hills of the mighty Himalayas, Corbett lies in the upper ferai region in the state of Uttaranchal, covering an area of 1318.54 sq kms. The Corbett Park abounds in about 51 species of shrubs, 110 species of trees, 33 of bamboo and grass. The animals you are likely to see: Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Wild Boar, Chittal, Sambhar, Gharial & many others.

Enjoy evening walk into the surrounding forest to observe the flora and fauna of the area.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 26: Corbett

Go for a full day game viewing in the park (two safaris morning and evening).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 27: Corbett

Go for a full day game viewing in the park (two safaris morning and evening).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 28: Corbett

Enjoy another full day game viewing in the jungle (two safaris morning and evening).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 29: Corbett Delhi
By surface: 280 Km 5 Hrs,

After breakfast, you will be driven to Delhi. Once you reach, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 30: Delhi - Home

After breakfast, you will start for a Half day sightseeing city tour of Old Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi includes visit to 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.

Take a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

A complete sightseeing city tour of New Delhi includes visits to the Humayuns Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Take a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidents Residence. Wind up the tour with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Late in the evening, you will leave for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW at 18:00 hr. After the show, you will have FAREWELL DINNER and then depart for the airport to ctach a flight home with sweet memories of India.

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Rural and Rustic Rajasthan with Best of North India

Detailed Travel Plan