19 Days |
IOYO - 34
Rajasthan vacation tour with Taj Mahal is an exclusive tour package comprising various extraordinary tourist destinations of India. Complemented by sheer natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, North India offers you a lifetime experience. Cultural diversity, magnificent temples, culinary delights and the hospitality of the local people are the prime attractions of this region of India.
In this part of India, you will get an opportunity to witness the amalgamation of ancient and modern. Rajasthan Vacation Tour with Taj Mahal is the perfect option for those, who wish to explore the best of India within a period of a few days. The tour covers Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, major regions of Rajasthan, (Mandawa, Bikaner, Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur) and Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior, Orchha, and Khajuraho).
Throughout the tour, all your needs will be taken care of, including accommodation, transport, and every other thing. This tour will revive you by providing you with the most memorable experience of life.
On your arrival in Delhi on day 1, our representative will meet you and will take you to the hotel. The capital of Indraprastha as well as the capital of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata is now the capital of India and one of the top tourist destinations. Enriched with the culture, tradition and cuisine of several Mughal Empires, Delhi represents a different aura that you hardly get anywhere else in the world.
Your morning tour will begin from Old Delhi that is popular for maze of small lanes. Here you will explore different places including the Raj Ghat & Jama Masjod and pass by the iconic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk - a busy market.
During the afternoon, you will traverse a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest minaret of India- Qutub Minar. Later, you will visit Humayun’s tomb, India Gate, the Parliament House, President’s House and other Government Secretarial Buildings. Here, your final destination would be Lakshminarayan Temple. Spend the night here.
Highlights: Delhi - Visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple & drive past Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, President House, Parliament. etc.
Today, in the morning you will be driven from Delhi to Mandawa by road. Established by Shekhawat Rajputs, Shekhawati is famous for the painted havelis or houses and have the highest number of frescos in the world. The Marwaris, an influential business community in this region built large houses in these villages and hired artists to paint these houses and havelis.
Shekhawati villages, also called "the Open Art Gallery" are famous for beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions. The frescos represent mythological images of gods, goddesses, as well as animals. You will visit villages like Mandawa - founded by Thakur Nawal Singh it is a collection of armories, old costumes, canons, and ancient coins; Nawalgarh, and Dundlod. Overnight is in Mandawa.
Highlights: Visit the Shekhavati Villages.
On day 3, you will be taken from Mandawa to Bikaner. During the afternoon, you will be driven to Junagadh Fort, one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan built by Raja Jai Singh in the 16th century. An instance of immense beauty, here you will find a perfect combination of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture. To make it more remarkable, a touch of Western style architecture was added by Maharaja Dungar Singh.
You will witness thirty seven pavilions, thirty feet wide moat, thick wall, large number of balconies, designer windows, seven gates and many more here. One of the seven gates, Suraj pol is named as the rays of sun fall directly on the gate. Chand pol is noteworthy for heart winning architecture and design. A doorway will take you to Joramal temple. You will also visit Har Mandir, a royal temple dedicated to goddess Lakshmi and lord Vishnu. Spend the night here.
Highlights: Bikaner - visit the Junagadh Fort with Suraj Pol & Chand pol gates, Joramal temple, Har Mandir & the bazaars.
Today, you will be transferred to Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City of India’. A treasure trove of art, architecture, music, culture and tradition, it is situated in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Popular for fascinating places, camel safari, yellow sand, marvelous havelis, magnificent palaces, and beautiful Jain temples, it will make you spell bind in a second. Along with exploring glorious and mystical heritages, the liveliness of the city will amaze you. To get rid of the bustling activities of the city, make a camp in the desert. Lose yourself in the charm of the city. Spend the afternoon to visit the bazaars and the night in the hotel.
On day 5, your first destination will be Jaisalmer fort, one of the oldest living forts. Made of yellow stone, it shines like something made of gold and thus, get the name ‘Sonar Quila’ or ‘the Golden Fort’. Situated amidst sandy terrains, the 12th century fort represents a blend of Indian architecture along with Military designs. Maharwals palaces contain ornamental designs of wooden carvings and you will also see the five storied Tazia Tower.
Next, you will traverse the havelis. Made up of yellow sandstone, Salim Ji Ki Haveli represents a different styles of architecture. Served as the residence for Mohta family, the Haveli is built in with intricate roof carvings. The carved pillars painted with beautiful ornaments of Gold and silver mesmerize the travelers. Also visit Patwon ki Haveli that depicts an interesting piece of architecture built of the ancient times. During the afternoon, visit the Jain temples. Overnight is in Jaisalmer.
Highlights: Jaisalmer - Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Ji Ki Haveli & Patwon ki Haveli.
On day 6, you will be transferred to Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar kingdom and the second largest city of Rajasthan. Named after its founder Rao Jodha, it is also referred as the Sun City or the Blue City. A famous trading center for opium, silk, and copper; the city was in the route of Delhi to Gujarat. Festivals and fairs and Teej, Nag, Panchmi are celebrated with big pomp in the city. If time permits, visit the shops and relish the sweets.
You will also visit Meherangarh fort- one of the largest forts in India, Moti Mahal - the Pearl Palace, Phool Mahal - the Palace of Flowers and many more. Constructed out of thin and polished sheets of Marble; Jaswant Thada will also awestruck you. Your visit continues to Umaid Public Gardens, Umaid Bhawan Museum. Spend the night here.
Highlights: Jodhpur - visit Meherangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Public Gardens
Today morning, you will be driven from Jodhpur to Udaipur by road. To witness the beautiful Jain Temples, you will stop at Ranakpur. Made out of marble, this popular Chamukha temple is dedicated to Adinathji the first Tirthankara. Composed of more than 1444 pillars and 20 halls, it will be a real treat to your eyes. You will also visit the Surya Temple and the Jain Temple. Once your visit is completed, you will be driven to Udaipur, where you can spend the evening at leisure.
Founded by Rana Udai Singh, the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar is referred as the City of Lakes, and the Venice of the East. A stay in the Lake Palace hotel that is situated in the middle of the lake and the felling will nothing less than a dream comes true. Overnight is in Udaipur.
Highlights: Visit the Ranakpur Temples.
During the morning, your tour will start from the City Palace. Constructed by Maharana Udai Singh and situated on the bank of Pichola Lake, it is a marvelous place. Next, you will be taken to Jagdish Temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh, the architecture represents Indo-Aryan style. Capture the beauty of one of the biggest shrines of Udaipur. Your next destinations would be Fatehsagar Lake, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir and Sahelion ki Bari. Spend the afternoon to explore the local bazaars. Overnight is in Udaipur.
Highlights: Udaipur - Visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, Sahelion ki Bari & drive around Fatehsagar Lake.
On day 9, you will be taken from Udaipur to Pushkar - one of the oldest existing cities in India, by road. During the afternoon, you will explore Pushkar, one of the sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. There is a myth about the creation of the city. Once a demon named Vajra Nabha, killed the children of Lord Brahma. The furious Brahma killed the demon by hitting with a lotus flower. A petal fell in Pushkar and the lake was formed. Here, you will see a temple of Lord Brahma. According to popular Hindu belief, bathing in the lake ensures salvation. The land is famous for Camel fair where thousands of cattle and camels are traded. Spend the night here.
Highlights: Pushkar - visit the Sacred Lake and the Brahma Temple.
Today morning, you will be driven to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan also referred as the ‘Pink City’. The city is famous for marvelous palaces complemented by breathtaking architecture and design. 260 year back, the city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh and got its name from him. In the 18th century, Prince of Wales came in the city and the city was painted pink and from then, it is called ‘Pink City’. If you are wondering what to do is the rest of the day, take a stroll around the colorful streets or visit the bazaars. Spend the night in the city.
Your morning tour will start from the earlier capital of Jaipur, Amer fort; also familiar as Amer Palace. Constructed by Raja Mansingh and made up of red sand-stone; this marvelous fort is divided into four sections each with a courtyard. You will also witness Surajpol, Ganesh gate, the temple of Goddess Sila Devi, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwa and many more. To ascend the fort, either walk up the steps or choose jeeps or an elephant’s back.
Next, you will be taken to Maharaja City Palace; a magnificent palace with seven storey and visit an observatory, the Jantar Mantar. An amalgamation of three styles including European, Rajput and Mughal, the palace attracts travellers from all over the world. Hawa Mahal is also famous for its architecture. After that you will be driven to the pink rose garden and the business centers of Jaipur. A tour to the city will remain incomplete without shopping. Famous for carpets, clothes, precious and semi-precious stones and handicrafts made of wood and metals; the city bazaars offer you an opportunity to fill your shopping bag. Overnight is in Jaipur.
Highlights: Jaipur - Visit Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar & drive past Hawa Mahal.
Today you will be taken from Jaipur to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds exceptional testimony of Mughal civilization. Explore the historical monuments of the Sikri. You will also visit the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the five storied Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza. The tour continues a visit to the buildings like Badat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani's palace, Naubat Khana and Birbal's house. Later you will be transferred to Agra. Afternoon is at leisure and overnight is in Agra.
Highlights: Fatehpur Sikri - visit Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza Ibadat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani's palace, Naubat Khana and Birbal's house.
Agra, a major tourist destination of India, is a city situated on the banks of river Yamuna. Also familiar as Akbarabad, it was the former capital of Hindustan. During the morning, you will be taken to Taj Mahal, a magnificent building made up of white marble and is synonymous to love and romance. Standing majestically on banks of Yamuna, it is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’.
Your next destination would be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort. Comprises of several fairy-tale palaces like Khas Mahal and Jahangir Palace, this fort was built in the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. Here, you will also witness Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas. Spend the afternoon to visit other places of interest. Agra is famous for marble work as well as handicrafts made of metal, wood and marble. Overnight is in Agra.
Highlights: Agra – Visit Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.
On day 14, you will be transferred to Gwalior from Agra by road. When you come here you will be transferred to your hotel. Founded by the king Surajesan and renowned for the outstanding palaces, sacred temples, and glorious monuments; it is a historical town. According to the legend, lost Prince Suraj Sen asked for water from a sage. The water cured him from leprosy. Later he constrcted a wall and named it after the name of the sage. It is also the birthplace of Tansen and for this, a cultural function is organized each year here.
Your afternoon tour will take you to the 16th century Man Mandir, the Gujari Mahal - an archaeological museum, Teli Ka Mandir, Sas-bahu Temple, Jai Vilas Palace – a European style palace, Mausoleum of the Tansen, Tomb of the Gaus Mohammad and the bazaars. Spend the night here.
Highlights: Gwalior - Visit the Man Mandir, Gujari Mahal, Teli Ka Mandir, Sas-bahu Temple, Jai Vilas Palace, Mausoleum of Tansen & Tomb of the Gaus Mohammad.
Today you will be taken to Orchha. In the 15th century AD, Rudra Pratap Singh, the first king of Orchha established this city. Consisting of several constructions, the Orchha fort was also established by the king. During 1554 to 1591 AD, Madhukar Shah built Raj Mandir. On the other side, Chaturbhuj Temple was built by Queen Ganeshi Bai. For a beautiful view of the city, climb the roof of the camel shelter ‘Uth Khana’. This is the place where the camels of the kings were held. Visit the Orchha town to have a glance at the tombs, temples, and cenotaphs. Overnight is in Orchha.
Highlights: Orchha - Visit the temples, Jahangir Mahal, fort and cenotaphs.
On day 16, you will be transferred to Khajuraho by road. When you arrive here, you will be transferred to the hotel. Derived from the Hindi word ‘Khajur’ that means date trees, Khajuraho is famous for the stunning and erotic Hindu and Jain temples. During 950 AD to 1050 AD, the temples were constructed by the Chandelas and later, these were forgotten. In 1838, these were re-discovered by Capt. T.S. Burt and an engineer from British army.
During the afternoon, the Khajuraho sight-seeing will take you to various temples like Bharatji or Chitragupta temple - composed of magnificent 11 headed pictures of Lord Vishnu, Chaunset Yogini Kali Temple, Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Nandi and Vishvanath Temples as well as Shiva Visha Temple. The only Jain temple that still exists is the Parasvanath Temple, dedicated to Hindu lord Vishnu, the Javeri temple is also a wonder of the land. You will also visit the temples that are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Adinath and Yamuna. Spend the night in Khajuraho.
Highlights: Khajuraho- visit the Chaunset Yogini Kali temple, Chitragupta temple, Lakshmana temple, Mahadev temple, Nandi and Vishvanath temple, Siva’s Visha temple and Parasvanath temple.
Today you will be taken to the airport to board your flight for Varanasi, the holy city of India. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city or to visit Sarnath. To get a spectacular view, come to ghats of Ganges during the evening. You will find a mental solace when you will watch the evening Arti. Dating back to 5000 years, Varanasi, also familiar as Benaras or Banaras or Kashi, is the oldest living city in the world. According to common belief, death in Varanasi brings salvation. Take a stroll in the bazaars and buy the necessary things.
The boat excursion on the river Ganges will take you to diverse ghats. Two ghats that are frequented by hundred of devotees are Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats. Along with taking a holy dip, the ghats are used for cremation purposes. By following Hindu belief, it can be said that whoever dies here and gets cremated on the bank of river Ganga will achieve salvation and thereby will get rid of the birth cycle. You will witness funeral pyres burning around the ghats. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight is in Varanasi.
Highlights: Varanasi - Boat ride on the River Ganges visiting the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats.
On day 19, you will be taken to the airport to board your flight for Delhi. When you arrive here, you will be connected to the return flight. As most of the flights depart after midnight, accommodation will not be included in Delhi. Depart for your return journey.
End of your Delhi Rajasthan Tour with Taj Mahal.