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Rajasthan Heritage Tour with Varanasi (IWTR - 15)
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Places Covered:
Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Pushkar- jaipur-Agra-Varanasi
Duration: 15 Nights-16 Days |
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Customizable |
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Day 01 : Arrive Delhi.
Arrive Delhi by any convenient flight. Meet upon arrival at the
airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Note : Check-in time at the hotel is 12
Noon. If you will arrive early morning the accommodation will
be required from previous night.
Day 02 : Delhi.
After breakfast in the hotel, proceed for the full day tour
of Old and New Delhi in the afternoon.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan
in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah
Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture,
created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's
glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent
Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's
symbol of power and elegance, built by behind sandstone walls.
Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the
perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is
filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.
Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi;
Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the
bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was
the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see
it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's
- it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings,
green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer
of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects,
Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of
Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial
City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined
avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains
and shallow pools.
It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to
have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent
in 1947.
You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb
and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue,
Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also
visit the local Bahai Temple {Lotus Temple}.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi-Mandawa.
260 Kms &
05-06 Hrs.
In the morning after early breakfast pick up from the hotel and
drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival in Mandawa, check in at the hotel.
Evening take a walk to see the beautiful painted havelies and
houses.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Mandawa-Bikaner.
250 Kms & 05-06 Hrs.
Morning after early breakfast leave Mandawa and drive to Bikaner.
Upon arrival in Bikaner, check in at the hotel. Afternoon
sightseeing visit : Junagarh Fort, Lal Ghar Palace, the Sun Gate.
Also visit the famous camel breading center, this is the larget
camel breading center in Asia.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer-Khuri-Jaisalmer.
45 Kms & 01 Hour {Oneway}
Morning after breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of
Jaisalmer city visit Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli
and Patwaon ki Haveli, three beautifully sculptured
Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th Centuries; and
five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through
four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa
Pol. About noon check-out from the hotel and drive to Khuri.
Later enjoy the camel ride and beautiful sunset in the desert.
Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer {Khuri}-Jodhpur.
330 Kms & 06-07 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast leave Khuri & drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur
is called the "Blue City" for the characteristic plea
indigo color of its traditional homes. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check
in at the hotel
.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08 : Jodhpur.
Morning visit the majestic
Mehrangarh Fort, built
atop a 400 ft. promontory. Below the fort, visit the
Jaswant
Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built 1899 for Mahrajaha
Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
After lunch visit
Bishnoi Village. Evening free
for independent activities.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09 : Jodhpur-Pushkar. 200
Kms & 04-05 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel
and drive to Pushkar. On arrival in Pushkar, check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the famous Lord Bramha Temple and the holy Pushkar
lake.
Evening free for independent activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Pushkar-Jaipur.
150 Kms & 03-04 Hrs.
Morning free in Pushkar. Later drive to the "Pink city"
Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check in at the hotel. Evening free
for independent activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 : Jaipur.
Morning visit the
Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills,
which is a super example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture.
A slow elephant ride (included) takes you to the top of the Fort,
which houses several graceful buildings. Afternoon visit
the
City Palace. In the heart of the old city
is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani
and Mughal styles,
Hawa Mahal or Palace
of Wind,
Jantar Mantar.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur-Agra.
260 Kms & 05-06 Hrs.
Morning after early breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra. Enroute
you visit
Fatehpur Sikri, (Built during the second
half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri
(the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for
only some 10 years. Afterwards continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival
in Agra, check in at the hotel
.
Rest of the day is free.
Note : Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
Day 13 : Agra-Varanasi.
Overnight Train
Morning visit the
Taj Mahal, at the time of sunrise
{recommendable} : The Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory
of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631,
and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over
20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction
is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.
Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan
had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be
able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique
is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction
and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden
tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during
the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding
others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized
as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals
brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable
artistry.
After visiting the Taj Mahal return back to hotel for late breakfast.
After relax at the hotel proceed for the sightseeing of Agra city,
visit
Agra Fort,
Itmad-Ud-Dola
and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through
the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the
city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle
bustle of everyday India. Evening free for relax or optional visit
the famous monument of love the Taj Mahal during sunset.
After early dinner transfer to Agra Fort railway station to take
train to Varanasi.
Overnight on board the train.
Day 14 : Arrive Varanasi.
Arrive Varanasi railway station in the early morning. Meet on
arrival and transfer to hotel. Varanasi is the religious centre
of Hindu religion. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges,
Varanasi is considered to be among the oldest living cities of
the world and has been a centre of learning and civilization for
centuries. Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of
the Indian people.
Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make a long journey
to this vibrant city where you can find the richest of the rich
living side by side with the poorest of the poor. Travel to Varanasi
with an open mind and see what faith can do to people and what
their devotion to god leads them to achieve. Look beyond the poverty
into the eyes of the people and you will see a sense of enlightenment
and peace that their belief in a god has given them. The old city
of Varanasi is a maze of small streets and alleyways hiding in
disorderly array no less than 2000 temples and shrines. Domes,
minarets, pinnacles and towers, and derelict eighteenth century
palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river. All in the
jumble of this fascinating and spiritual city, you will see marriage
processions and funeral processions and cows grabbing big flower
necklaces destined for the gods. Varanasi is an unique city that
vibrates with cosmic forces beyond comprehension.
Afternoon proceed for half day excursion to
Sarnath,
which is around 10 kms from the city centre. Sarnath symbolizes
the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed
his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at
Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings
representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School,
Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from
the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Also seen here is
the original lions heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the
symbol of the Indian republic.
Overnight at stay at hotel.
Day 15 : Varanasi-Delhi.
Flight
Early this morning leave your hotel around 5:30 am for an early
morning sunrise boat excursion on the holy River Ganges. See Varanasi
come alive along the banks of the river. See people bathing in
the holy water and worshipping the rising sun.
Witness the conclusion of life at the river bank holy cremation
grounds. It is believed if you die in Varanasi you go straight
to heaven. Varanasi will be one of the most extraordinary experiences
of your visit to India.
After the boat ride return to the hotel for breakfast. Proceed
on a Varanasi City Tour driving through the Banaras Hindu University
with a visit to the Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. Visit some
of the holy temples of the city which encapsulates the ambience
and the spirit of the city. Highlights include the Durga
Temple,
better known as the 'monkey temple' on account of the large number
of monkeys residing there and the Temple of Vishwanath (or
Visheshwar, Lord of the Universe). If time permits before returning
to the hotel, visit some of the silk brocade and weaving centers
- a specialty of Varanasi. Afternoon check out from the hotel
and transfer to Varanasi airport to take Air Sahara flight to
Delhi at 1720 Hrs. Arrival Delhi at 2000 Hrs.
On arrival in Delhi transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 16 : Delhi-Departure.
Morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer
to Delhi airport to take your return flight back home.
End of services with happy memories.
| Cost
Includes |
15 Nights hotel accommodation on twin sharing
basis.
{Including train journey}.
Daily breakfast at the hotel.
All transport services by A/C Car for all
transfers,
sightseeing, long journey, as per
itinerary,
including all taxes, toll tax, parking,
driver
allowance, fuel charges.
One camel safari in Khuri Desert.
One Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village in Jodhpur.
01 Elephant ride in Jaipur.
01 Rajasthani Dinner at Choki Dhani Village
Resort,
Jaipur.
One Buffet Lunch at Hotel Taj View, Agra.
Services of an English speaking guide for
sightseeing
Agra & Jaipur Only.
01 boat ride in on river Ganges, Varanasi.
Assistance upon arrival in Delhi.
All present applicable taxes. |
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| Cost
does not Includes |
Any personal expenses such as tips, drink,
laundry,
and which is not mentioned above.
Any monument entry & camera fees.
Any air fare.
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Transport : Air-conditioned Car, walking. |
Accommodation : Hotels |
Departs : Daily |
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Important notes:
1. You are required to arrange and purchase internal flights
before travel.
2. Combination trip. Please see inclusions and exclusions
for details. |