Rajasthan Heritage Tour

Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, for both domestic and international tourists. Rajasthan attracts tourists for its historical forts, palaces, art and culture. Every third foreign tourist visiting India also travels to Rajasthan as it is part of the Golden Triangle for tourists visiting India. Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, Rajasthan has a flourishing tourism industry. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destinations of many tourists, Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector. The main sweet of this place is ghewar.

Rajasthan known as the "land of kings "provides some marvelous marks from the history in the form of its forts, palaces, mansions and haveli's that were earlier residences of the royals of the state. These abandoned structures from past are scattered all over Rajasthan state and are excellent examples of rich architectural heritage. All these ancestral homes from centuries are unique reflecting their own individual history and traditions. Restored meticulously by today's former Maharaja's these impressive structures have been transformed into Heritage hotels with varying categories of budget. Retaining the ambience and royalty from generations, these heritage hotels have been developed with all modern amenities/ facilities for a comfortable stay of today's travelers. The huge mansions and palaces of Maharaja's have become some of the best leading heritage hotels in the country such as Rambagh in Jaipur, Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, Lake Palace in Udaipur, Devi Garh, Samode Palace and many more. Welcoming guests from all over the world and offering the experience of Indian history and royalty that was a part of the then life styles. Apart from this, numerous small haveli's and castles in Rajasthan have also opened their doors to tourists. Attracting many for over years now, the Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan are a class in themselves extending traditional services, personalized care and warm hospitality to guests.

Destination covered: Delhi – Agra - Karauli – Jaipur – Pushkar - Nimaj – Rohet – Jodhpur – Deogarh – Ranakpur - Udaipur

Day 01: Arrive Delhi:
On arrival at New Delhi. International Airport, proceed for immigration and custom clearance. At the arrival lounge, look for our representative, who will be holding a placard with your name on it. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Agra (Drive: 04 half hours)
After breakfast, proceed for half day combined city tour of Old / New Delhi, visiting Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial), the Jama Masjid (The Universal mosque), Red
Fort (from outside), and the Chandni Chowk by rickshaw (tricycle). Later visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1570 is of particular cultural significance, as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and the
Qutab Minar the 239 feet sandstone tower, an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. Afternoon, depart to Agra – The city of Taj Mahal. Arrive, and check in to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

Day 03: Agra – Karauli (Drive: 04 hours):
After breakfast, proceed for half day city tour of Agra, visiting one of the Wonders of the World, the famous Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), poetry in marble and a symbol of eternal love, then visit the magnificent Agra Fort, this Fort was built by Akbar and further developed by successive generations. See the vineyards and the rose garden from where the perfumed rose water was pumped directly to the emperor’s chambers! Here Akbar played chess with women as pawns! This well-preserved fortress is a reminder of the glorious yet sorrowful reign of the Mogul emperors.

Afternoon, drive to Karauli -a remote ancient town and devotional city. A wealth of history and a magnificent palace built in 1635. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This fortress city is a UNESCO world heritage site and built entirely of red sandstone. The tomb of the saint Salim Chisti is built in pristine white marble that lends a stunning contrast. If you tie a knot and make a wish it will be granted. Continue to Jaipur. Arrive and check-in to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Karauli.

Day 04: Karauli – Jaipur (Drive: 04 hours):
After breakfast, proceed for half day tour of Karauli – a blend of warm royal hospitality, a serene rural environment and an opportunity to see historical monuments and magnificent temples. The ruling family
of Karauli is the descendants of Lord Krishna while the city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and other states. Visit local bazars
for exclusive items of handicraft, and colourful bangles of Karauli. Afternoon, drive to Jaipur – known as Pink city, arrive and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur:
After breakfast, take an excursion of the fairy tale like Amber Fort, as you ascend the hill like a Maharaja on the back of an Elephant. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. Enroute, visit the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the " Palace of Wind" from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside yet remained hidden inside. Afternoon, proceed for city tour visiting City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and the Jantar Mantar, the incredibly accurate Royal observatory built in 1728.

Day 06:Jaipur – Pushkar (Drive: 03 hours):
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar, arrive and check-in to hotel. Evening free to explore Pushkar on your own. Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.

Day 07: Pushkar – Nimaj (Drive: 02 hours):
After breakfast, visit Pushkar Lake. Legend has it, that the Pushkar Lake appeared miraculously on the spot, where petals of a lotus blossom fell from the hands of Lord Brahma, the creator.

Afternoon, drive to Nimaj, arrive and check-in to your hotel. Evening visit the 9th century temple, end the offbeat at ‘Chattar Sagarlake’ see the sun setting behind the dam which gives a golden glow to the lake before sinking behind the unique and rustic architecture of the dam. Overnight stay at hotel in Nimaj.

Day 08: Nimaj:
After breakfast, proceed for full day safaris (on direct payment) of tribal settlement and hamlets, Dhani cultural, and snake charmer villages etc. Also visit the places of Religious and historical interest. Overnight stay at hotel in Nimaj.

Day 09: Nimaj – Rohet (Drive: 04 hours):
After breakfast, drive to Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in the battle. Arrive and check-in to your hotel. Afternoon, explore Rohet on your own. Overnight stay at hotel in Rohet.

Day 10: Rohet - Jodhpur – Deogarh (Drive: 04 hours):
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, arrive and proceed for half day tour of Jodhpur, visiting Mehrangarh Fort, which Kipling called one of the grandest sights in India. True to its name, the 15th century Mehrangarh (majestic) Fort towers 400 feet high and was never captured. From the courtyard we can see the fantastic `jali’ (lattice) work that almost entirely covers the sandstone walls and balconies. Also see the beautifully decorated dancing hall, the royal bedroom, jewels studded robes, ornate baby cradles, solid silver elephant’s seats and palanquins. Later visit the royal cenotaphs at Jaswant Thada, the pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II. Afternoon, drive to Deogarh, arrive and check-in to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Deogarh.

Day 11: Deogarh – Ranakpur – Udaipur (Drive: 03 hours)
After breakfast, explores Deogarh on your own. Deogarh, lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north- east of Udaipur, Its chieftain known as “The Rawat” was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar such feudal estates, called Thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh, is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can
also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them!!.

Afternoon drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Ranakpur temples -Ranakpur is a fabulous 500-year-old Jain Temples. The temples are superbly preserved in near perfect condition. The most distinctive feature are
the 29 halls of the main temple, some octagonal and many more than one story high, are dissected by 1444 pillars, each sculpted with unique designs which no two are the exactly alike. The carving on the walls
while, musicians and dancers have been modeled out of brackets between the pillars and the ceiling. Than continue to Udaipur. Arrive and check-in to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 12: Udaipur: Morning proceed for full day city tour of this lake-city. It is perhaps the most romantic of all Indian centers and is sometimes called “the Venice of the East”. Exotic gardens, mirror-calm lakes, and fantasy island palaces surround it. Visit the ornate and imposing City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan that towers over Lake Pichola. Though the Maharana of Udaipur still lives here, the main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. Visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari (garden of the maidens) where women of the Royal Household met and played. See the exquisite Jagdish Temple and Jagat Temples located just outside the City Palace. Evening enjoy the sunset boat ride on Lake Pichhola (optional). Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 13: Udaipur – Delhi (by Flight or train):
Day free to explore the city on your own. Late evening transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi.

Day 14: Delhi – Onward destination:
Today in time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Regards,

Yatin Balodi
Team Journeys4you

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