Day
1 / Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, Meet Canter Tours representative at the airport &
transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 / Delhi
After delicious breakfast sightseeing tour of New Delhi see
Qutab Minar, India Gate and the grand government buildings, the
President’s House , Red fort, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial Night
stay Delhi.
Day 3 / Delhi -
Jaipur
In the morning drive to Jaipur & transfer to hotel. Later
sightseeing of Jaipur covering City Palace, the City Palace
Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 4 / Jaipur
In the morning after breakfast proceed for excursion to Amber
Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Also visit Jaigarh Fort
- Jaigarh used to be the royal arsenal. The view of the city of
Jaipur from this picturesque fort on top of a hill is truly an
experience of a lifetime. overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 5 / Jaipur -
Mandawa
In the morning after breakfast drive to Mandawa- see Fort of
Mandawa. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka
and Ladia in this town. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh,
descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of
Nawalgarh. Arrive Mandawa & transfer to hotel. art of a legend,
wander in the under the high ceilinged 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar
Hall). Afternoon walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some
of the leading business families of the country. Chowkhani
Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli,
Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special
interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes
overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 6 / Mandawa - Bikaner
In the morning after breakfast drive to Bikaner -The royal
fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the
Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner
retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's
lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned
for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert
is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts,
transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime
helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are
other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths
with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and
can be noticed even from a distance. Arrive Bikaner & transfer
to hotel.
Later visit the Junagarh Fort ,constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army
and the Karnimata Temple at Deshnok. Also visit the prestigious
camel breeding farm in the evening.Night stay in Bikaner.
Day 7 / Bikaner -
Jaisalmer
After Breakfast drive to Jaisalmer - Rising from the heart of
the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A
commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according
to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold
Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build
his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in
1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a
Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new
capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Arrive Jaisalmer & transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night
stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 8 / Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour
of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. 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. Visit the JAISALMER
FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world, Also visit the
Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli , Gandhi Sagar Tank
and Barabagh Hill. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 9 / Jaisalmer
Day will be free to explore the culture of this unique city.
In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical
Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset
from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. It can be an
unforgettable experience.
Return to the village to drive back to Jaisalmer after a
Rajasthani dinner served in the village amidst Rajasthani
musicians playing haunting tunes. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 10 / Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur -Set at the edge of the Thar
Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of
antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of
the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief
of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of
Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century
AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall
-10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Arrive Jodhpur & transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night
stay in Jodhpur.
Day 11 / Jodhpur
Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare
glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India.
Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great
desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert
beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh
Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit,
overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the
Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this
palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle
room. Later visit Jaswant Thada Memorial & the Umaid Bhawan
Palace. Night stay in Jodhpur.
Day 12 / Jodhpur - Mt Abu
After breakfast drive to Mount Abu -At 1,200 meters, Mount Abu
is the highest point of the Aravalli range passing through
Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan. It is build around
a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to the
legend, the place derives its name from ARBUDA, a serpent who
descended to the spot to rescue Shiva's bull NANDI. Besides
having all the features of a pleasant hill resort, this place is
also famous for the DILWARA TEMPLES and many more archeological
remains. There are romantic royal retreats and relics of the Raj.
Enjoy boating at the Nakki Lake and visit the temples and the
museum. Night stay in Mount Abu.
Day 13 / Mt. Abu
Day will be at Mt Abu. Visit the Dilwara Temples during the day.
The architecture of these temples is very interesting and
famous. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Mount Abu.
Day 14 / Mount Abu - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur -The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a
lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills
of the Aravallis. 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. Their reflection in
the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 Years.
Arrive Udaipur & transfer to hotel.Later proceed for Evening
Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From
he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises
majestically above the lake in the middle 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.Evening at leisure. Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 15 / Udaipur
Proceed for day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at
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.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish
Temple and the local folk Museum.
Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 16 / Udaipur - Chittaurgarh
After breakfast drive to Chittaurgarh-The pride and glory of
Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valor
unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel - Where the
royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular chattris.
This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time
the outcome was 'Jauhar'-when women and children immolated
themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron
robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
Arrive Chittaurgarh & transfer to hotel. Later proceed for
sightseeing of Chittaurgarh Fort -Believed to have been
constructed by the Mori rulers in the 7th century, this fort is
located on a 180m high hill, covering 700 acres. "Tablets" and "Chattris"
lie between several monumental gates. Also visit Padmini Palace
- The palace of the legendary queen of Mewar.
Night stay in Chittaurgarh.
Day 17 /
Chittaurgarh - Kota
In the morning drive to Kota -Along the eastern bank of the
Chambal River lies Kota -
Arrive Kota & transfer to hotel. Later sightseeing of Kota
covering Brijraj Bhawan Palace, Umed Bhawan Palace, Chambel
Garden overnight stay in Kota.
Day 18 / Kota -
Ranthambhore
After breakfast drive to Ranthambhore - the famous Tiger
Reserve, is perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger
in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger
sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has
come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the
documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from
gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas
to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravallis, from
wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important
geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya
plateaus meet the Aravali hill Ranges, meanders through the
Reserve. The River Chambal in the South and the River Banas in
the North bind the National Park.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type further
classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of
Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an
extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged
droughts. The leaf of this tree is good fodder and they are
browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their
diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich
source of nutrition.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed,
lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the
Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive
hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides,
there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested
Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a
subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth.
Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a
matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities
are very exciting.
Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life with over 300
species of birds. In fact, for a keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore
and its surrounding areas are paradise. Birds like Greylag
geese, Bar headed geese, Painted stork, Pochards, Gadwall,
Mallard, Tawny Eagle, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle, the rare
Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingoes and many more are
regular winter migrants which come from their nesting grounds
north of Himalayas to Ranthambhore and surrounding areas.
Besides Tiger, there are many other animals to observe,
understand and enjoy, Elegant and graceful Spotted Deer, huge
Sambar, Crocodiles basking around the banks of the lakes,
Vultures soaring in the sky, Crested Serpent Eagle scanning the
ground from its perch or the kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the
pools are all the interest for a visitor with sensitivity.
Day at leisure . Night stay in Ranthmbhore.
Day 19 /
Ranthambhore
Morning & Afternoon Jungle safari by Canter. Night stay in
Ranthmbhore.
Day 20 /
Ranthambhore - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra-Badal Singh established the city
of Taj in 1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban.
This city in those days was considered to be the sister-city of
Mathura, which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into
its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the River
Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his
capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra
but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era, which was to see Agra at
its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
It was during Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art,
culture and commerce and learning. This trend reached its height
when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed
a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when
the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made
during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and
of very high quality. The same is still reflected in whatever
monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with
aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating
master pieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty
which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains,
has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again
to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist
destination of India.
Arrive Agra & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Agra.
Day 21 / Agra -
Delhi
Morning at sunrise visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven
Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was
completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in
the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).
Also visit Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.
Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a
major tourist attraction.
Later drive to Delhi via Sikandra and the holy city of Mathura.
Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 22 / Departure
Transfer to airport to connect the onward flight.
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