Duration : 29 Nights/ 30 Days
Palace to Covered : Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Mount Abu - Ahmedabad - Palitana - Diu - Junagarh - Ahmedabad - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival, you are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the Hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 kms)
In the morning we drive to Shekhawati. Shekhawati is situated in the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India, they developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
Day 03: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 kms)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 04: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 kms)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer. On the route we visit the Karni Mata temple in Deshnok. It is a famous temple of rats. After visiting the temple we proceed further for Jaisalmer. In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. Some of the visitors called this city "a living museum". We arrive in Jaisalmer in the evening.
Day 05: Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mansions). We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
Day 06: Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 kms)
Early morning drive to Jodhpur via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region. After visiting Osian drive to Jodhpur. This city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates.
Day 07: Jodhpur
Today we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (about 190 kms)
Today we drive to Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. In the afternoon we visit the Ranakpur Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century.
Day 09: Ranakpur - Mount Abu (about 181 kms)
Today we drive from Ranakpur to Mount Abu. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan nestling in picturesque Aravali mountains. Entire hill side in Mount Abu is covered by the mango, bamboo, eucalyptus, date-palm, silk, cotton and lime trees. Arrive in Mount Abu in the afternoon. In the evening we visit the Dilwara Jain Temples. Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed between 11th and 13th centuries. Vimal Vasahi, one of the oldest temple, built in 1031 A.D. Vimal Vasahi is an outstanding example of Jain temple architecture and famous for its superb carvings in marble. In the evening we will have a walk at the focal point of the town, Nakki Lake and enjoy the sunset.
Day 10: Mount Abu - Patan - Ahmedabad (about 220 kms)
In the morning we drive to Ahmedabad via Patan. Patan is an ancient fortified town, situated on the banks of the sacred Saraswati river. Patan enjoyed a privileged status of capital of Gujarat, for about 600 years from 746 AD to 1411 AD. In the afternoon reach Patan and visit the Rani ki Vav and Sahastralinga Talav. Rani ki Vav is an excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. This vav was constructed by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev (1022-63 AD) and represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and architecture. Sahastralinga Talav is among the many artificial tanks built in different parts of Gujarat. The architecture of this tank integrated the great sense of water management and sanctity of water in Hindu religion. Then later drive to Ahmedabad.
Day 11: Ahmedabad - Palitana
Today we will drive to Palitana. Palitana is the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites. There are about 863 temples on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built over a span of 900 years. To visit the temples on the Shatrunjaya hill one has to climb 600 m up the hill. So today we will ascend the Shatrunjaya hill either on foot or in Doli or lift chairs. After reaching the top of the hill we will visit the Jain temple. The temple which is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain Tirthankara (apostle) is one of the most magnificent temples and the most sacred temple on Shatrunjaya hill. The Muslim shrine of Angar Pir is also situated near the temple. After visiting the temple we will visit the Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It has an image of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal directions.
Day 12: Palitana - Diu
Today we will drive from Palitana to Diu. Diu is a tiny island in the Arabian Sea which is situated near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the swamp. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea. It is a multi-ethnic society.
Day 13: Diu
Today we start with our sightseeing in Diu and visit the Diu Fort. Diu Fort is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD and offers a magnificent view of the sea. After visiting the fort we visit the St. Paul's Church. St. Paul's Church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. This church was built during the 17th century and adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs. Later we visit the Diu museum. Diu museum houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites. In the evening we visit the Nagoa beach. This beach stretches about 2 km from one end to the other and is very beautiful and quiet and is in the shape of a horse shoe.
Day 14: Diu - Junagadh
Today we drive from Diu to Junagadh. Junagadh is situated in the Saurashtra region at the foot of the temple-studded Mount Girnar, on the northern fringes of the Gir forest. The city takes its name from the Fort that enclosed the medieval town. In the afternoon arrive in Junagadh. In the evening we visit the Mahabat Maqbara. This mosque is a stunning mausoleum of one of the Nawabs of Junagadh, built in 1892. It is resplendent with silver doors and intricate architecture, including minarets encircled by spiraling stairways.
Day 15: Junagadh - Ahmedabad (about 315 kms)
In the morning we visit the Mount Girnar Hill. Mount Girnar is one of the hills which is most sacred to the Jain community. It rises to a height of more than 600 m. Various Jain temples and Hindu temples are located on the Girnar hill. One of the largest and the oldest, 12th century temple dedicated to Neminath is situated on this hill. Besides this, the Bhavnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple of Amba Mata are also situated on this hill. After visiting these temples we drive to visit the Somnath temple. The Somnath temple is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a jyotirlinga. This temple was rebuilt and destroyed several times. The majestic monument as it stands today is a replica of the earlier construction. After visiting the temple we drive to Ahmedabad.
Day 16: Ahmedabad - Udaipur (about 255 kms)
Today we drive from Ahmedabad to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
Day 17: Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we proceed to City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done.
Day 18: Udaipur - Chittorgarh (about 120 kms)
Today we will drive to Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh Fort is the indomitable pride of Chittorgarh. The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180m hill it sprawls over 700 acres. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar", where 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.
Day 19: Chittorgarh - Pushkar (about 209 kms)
Today we leave Chittorgarh and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where Farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.
Day 20: Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 kms)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the Pink City Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.
Day 21: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. It’s complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 22: Jaipur
In the morning we visit the Nahargarh fort. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.
Day 23: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 kms)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 24: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home.
Day 25: Agra - Gwalior (about 120 kms)
After the breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between North and South India has made it's Fort an important possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. We visit the fort of Gwalior today itself. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 26: Gwalior - Khajuraho (about 300 kms)
Today early morning we leave Gwalior and proceed to Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho we visit Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for Khajuraho. Arrival in Khajuraho in the late evening.
Day 27: Khajuraho - Varanasi (by air)
Today we visit the temple complex of Eastern Group and Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple which is dedicated to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expression among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of Hinduism. In the evening flight to Varanasi. The rest of the day at leisure. Varanasi is without doubt India’s most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC.
Day 28: Varanasi
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the holy river Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the afternoon we visit the city of Varanasi. In the evening we visit the Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park.
Day 29: Varanasi - Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure.
Day 30: Flight to home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
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