Rajasthan With Mumbai Program

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

Arrive Delhi International Airport by International Flight.

We welcome you in the capital city of India, for a journey across the fascinating history-markers of medieval north India. Wars were fought and rulers changed in Delhi but ordinary lives were lived in relative continuity. Glimpses of these can be seen even today as the character of the city underwent massive changes in the last decades. In the lands fabled to have seen seven cities, signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting an ever-fascinating panorama. We welcome you to its chaos and stability, into its steadfastness and its impatience and into a delightful rainbow of amalgamation, producing a world completely its own.

DAY 1 – Arrive Delhi By International Flight:

Arrive Delhi International Airport by International Flight.

We welcome you in the capital city of India, for a journey across the fascinating history-markers of medieval north India. Wars were fought and rulers changed in Delhi but ordinary lives were lived in relative continuity. Glimpses of these can be seen even today as the character of the city underwent massive changes in the last decades. In the lands fabled to have seen seven cities, signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting an ever-fascinating panorama. We welcome you to its chaos and stability, into its steadfastness and its impatience and into a delightful rainbow of amalgamation, producing a world completely its own.

On arrival, meet by our airport representative and transfer to Hotel for check in. Rest of the day free to explore the local market. Overnight at Hotel 

DAY 2 – Delhi:

Breakfast at hotel and proceed to visit Old & New Delhi:

Delhi – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.

Old Delhi – the 300-year-old walled city built as capital of Mughal Empire by Emperor Shah Jehan in year 1648.

You will travel to Old Delhi en-route making stop at Raj Ghat – memorial built at the cremation spot of Mahatma Gandhi; next on your tour is brief stop at Red Fort for a photo stop.

From the Red Fort you will walk across to Chandini Chowk from where you will proceed to embark for an experience – a brief ½ hr cycle rickshaw ride on the ancient roads that pulsate with the rhythm of modernity. Arrive at Jama Masjid for a visit (closed to public on Fridays for prayer), the largest mosque in India, where people stream in and out continuously all day.

Later we back drive back to Lutyen’s Delhi passing through Rajpath, officially named Kartavya Path, is a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, India, that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial. 

After the lunch, visit city’s largest Sikh Temple known as Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and continue sightseeing of the New Delhi with drive past India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War, Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy, today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first Mughal garden tomb, with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. The sightseeing tour of New Delhi comes to an end with the visit of 70-meter high Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. It was built during the 12^th century Delhi Sultanate period and commemorates the conquest of Delhi by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the slave and chief general of Mohammad Ghauri

Rest of the day free to explore the local market. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3 – Delhi Agra By Surface:

After breakfast drive to Agra (200 Kms /4 Hrs Drive) – Medieval city situated on the banks of river Yamuna, it came into prominence when a lavish patronage of Mughal rulers created forts, tombs, and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Upon arrival at Agra, proceed to check in your hotel.

Afternoon visit one of the seven wonders of world – the famous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. Built in the mid-17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the brightest jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage (closed for visitor entry on Fridays).

Later visit Agra Fort – Agra served as the seat of power during Mughal domination period of Emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origin to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on western banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive imperial quarters and mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 4 – Agra-Jaipur By Surface:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will drive to Jaipur (235 Kms, 05 Hrs Drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (18 Miles) away from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri was the erstwhile capital of the great Mughal ruler – Emperor Akbar in the late 16^th Century. This magnificent fort palace had to be abandoned after just 15 years of occupation due to lack of potable water. After the Fatehpur Sikri, continue with the onward drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in at the hotel.

Experience the traditional ‘aarti’, the Hindu ritual of offering prayers at dawn or sundown at the 280-year old temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a small island within the resort, surrounded by lush gardens and water features. Aarti Ceremony takes place at 0700 Hrs and 1800 Hrs every day.

Overnight at Hotel 

DAY 5 – Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Amer to visit Amer Fort. Amer, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 9 Miles north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles – the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. Experience the

thrill of riding up to the fort on gaily decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago.

In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best-planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja’s residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. Built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design and rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. There is time to wander through the colorful bazaars, a veritable collector’s paradise where you can watch ancient craft forms. In tiny ateliers you can see the age-old tie-dye methods of cloth printing, miniature paintings on cotton or silk, statues hand-carved in wood or bone, fine metalwork and the renowned blue pottery of Jaipur. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 6 – Jaipur – Bikaner  By Surface:

After breakfast proceed for drive to Bikaner (320 Kms, 06 Hrs Drive).

Bikaner is popularly referred to as the ‘Camel City of Rajasthan’. Bikaner lies on the ancient caravan routes that linked Western/Central Asia and North India with the seaports of Gujarat. Bikaner thus flourished as a major trade center during the medieval period. The kingdom of Bikaner was established by a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, son of the founder of Jodhpur.

On arrival proceed for check in hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel 

DAY 7: Bikaner – Jaisalmer By Surface :

After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors.  Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Continue onto National Camel Breeding Farm and see the incredible sight of a herd of camels returning back after grazing, with the spectacular desert sunset in the background. Set amid rolling sand dunes, this farm is set up to produce superior strains of camels both for domestic haulage as well as, even today, for military use.

Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer (333 Kms / 6 Hours Drive). Jaisalmer, the golden beauty etched in yellow sandstone, standing tall against miles of gleaming sand. Founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer’s location kept it almost untouched by outside influences and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the crossroad of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.

Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8: Jaisalmer:

After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Jaisalmer.

You will walk up to The Fort, which dominates the town.  Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city’s population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are a fine group of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Walk through Jaisalmer’s narrow streets dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples.

Walk around this desert city, its fort emerging from the flat dry sands, bounding in ancient palaces, temples and delicately sculpted havelis – all witness to the emergence of this Rajput state into a market centre for traders.

Later afternoon, you will be driven to Sam Sand Dunes for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand. Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Atop this ship of the desert embark on an exciting soft adventure. This safari is across India’s Thar Desert, one of the harshest environments in the world.

 Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur :

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur (280 Kms, 06 Hrs Drive). Jodhpur – The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse-riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale. The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan.

Arrive Jodhpur and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10: Jodhpur – Udaipur By Surface:

After breakfast proceed to explore the city Jodhpur: which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and also called the ‘Sun City’.  Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of Jodhpur. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later, drive past the Mandore Garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped cenotaphs these are built along the lines of a Hindu temple.

Afternoon drive to Udaipur (280 Kms, 06 Hrs Drive). Udaipur – set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Udaipur often called the “Venice of the East” and the most romantic city in the state of Rajasthan. Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by green hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake Pichola. The city is a kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.

On arrival, check in at hotel.

Rest of the day free to explore the local market. Overnight at Hotel 

 DAY 11: Udaipur:

After breakfast we will be taken for the day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. 

Start your tour with enjoy the Boat Ride – cruise on Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola with its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir Lake Pichola is about 3 miles in length and 2 miles wide. Jag Niwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and one can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat.

Later visit the City Palace. City Palace* Built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola.

Sahelion-ki-Bari – the spectacular garden displaying the unique lifestyle of the Royal ladies who once lived in the Palaces. Jagdish Temple – Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: Udaipur – Mumbai By Flight:

Enjoy relaxed breakfast at hotel (check-out time 12 afternoon)

Late afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Mumbai.

Flight UK 414, Depart at 1420 Hrs, Arrive at 1555 Hrs

Upon arrival in Mumbai, Eastbound representative holding a sign with your name will meet you in the arrivals area upon exiting baggage claim. You will be transferred to your hotel of stay & the drive will about an hour (depending upon the traffic congestion). (check-in time 12 afternoon)

Mumbai is the financial capital of India. It has a history of incredible transformation from its foundation to the present day, where small islands were strung together and land between them reclaimed to form the bustling metropolis it is today. A metropolis in the true sense of the word, the city has loads to see during the day and a vibrant life at night.

Extolled by many as the mother of all cities, Mumbai (Bombay) has a history of incredible transformation from its foundation to the present day. It was built mainly for trade by the British and over the years it changed hands from the fishing village through the Portuguese conquest to Catherine of Aragon who took the seven islands of Mumbai as her dowry to Charles II of England. Mumbai was and still is the Gateway of India and a grand Archway of that name was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Overnight at Hotel

DAY 13: Mumbai:  

Breakfast at hotel and proceed for tour by boat to the Gateway and Elephanta Caves (CLOSED ON MONDAYS). This cave-temple shrine hewn out of solid rock was built in the eighth century A.D. by rulers of the Deccan dynasty. Here amongst other sculptures, you see the massive three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. A walk to the top provides beautiful panoramas of the Arabian Sea.

This afternoon visit Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark, situated just outside your hotel.  This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911. Drive past the Secretariat of the Maharashtra Government and along the famous Marine Drive. Visit the amazing Hanging Gardens. Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honor of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea linked by a causeway. Also visit the Prince of Charles Museum, VT Station & Dhobi Ghat.

Overnight at Hotel 

DAY 14: Mumbai Back Home By Flight:

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to Airport to board flight to back home (check out time is 1200 Hrs).