Rajasthan Explorer….
20th Feb. : Bikaner
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of the city. Bikaner was
founded in 1486 A.D by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner.
Bikaner, has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends
the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able
to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era. We visit the Junagadh Fort. One of
the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till
date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of
Akbar.
We also visit the Camel Breeding Farms. Take a ride on one or watch the calves
gamboling, or submit to a Raika or a Rebari from traditional camel breeder, over a cup of
camels milk at the camel breeding farms just eight Kms away from the city. This farm is
the only of its kind in Asia.
Overnight At Hotel Gajner Palace (B)
21st Feb. : Bikaner / Jaisalmer
This morning drive to Jaisalmer. The drive is through desert country with scantly
vegetation and life stock in view.
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Narayan Niwas Palace.
Rest of the day free to witness opening ceremony of 'Desert Fair'
A three day long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity at the golden city of
Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition
and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun of the occasion. Camel rides and folk dances
at the sand dunes at sam are an added attraction. A quality tour using first class hotels
including some of the known Heritage hotels in Rajasthan covers the most important
cultural and historical places, Thar Desert, Desert Fair and visit to Tribes in Rohetgarh
and Manvar. The tour is available round the year as well. The dates given below are
planned to coincide this tour for Desert Festival.
Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace
22nd Feb. Jaisalmer
This morning, we visit the residential portions of the fort where one third of the
population of the old city lives. The design of houses remains, as they were a couple of
century's back and so are the lifestyle of people occupying them. This is because most of
the families continue to work for generations for the rural (though only titular now)
hence there is a sense of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and have
small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps. This is the city believed to be
the home of the most handsome men and women in Rajasthan.
Rest of the day free to witness the festivities.
The turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest add a touch of excitement to the
festive celebrations. The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire-dancers leave the
crowds enchanted whenever they perform. Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace.
23rd Feb. Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaisalmer
After breakfast, drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical
dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. The rough terrain here does not support
cultivation; hence the entire village works as casual labourers in road works or community
projects. Inspite of their poverty and hard life the people are very friendly and seem to
be aware that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful faces. We move on to
Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back. We would have an opportunity to witness
Grand closing ceremony at Sam Dunes including cultural show, camel races, fireworks etc.
Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace
24th Feb. Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Following breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival, check into the legendary Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel, which is beautifully
set amidst well appointed gardens.
This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of
India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes,
fabrics, spices, vegetables etc
Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace
25th Feb. : Jodhpur
After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive
fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped
straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound
with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the
Royal Crematorium.
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the
walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya,
block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts.
Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many
talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and
probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches
Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace
26th Feb. : Jodhpur / Jaipur (335 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with
exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the
Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here
every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be
compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies
scarves). Camel's buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motorcars and buses.
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a
bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur.
It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan
experience for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of
traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that
dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the
gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances
while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby which opens into the chowk
(inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to
guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
Afternoon is designed for walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated streets - or
for independent discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive
visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of
the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery,
exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and
brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.
Overnight At Alsisar Haveli
27th Feb. : Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to
be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of
Jaipur. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing
through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred
years.
For more on the tourist attractions of Jaipur, click here. Jaipur Tour
Overnight At Alsisar Haveli
28th Feb. : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)
Following breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. This abandoned
capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's
splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra.
Upon arrival check into hotel Holiday Inn, lies in the heart of this fascinating city,
allowing you to explore and witness the ambience of this historically beautiful city as
well as the romance of the Taj Mahal and the elegance of emperor Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world.
However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much
and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this
is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter
how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and
beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the
Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in
every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in
pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be able to
witness the inlay work done on marble just as at the Taj Mahal.
Overnight At Holiday Inn - a 4* Hotel
01st Mar. : Agra / Delhi (200 Kms)
Morning, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an
interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor
Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the
story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the
skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Following the tour, we drive to Delhi. Upon arrival check into your hotel The Connaught
for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: Evening, we would visit an Indian family for
an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into
Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian
food.
Overnight At The Connaught - a 4* Hotel
02nd Mar. : Delhi / Depature
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
END OF TOUR
We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to
customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience. |
