Rajasthan In A Hurry

Day 01. : Delhi / Udaipur (9W3401 - 0545/0810)

Early Morning, Our representative would meet & greet you at your address in Delhi and would introduce India and your tour to you. Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

Transfer to airport for your flight to Udaipur, we drive to Udaipur. Royal capital of a divine dynasty. Languid Lake City, strewn with marble palaces, hibiscus - massed gardens, fountain pavilions, and cobbled medieval gardens.

Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise ". Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of romance in the warrior state of Rajasthan.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival & check into your hotel Paras Mahal. The Hotel offers you the best of two worlds : traditional Indian hospitality and all the modern conveniences. Paras Mahal is a celebration of this traditional value & gracious living. The hotel offers well appointed centrally air conditioned rooms, a multi cuisine restaurant, 24hrs coffee shop, a well stocked bar. In keeping with the beautiful natural surroundings, the hotel has a swimming pool, undulating spacious lawns & a recreational park.

This afternoon, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Overnight at Hotel Paras Mahal

Day 02. : Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur (260 Kms)
Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (Overnight Train Journey)

Following breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur. Our first stop would be at Ranakpur. This is a site of some exquisitely carved white marble Jain temples .The profusion of such detailed and intricate sculpture depicting various folk tales and gods is mind boggling. We have a guided tour of the temple and following which, we continue riding to Udaipur. Royal capital of a devine dynasty. Languid Lake City, strewn with marble palaces, hibiscus - massed gardens, fountains pavilions, and cobbled medieval gardens.

From here continue drive to Jodhpur for a guided tour. 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 Tara - the Royal Crematorium

Late evening, transfer to the train station to board an overnight train JPJ EXPRESS (10:45 PM / 07:25 AM*) to Jaisalmer.

Overnight On Train - 2 Tire Airconditioned Sleeper Carriages.

Day 03. : Arrival - Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaisalmer

Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to Hotel Heritage Inn.

Following breakfast, 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.

Afternoon, 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.

Overnight At Heritage Inn

Day 04. : 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

Day 05. : Jodhpur / Ranthambhore - (Intercity Exp - 0550/1355)

Early morning you are transferred to the Train Station with packed breakfast for your train to Ranthambhore, for a two-night wildlife adventure in Ranthambore National Park, famed for its healthy population of Bengal tigers who are frequently seen by day and in full view of visitors. Once a royal hunting ground, this vast preserve now protects a great variety of wildlife that are often seen around the ruins of an ancient jungle fort.

Upon arrival, meeting and assistance and transfer to your hotel Tiger Moon Resort, which gives you all the excitement and exhilaration of holidaying in the heart of the Indian wildlife; right where all the action is, in the lap of Nature at it's most raw. Here the law of the jungle prevails; predator's prowl the wild pathways; birds shriek in the skies and reptiles slither across the earth. It is into this wilderness that we offer you ringside seats to the ultimate show. This resort, situated on the edge of the Ranthambhore National Park amidst the Aravali hills in Rajasthan, is the ideal resort if you want to hit the tiger trail.

Overnight at Tiger Moon Resort

Day 06 : Ranthambhore / Jaipur

Morning, Jungle Excursions in open top vehicles.

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, proceed on a tour of City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.

Evening 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

Day 07 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra

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. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.

Following the tour 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.

Overnight At Holiday Inn - a 4* Hotel

Day 08 : Agra / Delhi / Depature

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 rise 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.

Following breakfast, 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 ride to Delhi, along one of India's finest freeways.

A Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: This evening we 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.

Following the dinner, 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.