The Land of Maharajas & Nepal
Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Kathmandu
- Delhi
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the late evening. Welcome with flower Garlands,
Namaste ! Transfer to hotel and overnight.
Day
2 : Delhi
After breakfast visit Old Delhi - visit the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, and
Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) and Raj Ghat - the site of Mahatma Gandhi's
cremation.
In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing of New Delhi - drive past the
stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including
the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful
Humayun's tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj
Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Thereafter, time
free for souvenir shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi / Mandawa (260Kms)
Morning depart for Mandawa - the principal town of the Shekhawati region renowned
for its splendid painted "Havelis" or mansions. Arrive and check
in to hotel. Late in the afternoon, visit the town and Castle of Mandawa and
onto Fatehpur completing the tour of Shekhawati’s grand Havelis with
their lively frescoes, cataloguing the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari
community. Overnight at hotel.
Day
4 : Mandawa/ Bikaner (270 Kms)
After breakfast depart for the fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern
tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly
raised ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance
gates. Arrive and check in to hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit the Junagrh
fort, palaces and temples – magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone,
are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy.
Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world. In the evening
walk in the local market. Return to hotel and overnight.
Day 5 : Bikaner / Jaisalmer (330 Kms)
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure for Jaisalmer, the yellow city lying in
the heart of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes with an imposing and impregnable
sand coloured fort. Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is
lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades of merchant havellis and private
houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples. Arrive Jaisalmer and
check in to hotel. In the afternoon visit the Gaddi Sagar Lake, adorned with
an arched gateway and the royal Cenotaphs at the Barj Bagh and view the setting
Sun over this city which has a peculiar glow. Rests of the day at leisure
to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at hotel.
Day
6 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit the city of Jaisalmer, splendid caravan city founded
into 1155 by Rao Jaisal. The city is a jewel, the exquisitely carved balconies
of the " Havellis " with rich filigree work all over, the fort perched
atop the hill with beautiful palaces and ’jharokhas’ (windows),
Jaisalmer is also called ’the Museum city’. Later in the afternoon,
proceed for an excursion towards Khuri-45 kms to see the picturesque wind-caressed
dunes of the Thar Desert creating enchanting mirages, indeed a breathtaking
sight. Proceed for a short Camel ride in the sand dunes of Khuri Village.
Return to Jaisalmer and overnight at hotel.
Day 7 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (297 Kms)
Morning depart for Jodhpur, the blue city of the desert. Arrive and check
in to hotel. In the afternoon, visit its grand and imposing Mehrangarh, which
was to be practically in expugnable in times of the wars. Spread over many
kilometres, it dominates the landscape. It shelters exquisite palates decorated
with mural frescos and stone laces. Thereafter proceed to the city and walk
in its quaint and colourful markets, vividly testifying to the history and
glory of this princely state. Overnight at hotel.
Day
8 : Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (285 Kms)
Morning depart for Ranakpur the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples
of India delicately carved out of white marble, in the deep secluded valley
of the Aravalli Hills. There are 1444 pillars in the temples and none of them
similarly carved. Also visit the temple of Adinath. Thereafter continue towards
the romantic city of Udaipur also known as “ The White City”. Arrive
and check in to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the swimming
pool. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 : Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for the city tour of Udaipur - set around the vast
Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's
most picturesque city. Morning visit the romantic and stunning white marble
Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace
- built in 1725.
Day 10 : Udaipur / Pushkar (295 Kms)
Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Pushkar – the mellow, quite and interesting
little town of Pushkar is one of those travellers’ centers, where people
go for a little respite from the hardships of life on the Indian road it is
situated right on the edge of the desert. The town clings to the side of the
small but beautiful Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples.
For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage centre. Pushkar is also
world famous for the huge Camel Fair which takes place here each October /
November. Arrive and check in to the tented Camp. Rest of day at leisure to
visit the Pushkar fair (November of every Year) Overnight at Camp.
Day
11 : Pushkar / Jaipur (165 Kms)
Morning, revisit the Pushkar Fair In the afternoon, leave for Jaipur –
the capital city of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check in to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amber Fort – built in the time of Mughals. The
area used to be always ready for the war. Amber was residence of the Maharajas.
By seeing the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, you
will be able to imagine the power of the character. Rise towards the ramparts
on the elephant’s back. Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms of mirrors
and the old harem, true labyrinth. The magnificent public and private rooms
show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of 16th & 17th century. Possibility
of attending Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the prayers according
to Hindu rites'. One can enter in the temple only naked feet and without leather
articles on oneself. In the afternoon, proceed for the tour of Pink City -
visiting the imposing City Palace now a museum - the principal residence of
the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the ancient Observatory, Hawa Mahal
- the exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque bazaars of the walled
city. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day
13 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Morning leave for Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the extraordinary
city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but which, during
its brief span, the city had more significant than London in both grandeur
and population. Thereafter continue drive to Agra. Arrive and check in to
hotel. Return to hotel in the evening and overnight.
Day 14 : Agra
After breakfast, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal
beauty will astonish and mesmerise the visitors. It is also known as the "Crown
of Palaces” built by the Emperor Shah Jehan to immortalize the memory
of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In the afternoon, discover the strong &
magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between
1565 and 1573, whose military power cannot be questioned. It was the residence
of the Mughal Emperors. Each one left there its print, Red sandstone of Akbar
and Jahangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises on the edges of
Yamuna River, it is surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33 meters top and 2500
m perimeter Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight
at hotel.
Day
15 : Agra / Varanasi (Flight, CD 7407 - 1410 / 1605)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to connect flight
for Varanasi. Upon arrival – meeting at the airport and transfer to hotel,
enruote visiting Sarnath Temple - 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one
of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first
Sermon in 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with sculptures found at
the site. Thereafter, continue towards hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Varanasi / Kathmandu ( Flight, CD 752 – 1220 / 1330)
Early morning, boatride on the river Ganges, when it is full of pilgrims,
is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's
oldest and the most important religion. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later
walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old
city and also visit the temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa
Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Durga Temple. Thereafter, to
airport to connect flight for Kathmandu - capital of Nepal, used to be three
magical kingdoms. It is called the valley of the Gods and is filled with pagoda
temples, stupas, and shrines. One can experience rich heritage, unique customs
and lively cultures here. Upon arrival met at the airport and transfer to
hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at
hotel.
Day
17 : Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City, visiting
Swayambhunath (one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa, it is said
to be 2,000 years old), Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple) and Patan City (The ancient
city lying 5km southwest of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine art).
In the evening, depart for Thamel. Thamel’s amazing market is truely
a shopper’s nirvana. The Wood carved masks, Pashima shawls, dolls, paintings,
puppets, pottery, hand-made paper, clothes and brassware are only a few of
the exotic items that can be found. Thamel is a great place to collect souvenirs
and a fun place just to stroll around. Return on Cycle Rickshaw passing through
the Durbar garden; illuminated pagodas, Royal Kashtamandap, Kumri Bahee Palace
and other buildings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Kathmandu
After the breakfast, excursion to Dakshinkali Temple, located towards the
southern part of the Kathmandu valley. The road is superb and makes it possible
to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. At the Kali temple the peasants
come to sacrifice the goats and the cocks (particularly on Tuesday’s
and Saturday’s). Thousands of Nepaleese go there to offer fruits, incense
and flowers.
Then visit the village of Kirtipur, located on the top of a hill, it dominates
the valley. This old fortress seems to still live at Average Age. Kirtipur
in the 18th century was a very significant city. Have lunch during the course
of excursion. Continuation towards the CHOBAR George, located 4 kilometers
from Kirtipur. It is here that the 3 crowned rivers cross.
In the afternoon visit Patan, the city which was ruled by the Malla dynasty.
This city of art gathers around Durbar Square, here you will find the most
refined examples of Newar architecture, inter alia wonders: the palace and
the royal bath as well as the terra cotta temple of the Buddha return to Kathmandu
via Syambunath - A large stupa which dominates the valley.
A little rest and preparation for the visit to the Bodhnath – A large
white stupa, around which a small city of tibetians is settled. Return to
the hotel. Overnight.
Day
19 : Kathmandu / Delhi (Flight, IC 814 – 1350 / 1510)
Breakfast in hotel Morning at leisure for independent activities. In the afternoon,
transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi Arrive Delhi – meet &
transfer to Discover House, where a courtesy room will be provided for wash
& change until your departure to the airport. Later in the evening transfer
to International airport to connect flight for onward destination.
Day 20 : Depart Delhi
Board on the flight to your next destination.
Note:- Price on Demand
