Essence of North India
Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days
Highlights of the Tour : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi.
Highlights of the Tour : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi.
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
On your arrival at Delhi, you will be received by a representative of TNS Travel at the international airport and escorted to the hotel for a check in. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city. Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Enjoy the Dances of India Show in the evening. Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Proceed for Mandawa after breakfast.
Mandawa: The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking View of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of RaoShekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Bikaner: Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Also visit Mahensar and meet the local village chief who is also one of the best wine makers in Rajasthan. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach and check in at hotel.
Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here - Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Camels are the prime helpers. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy.
Bikaner's history date backs to 1488 AD when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them.
Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called "jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji after the Founder's Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from west/Central Asia made it a Prime trade center in the times of the year. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Visit the Old City and the Karni Mata Temple. Also visit the one of the wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the Karni Mata Temple. Continue drive to Jaisalmer. Reach and proceed to the hotel.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. (It is a huge water reservoir which is manmade and looks like a pristine lake in the middle of the desert.
Also visit Barabagh Hill. The sunset is best enjoyed from here.
In the evening enjoy your time visiting the FORT at leisure and roaming in the lanes exploring the ancient city architecture. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Proceed to Jodhpur in the morning after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Jodhpur: Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Upon arrival proceed for sightseeing visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Udaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to Udaipur by road, en-route visit Ranakpur.The Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Continue drive to Udaipur, Relax in the evening. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.
Day 9: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.
Day 11: Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in hotel and relax. Overnight stay will be at Jaipur.
Day 12: JaipurBreakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur - Fathepursikri -Agra
After breakfast at hotel proceed by road to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri,
Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Continue drive to Agra,
Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-al-Khalifa {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Upon arrival check in hotel and relax. Overnight stay will be at Agra.
Day 14: Agra - Delhi - Dep.
After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After lunch proceed to Delhi. Upon arrival Indian dinner at restaurant. After that transfer to international airport to fly onward journey.
On your arrival at Delhi, you will be received by a representative of TNS Travel at the international airport and escorted to the hotel for a check in. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city. Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Enjoy the Dances of India Show in the evening. Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Proceed for Mandawa after breakfast.
Mandawa: The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking View of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of RaoShekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Bikaner: Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Also visit Mahensar and meet the local village chief who is also one of the best wine makers in Rajasthan. Proceed to Bikaner. Reach and check in at hotel.
Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here - Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Camels are the prime helpers. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy.
Bikaner's history date backs to 1488 AD when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them.
Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called "jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji after the Founder's Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from west/Central Asia made it a Prime trade center in the times of the year. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Visit the Old City and the Karni Mata Temple. Also visit the one of the wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the Karni Mata Temple. Continue drive to Jaisalmer. Reach and proceed to the hotel.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. (It is a huge water reservoir which is manmade and looks like a pristine lake in the middle of the desert.
Also visit Barabagh Hill. The sunset is best enjoyed from here.
In the evening enjoy your time visiting the FORT at leisure and roaming in the lanes exploring the ancient city architecture. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Proceed to Jodhpur in the morning after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Jodhpur: Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Upon arrival proceed for sightseeing visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Udaipur
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to Udaipur by road, en-route visit Ranakpur.The Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Continue drive to Udaipur, Relax in the evening. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.
Day 9: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.
Day 11: Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in hotel and relax. Overnight stay will be at Jaipur.
Day 12: JaipurBreakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur - Fathepursikri -Agra
After breakfast at hotel proceed by road to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri,
Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Continue drive to Agra,
Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-al-Khalifa {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Upon arrival check in hotel and relax. Overnight stay will be at Agra.
Day 14: Agra - Delhi - Dep.
After breakfast proceed to visit Taj. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After lunch proceed to Delhi. Upon arrival Indian dinner at restaurant. After that transfer to international airport to fly onward journey.
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