Rajasthan's Invitation
–» Ancient India With Khajuraho and Ajanta Ellora
Rajasthan Tour with Taj
Ancient India With Khajuraho and Ajanta Ellora
Duration : 24 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Varanasi - Agra - Khajuraho - Jaipur -
Samode - Mandawa - Pachar - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Chittorgarh
- Deogarh - Mumbai - Aurangabad
Day
01: Delhi: You are at Airport Delhi. If you want you can explore the airport
and find out every detail about the airport and the city. But we feel that you
are tired and you need a nice long sleep and the major reason is that you have
travelled lot. For this we offer you good hotel in Delhi. Our representative
at the airport counter will take care of all your needs and will take you to
your hotel room. Just drop your bags in the rooms and stretch yourself on bed.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day for you!
Day 02: Delhi: Freshen yourself and get ready, we are going out. Being
the Mughal capital, Delhi in houses number of tourists attractions. Red fort,
Lotus temple, India gate are few of the tourist attractions of par excellence.
Our representative is already waiting for you and he will take you to the tour
which will be worth experiencing. Unlike others your Delhi tour will not remain
bound to these heritage pieces. We will give you full oppurtunity to understand
Delhi culture. And shopping in Delhi will provide you the best way to come closer
to Delhites'.
Through shopping you will come to see the contrasting world of Delhi - a reach
amalgam of modern and tradition.
Shopping and walking in Chandni chowk lanes will be a totally new experience
for you. Here there are no big malls, the shops are lined together in one stretch
and you might have to bear the bumpy and exahausting roads. Try out the Paranthas
in the Parantha wali gali. (Parantha are delicious flour bread which are generally
served with curd or Acchar.) Overnight at hotel.
Day
03: Varanasi: Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer in time to airport for
flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred
to hotel.
Varanasi is the world's most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riverfront,
as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples,
and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists.
The religious capital of hinduism, varanasi is the carpet manufacturing place
of india. It was previously known as kashi - the city that illuminates. The
present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of
the rivers varuna and asi.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC.
Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a
fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures
found at the site. Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day
04: Varanasi: In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride
on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living
traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start
at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable
city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.
Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at
sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the
banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in
tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets
along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes
a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for a guided tour of Varanasi
in the afternoon including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras
Hindu University and other important monuments. Transfer to airport for flight
to Khajuraho.
Situated in the heart of india, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is
a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage,
honoured by the world as india's unique contribution to human civilisation.
the chandela dynasty built eighty-five temples here. twenty remain as embodiments
of indian architectural and sculptural art at its most evolved state. even ten
centuries after they were constructed, the temples of khajuraho reflect an eternal
philosophy relevant to all mankind. the temples of khajuraho is a world heritage
site and belong not just to india but to the world. Khajuraho is one of the
few millennium destinations of the world. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel
and relax. Visit the Western set of Temples. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 05: Khajuraho: Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a full day
tour of the Exotic Temples (EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho. Relax in the
evening or proceed to the SHILPA GRAM for seeing the local artisans at work.
You can also see the colorful DANCES show. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day
06: Agra: In the morning, drive to Agra. Proceed for sightseeing of the
city after breakfast. First, proceed to TAJ MAHAL, which is just walking distance
from the hotel.
TAJ MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory
of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while
accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after
giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all
his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When
Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that
he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631
and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work
on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the
architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it.
It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his
promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it was
virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost an entire
fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative,
astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally
transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later.
Proceed to Agra and visit Agra Fort- that was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After
Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07: Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur, the Pink City, in the morning. Go in
an excursion trip to Amber Fort and enjoy the regal elephant ride there. Shish
Mahal, full of mirror work and Palace of Maharaja Man Singh, who had twelve
queens are just two of the chief attractions of the fort. Overnight stay at
the hotel.
Day
08: Jaipur: Go on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, the Pink City, after breakfast.
The highlights of the tour will be 18th century astronomical observatory known
as Jantar Mantar with huge masonry instruments that are accurate to this day,
the City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, which serves as a private residence,
heritage hotel and the royal palace museum offering a rich collection of paintings,
costumes, jewelry, arms and ammunitions. Savor the traditional Rajasthani cuisine
served in traditional Rajasthani style at lunch. Spend the evening at leisure
or go for shopping in the colorful bazaars to look for some souvenirs to buy.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Samode: Early morning breakfast followed by a drive to Samode,
check in at a hotel on arrival and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 10: Mandawa: Next day, we will be moving to Mandawa. Mandawa is 257
kms away from Delhi city. Mandawa Rajasthan presents enchanting vistas to all
tourists in enigmatic and traditional ways. Check in at the hotel and refresh.
Post lunch we will move out to explore Mandawa which falls in Shekhawati region
of Rajasthan. Mandawa has number of tourist attractions which include Mandawa
Fort, Binsidhar Haveli, Ladia Haveli, Newatia Haveli, Chokidani Haveli and Gulab
Ra Haveli. Roaming on Mandawa streets in the evening will be a delight, as this
will be your first advent to Rajasthan State. Enjoy your Rajasthani chaat. Don't
forget to take your Bisleri water along with you. Try out the famous camel safari
in Rajasthan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Pachar: From Mandawa, we will move to Pachar. Pachar is a small
village with lake on one side and sand dunes on the other. Another break on
your long tour, we would rest today and will enjoy the pleasure given to us
by our resort. Plan out what all you would do the next day as you are going
to visit Bikaner, the capital city of Rajasthan. Overnight at hotel.
Day
12: Bikaner: Today we depart for the camel country of Bikaner. Upon arrival
at Bikaner, check in hotel. After adequate rest and relaxation, set out on a
sight seeing trip of Bikaner covering the impregnable Junagarh Fart, Lalgarh
Palace, Karni Mata Temple and other tourist landmarks of Bikaner. Overnight
at Bikaner.
Day 13: Jaisalmer: Morning drive to Jaisalmer (280 km). Upon arrival
in Jaisalmer - check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel
Day 14: Jaisalmer: Morning visit the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's
houses, each richly decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli
(House of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous
havelis of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the
last of the great havelis was built in the late 19th century. End the morning
with a visit to Gadisar Lake - the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal
Jaisal to this site.
Late afternoon visit the sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride to view the sunset,
as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes.
It can be an unforgettable experience. Overnight at hotel
Day
15: Jodhpur: Morning drive to Jodhpur (280 km). Upon arrival in Jodhpur
- check into the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Jodhpur - the largest city in
Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. The tour
includes Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive & formidable fort
in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock
bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling
city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel
Day 16: Jodhpur: Morning drive to Udaipur (290 km) enroute visiting Ranakpur
temples. Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated
in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old,
the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the
centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most
distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no
two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner
and angle is engraved with Jain images.
Continue drive to Udaipur and check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day
17: Udaipur: Morning proceed for city tour of Udaipur. Udaipur is one of
India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin
by visiting the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded
by crenellated fort walls, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan standing
on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. In contrast to its rugged exterior,
the inside presents a delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use
of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass,
fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens.
Continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari", built by
Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period
and the ladies of the Queen's court. Lotus pools, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains
and marble pavilions in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting
place.
Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From
the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east
bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.
(Boat ride depending upon the water level of the Lake). Overnight at hotel
Day 18: Chittorgarh: Today after an early morning breakfast we leave
for Chittorgarh. Upon arrival at Chittorgarh, check-in at a hotel. Freshen up
and relax for sometime to be in perfect mood for an exciting sight seeing trip
of Chittorgarh.You will be visiting the ancient Chittorgarh Fort which used
to be the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, mostly under the renowned Sisodia Rajputs.
Other places to visit are Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Padmini's Palace and Rana
Khumbha's palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day
19: Deogarh: Today you are driven to Deogarh as a part of this tour itinerary.
Check in at a hotel on arrival. Later explore the local village and stay overnight
at the hotel in Deogarh.
Day 20: Mumbai: Today after an early morning breakfast we leave for Mumbai
where we will be holding the rooms for wash & change. Rest of the time is
free for leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21: Aurangabad: After Breakfast, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbor
brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge
and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For
rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues,
lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator,
Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty
and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations
of Shiva is overpowering.
Later in the afternoon transfer to the airport for Bombay/Aurangabad flight.
Lea arrival met and transferred to hotel rest of the day at Leisure. Dinner
and overnight at hotel.
Day
22: Aurangabad: After breakfast proceed for a full day tour of Ajanta Caves
&Ellora Caves.
Ajanta Caves - located 100 kms, northeast of Aurangabad in the Waghora valley.
These magnificent rock-cut caves, 30 in number, date from 2nd BC to 7th Century
AD. They are exclusively Buddhist, unique in that they combine three forms
of Art - architecture, sculpture and painting. The superb frescoes and paintings
depict episodes from the Jataka stories and the life of Lord Buddha. (Closed
on Mondays)
Ellora Caves - 30 kms from Aurangabad lie the finest rock cut cave temples of
Ellora - 10th & 11th century, which encompasses the three religion - Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism. Of the 34 caves that are both monasteries and temples,
the most remarkable is the magnificent Kailasa temple. The entire structure
was carved out of a monolith and took over 100 years to complete. The temple
itself is decorated with themes and incidents from the ancient legends and puranas
in a manner that leaves one in rapturous delight.
Late afternoon transfer to the airport for Aurangabad/Bombay flight.Upon arrival
met and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day
23: Mumbai: Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for own activities
Afternoon, city tour of Mumbai - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic
buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes
'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine
Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi
Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill
to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will
get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you.
Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of
Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 24: Mumbai (Departure): Morning breakfast at hotel. In time meeting
at hotel and transfer to airport to board your return flight.
Ancient India With Khajuraho and Ajanta
Ellora
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