Rajasthan or the ‘Land of the Kings’ was once a collection of princely kingdoms where feudal traditions still carry on amidst forts and palace hotels. This is a delightful tour that takes you to various such kingdoms where your residence are often the main palaces itself (now refurbished as hotels). The experience takes you back in time and the memories are sure to imprint eternally.
| Package Duration | 9 Nights/ 10 Days |
| Package Validity | N.A. |
| Destination Covered | Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur |
| Package Cost | On Request |
OVERVIEW :
Day 1: Arrive At Delhi And Drive To Mandawa
Day 2: Mandawa Sightseeing And Drive To Bikaner
Day 3: Bikaner Sightseeing And Drive To Jaisalmer
Day 4: In Jaisalmer
Day 5: Drive To Jodhpur
Day 6: Drive To Udaipur
Day 7: In Udaipur
Day 8: Drive To Pushkar
Day 9: Pushkar Sightseeing And Drive To Jaipur
Day 10: In Jaipur
TOUR ITINERARY :
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT DELHI AND DRIVE TO MANDAWA
You will be met on arrival at the Delhi International Airport and drive to Mandawa.
Mandawa is capital of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Shekhawati a unique area where houses have turned into books telling stories from the past. Shekhawati is a semi-arid region located in the northeast part of Rajasthan, India. It encompasses the administrative districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar. Mandawa is world famous for its heritage Havelies and colorful fresco art. Thousands of tourists came here to see ‘The open art gallery of Rajasthan & lovely Havlies’.
Arrive Mandawa in the evening and check into Castle Mandawa.
Like many historic homes, Castle Mandawa is a curious mixture of the old and the new. Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons, and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock. A huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the fort every hour!
Meals: No Meals
DAY 2: MANDAWA SIGHTSEEING AND DRIVE TO BIKANER
Morning after breakfast take a walking tour through the bazaar of a colorful little provincial town and visit the Painted Mansions – glowing with frescoes on almost every inch of their walls and ceilings. Come back to the hotel for Lunch.
After Lunch drive to Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the northern state of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone, created with delicacy; bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars, and bright and cheerful folks make the visit to Bikaner an interesting experience.
On arrival check into Gajner Palace Hotel.
Gajner Palace is a Grand Heritage Palace Hotel is spread over 6000 acres, the palace is a 30-minute drive from Bikaner. Sir Ganga Singhji, one of the greatest Maharajas of Bikaner, built Gajner Palace on the banks of Gajner Lake in the early decades of the twentieth century. The former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj used Gajner Palace as a hunting resort.
DAY 3: BIKANER SIGHTSEEING AND DRIVE TO JAISALMER
Morning after breakfast you will visit the Junagadh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.
Come back to the hotel for Lunch. After lunch drive to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert surrounded by sand dunes. It would be just any desert town but, looming over the city, and apparently rising out of the desert haze, is the spectacular golden Jaisalmer Fort. Even modern Jaisalmer has a medieval feel to it – ‘jharokhas’ look down into cobbled streets, veiled women walk a pace behind their turbaned, strapping mustachioed menfolk; undulating sand dunes and camel trains drink from an ancient water trough in the main market square. Hardly surprising that Jaisalmer retains an untouched aura, given its remote location and inaccessibility.
On arrival, check into your hotel – Gorbandh Palace Hotel.
Gorbandh Palace is ideally located in the desert city of Jaisalmer, distinguished over the centuries for its golden fort or ‘Sonar Kila’. A Royal Retreat of the HRH Group of Hotels, Gorbandh Palace provides spectacular views of the acclaimed fort and is well-connected to the famous Sam sand dunes. Abundant greenery within the hotel, its fountain and blue waters of the swimming pool create a comfortably cool environment that defies the heat and sand of this golden desert city.
DAY 4: IN JAISALMER
Visit this city of gilded magic. See the citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal and where a fourth of the population lives. Jain temples of the 12th to the 15th centuries, Patwon ki Haveli, which is a five-story building with carved pillars and murals, Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli are some of the places you will visit.
Late this afternoon visit Sam Sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride at sunset.
DAY 5: DRIVE TO JODHPUR
Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
On arrival check into your hotel for overnight stay.
Post Lunch you visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hills including the palaces within, namely, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens.
The rest of the evening will be at leisure to relax in the peaceful setting of your hotel.
DAY 6: DRIVE TO UDAIPUR
Morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur en route visiting the Ranakpur Temples.
Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. You will have lunch at Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat before continuing your drive to Udaipur and on arrival check into Rana Pratap Palace hotel.
The rest of the day will be at leisure to soak in the environs.
DAY 7: IN UDAIPUR
After breakfast this morning you will explore the enchanting city bewitching in all its details- narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples, and palaces – every feature, mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace and the amazing Crystal Gallery at the Shiv Niwas Palace.
There is no place in Rajasthan, which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painter, travelers and writers than Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jehan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
DAY 8: DRIVE TO PUSHKAR
In the morning after breakfast, you will be driven to Pushkar. On arrival Check into your hotel – Gulab Niwas Palace.
Gulaab Niwaas Palace is a luxury heritage hotel in Pushkar, India’s most exquisite and remote settings. It is enhanced by its unique surroundings and expands horizons for travelers while respecting local ways of life. Gulaab Niwaas Palace is a family run hotel offering personalized service and attention to detail that makes the welcome warm and the stay unforgettable.
DAY 9: PUSHKAR SIGHTSEEING AND DRIVE TO JAIPUR
After breakfast, Sightseeing of Pushkar. Later after lunch, you will set out for the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
On arrival in Jaipur, you will check-in to The Shahpura House. The House built in traditional Rajput architecture; a blend of Mughal and Indian, a facade with domes and frescoes has been converted into a hotel by Rao Dhir Singh. The spacious rooms at Shahpura House with elegant colonial furniture, along with all modern amenities have their own individual character.
The rest of the evening is at leisure – perhaps a candle-lit dinner on the terrace is just apt to unwind after a long day of travel.
DAY 10: IN JAIPUR
This morning you will visit The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile state of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture.
Later visit the City Palace – the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. It now houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, an armory of the Mughals and Rajputs with weapons of arms, an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare works in Arabic, Persian, Latin, and Sanskrit. Visit the Jantar Mantar – an astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century, which is remarkable for its accuracy.
