Heritage Tour of Rajasthan

• After breakfast, drive to Mandawa.
• On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing tour.

The land of Shekha (Rao Shekhaji 1433-1488) is known for its human and artistic enterprises. This region has been the home of Marwari community, for more than a century has been the backbone of commercial entrepreneur-ship in India. Hundreds of havelies, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts, as in this region have intricate wall paintings, frescoes. The important ones to be seen are in Mandawa, Mukandgarh, Dundlod and Nawalgarh.

• After breakfast, drive to Bikaner.
• On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing tour.

BIKANER – stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Junagadh Fort built around 1587 to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, the fort is one of its kind. Today Junagadh houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace-the imposing red sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental facade, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar; and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

• After breakfast, drive to Khimsar.
• En-route visit Deshnoke temple.

Deshnoke Temple, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata. Legend goes that she foretold the victory and success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true. Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered here. This strange mode of worship owes to the belief that the souls of her devotees are housed in these rats and consequently they must be protected and fed.

Check-in at the hotel.
Evening Jeep Safari to Panchla dunes with high tea.
Panchla black buck safari-16 km away by open jeep. Sight herds of Black Buck, Chinkara and blue bull antelope. The safari is organised towards day end, before sunset for catching the glimpses of beautiful
rare species found in this region and for sunset view with tea/coffee.

• After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur.
• Sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.

JODHPUR – The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 metres, the fort appears rugged and impenetrable from the outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal are some of the important areas to visit A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in while marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of rulers of Jodhpur.

Later proceed to Rohetgarh and check-in at the hotel.
Evening jeep safari to Bishnoi Village.

A Bishnoi village-steeped in history : this 450 year old tribe has a distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wilds in scientific and local routines evolved over the centuries of living with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes, one can witness the opium ceremony – a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. A drive through the starkly beautiful landscape could encounter the agile black buck, wild camel and flights of rare birds.

Drive to Udaipur visiting en-route famous Jain temples at Ranakpur, 26 km.
RANAKPUR – The Jain community. like several others, had always enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions were held by the Jains. In 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a large stretch of land in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to the Jains. This area came to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is one of the five main holy places of the Jains. Although over 500 years old, these temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. The central temple is the CHAUMUKHA temple, dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain saint. This temple is the most complex and extensive in design. It has 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is interesting is that no two pillars are alike.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day free.

Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
One of the most beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana Udaipur, the places of interest include City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen’s resort for the friends).

Afternoon at leisure.

• After breakfast, drive to Pushkar.
• Check-in at the hotel.
• Afternoon visit Pushkar.

The lake at Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. No pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Pushkar. There are as many as 400 temples in Pushkar and lake is circled by 52 ghats built over the years by several kings and nobles. The most sacred and important temples are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Shiva, Badri Narayan, Varaha, Gayatri and Savitri. The important ghats are the Varaha, Brahma and Gau.

• After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
• Check-in at the hotel.
• Rest of the day free

Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex.

Afternoon city sightseeing tour.
Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city

After breakfast, drive to Agra. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
The beautiful city was planned and erected by Emperor Akbar in 1569. The story behind the city relates to birth of his Son Salim who was named after a Muslim Saint – Sheikh Salim Chishti. Emperor Akbar hearing his renown, had visited the Saint, asked of the blessings of a child. When a son was born, he decided to built a city near the place where the Saint lived. The city was abandoned after 14 years due to shortage of water and growing population. The imposing pavilions, Mosque, massive Buland Darwaza (Gate), Panch Mahal and other buildings are worth a visit

Check-in at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of Agra.

Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this immortal monument, the inimitable poem in white marble is the true expression of love of Emperor Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was completed in 1653 AD and thousands of workers and artisans were employed. It took little over 20 years for its completion. Agra Fort’s importance can be judged with the great names of Mughal dynasties Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjehan and Aurangzeb who lived here. The imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period. The beautiful pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Jehangir palace, Moti Masjid are to name a few that form the part of this great fort.

Afternoon drive to Delhi. Check-in at airport hotel.

Transfer to international airport for onward flight.