TRAVEL TO ROYAL RAJASTHAN
Duration : 09 NIGHTS/10 DAYS
Cities Covered : DELHI-JAIPUR-SAMODE-MANDAWA-KHIMSAR-JAISALMER-JODHPUR
Highlights : Visit to the "Land of Maharaja's" seeing the Forts, Palaces and rich stone carved mansions. Stay at the finest Heritage Palaces of India-at Samode, at Mandawa and at Khimsar which are set in picturesque peaceful surroundings.
DAY 01 : DELHI
Arrive Delhi. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. (Check in time 1200 noon). Afternoon combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi visit Red Fort, Jama Masjid, drive past Chandni Chowk and visit Raj Ghat- the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar- 234 feet high tower, nearby stands the Iron pillar, the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun and the modern Birla Mandir Temple. Drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President's House which was once the Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat Buildings. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI/JAIPUR
Depart by car for Jaipur. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing, visiting the Maharaja's City Palace which now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings and weapons, Observatory and drive past Hawa mahal, the Palace of Winds and, through the pink-rose residential and business areas. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 03 : JAIPUR/SAMODE
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. You ride up to the ramp of this 11th Century Bastion atop a gaily decorated elephant. Thereafter, depart for Samode by car, nestled picturesquely the rugged countryside. The Palace is the residence of Rawal Raja Raghvendra Singh. Arrive and check in at Samode Palace. Afternoon explore the Palace. Evening meet your hosts for a drink and dinner.
Overnight stay at the Palace hotel.
DAY 04 : SAMODE/MANDAWA
Depart by Car for Mandawa. Arrive and check in at Mandawa Castle. Afternoon visit the town - it has many "Havelies" and temples, the terrace of the rugged fort provides a panoramic view of the town. You can see the extraordinary frescoes on the walls of the houses. Overnight stay at Mandawa Castle.
DAY 05 : MANDAWA/KHIMSAR
Depart by Car for Khimsar. Arrive and check in at Royal Castle. Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert lies a unique 16th Century Khimsar Fort. The royal lineage still reside in this historic Fort. Afternoon take a Jeep Safari to photograph the herds of the famous Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) and the highly protected rare Black Buck leaping into the thin desert air. The Neelgai or Blue Bull can be sighted in abundance. Followed by Picnic tea atop the famous Sand-dunes of Panchla. As you sip tea, watch evening sunset behind the marvellous dunes. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 06 : KHIMSAR/JAISALMER
Depart by car for Jaisalmer. En route visit Osian where the famous 8th century Jain temples reflect the richness of architecture-characteristic of India's renaissance period. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the time free. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 07 : JAISALMER
Full day sightseeing of Jaisalmer, an architectural dream in the lonely silence of the desert. Visit Gadisar lake, the Sonar Fort, Amarsagar and Barabagh. On camel back explore Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Ki Haveli, some of the beautiful mansions. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 08 : JAISALMER/JODHPUR
Depart by car for Jodhpur. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing marble Memorium built in 1899. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 09 : JODHPUR/DELHI
Transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi. Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 10 : DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the International airport to board flight for onward destination.
Note: Train schedule subject to change.
