KAPIL TOURS

DThe desert state of Rajasthan, in the North West of India, is one of the sub-continents most important tourist destinations. This 13 day Rajasthan tour package, shows you the best of this desert state, covering the Lake city of Udaipur, the blue city – Jodhpur, the desert scapes of Khimsar , the religious town of Pushkar, and ofcourse Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur, also called the Pink city. In addition to visiting these hot spots of tourism in Rajasthan, this tour also has comprehensive sightseeing of India’s capital, Delhi, and a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India

Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s crown jewel.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02: In Delhi

This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.

Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi – Udaipur

Morning at leisure in Delhi, after which you will be met by our representative and escorted from your Hotel to the Delhi airport in time for your flight to Udaipur.

Udaipur - The enchanting lake city was once the lakeside capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and serene, Udaipur was built around shimmering blue lakes that reflect the green hills of the Aravali Ranges. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1599, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through 11 gates. Ruins of the ancient fortifications are still in evidence, and the more recently built palaces can still be visited. Udaipur was also the location where the Hollywood, James Bond blockbuster “Octopussy” was filmed.

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in etc. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 04: Udaipur

This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Udaipur.

The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor” is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and delightful lotus pools.

Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.

The day ends with a sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters of the Lake Pichola ,within which seemingly floats The Lake Palace hotel considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Lake Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble. This is something that you will surely remember as one of the highlights of Rajasthan tour.

Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 05: Udaipur – Jodhpur

This morning you drive to Jodhpur (275 kms/06 hrs.), visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple en-route – The Jains are a sect of Hindus and among other things know for their asceticism and absolute nonviolence. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built under the reign of monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is with a 4,500 square yards basement the largest Jain temple in India.

Later continue your drive to the Blue City of Rajasthan – Jodhpur.

Jodhpur - An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 06: Jodhpur - Khimsar

This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Jodhpur.

This tour includes the visit of Meherangarh Fort, Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests, the recoil of which requires an area as large as a football field!

Following the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada -
Close to the fort complex, this 19th century cenotaph was built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's past rulers are also displayed here. Walk around and savour the intricate work both on the lattices and the doors. Your tour ends with a visit to the Sardar Market – This colourful market with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes is situated in the heart of the city and is popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.

The sightseeing tour is followed by a drive to Khimsar (90 kms / 02 hrs.)

Khimsar - Perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert reflecting the rural India, the unique Khimsar fort offers a wide range of experiences to the tourist. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind one of the glorious past in India. Today, the Khimsar Fort is counted amongst the premier classified heritage hotels of India, which have now become an important element of the tourism in Rajasthan.

Upon arrival in Khimsar check-in to the Khimsar Fort . Overnight at the Fort.

Day 07: Khimsar - Pushkar

This morning you drive to Pushkar (231 kms/05 hrs.).

Pushkar - The holy town in Rajasthan is known for it's sacred lake and the only Brahma Temple in the world. Legend has it that this lake was formed where Lord Brahma - the lord of creation - dropped a lotus on the day of the full moon. Every November, the famous Pushkar Fair is held here. The Fair is predominantly a gathering of thousands of camels, cattle and horses for trade, with added attractions of games, races, local folk dances, song and entertainment.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure to explore this holy city on your own. Overnight in Pushkar.

Day 08: Pushkar – Jaipur

This morning you drive to the Pink City of Rajasthan - Jaipur (145 kms/03 hrs.).

Jaipur- Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.

This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 09: Jaipur

This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a city tour of Jaipur.

Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,” one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a façade. The five-story building was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.

Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort , situated on the outskirts of the city .Here ,you are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort, was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur - Agra

This morning you drive to Agra (250 kms/05 hrs.), visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route – often called the ghost city , built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Later continue your drive to Agra.

Agra - "The city of the Taj", is ofcourse the highlight of any Golden Triangle tour, it was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. The Mughal Emperors endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, Sikandra, Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri.

Upon arrival in Agra check-in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

Day 11: Agra

This morning you are collected for half day city tour of Agra visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

Day 12: Agra – Delhi

Morning drive back to Delhi (220 kms / 04 hrs.).

Upon arrival in Delhi check-in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to either relax, or explore the city on your own, or perhaps indulge in some last minute shopping. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 13: Depart Delhi

Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Delhi airport in time for your flight home.

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