KAPIL TOURS

Rajasthan, the colourful desert state, in the North West of India, is amongst India’s most popular tourism destinations, and quite rightly so – it’s centuries old history of Rajput kings and their bravery, it’s forts and palaces, and the deserts of Rajasthan, all put together make it an attractive destination. This two week Forts and Palaces tour takes you through some of Rajasthan’s best sights, from the painted havelis of Mandawa, to Rajasthan’s desert cities of Bikaner and Jaisalmer, to the forts and palaces of Khimsar and Deogarh, to the lake city of Udaipur – this is truly Rajasthan at it’s best.

Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India

Arrive at Delhi International Airport.

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 at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi – Mandawa

This morning you drive to Mandawa (250 kms/05 hrs, the first stop in Rajasthan, on your Forts and Palaces tour.

Mandawa - In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its painted havelis (mansions) is also called as " Open-Air Gallery of Rajasthan". It’s havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. The structure of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era.

Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Mandawa visiting Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Mandawa Castle.

Day 04: Mandawa – Bikaner

This morning drive to Bikaner (190 kms / 04 hrs.).

Bikaner - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort - built between 1589 and 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the trusted Rajput generals of Akbar. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort. Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple- this place is visited for an 600 years old Temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Camel Breeding Farm: Acquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding center. This institute is only one of it's kind in Asia.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Bikaner – Khimsar

This morning drive to Khimsar (145 kms / 04 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. The experience of staying at the Khimsar Fort is something you will always remember as one of the highlights of your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour.

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

Day 06: Khimsar – Jaisalmer

This morning drive to Khimsar (295 kms / 05 hrs.).

Jaisalmer -A fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveler to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a bustling centre from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches of sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. The Jaisalmer fort, considered the world’s oldest living fort, is perhaps the world's only fort where medieval pattern of life still prevails, rises like a mirage from the barren Thar desert of Rajasthan with its 99 bastions silhouetted against the sky. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional way of life. The craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, making of silver jewelry and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere.

Upon arrival in Jaisalmer check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Jaisalmer

This morning you are collected from your hotel for half day tour of Jaisalmer visiting the Jaisalmer fort, the Gaddisagar Lake, and the various intricately carved and sculptured havelis (merchant’s homes) around the fort.

Evening visit to Sam sand dunes including a short camel ride to witness an incredible sunset over the vast stretches of Sand. A trip to Jaisalmer is considered incomplete without a visit to the Sam Sand Dunes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

This morning drive to Jodhpur (290 kms/05 hrs.).

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 at hotel.

Day 09: Jodhpur

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.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Jodhpur – Deogarh

This morning you drive to Deogarh (170 kms/04 hrs.).

Deogarh Ideally positioned in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, owned and run by one of the kindest, most affable families around, they have restored their family fort from near ruin and have created one of Rajasthan's finest heritage hotels. A stunning swimming pool and dining room, endless comfortable roof terraces, and the beautiful, traditional bedrooms are the result of a great deal of hard work, immense love and care, and superb taste. The surrounding village is one of the friendliest and safest to immerse yourself in and the neighboring countryside boasts wonderful, secluded picnic spots.

Upon arrival check-in to Deogarh Mahal.

The rest of the day is at leisure to either relax or explore the surrounding village town with its colorful bazaars on your own. Overnight at the Deogarh Mahal.

Day 11: Deogarh - Udaipur

This morning you drive to Udaipur (140 kms/04 hrs).

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 check-in to hotel.

Afternoon 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 another thing, that you will surely remember for years to come, as one of the highlights of your Rajasthan Desert tour.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Udaipur – Mumbai

Morning met by our representative and escorted from your Hotel to the Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Mumbai.

Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier, is the commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. In 1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The British Government leased the islands to the East India Company, who developed it into a thriving trading port.

Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural capital. It is also home to India’s thriving film industry. It is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into the endless maelstrom of activity that characterises this city of dreams.

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

Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Mumbai. This tour includes a visit to the Gateway of India -- a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of King George IV, Mani Bhavan – where the father of our Nation resided for 15 years, the Marine drive, the Prince of Wales museum -- considered as one of the best museums in the country, the Hanging gardens & Victoria rail station.

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

Day 13: Depart Mumbai

Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Mumbai airport in time for your flight home. The Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour, can also be combined with a tour of Kerala, or you could even choose to add on a few days of relaxation in Goa at the end of this tour.

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