Rural Paradise Tour
Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer
- Khimsar - Rohet - Deogarh - Kumbhalgarh - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Delhi
Day 01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and assistance on arrival and transfer from airport to
hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid (the
largest mosque in Asia), Red Fort (built between 1639-48 by the Shah Jahan,
the creator of the Taj Mahal), the Rajghat (the cremation site of the
Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi) and Qutab Minar (72m high), the
most perfect of towers of the Persian world. The drive through New Delhi
includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), government buildings,
India Gate, Birla Temple, Connaught Place and past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753
AD).
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
Morning, drive to the delightful Neemrana Fort. After Lunch and time exploring
this wonderful, rambling place, continue to Jaipur. Upon arrival check
into Hotel Rambagh Palace or the luxurious Raj Vilas just outside the
city, for two nights. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Jaipur
Morning visit Amber fort, pausing en route to see the Hawa Mahal (Palace
of Winds), which is really just an elaborate façade. Proceed on
to one of Rajasthan's greatest forts, Amber, where you will ascend to
the fort on elephant back and visit the myriad of marble palaces. In the
afternoon explore the city's bazaars and visit the City Palace and the
Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa, enroute visiting Samode and Nawalgarh. Upon
arrival check into Hotel Castle Mandawa. Afternoon tour
of Mandawa, which
lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted arched gateway, adorned with
illustrations of Lord Krishna and his cows, leads to the Bazaar. You can
wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned
with elaborate frescoes. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Morning drive to Bikaner en route visiting the bustling town of Fatehpur,
where almost every street is flanked with the painted walls of "havelis"
(mansions). Continue your drive to Bikaner and, upon arrival, check into
Hotel Gajner Palace (a beautiful lakeside palace just outside the city)
for two nights. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Bikaner
The city of Bikaner derived its wealth from being sited on the main trading
route of Northern India. This morning you will visit the Junagarh Fort,
a fine example of 16th century architecture surrounded by many palaces
with carved marble balconies inlaid with mirror and lacquer work. Also
visit the Camel breeding farm, the first of its kind in the whole of Asia
and Devi Kund, the site of royal cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Morning drive to the desert city of Jaisalmer, a perfect example of a
walled city, en route visiting Pokaran, the 14th century Fort Pokaran
(previously known as Balagarh) citadel of the mighty Rajput nobles of
Marwar. Continue to Jaisalmer. On arrival check into hotel Rajwada Fort
/ Gorbandh Palace for two nights.
Day 09 : Jaisalmer
Morning walk up to the fort which was built in 1156 and is one of the
oldest forts in Rajasthan. You then have an opportunity to
explore the
city, which has some spectacular "havelis" (mansions). Afternoon
drive to Sam Sand Dunes to watch the sun set over the city, which turns
a deep golden colour as the sun sinks. Take a short camel ride on the
sand dunes. It can be an unforgettable experience. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Jaisalmer - Khimsar
Drive east to Khimsar, a tiny village on the fringe of the desert. En route
visit Osian, which has 16 Jain and Vaishnava temples dating from the 8th
to 11th centuries and presenting the grandeur of Indian temple architecture.
Continue your drive to Khimsar and check into Hotel Royal Castle, a unique
15th century castle converted into a hotel. Afternoon jeep safari to view
sunset at Sand dunes with high tea. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11 : Khimsar - Rohet
Morning drive to Rohet en route tour of the desert city of Jodhpur. Visit
the Mandore Gardens, the ancient capital of the state of Marwar. Also
explore the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, perched on a hill, and Jaswant
Thada, the site of cenotaphs of former rulers of Marwar. Continue to Rohet
and on arrival check into Hotel Rohetgarh, a beautifully converted small
castle. Stay for one night. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Rohet - Deogarh
Morning village safari around Rohet. See Bishnoi tribal villages and rural,
Rajasthani life. After lunch, drive to the delightful small town of Deogarh.
Check into Hotel Deogarh Mahal for one night. It is an exquisitely restored
fort, perched high on a hilltop. Afternoon you explore the typical Rajasthan
village surrounding the fortress before an evening visit to the fascinating
cave temple nearby and a stunning view point from where you may watch the
sun setting.
Day 13 : Kumbhalgarh
Continue driving south to the remote hilltop fort at Kumbhalgarh. Explore
the many palaces and temples that lie within the walls of the fort, situated
on the edge of a wildlife sanctuary. Check into Hotel Aodhi. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 14 : Kumbhalgarh - Mount Abu
Morning drive to Ranakpur where you will visit the exquisite Jain temples.
In the afternoon continue to Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station.
On arrival check into Hotel Palace for two nights.
Day 15 : Mount Abu
Explore the town and visit the exquisite and intricately carved Jain temples,
which are the finest in India. You will also have time to relax around
Nakki Lake, the focal point of Mount Abu and a pleasant spot for boat
rides and walks in the nearby eucalyptus woods.
Day 16 : Mount Abu - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udapur. On arrival check into Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace for
two nights. Afternoon free to relax and take a sail around Lake Pichola.
Day 17 : Udaipur
Morning visit to the City Palace, the lovely Sahelion Ki Bari and Jagdish
temple. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Udaipur - Delhi
Morning fly to Delhi. On arrival meet and transfer to Hotel Taj Palace
for the day. Evening transfer to the international airport to connect
flight for onward destination
Day 19 : Delhi -Abroad
Departure for next destination.