Best of North India
Duration : 17 Nights / 18 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Neemrana - Mandawa - Bikaner - Khimsar - Jodhpur
- Ranakpur - Udaipur - Kumbalgarh - Kota - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by an International flight.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi Airport and transfer to the hotel.
On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and
contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present.
Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of
its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also
a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the river Yamuna,
many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Morning proceed on a city tour visiting the historic Red Fort and the Jama
Masjid, India's largest mosque from the outside. See the colourful bazaar
of Chandni Chowk and take a cycle rickshaw ride through the back streets of
Old Delhi to get a first hand experience of the hustle and bustle of this
traditional city. This ride through the small by-lanes will be most fascinating.
Return to the hotel enroute doing the tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutab
Minar, a tower of victory built in the 12th century and India Gate - the war
memorial. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the residence of the President
of India, the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day
3 : Delhi - Neemrana
Morning drive for Neemrana (2 hours from Delhi). On arrival, check in at the
hotel.
The beginnings of the rugged architectural jewel, Neemrana Fort Palace, date
back to 1464 AD, making it India's oldest Heritage Resort. Situated 122 kms
away on the Delhi/Jaipur Highway, it stands on a majestic plateau, concealed
in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges. Neemrana became the third
capital of descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle
by Mohammad Ghor in 1192 AD. The property covers 25 acres and the stepped
palaces cut into the hillsides to sprawl over three acres and rise to nine
levels.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. You can spend the afternoon
discovering Neemrana, visiting nearby village, steep wells or can even drive
to Kesroli.
Overnight in Neemarana.
Day 4 : Neemrana - Mandawa
Morning drive for Mandawa . On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Afternoon proceed on a city tour visiting Shekhawati, Jhunjhunu and Mandawa
. Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own.
The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora
of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition
of this region.
It
is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display
a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety
and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh
summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and
indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.
Jhunjhunu, the capital of Shekhawati, is one of the largest towns of the district.
The town was founded by the Kayamkhani Nawabs in the mid 15th century AD and
remained under their control until it was taken over by the Rajput ruler Sarful
Singh in 1730 AD. Visit the splendidly painted havelis. The havelis of Narsingh
Das Tibriwal, Ishwar Das - Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans are worth seeing.
The other interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal (the Wind Palace) dating
back to around 1760 AD. The Sri Bihariji Temple has some interesting murals.
The medieval fort of Mandawa, founded in the 18th century, dominates the town
with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit
the Chokhani and Ladia havelis , one of the finest in the region with some
superb murals. The Bansidhar Newatia Haveli (built arounr 1910) has some curious
painting on the outer eastern wall. Other buildings worth a visit are Harlalka
Well and the Majisa ka Kuan.
Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 5 : Mandawa - Bikaner
Morning drive to Bikaner enroute visiting the Havelis in Nawalgarh. On arrival,
check in at the hotel.
Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the state of
Rajasthan, 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. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and
is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent
forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony
to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful
bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make the visit to Bikaner an interesting
experience.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 6 : Bikaner
Morning proceed on a city tour visiting the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD
by Raj Rai Singh, is one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises 37 palaces
with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted
all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century
Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of
a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian
manuscripts and miniature painting.
Afternoon visit the Camel breeding farm.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 7 : Bikaner - Khimsar
Morning drive for Khimsar. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
100 kms from Jodhpur is Khimsar. The Khimsar Fort is now a very special hotel.
The village of Khimser has the true fragrance of rural India that remained
unspoilt and this is unique. 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, which abound in this region, can be arranged.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. The afternoon can be spent
visiting the nearby villages or the black buck sanctuary.
Overnight in Khimsar.
Day 8 : Khimsar - Jodhpur
Morning drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales
of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh
Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts above the plains. The
city is surrounded by a high wall - 10 kms long, with eight gates and innumerable
bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is nusually fascinating with people wearing
lovely multi- hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars
is a heady experience.The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis"
or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries,
marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative
items, furniture etc., are of interest.
Afternoon proceed on a city tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most
impressive and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort
has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent
palaces with marvellously carved panels with latticed windows. These palaces
house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb
collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools,
musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Jaswant Thada is the 19 century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, is close to the fort complex. On display are also
rare portraits of the Jodhpur rulers.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 9 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Early morning drive for Udaipur enroute visiting Ranakpur.
Ranakpur - In a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes
of the Aravalli hills, lies the remarkable 15th century Jain temples. Though
over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect
condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated
to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444
pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved
and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and check in to the hotel.
Udaipur,
the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty
for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens
and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing
valour and chivalry. Their reflection of these buildings in the placid waters
of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Morning proceed on a city tour visiting the City Palace, a majestic architectural
marvel which is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace
is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavillions, terraces, corridors,
rooms and hanging gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of
art. Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum which has an interesting collection
of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical
instruments and deities. Later visit Saheliyon-ki-bari the "Ladies Garden",
with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains.
Afternoon at leisure.
Evening proceed on a boat ride on Lake Pichola . Enjoy a Boat cruise on Lake
Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along
the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace
from the lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir island where Shah Jehan
was once given sanctuary by the Maharana of Udaipur.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur - Kumbalgarh
Morning drive for Kumbalgarh. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges,
the formidable medieval citadel - Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the
past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 914 meters from sea level, the
fort was built in the 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 kms north-west of Udaipur.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. The day can be spent visiting
the massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates
and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch
towers strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an impregnable
structure. Within the fort are many magnificent palaces and an array of ruined
temples. The most picturesque of the palaces is the "Badal Mahal"
or the Palace of the Cloud. It offers a superb bird's eye view of the countryside
surrounding the fort as well as of other ruins within the fort.
Overnight in Kumbalgarh.
Day 12 : Kumbalgarh - Kota
Morning drive for Kota enroute visiting Chittorgarh (113 kms).
The Fort, the indomitable pride of Chittor, is a massive structure with many
gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century AD. In due course
of time, this became the capital of the Sisodias of Mewar. Perched at a height
of 180m, it sprawls over 700 acres. It echoes with the tales of romance and
valor unique to the Rajput traditions. This fortified settlement has been
ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar" - when after
an acknowledged defeat of the Rajput army, women and children immolated themselves
on a huge funeral pyre, while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom, rode
out of the fort towards certain death.
The Fort has many magnificent monuments - all fine examples of the Rajput
architecture. Unfortunately on account of the various battles fought and lost,
many of the monuments are in ruins. Some of the monuments that can be seen
are the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) Rana Kumbha's
and Padmini's Palaces.
Continue drive to Kota. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal river lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition
of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation. The commanding
fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams
- Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar.
Overnight in Kota.
Day
13 : Kota
Morning proceed on a day excursion to Bundi.
Bundi, 36 kms from Kota, is one of the unfrequented cities with a rich historical
wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hadoti Chauhans - an offshoot
of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
Bundi is fringed by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is surrounded by
a massive wall with four gateways. To add to its charm, this impressive medieval
fort of Bundi is situated by a picturesque lake, in the heart of town. The
charming fort, perched on a hill has palaces and havelis with intricate carvings
and murals in vegetable colours, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris
(cenotaphs) with carved pillars.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon enroute doing the city tour visiting
the City Palace and Fort that form one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan.
The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory
doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall.
Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,
Jag Mandir - the Island Palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful
frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
Overnight in Kota.
Day 14 : Kota - Jaipur
Morning drive for Jaipur (242 kms). This is an interesting drive as you pass
through the rural Rajasthan.
Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, is colour washed pink - the colour associated
with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces,
rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues, is picturesque.
The first planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.
On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent for independent activities.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 15 : Jaipur
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort. Drive past by Hawa Mahal, known
popularly as the Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the
Royal household in the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile
State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and
Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces
which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of
Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance
to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is situated.
Afternoon proceed on a city tour visiting the City Palace - the former royal
residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses
a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the
Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate
handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings,
carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian,
Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar - an astrological and astronomical
Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 18th century which is remarkable
for its accuracy even at the present times.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 16 : Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is the exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in
red sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques, and abandoned 14 years
after its creation due to political reasons. Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard
in which the emperor gave daily public audience, Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle
where all the major functions of the palace took place, Pachisi court, the
emperor's private living quarters, Jodha Bhai's palace, Mariam's palace, Birbal's
palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of
this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik
Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure
adjacent to the secular buildings.
Continue drive for Agra.
Assistance on arrival and check in to the hotel.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - the
Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the
palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal
empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant
town , with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay
work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary crafts persons.
The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather
shoes.
Assistance on arrival and check in to the hotel.
Rest of the evening at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in Agra.
Day
17 : Agra - Delhi
Morning proceed on a city tour visiting the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal
Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece
of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings
including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal,
Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the
fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.
Later visit the Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over
a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen
Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern
wonders of the World (Closed on Friday).
Afternoon drive to Delhi (205 kms). Arrive Delhi in the evening and check
in to the hotel where a room has been booked for wash and change.
As this is your last day in India, we shall provide Farewell Dinner at a nice
restaurant in the town.
Later transfer to the International airport.
Day 18 : Arrive Delhi
Leave Delhi by an International flight.
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