20 Nights / 21 Days
Delhi / Mukundgarh / Bikaner / Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Pushkar / Dungarpur / Ahmedabad / Bhavnagar / Diu / Rajkot / Wankaner / Bhuj / Ahmedabad
Day 1 – Flight Your Country / Delhi
Late night arrival. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 – Delhi
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi.
DELHI – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes Delhi today is a conglomerate of seven cities.
Morning: Proceed for tour to Old Delhi. Visiting, Red Fort (From outside) – The old walled city from Mughal India, the chief attraction is the huge fort that contains within it palaces and impressive public buildings. Chandni Chowk – The main street of Old Delhi is the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid – The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Raj Ghat – On the banks of the Yamuna River, a simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures.
Afternoon: Continue to visit New Delhi, Rajpath – The Kingsway is another focus of New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked on either side by Ornamental ponds. India Gate – This 42 mtr high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI and Afghan fiasco in 1919 Rashtrapati Bhawan – The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Qutab Minar – This is a soaring tower of victory which was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73 mtr high and tapers from a 15-mtr diameter base to just 2.5 mtr at the top. Humayun's Tomb - This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal
Overnight at Hotel
Day 3 – Delhi / Mandawa
Drive to Mandawa, (260 kms. / approx 06 hrs.), Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel.
MANDAWA – Often called the open air art gallery of Rajasthan, the region of medieval Shekhawati comprises the present day districts of Sikar & Jhunjhunu. The high quality frescoes which this region is famous for date between 1750 & 1930. A majority of the frescoes have been executed on the havelis or mansions.
Overnight at hotel
Day 4 – Mandawa / Bikaner
Breakfast and depart for Bikaner. Bikaner is a princely ex-state rested by a chief rajput Rao Bikaji. It was used formerly as passage of the caravans, which crossed the desert of Thar to go in the province of Sindh to Pakistan. Arrival at Bikaner. Checkin at hotel.
Over night at hotel
Day 5 – Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Bikaner city tour
Visit the Strong Fort Junagarh which was transformed into museum. You will see beautiful objects in the museum like the first elevator of the Rajasthan and the first telephone of Bikaner. You will see the photographs of Maharaja Ganga Singh with George Clemenceau. You will also see the private aircrafts of Maharaja Ganga Singh, which he received like gift on behalf of the English after the 1st world war. After this visit, we advise you to make the visit of the old town of Bikaner in rickshaw. It is the best means of seeing the lanes of the old city or you will appreciate the havelis made in 18th century out of red sandstone. You will be impressed by the harmony between the man and the animal when you see cows crowned in the street who are not afraid of anything.
Leave for Jaisalmer. Arrival in Jaisalmer - the city strengthened in the desert of Thar. In way, stop in at Pokharan for Lunch or stop at cafe. Checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer
After breakfast we visit the residential portions of the Jaisalmer Fort., where one third of the population of the old City still lives. The designs of the houses here remain as they used to a couple of centuries behind time, and so are the lifestyles of the people inhabiting them. This is so as most of the families continue to work for generations for the ruler (though only titular now). Hence, their is a sense of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps through. This city is believed to be the home of the most handsome men and the most gorgeous women in Rajasthan. We would also walk through the narrow cobbled lanes of the golden sandstone city to witness the magnificent medieval Indian Havelis (mansions) of medieval Indian merchants. These elegant buildings which are very well preserved tell an apt story of how medieval Indian society existed.
Afternoon, drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. The rough terrain here does not support cultivation; hence the entire village works as casual labourers in road works or community projects. Inspite of their poverty and hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be aware that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful faces. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 – Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Morning after breakfast drive for Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check-in at hotel. Later city sightseeing of Jodhpur. Jodhpur stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan was founded in 1459 by Prince Jodha. The home of the Rathore rulers - the princely state of Rajasthan. A high 10 kms long stone wall protects the well fortified city. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mts. above the surrounding plains.
Proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial - The memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh out of white marble. You can go for a walk in rickshaw to see the lanes of Sadar Bazaar; you will see the famous tower of the clock where one sees the dentists sitting in the street on the pavements
Overnight at hotel
Day 8 – Jodhpur / Pushkar
After the breakfast, departure in direction of Pushkar. Possibility of visiting the Ajmer on the way. Continuation towards Puskar, Holy City of pilgrimage dedicated to Brahma. Arrival at Pushkar. Checkin at hotel
Spare time to walk to the village and to visit the famous temple of Brahma. Pay attention to the priests who make pretence of making prayers for you at commercial purposes! Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 – Pushkar / Dungarpur
After the breakfast, departure towards Dungarpur, also called “the city of the hills”. You will find there an old palate deserted and will be able to go up to the old royal hunting lodge which will offer a splendid panorama to you on the city. Checkin at Arrival.Overnight at hotel
Day 10 – Dungarpur / Ahmedabad
Morning after breakfast drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 – Ahmedabad / Bhavnagar
Breakfast at hotel. Then leave to discover principal attraction of Ahmedabad, famous the ashram of Sabarmati. This ashram was the district general of Gandhi during his fight for the independence of India. It is from here that the mahatma commenca the “walk of salt”. The housing of origin of Gandhi shelters and today a museum retracant its life. free time to relaxe. Later Depart towards. Bhavnagar. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Bhavnagar
After the breakfast, depart for an excursion with Palitana, to the hill of Shatrunjayana. This complex composed of 863 temples is a high place of pilgrimage for jaina. After having climbed the 3,500 steps to reach the top of the hill, you will have a superb sight on the neighbourhoods and you will be able to discover this beautiful architechtural unit. Then return to the hotel of Bhavnagar to spend the night.
Day 13 – Bhavnagar / Diu
After the breakfast, depart by the road in direction of the island Diu, old Portuguese counter. On arrival, checkin at hotel and spare time to benefit from the peaceful atmosphere which reigns there. Overnight at hotel
Day 14 – Diu
Breakfast at hotel.Day free for Relaxation.
Day 15 – Diu / Rajkot
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Rajkot. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 – Rajkot / Wankaner
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Wankaner. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 – Wankaner / Bhuj
After breakfast, leave for Bhuj. Known as the gateway to the Kutch, Bhuj is an old walled city with maze like streets and crenellated gateways. Arrive Bhuj and check in at prebooked hotel. Afternoon, city tour of Bhuj. Visit the Museum, known as Fergusson Museum this museum is one of the best museums in India; Rao Pragmalji's Palace, constructed in the later part of 19th century of marble and sandstone is imposing and ornate.
Day 18 – Bhuj
Full day visit to the villages of Kutch region. Each of these villages specialize in different forms of handicraft. Some of the crafts that they specialise in include wool and cotton weaving, Ahir embroidery, block printing & tie-dying
Day 19 – Bhuj
Breakfast at hotel and then leave for Bhuj. Visit other small typical villages. At the end of Day, return to Bhuj and Overnight at hotel
Day 20 – Bhuj / Ahmedabad
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Ahmedabad. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 – Ahmedabad / Your Country
After the breakfast.. Transfer downtown to carry out the last purchases or some visits. The vehicle remains at your disposal. Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of India.
Cost Per Person on Twin sharing basis – For minimum 2 Pax |
PERIOD |
ECONOMY |
DELUXE |
LUXURY |
01.04.07 - 1.08.07 |
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01.09.07 - 31.03.08 |
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Hotel Proposed - LUXURY
Delhi- The Imperial/ The Grand/ The Park/ The Claridges/ Hotel Taj Palace / The Oberoi/ The Taj Mahal/ The Manor/ The Metropolitan Hotel Nikko
Mandawa- Castle Mandawa
Bikaner- Laxmi Niwas Palace/ Bhanwar Niwas
Jaisalmer- Fort Rajwada/ Gorbandh Palace
Jodhpur- Ajit Bhawan/ Fort Chanwa Luni
Pushkar- Pushkar Palace/ Jagat Palace
Dungarpur- Udai Bilas Palace
Ahmedabad- Le Meridien/ House of Mangaldas Girdhardas/ Taj Residency
Bhavnagar- Nilambagh Palace
Diu- Radhika Beach Resort/ Hotel Kohinoor
Rajkot- Hotel Kavey
Wankaner- Royal Oasis
Bhuj- Garha Safari Lodge
Hotel Proposed - DELUXE
Delhi- Hotel Marina/ The Connaught/ Hotel Dee Marks/ Hans Plaza
Mandawa- Castle Mandawa / The Desert Resort
Bikaner- Heritage Resort/ Bikaner Palace/ Lallgarh Palace
Jaisalmer- Hotel Rang Mahal/ Hotel Heritage Inn/ Sonargarh Fort
Jodhpur- Hotel Ranbanka/ Hotel Abhay Days Inn/ Hotel Ajit Bhawan
Pushkar- Pushkar Palace/ Jagat Palace/ Pushkar Resorts
Dungarpur- Udai Bilas Palace
Ahmedabad- Quality Inn Rivera/ Comfort inn President/ Sunset Comfort Inn
Bhavnagar- Narayani Heritage
Diu- Radhika Beach Resort
Rajkot- The Grand Regency
Wankaner- Royal Oasis
Bhuj- Hotel Prince
Hotel Proposed - ECONOMY
Delhi- Hotel Metro Heights/ Hotel Metro City/ Hotel Singh Sons/ Hotel Singh Palace
Mandawa- Hotel Mandawa Haveli
Bikaner- Jaswant Bhawan
Jaisalmer- Deoki Niwas Palace/ Hotel Shahi Palace
Jodhpur- Madho Niwas/Karni Bhawan/ Pal Haveli/ Ratan Vilas
Pushkar- Pushkar Fort/ Hotel New Park Pushkar
Dungarpur- Udai Bilas Palace
Ahmedabad- Pride Hotel/ Ambassador Hotel
Bhavnagar- Blue Hill hotel
Diu- Radhika Beach Resort
Rajkot- The Grand Regency
Wankaner- Royal Oasis
Bhuj- Hotel Prince
Tour Package Includes:
❂ Hotel accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
❂ Surface Travel by airconditioned car
❂ All airport, railway station, other transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
❂ Local English speaking guides.
❂ Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability),
❂ Boat ride in Udaipur (common Boat).
❂ All applicable taxes, parking fees, driver allowances etc.
Tour Package does not include:
❂ International or domestic flights.
❂ Airport taxes, Visa Charges, Insurance.
❂ Entrance fee to monuments.
❂ Minibar, Tips, laundry.
❂ Any item not shown in Cost Includes.
Notes:
- There will be a supplement for Christmas / New Year / Pushkar festival time.
- There can be some variation in the price according to the hotels finally booked.
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