Trip Information
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01 Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After
traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome), our representative would assist you at the
airport & transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi
DAY 02 Delhi
Breakfast in hotel. Today we start the city 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 colourful shopping bazaar
known as Chandni Chowk, Red Fort (closed on Mondays). Most of the spectacular
pieces of Mughal architecture are built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan
between 1638 and 1648. Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma
Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most
popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. 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.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi
DAY 03 Delhi – Mandawa (280 Km / 06 Hrs)
Today drive to Mandawa in Shekawati region, located South
West of Delhi. This town of Shekhawati region is known for its amazing painted
havelis. So varied and architecturally rich are the havelis that this region is
dubbed as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of
painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Most of the
buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.
Upon arrival check-in the hotel. Later proceed for
sightseeing. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many havelis that tracking
them is something akin to a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the
walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat
and barren land.
Overnight Hotel - Mandawa
DAY 04 Mandawa – Nagaur - Khimsar (250 Km / 5 Hrs)
Proceed for Khimsar, en-route visit Nagaur. The
Ahhichatragarh Fort is a medium size fort, built by Mughal Emperors Akbar and
Shah Jahan. A well planned Mughal Garden retains its old pleasant appearance
even today. The city and buildings show distinct Muslim influence. A five domed
mosque built by Emperor Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best visited
during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela (fair) in February and August
respectively. Continue drive to Khimsar and check-in at Fort Khimsar.
Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert; in the heart
of rural India; lies this unique 16th century fort. The battle-scarred walls
& turrets remind of the glorious past. Hundreds of years of history unfolds
as you glance at its battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts. As you
sip tea on the terraces, you realize the beauty of being surrounded by acres of
lush green gardens.
Overnight Hotel - Khimsar
DAY 05 Khimsar – Osian - Jaisalmer (295 Km / 7 Hrs)
We drive down to Jaisalmer en-route visit Osian The ancient
town of the Thar Desert was a great trading centre between 8th to 12th
centuries AD. Today it is a desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples.
These are beautifully sculpted and designed, and most of them have stood the ravages
of time. We continue drive to Jaisalmer - set deep in the heart of Thar Desert,
one of the last princely bastions of the region. Founded on the crossroads of
lucrative trade routes, where the rich merchants hired craftsmen who worked
with great diligence on the sandstone mansions they built, filing up facades
with sculpture filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and balconies.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer
DAY 06 Jaisalmer
We will visit the Jaisalmer Fort, built in year 1156 by
Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m-high hill. It is the only 'Living Fort' in India
& within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with
some lovely Havelis (Mansions) and Palaces. Beautifully sculptured Jain Temples
of the 12th-15th century AD crafted by skilled artisans are feast for an eye
& not to forget the ubiquitous camels. We also visit the magnificent Patwon
Ki Haveli and Gadisagar Lake.
Evening we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to
enjoy a Camel Ride on the Sand Dunes while the sun sets down.
Overnight Hotel - Jaisalmer
DAY 07 Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - Rohetgarh (330 Km / 7 Hrs)
Today we drive down to Rohetgarh en route visiting Jodhpur.
Jodhpur, a bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan &
has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky
ridge. We visit the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive &
formidable structures anywhere in India. Later visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster
of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Continue your drive to Rohetgarh and check-in at
Fort upon arrival.
Overnight Hotel – Rohetgarh
DAY 08 Rohetgarh
Today we start the 'Rohet Safaris' which have become a brand
synonymous with authenticity and quality. It stands proud as a classic example
of responsible tourism in a remote rural part of western Rajasthan, ensuring
that the rich and vibrant culture of the region and the age-old values stay
intact, by instilling a sense of pride amongst the people, as well as sharing
the profits of tourism with a large chunk of society by promoting local crafts,
organizing medical camps, or helping schools to build their infrastructure. As
for our guests, the Safari simply becomes the highlight of their India tour!
Rohetgarh's Signature Program
Showcasing the best of the land, it is a complete cultural
experience, which encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm
and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies and the abundant
wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people's homes
and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life
that takes them closer to their roots. They meet the 'Premier ecologists of the
world', the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are
responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope
(India's most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They
share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope
stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete
trust in the Bishnoi people. Guests also meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their
glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals, the Brahmin farmers and
weavers respectively. This unique tour is made possible solely because of the
host family's special relationship with the local people of the various
communities, which allow rare access into every home visited.
Overnight Hotel – Rohetgarh
DAY 09 Rohetgarh – Kumbhalgarh –Deogarh (150 Km / 03 Hrs)
Today we drive to Deogarh en-route visiting Kumbhalgarh, a
massive 15th century fort, perched at 1100 meters up on the Aravali Range. It
is set amid seven massive ramparts and surrounded by hundreds of temples. It
was built by one of Mewar's legendary heroes - Rana Kumbha. The very size of
the Fort needs to be seen to be believed. Its walls are 36 kms long, and
enclose many palaces, temples and gardens.
Continue our drive to Deogarh. This is a wonderful escapade,
where you can stay in a magnificent palace fortress and enjoy royal
hospitality. Deogarh lies in the heart of Rajasthan. Its chieftain known as
'The Rawat' was one of sixteen 'Umraos' (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon
the Maharana of Udaipur. The palace stands atop a hill at an elevation of 2100
feet, and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the
numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its graying battlements,
domes, turrets, 'jharokhas' and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from
the town below. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence,
it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the
villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within
the palatial precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. The
palace is really an imposing monument, with five floors, over two hundred
rooms, numerous balconies, carved pillars and extensive use of marble. It also
has some exciting rooms to explore - 'Sheesh Mahal' - the colourful hall of
mirrors, is just one of them!
Overnight Hotel - Deogarh
DAY 10 Deogarh – Ranakpur – Udaipur (170 Km / 4 Hrs)
Today we drive to Lake City 'Udaipur'. En route we will
visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble,
created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.
Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh
Udaipur, called the 'City of Dreams' is famous for its picturesque lake
Pichola. Upon arrival check into your hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Udaipur
DAY 11 Udaipur
Visit the City Palace, moulded in soft yellow stone, its
windowless base is crowned with ornate turrets & canopies. Part of the
Palace is now a museum with its marble & granite walls laden with brilliant
miniature paintings & decorated with coloured glass & mirrors. Jagdish
Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat
Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with
noteworthy sculpted images. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an
ornamental garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with
chiselled pavilions & elephants. Evening, we also enjoy a boat ride on Lake
Pichola (subject to water levels). The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the
surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag
Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look
like pearls in the lake.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur
DAY 12 Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Bundi (270 Km / 6 Hrs)
We drive to Bundi en-route visiting Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh, also called 'Chittaur' was capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from
7th-16th century. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifices by
Rajput men and jauhar of women in the intermittent battles that they had to
fight against invaders. We also visit the Padmini Palace. Further we continue
our drive to Bundi and check-in at hotel upon arrival.
Overnight Hotel - Bundi
DAY 13 Bundi – Jaipur (205 Km / 5 Hrs)
Today we visit Bundi Palace The palace is reached from the
north - western end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden gateway and up a steep
cobbled ramp. Only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the
Chitra Shala, is officially open to public. It is a fascinating pavilion and
has a gallery of miniature murals that embellish the palace. Elaborate
colourful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Raga mala', 'Raslila',
the Radha-Krishna story. You can see the renowned Bundi murals at the Chhattar
Mahal and Badal Mahal within the palace complex.
Later we drive down to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City,
the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich &
colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one
of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in
the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine
rectangular sectors.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur
DAY 14 Jaipur - Samode (40 Km / 1 Hr)
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex
which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh.
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of
Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a
seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens
& the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical
treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We
also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink
sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer
down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas
(mini windows). Further we continue drive to Samode.
Overnight Hotel – Samode
DAY 15 Samode – Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Km / 6
Hrs)
Today we drive down to Agra, en route visiting Abhaneri step
wells. The small village of Abhaneri has one of India's deepest and largest
step wells (also known as tank gardens). Step wells are unique to India. They
were used as cool places of resort, as pools for ritual cleansing before a
temple visit and as a water supply for dry weather. There is a temple adjoining
the step well. Later we drive to Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political
capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar reign. Further we continue our
drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved
prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains
major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments,
most notably the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Agra
DAY 16 Agra – Delhi Airport (230 Km / 6 Hrs)
Today we visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), symbol of
eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the
5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over
from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort
can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from
red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We
will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the
construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Later we drive you down to Delhi Airport to board your
onward flight.
