The magic of Rajasthan – desert safari, palaces and forts
The eternal mesmerizing charm of Rajasthan has been described by many a traveller. The ‘Land of the Kings’ with its magnificent landscapes, reflective lakes, desert safaris, rich wildlife, unique desert and mountain scenery, proud men in handsome turbans, women adorned in the most colourful of outfits wearing incredible silver jewellery, the banjara gypsies with their passionate music and dance, the tall Rabari herdsmen in white and red, the Bishnoi tribes that protect animals and nature at the cost of their lives, troubadors, holy men and incredible craftsmen is a once in a lifetime experience – come join us for a Rajasthan tour.
We take you on a journey of discovery through this wonderland. Join us at Enchanted India as we introduce you to Eternal Rajasthan.
Best Time: October to April
Outline:
Day 0: Delhi
Day 01: Delhi – Udaipur
Day 02-03: Udaipur
Day 04: Udaipur – Ranakpur-Kumbalgarh Fort-Pushkar
Day 05: Pushkar
Day 06: Pushkar – Jodhpur
Day 07: Jodhpur
Day 08: Jodhpur – Samode
Day 09: Samode
Day 10: Samode – Jaipur
Day 11-12: Jaipur
Day 13: Jaipur – Agra
Day 14: Agra
Day 15: Agra – Delhi
Day 16: Delhi
Day 17: Departure
The Incredible Journey
Your journey begins in Delhi. Delhi – or ‘dilli’ – the heart of India. The Capital city that paints modernity with the brush of history. It is easy to get swept away by the whirlwind of culture and tradition that you encounter. The Charm of the city lies in all it has embraced from the different rules through the eras and the buzz of one of the most progressive cities in the world.
From Delhi you journey to Udaipur, the city called the ‘most romantic spot on the continent of India”. The matchless setting of the city, nestled in the purple wooded hills of the Aravallis, besides the shimmering Lake Pichola with the Grandeur of the city palace and the serence beauty of the Lake palace makes this your grand introduction to Rajasthan. Spend a few days exploring the palaces and museums of Udaipur, going for boat rides on the lake, romantic dinners at the lakeside and marveling at the beauty of the landscape.
From Udaipur you will travel to the city of Pushkar. En route you will make two stops. The first is to see the incredible craftsmanship and beauty of the Jain Temples at Ranakpur. The temples are counted as one of the wonders of ancient India and are examples of the finest marble carving. Built in 1437, the temples lie at the foot of a wooded escarpment. The main temple, The Chaumukha Mandir (four faced temple) is dedicated to Adinath and was built in milky white marble in the 15th century. It is a complicated series of 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1444 individually engraved pillars. The interior is completely covered in carving and is an excellent introduction to the spiritual magic of India.
The second stop enroute will be at the magnificient fort of Kumbalgarh. A world heritage site, the fort is the birthplace of the legendary Mewar Warrior King, Rana Pratap. The fort has the second largest wall in the world after the great wall of China and is the second largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh Fort.
From Kumbalgarh you journey on to the sacred city of Pushkar. The city has a magnetism all its own. An important Hindu pilgrimage centre, the town is based around a lake that legend has it was created when the Lord Brahma dropped his lotus flower. It is the sites of one of the few Brahma temples in India and with 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples resounds with the sounds of chanting, bells and devotional songs. Spend a day in Pushkar taking in the sights and sounds, immerse yourself in the Hindu culture flowing around you.
From Pushkar you travel to the Blue City of Jodhpur. On the way you will pass through lands where the Bishnoi tribes live. These tribes, a unique sect of Hinduism, dedicate their lives to the preservation of nature and wildlife. Blackbuck and Chinkara gazelles are ofter seen in large numbers in their fields and in the vicinity of their homes.
Jodhpur, the ‘Sun City’ is a town that is nestled at the foot of the imposing Meharngarh Fort, an imposing architectural masterpiece. Over the next few days visit the Museum, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and roam the chaotic meandering streets of the old city.
From Jodhpur you traverse incredible landscapes as you travel to the city of Samode. The Samode palace is a masterpiece of resotoration and combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The 475 year old palace is a maze of courtyards, narrow staircases, lounges with stunning arch work, beguiling mirror work, and exquisitely painted walls and ceilings.
From Samode, you will journey on to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and the “pink city”. Witness the stunning pink sandstone walls of the City Palace in Jaipur, the glittering frescoes of the Amer Fort, the iconic Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar and gaze in amazement at the wealth of colour in the costumes of the people of the city. A photographers delight, the city offers an unending stream of visual delights.
After getting to experience the delights of Rajasthan’s most enthralling historical city you will drive on to Agra, the land of the Taj Mahal. After a day exploring the Taj, the Agra Fort and the city of Agra, you will head to Delhi via the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.
The next day is spent in exploring Delhi. Delhi is essentially divided into two parts – ‘Old Delhi’ with its Mughal influences and the more modern ‘New Delhi’ that has to a great extent been created by the colonial rulers. The modern city of Delhi is centered around the colonnaded facades of the city’s financial district, known as Connaught Place. The bustling energy of the city with its eclectic history, the vibrant sarees of the women, the buzzing of the bazaars, the endless images of monuments from the forts and mosques to the temples and the Qutab Minar, the stately splendor of the Presidential estates and the tree lined avenues and gardens of one of the greenest cities in India will entrall and captivate.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 0: Delhi
You arrive in Delhi and check into your Hotel. Delhi is a city that brings together its eclectic historic architecture and modern culture.
Day 01: Delhi – Udaipur
The following day you take a flight to Udaipur. Here you will be met by your driver/ guide who will be with you for your journey through Rajasthan. Check into your Hotel. The Lake Pichola beckons. It is long and sparkling, reflecting the surrounding hills and buildings. The City Palace complex hugs the shores of the lake, where gardens brush up against the banks and cupolas rise along the structure like mountain peaks.
In the centre of the Lake is the beautiful Jagmandir Palace and magnificent stone elephants stand at the entrance. The Overnight at Hotel
Day 02-03: Udaipur
Two more days of sightseeing in Udaipur. Relax by the side of the Lake, walk through the streets of Udaipur enjoying the local handicrafts, taste the local cuisine and enjoy boat rides on the Lake. Overnight at Hotel
Day 04: Udaipur – Ranakpur-Kumbalgarh Fort-Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar visiting the 15th century Ranakpur Jain temples and the tremendous fortress of Kumbalgarh. You will arrive in Pushkar in the afternoon and have an evening of leisure.
Day 05: Pushkar
Explore the temples and bathing ghats of Pushkar. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel
Day 06: Pushkar – Jodhpur
Drive from Pushkar to the renowned Blue City of Jodhpur and experience the charms of the old colourful streets. Overnight at Hotel
Day 07: Jodhpur
In the morning you will tour through the Mehrangarh Fort and the museums and Umaid Bhavan Palace. In the afternoon, you will visit the old city and the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 08: Jodhpur – Samode
Drive from Jodhpur to Samode, a small charismatic village and a 19th century palace.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 09: Samode
Enjoy at relaxing day exploring the palace and its surrounds. Overnight at Hotel
Day 10: Samode – Jaipur
Travel from Samode to Jaipur and check into your hotel.
Day 11-12: Jaipur
Jaipur is a city that is the gateway to the vibrant state of Rajasthan. At the outskirts of the city is grand honey coloured Amer Fort that stands guard over the city atop a mountain. The Fort and the palace inside date back to the 16th Century, as lavish as can be. Every step through the Fort brings another layer of History. The adventure continues in the city with its chaotic traffic, sandstone edifices, and unending bustle. The City palace and the Palace of the Wind, the Jantar Mantar, the museums and the temples transport one into another era – a dream world of royalty and fierce warriors, of proud queens and incredible love stories. The sublime hospitality of the state is famous as are its handicrafts including some of the finest jewellery makers in the country
Day 13: Jaipur – Agra
Drive to Agra via the enigmatic and deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. The following day you visit the City of Fatehpur Sikri. This is a world heritage site and was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569. The city was built to serve as the capital of the Mughal Empire but was abandoned soon after its inception due to the paucity of water. The buildings built primarily in red sandstone with independent pavilions arranged in formal geometry. The imperial palace was over two miles long is largely intact and surrounded by a wall five miles long. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14: Agra
Morning visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. The Taj was created in pristine white marble set with precious stones and offset by buildings of red sandstone. The Mausoleum was built by the Emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who he married in 1612. Mumtaz Mahal died in childbirth in 1629 and the court went into mourning for two years. The Emperor decided to build a monument in her memory and the Taj Mahal was created. The building is over 20 storeys high and took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen. The uniqueness of the Taj lies in its remarkable innovations. It is a perfectly symmetrical building and lies at the end of a beautifully laid out quadripartite garden that lends depth and perspective to the viewing of the monument. The long water body in the centre of the garden perfectly reflects the building.
After lunch visit the Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. The Agra fort is one of the finest Mughal Forts in India. Construction of the massive red sandstone fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Fort was built primarily as a military structure but Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace using white marble. It was in this palace that he was keep prisoner for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. Steeped in history, the story of Agra fort is full of intrigue, great battles, and culture.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15: Agra – Delhi
Delhi is essentially divided into two parts – ‘Old Delhi’ with its Mughal influences and the more modern ‘New Delhi’ that has to a great extent been created by the colonial rulers. The modern city of Delhi is centered around the colonnaded facades of the city’s financial district, known as Connaught Place. The bustling energy of the city with its eclectic history, the vibrant sarees of the women, the buzzing of the bazaars, the endless images of monuments from the forts and mosques to the temples and the Qutab Minar, the stately splendor of the Presidential estates and the tree lined avenues and gardens of one of the greenest cities in India will entrall and captivate.
Day 16: Delhi
Explore Old delhi and its charms. Visit the largest mosque in Delhi – The Jama Masjid. Explore the magnificent Red Fort, see the ruins of the Old Fort. Visit the chaotic streets of Old Delhi and see the lanes selling silver (Dariba Kalan), the wedding market (Kinari Bazaar), Spice Market, food (Paranthe Wali Gali), perfumes or ‘Attars’ including the smell of fresh rain on earth (mitti attar) – in shops like Gulab Singh Johrimal that were extablished in 1816 . Take a cycle Rickshaw ride and sit back while your driver skillfully negotiates the bylanes and alleys.
Day 17: Departure
Special Optional Add-ons:
Pushkar Cattle Fair
Dates:
18th November – 25th November 2015
08th November – 15th November 2016
The Pushkar Fair or Pushkar ka Mela is an annual five-day cattle and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar at the time of the Kartik Purnima or full moon in November each year. This is the largest camel fair in the world. Almost 200000 people flock to the town, bringing with them 50000 head of cattle. The next few days pass in a whirlwind of races, folk dance performances, live music shows, the singing of the Bhil and Langa Minstrels, and a malestorm of colour with the ethnic costumes of the participants and the decorations of their animals.
World Sacred Spirit Sufi Festival of Jodhpur – 26th – 27th February 2016
The Blue city of Jodhpur hosts the magnificent World Sacred Sufi festival. The festival is divided between the fort at Nagaur and the Fort in Jodhpur. Performers from around the world gather to give breathtaking performances in the magical setting of the Forts.
ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival – 21st – 25th January, 2016
The largest FREE literary festival on earth, JLF is now regarded as a cultural catalyst within India. Held at the beautiful Diggi Palace in Jaipur, the festival is five days of readings, debates and discussions with live music sessions and interactive workshops. Some of the most brilliant authors from across the globe have participated in this festival.
Ranthambore National Park – October 1st – 30th June
One of the best Parks to see Tigers, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, is a little over three hours from Jaipur by road and is one of the best places in India to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. The old hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur, the Reserve lies at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges and offers a magnificent backdrop of archaeological monuments for wildlife viewing. The Reserve takes its name from the ancient fortress of Ranthambore, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Reserve. Some date this back to the 5th Century AD. The fort is no longer occupied and the Tigers and Leopards have reclaimed this natural paradise.