CULTURAL TOURS

Rajasthan Cultural Tour

Rajasthan the - 'Land of Princes' - still living in its historic past. Palaces, castles, and forts of stunning artistry, a romantic background for a noble people legendary for their courage and velour. richly adorned in splendid colors and traditional jewellery. A land of contrast from placid blue lakes with island palaces, peacocks and contrast from placid blue lakes with island palaces, peacocks and pillared pavilions to remote villages un­touched by time.

Mandawa, Bikaner. Khimsar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Junia, Jaipur & Agra

16 Days from Delhi to Delhi

DAY 1 Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast depart by car for the town of Mandawa located in the Shekhavati region of north west Rajasthan. Afternoon visit Mandawa bazaar and havelis. Stay at Castle.

Day 2 Mandawa
This morning visit some of the havelis (tradi­tional houses with interior country yards) in the small towns around Mandawa:

Day 3 Mandawa to Bikaner
Today drive to Bikaner, a heavily fortified fort­ city famous for its camel farm and colourful people. In the afternoon visit the 16th cen­t lIry fort. Also visit the local camel breeding farm. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4 Bikaner to Khimsar
After breakfast continue to Nagaur, a desert town noted for its fine fort and then to the royal Castle at Khimsar. In the evening by
jeep into the desert to see the sunset and to spot antelope. peacocks and deer. Overnight at the Royal Castle.

Day 5 Khimsar to Jaisalmer
Continue via the Hindu and Jain temples at Osiyan to the ,U1cient city of Jaisalmer. Stand­ing on a low range of hills in the Thar Desert this perfect R~put walled city is one of India's most colourful and fasinating places. Stay at the Hotel.

Day 6 Jaisalmer
This morning visit Gadisar Sagar, a natural oasis with a beautiful archway and water-side temples. also visit the fort built in 1156 and walk through the lanes to view the magnifi­cently carved havelis. Afternoon drive out­side the city to see Amar Sagar (lake) and to Sunset Point for a superb view of the city.

Day 7 Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur with its massive 15th century fort in the most spec­tacular of cliff top settings. In the afternoon explore the busy streets and bazaars. Stay either at the Hotel.

Day 8 Jodhpur
Today visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort. In the afternoon go out by jeep to a Bisnoi village where you will meet colourful tribes people and witness their- village life.

Day 9 Jodhpur to Kumbalgarh
This morning a scenic drive south through the countryside to see the beautiful Jain temples at Ranakpur. Continue on through villages to the impressive 15th century fort at Kumbalgarh. Overnight at the hotel/Resort.

Day 10 Kumbalgarh to Udaipur
After breakfast continue to Udaipur visiting en route the temples at Eklanji and Nagda. Arrive later in the afternoon at the unique lake city of Udaipur, the most romantic in India. Stay at Hotel.

Day 11 Udaipur
Morning drive through the city to visit the City Palace museum, Jagdhish Temple and the Garden of the Maids of Honour. also visit Bhartiya Lok Kala a museum dedicated to Rajasthani arts, crafts and traditions. After­noon at leisure.

Day 12 Udaipur to Junia
After breakfast drive via Chittorgarh to the small village of Junia founded in the 14th century by Maharaja Sajjan singh. This in­teresting village offers an excellent insight into the life of rural India and its people. Stay overnight in Junia at Amar Bagh a comfort­able house in the grounds of the local Rajput rulers home.

Day 13 Junia to Jaipur
This morning drive to the colourful city of Jaipur the state capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is noted for its varied handicrafts and bus­tling bazaars. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Jaipur
Morning drive out beyond the city and as­cend by painted elephant to the magnificent fortress-palace at Amber. Afternoon visit the city palace complex consisting of the Hawa Mahal, principal palace rooms containing the museum and the nearby. Jantar Mantar ob­servatory.

Day 15 Jaipur to Agra
After breakfast leave for Agra, visiting en route the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. In the afternoon continue to Agra to view before dusk the immortal Taj Mahal. Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 16 Agra to Delhi
This morning visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. Drive to Delhi for 4 hours.

Late evening you will be transferred to the International airport to board flight for your onward destination.

End of tour.

(Extension Ideas)
A 3-DAY CAMEL SAFARI FROM JAISALMER

An opportunity to 'get off the beaten track' and explore the Thar Desert and isolated vil­lages inhabited by nomadic and pastoral tribes. A guide will accompany you on your safari, overnights will be spent in a tented camp (two nights) and all meals are provided. On average you will journey for approximately 7 hours each day. Places normally visited are : Kuldhara, Manapia, Moolsagar, Roopsi, Ramkunda, Ludharva and Amar Sagar. Dis­tance covered approximately 65 kms.

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