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Forts & Palaces of India
Places to visit - Delhi - Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Luni - Udaipur - Dungarpur - Deogarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Duration - 17 Nights / 18 Days

Rajpath Delhi

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 - Delhi Full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi
New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD ) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India Gata, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers, drives past Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple and The Connaught Place. Old Delhi, constitutes of Red Fort built by Emperor Shahjehaan in 1638 AD, Jama Mosque largest mosque in India also built by Shahjehan, Raj Ghat and Shanti van-the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and drives past Chandni Chowk, the main congested shopping hub of Old Delhi

Day 03 - Dellhi - Samode, 260 kms
In the morning, drive to Samode Palace. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.Samode Palace, Samode - its history goes back more than four and half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons-Gopal Singhji along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled picturesquely on rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur and frescoed walls is one of the most impressive small places in whole of Rajasthan. The palace is full of architectural delights - the paintings on the walls of Sultan Mahal, the dinning room with its stained glass windows, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings, intricately carved walls, Chandeliers give the palace its old world charm. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 - Samode - Mandawa, 135 kms(Shekhawati)
Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check-in at Mandawa Casle.
Mandawa Castle, Mandawa - Towering high above the town of Mandawa, this rugged handsome fort guides the tired and weary traveller to its portals. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Mandawa.

Day 05 - Mandawa - Bikaner, 200 kms
Drive to Bikaner and on arrival, check-in at BHANWAR NIWAS PALACE. Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner - built in the early 20th century by Seth Bhanwarlalji Rampuria is one of the most interesting havelies located in Bikaner. This hotel has very interesting rooms like the blue drawing room, entrance hall, grand staircase and the library. The bar is a converted Baori, or underground rain water tank. The hotel has 14 elegantly furnished comfortable rooms.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour. BIKANER - stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Junagadh Fort built around 1587 to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, the fort is one of its kind. Today Junagadh houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old. Lalgarh Palace-the imposing red sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental facade, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar; and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

Lalgarh Palace Bikaner

Day 06 - Bikaner - Jaisalmer, 325 kms
Drive to Jaisalmer stopping en-route at Osian to visit temples. Arrive Jaisalmer and check-in at FORT RAJWADA hotel.

Day 07 - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer – much has been written about this city but nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of this Desert City. Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 100 metres over the city with its 99 bastions, several entrances, a group of Jain Temples from 12th to 15th century. The other places of interest include Tazia Tower with its five tiered splendour, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and conspicuous facades. Late afternoon, visit Sam Dunes for sun-set view and camel ride. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 08 - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur, 287 kms
In the morning drive, to Jodhpur. JODHPUR - The former capital of Marwar state was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 metre, the fort appears rugged and impenetrable from the outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal are some of the important areas to visit A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in while marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of rulers of Jodhpur. Overnight at AJIT BHAWAN hotel.

Day 09 - Jodhpur - Luni, 35 kms
On arrival, check-in at FORT CHANWA Luni Fort Chanwa - located 35 kms from Jodhpur belongs to Maharaja Dalip Singh, youngest son of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Over a hundred years old, this heritage hotel has ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate jharokhas. The small village at Luni is home to many artisans who work with metal, clay or wood. Afternoon Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village A Bishnoi village-steeped in history : this 450 year Umaid Bhavan Palace Jodhpur

old tribe has a distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wilds in scientific and local routines evolved over the centuries of living with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes, one can witness the opium ceremony - a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. A drive through the starkly beautiful landscape could encounter the agile black buck, wild camel and flights of rare birds

Day 10 - Luni - Ranakpur - Udaipur, 280 kms
Drive to Udaipur visiting en-route Ranakpur. RANAKPUR - The Jain community. like several others, had always enjoyed the patronage of the ruling family of Mewar and quite a few important positions were held by the Jains. In 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar gave a large stretch of land in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, to the Jains. This area came to be known as Ranakpur, Located 96 km from Udaipur, this is one of the five main holy places of the Jains. Although over 500 years old, these temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. The central temple is the CHAUMUKHA temple, dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (saint). This temple is the most complex and extensive in design. It has 29 halls , 80 domes and 1444 pillars. What is interesting is that no two pillars are alike.

Day 11 - Udaipur
Morning city sightseeing tour. Udaipur- Sightseeing tour of Udaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan, better known as cities of Lake, founded by Maharana Udaipur, the places of interest include City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's resort for the friends). Afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 - Udaipur - Dungarpur, 120 kms
Morning leave for Dungarpur, founded in the 13th century and rose to fame under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs. The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged by in 1940 Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings around the "Ek-Thambia Mahal' literally, one-pillared palace) and thus created the famous 'courtyard'. Now a hotel with furnishing from the 20th century art deco style, marble bathrooms with English fixtures. Afternoon visit Dungarpur, a bird Watcher's Paradise. Migratory birds can be seen in abundance from November to February. The places to see around are Juna Mahal built in 13th century, Bijayarajeshwar temple and 12th century temple of Deo Somnath(25 km).

Day 13 - Dungarpur - Deogarh, 255 kms
Drive to Deogarh and on arrival, check-in at Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh Mahal located 135 km from Udaipur on Udaipur-Ajmer route, on a hillock and encircled by the town was built in 1670 AD by Rawar Dwarkadasji of the Sisodia dynasty . Constructed by the famed Sompura architects, well known for their talents, Deogarh is a testimony to their skilled craftsmanship. There are five floors and over 200 rooms in this Castle, numerous balconies, carved pillars and extensive use of marble has added to its attraction. Only 22 rooms have been renovated maintaining the old décor.

Pushkar Rajasthan

Day 14 - Deogarh - Pushkar, 145 kms
Drive to Pushkar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Pushkar, this sacred town lies 11 km north east of Ajmer and 130 km from Jaipur. According to mythology, Pushkar Lake is supposed to to have appeared miraculously when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and dropped into this valley. On Kartik Poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. The fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its visual impact. Colourful bazaars are set up, camels are paraded and also bough and sold. Besides colourful bazaars, shops selling sweets, snacks, handicrafts, sports for children, camel carts and other trading activities of utensils, hardware.
Overnight at Pushkar Palce situated on the banks of Pushkar Lake, a family run hotel in heritage category.

Day 15 - Pushkar - Jaipur, 142 kms
Drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in Samode haveli. Samode Haveli, Jaipur built by Rawal Sheo Soinghji, a Prime Minister in the royal court of Jaipur. The Haveli is the result of around 200 years of construction in phases, by its occupants. The haveli with 18 rooms and 2 suites has some beautiful frescoes, arched windows and intricate wall designs. It is located in the heart of the walled city. In the afternoon city sightseeing tour. Jaipur, this city was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Ram Niwas Gardens, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city

Day 16 - Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided to ascend the fort to visit the complex. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Day 17 - Jaipur - Agra, 235 kms
Drive to Agra visiting enroute Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this beautiful city is interesting. There, in a grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint , Sheikh Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his renown, asked of the blessings of a son, and when a son was born, not only was the child named Salim, the site for a mighty and ambitious project - a city - was chosen near the residence of the saint erected in k1569. The shortage of water lead to the desertion of this city. Visit the mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces. Arrive Agra and check-in at JAYPEE PALACE hotel Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 - Agra - Delhi drive, 204 kms
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built between 1622 AD by Empress Nur Jehan, in memory of her father, Ghias-id-Din Beg., it is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Afternoon drive to Delhi airport for flight to onward destination.

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