Tour Plan
Rajasthan known to be a land of invincible forts, pompous palaces, valiant warrior tribes, robust men with masculine moustaches and of shy, modest women with vividly coloured attires and beautiful jewellery, a land with rich legends of bravery and romance. However, venturing out into the villages, you can see the real India, and be amazed with astonishing and at times overwhelming experience. The kindness of the rural people, who have next to nothing, is really amazing. Despite their poverty, how rich their plain lives can be, and the hospitality that they offer to any visitor to their areas is really an experience which one will not forget for long.
Duration | 18 Nights / 19 Days |
Destination Covered | Delhi – Gangapur – Ramathra – Bundi – Shahpura – Nimaj – Rohet – Narlai – Ranankpur – Udaipur – Delhi |
Exclusions |
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Itinerary
You will be welcomed by Vacations International representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind the rest of the day. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle for transfer only)
After breakfast visit Delhi, cherished by its former rulers for its strategic location. A city that bridges two different worlds – Old Delhi and New Delhi. There is a great contrast between the rambling old Delhi and the well planned New Delhi. Exploring both will be immensely interesting. A walk through Old Delhi’s hustling and bustling narrow lanes of Chandini Chowk and the Red Fort (Closed on Monday) as well as the Jama Masjid (India's biggest mosque) is always a great experience. For those who want to explore more, there is a carefully planned New Delhi which was built by the British when they moved their capital from Calcutta in 1911. This part of the city is sprinkled with captivating ancient monuments such as Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Besides the interesting museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets drive past Rastrapati Bhawan (The Presidential Palace) & India Gate. Also visit Bangla Sahib, the famous Sikh temple. Delhi is also a shopper's paradise, being one big emporium for all of India's handicrafts, and home to some of the best contemporary designers India has to offer. This lively city also has good dining and nightlife options to compliment its considerable historical and architectural interest. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
You will be driven to the railway station to board a train to Gangapur City after an early breakfast. On arrival you will be shifted to Ramathra and check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Visit the Ramathra Fort situated between the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur and the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur, India's two famous wildlife reserves. The Kailadevi National Park, just 15 km away is another game sanctuary. The three big attractions of Ramathra arethe fort, the lake and the surrounding countryside. Hosted by pleasant and cheerful Gitanjali and Ravi will delight you with anecdotes about their family fort, and guide you around the area. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
In the morning explore the villages and areas surrounding the fort by jeep. While sailing on the Kalisil Lake in the evening, watch the sun go over the horizon and enjoy bird watching. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
After breakfast in the morning drive to Bundi which was once a major capital of a Rajput princely state and check-in at the hotel. Bundi is a charming small town undiscovered for a long time whose medieval atmosphere more or less remains the same. The heritage of the Rajputs is well conserved in this town in the form of the impressive Taragarh Fort and the remarkable Bundi Garh Palace. Your drive to the town along the hillside overlooking the valley opposite the fort will be especially satisfying. The towns view and surrounding countryside are admirable. The town overlooking a lake is on the side of a steep hill. In the centre of Bundi there are a couple of beautiful baoris (stepwells). Ranijiki Baori one of the largest of its kind is 46 metres deep and has some excellent carving. The Nagar Sagar, a set of twin step wells outside the Choughan gate are crafted in flawless stonework on each side of the main town. Phool Sagar Palace, on the Ajmer Road has a beautiful artificial tank with gardens. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
In the morning drive to Shahpura and check-in at the hotel. Spotted with numerous lakes and lush hills Shahpura is a calm Rajasthani town somewhat unaffected by tourism. Besides housing a number of ancient forts and palaces the traditional arts and crafts of the region are most absorbing. Go on a jeep safari through the neighbouring villages after lunch we will. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
You will be at leisure in the morning. After lunch go for village safari by jeep. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
You will be driven to Nimaj after breakfast. Located approximately 2 hours east of Jodhpur and 3 hours north of Deogarh, this town is a pleasant rural retreat. This was earlier the hunting reserve of the local royal family and today it attracts migratory birds to its reservoir during winters. Rural farms, undulating hills and tiny villages encircle the reservoir. By spending your time here, you will experience the rural Rajasthan in a way that very few other places will offer. The remaining day is at your leisure. Overnight, stay at the hotel or camp. (Operational from October to March) (Vehicle at disposal)
Today explore the villages by Jeep. During this tour, stroll through the farms and the settlements of the farmers and drive to the shepherd's village. Drive back to the camp or to the hotel after the sightseeing. Afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight, stay at the hotel or camp. (operational from October to March) (Vehicle at disposal).
After an early breakfast drive to Rohet and check in at the hotel. The fortified residence of the sucessors of Thakur Dalpat Singh I, the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan dominates the desert village of Rohet. In 1622, as a symbol of gratitude for his gallantry in battle the Maharaja of Jodhpur conferred upon him the fiefdom of Rohet. Located in a beautiful semi-arid landscape, this typical Rajasthani village with full of life and colour is also famous for its village safaris that introduce guests to local traditions and customs. You will get the chance to mingle with different communities and know their way of life and as a guest in the homes; you will experience the warmth and hospitality of the villagers. Jeep safaris can be organised to the adjoining countryside to experience the local opium ceremonies. The passion of the villagers for horses makes this place one of the best places for horse riding and safaris on the fantastic Marwari horses in India. Optional – Evening Horse-safari. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
After a leisurely breakfast take the pleasure of a village jeep safari in the first half of the day. Optional: Late evening cookery demonstration. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
The day is at your leisure. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Drive to Narlai after breakfast and check in at the hotel. Located just midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, this less visited beautiful Rajasthani village is shadowed by an impressive granite rock which provides you with spectacular views from its top. After lunch visit the Aya Mata Temple. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal).
After a leisurely breakfast go on a day tour of Ranakpur to visit the Jain temples. The Ranakpur Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular of the Jain temples was built during the reign of the broadminded and talented Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. With over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, supporting the temple, this temple is an amazing work of art and an example of true architectural brilliance. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. In the complex, there are several temples of which the Chaumukha Temple is the most important and as the term Chaumukha suggests, this temple is four-faced dedicated to Adinath. Return to Narlai later in the afternoon. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal).
You will be driven to Udaipur after breakfast and check-in at the hotel. Spend the remaining day at leisure. Located amidst undulating hills dotted with sparkling lakes, Udaipur is believed to be the most charming and romantic city in Rajasthan by many. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1567, this city is astonishingly silent and free of traffic. Udaipur has the ambiance of a small town, with meandering lanes and tree-lined streets leading to the striking City Palace, overlooking the renowned "floating" Lake Palace. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
Spend the day exploring Udaipur, beginning with the City Palace complex entering through the Hathi Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city passing by the Jagdish Temple. The architectural brilliance, the paintings, mosaics and complexly carved 'chhatries' contribute to making your visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience. Visit the beautiful Sahelion-ki-Bari; the Garden of the Maids of Honour constructed for forty-eight young ladies in waiting who were sent to the royal house as a part of the lavish dowry. You will enjoy a motor launch cruise on the calm waters of Lake Pichola (subject to water levels) and experience the view of the city from the wonderfully decorated boat as it rises grandly above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other charming island palace in the middle of the lake. If the weather gods permit, a fitting finale for the day will be the view of the magnificent sunset over the lake. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
The day at your leisure. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
After breakfast you will be driven to the airport to take a flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal).
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for transfer)