|
16 Days / 15
Nights
New
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer - Khuri - Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - New Delhi |
 |
|
|
|
|
Day
01: Flight to India (New Delhi) |
| Arrival in Delhi
before or after midnight. The cosmopolitan city and
capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the
travellers to India. You are met by our
representative and transferred to your hotel. |
| |
|
Day
02: New Delhi |
| Today's morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we
have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw ride
parallel to the Red
Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and
Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes
"Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated and Jama
Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we
also visit the famous "Humayun
Tomb" which is the first substantial example
of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub
Minar" which is 71 meter high and was
constructed in 1199.Before we proceed to the hotel we
have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India
Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies. |
| |
|
Day 03: New Delhi -
Shekhawati (about 260 km) |
|
In the morning we leave New Delhi and drive to Shekhawati
region. Arrive in Shekhawati in the evening.
Shekhawati lies in the North East region of Rajasthan
and is the homeland of marwaris. The Marwaris form one
of the most important merchant and business groups in
India, they developed their business acumen on the
trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India
and Central Asia. Marwaris enjoyed protections by
Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. |
| |
|
Day
04: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 km) |
|
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the
Shekhawati area. The havellis are mansions,
elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong
main entrance. The walls are often covered with
murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu
Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we
proceed to Bikaner.
After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh
Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone
and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the
structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its
palaces are an unforgettable experience for us. |
| |
| Day 05: Bikaner - Osian -
Jaisalmer (about 330 km) |
| Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer
via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain
religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in
1178 AD. Very often one can see along the road to
Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region.
Blackbuck and fast running Chinkara is the most common
among them. We have a stop enroute at a village to
observe the traditional life of the villages in
Rajasthan. We arrive in Jaisalmer in the late evening. |
| |
|
Day
06: Jaisalmer |
| Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its
narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings
makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its
carved havellis (grand mansions). In medieval times,
its prosperity was due to its location on the main
trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and
the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture
and this city remains one of the most exotic cities
not only in Rajasthan but also in the whole of India.
Some of the visitors called this city "a living
museum". We have a walk through the old city and
visit the Fort
and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around
40 km. away from Jaisalmer to Sam
dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive
back to Jaisalmer. |
| |
| Day 07: Jaisalmer - Khuri -
Jaisalmer (about 40 km) |
|
Today we will drive to Khuri. It is an oasis village
located in the sand dunes. We will have camel ride in
the sand dunes of Khuri. After having camel ride we
will drive back to Jaisalmer. Evening free for
leisure. |
| |
|
Day
08: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (about 290 km) |
| Early morning drive to Jodhpur.
The city was once the capital of the princely state of
Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest
city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue
city as most of the houses of the old city are painted
blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long
wall, which has 101 bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur
lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route
and the marwaris get benefited from the passing
traffic of opium, copper and silk, which was traded to
China. We will visit the Mehrangarh
Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on
a steep hill and is among the best in India with
exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments
within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal
cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing
we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur. |
| |
|
Day
09: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (about 190 km) |
| Take up early morning safari in the desert
countryside. Drive to Ranakpur
in the afternoon. Ranakpur is known for its superbly
carved marble Jain
Temples. An enormous basement of this temple
covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary
shrines, twenty-four pillared halls. The total number
of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately
carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples
were built during the 15th century. Arrive at Ranakpur
in the evening. |
| |
|
Day
10: Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 90 km) |
| Today we drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur is also known as the city of sunrise. It is
called the romantic city of Rajasthan. This city is
built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes that
reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. We
start our sightseeing with the visit of
Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This garden of the Maids of Honour
is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks.
After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum
of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk
dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk
musical instruments and paintings on display. After a
break we proceed to City
Palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4
generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is
so carefully planned and integrated with the original
buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was
not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace
includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature
wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an
opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and
see the famous miniature paintings done. In the
evening we have a boat ride on the lake Pichola. The
famous Lake
Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the
former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot
here and made this palace more known in the west. |
| |
| Day 11: Udaipur - Jaipur
(about 425 km) |
| Today we take leave from the city of sunrise and drive
to the Pink City Jaipur.
This city owes its name, foundations and careful
planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan
and famous for its handicrafts and precious and
semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City
Palace, which is still the formal residence of the
royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and
Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace
we visit the private collection of the Jaipur
Maharajas. We continue to Jantar
Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of
Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex
instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian
astronomy. |
| |
|
Day
12: Jaipur |
| After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber,
laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient
capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before
it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend
to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant.
Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa
Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it
contains 953 small casements with each having its own
balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and
the ladies to watch processions below without being
seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the
Colourful Bazaars of Jaipur and visit a factory to see
the famous block printing work being done since
centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through
the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan
Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble.
We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer
ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of
Indian music and dance. |
| |
|
Day
13: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km) |
| Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India
and drive through a series of fields, small towns and
villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop
and visit Fatehpur
Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen
in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th
century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand
stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built.
It has been generally stated that it was due to
failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. |
| |
| Day 14: Agra |
| Today we start our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra
Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal
emperors. The construction of this massive structure
began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till
the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built
the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the
visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most
beautiful monument of India, the Taj
Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a
continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb
and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel
of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth
to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal
to take this impressive memory home. After the visit
of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble
inlay work, which is still being done in Agra by the
descendants of the families of builders and artists of
the Taj Mahal. |
| |
|
Day
15: Agra - New Delhi (about 200 km) |
| In the morning, after having our breakfast we drive to
New Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi in the afternoon. The
rest of the day at leisure. |
| |
|
Day
16: New Delhi |
| Around midnight flight to home destination. |
| |
|
Inclusions
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath
and WC in the
chosen
category.
Rooms on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Rickshaw Ride in Delhi.
Elephant Ride in Amber.
Camel Ride in Jaisalmer.
Boat ride in Udaipur.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance
in Jaipur.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking or
languages of your choice)
at every place
of sightseeing.
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations
representative.
All
Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For
groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except Standard
Hotels) will
be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any
Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and
Alcoholic beverages.
Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
|
| |
|
11 Days
Horse Safari Tour of Desert
11 Days /
10 Nights
(Delhi - Jodhpur - Luni - Satlana - Ghana - Karmavas - Asotra -
Balotra (Tilwara) - Jodhpur - Delhi) |
 |
|
| |
|
In the 11 Days Horse Safari Tour, you will have horse safari from
Jodhpur to Tilwara, the heartland of the famous Marwari horse. This
safari recreates the age-old charm of horseback travel. Let your
senses sway to the romance of the desert as you pass forts, palaces
and other historical landmarks, deserts and plains. |
| |
|
Day
1: Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the
main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will
be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to
the hotel.
Day
2: Delhi - Jodhpur (by air)
In the morning transfer to the airport for
the flight to
Jodhpur. Jodhpur was once the capital of the princely state
of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in
Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the
houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is
surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and
seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat
trading route and the marwaris got benefit from the passing
traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. Upon
arrival, You will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and
transferred to your Hotel. After having lunch you will drive to
the base camp where the horses and safari team have arrived from
Nawalgarh. The tourists will be welcomed with folk music. The
safari leader will help the guests to pick and choose their
horses. Return to hotel for dinner.
Day 3: Jodhpur
Today, you will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built
on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely
latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit
the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After
the sightseeing you will have a walk through the Bazaars of
Jodhpur and later drive to the base camp for riding in the
countryside.
Day
4: Jodhpur - Luni - Satlana
In the morning you will drive to the base camp to start your
horse safari. The ride will goes through dry flat area. The
lunch halt will be in a small rain catchment area besides a
temple to folk divinity ‘mamoji’. During the safari you will
pass through many settlements of the Bishnoi community who have
made environmental protection as their religion. Then you will
ride through flat arid region and reach the dry riverbed of the
Luni. Here, you can enjoy the performance of the camps folk
musicians. Overnight stay in deluxe luxury camp.
Day
5: Satlana - Ghana
Today, you will go upstream in the large expanse of the dry Luni
riverbed. Being very sandy, the the ride will be very slow and
pass through villages and dry scrub country. Before reaching the
camp, you will cross about 8 to 9 kms of protected bush land
which is the protectorate of the Ramdeoji Temple. Overnight stay
in the camp.
Day
6: Ghana - Karmavas
Today, the safari will take you through flat dry desert land
arid but not sandy. On the way you will come across the clean
and well-maintained clay houses of the villagers. As you will
reach the camp site, the low hills of the Aravali ranges will be
visible on the horizon and typical desert flora can be seen.
Overnight in Camp
Day
7: Karmavas - Asotra
Today you will pass the hills and acacia clusters and the
Mangala village. The lunch spot will be in the backdrop of the
hillock facing the dry Luni riverbed. After Lunch ride on to
Asotra. Around Asotra, an aquifer created by the ancient
saraswati river basin from 2000 BC has been discovered. As a
result farmers pump water by electric pumps and raise crops.
Overnight stay in the camp.
Day
8: Asotra - Balotra (Tilwara)
Today you will have horse safari to Balotra. On the route you
will have lunch just beyond Jasol. In the evening reach Tilwara
and enjoy the campfire and folk entertainment in the camp. It
was here many centuries ago that the famous ruler Mallinathji
ruled. He is worshipped as a divinity. The temple of Mallinathji
is located on the opposite bank of the river Luni from Tilwara
village. Every year in the first fortnight of the Hindu month of
"Chaitra" a large fair is held here. Horses, camels, bullocks
and donkeys come to the fair. The fair according to the
Christian calendar falls in the month of March or April. People
from various states come here to purchase animals. This fair is
much larger then the famous Pushkar or Nagaur fair. At sunset
and sunrise there is spectacular display of horse rider on the
flat riverbed.
Day
9: Balotra
In the morning and evening enjoy the horse ride. In the evening
have campfire and folk entertainment. Overnight stay in the
camp.
Day
10: Balotra
In the morning and evening enjoy the horse ride. In the evening
have campfire and folk entertainment. Overnight stay in the
camp.
Day
11: Balotra - Jodhpur - Delhi (by air)
In the morning enjoy the horse ride. After lunch drive to
Jodhpur. Later transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. |
| |
|
If you are interested in above tour
please
e-mail
us with the number of participants
and the wished dates to
enable
us to workout the tour cost !
|