Highlights of Rajasthan (18 Days/17 Nights)
FROM NZ$3299 - AU$2399
An excellent introduction to 5000 years of history, a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions and landscapes. Its is called the region of dreams as people who enters North India does so with a dream in his heart and fulfil there wishes of staying in palaces, forts and havelies and enjoying adventurous wildlife. Our journey start with Delhi known as Crown of India and covers perfection of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the sound of the wind rippling over the sand dunes of Rajasthan, and Pink City of Jaipur and sunrise boat ride in the Holy River Ganges. Each culture has enriched the region and given its remarkable diversity and thus bring along with it a bundle of excitement and joy. Come and Join the Highlights of Rajasthan small group journey and learn about facets of nature and culture that are far from our ordinary experiences.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi the capital of India. Our tour Manager will welcome us at the airport arrival lounge with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with overnight at hotel.
Day 02: : Delhi – Jaisalmer (Overnight Train in A/C Sleeper class)
Before we proceed for the sightseeing our tour Manager will brief us about the day tour. We start our sightseeing tour with Jama Masjid and travel through India Gate, Red Fort, the Parliament and President House. Delhi is history, and the monuments are tablets on which the history is written. It is therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. Afternoon explore Chandni Chowk bazaar before boarding Jaisalmer Express overnight train ETD 5.45pm. Bedding will be provide to us by train attendant while we enjoy our overnight on board.(B,D).
Day 03:Jaisalmer
Arrive ETA 12.45pm and transfer to the hotel. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. Rest of the day will be at leisure to relax or take a stroll in the narrow streets of this golden city. Experience the life style of the locals. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 04: Jaisalmer
Morning is free for your own activities as we enjoy an excursion to the Khuri Village in the afternoon. The village is 45 km south west of Jaisalmer. It is a delightfully peaceful place with mud and straw decorated houses. It is the most unique and personal way to experience the culture of Rajasthan. Narrow streets of the villages lined with shops selling local handcrafted items and food is a sight to behold, Before returning to the hotel we enjoy Camel ride on the magnificent patches of sand dunes. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 05: Jaisalmer
Today we enjoy the sightseeing tour of the Golden city and visit to the 12-15th century old Jain temples, Folk Museum and colourful painted Havelies. Afternoon will be free to explore this amazing city the way you like. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 06: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (220 kms / 4 hrs 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to Jodhpur, rest of the day is free to relax or explore this small town. Located on the foothill of a sandstone hillock, the city seems like an oasis in the vast desert. Its history revolves around the Rathore Clan, the chief Rao Jodha is credited with the origin of Jodhpur which was founded in 1459. The city is named after him and was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur stands as a living proof of the splendour, traditions and culture and its glorious past is personified through the various forts, palaces and other monuments. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 07: Jodhpur
This morning after breakfast we enjoy city tour of Jodhpur, visit including the imposing Meherangarh fort with its palaces and outstanding museum, which houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The fort also offers a breath taking view of the city. Afternoon take an excursion to Osian, a flourishing desert town in the ancient times located 55 Km. Pay a visit to the famous temples and treat yourself to acres of gold dunes with glittering blue-green peacocks dancing on them. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B,D)
Day 08: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (250 kms / 5 hrs)
Today we drive to Udaipur, en-route we visit Ranakpur where you will find over 500 year old temples which are well preserved almost in perfect condition. These temples are the most complex and extensive in design, interestingly no two pillars are alike. The temple has 29 halls, 80 domes and the pavilions include 1,444 pillars, each of them so intricately and artistically carved that they’ll leave a lasting impression. The figures of dancing goddesses, beautifully engraved on these pillars are an utmost architectural wonder. The Later we continue our journey and stay overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 09: Udaipur
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast as the day is free to explore the beautiful Bazaar and day to day life of the locals. The city is inhabited by the Bhil tribe, so one can see people dressed in brightly coloured typical Rajasthani dress and with lots of silver jewellery. The beautiful tranquil water Lakes and the City of Dawn, Udaipur is one of the most naturally beautiful cities of India. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, another Kashmir of India, it offers one of the widest ranges of cultural heritage. The vibrant and colourful markets present an assortment of items covering handicrafts, potter jewellery, wooden toys, antique items and paintings. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 10: Udaipur
After breakfast we proceed for sightseeing tour of the most beautiful Lakes cities in Rajasthan. Visit City Palace which has several carved balconies, arches and decorated pillars, Zanana Mahal, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Evening we witness sunset while enjoying boat ride on picturesque Lake Pichola. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 11: Udaipur – Pushkar (275 kms / 5 hrs 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to Pushkar a famous city for camel fair organised on Kartik Poornima the full night in 8th month of Hindu calendar which happens to be in November in these years. It is one of the most charismatic and colour fair held in Rajasthan. Vendors display their attractive goods and the villagers go on a shopping spree. Colourfully filled by turbaned men and odhni-wearing women, the entire atmosphere is electric and the otherwise serene temple town comes to life. Rest of the evening is free to relax at hotel or explore this beautiful city. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 12: Pushkar
Enjoy the day visiting the Pushkar Lakes and the only Hindu God Bramha Temple in the world. Pushkar is one of the five most sacred places of pilgrimage of Hindus. It was created when a lotus leaf fell from Brahma’s hand and a holy lake sprout up there. A hans (goose-the official carrier of Brahma) spans the gateway to the temple which is crowned with red spire. The temple, built of marble is decorated with silver coins and there is a silver turtle on the floor of the temple. Course the colourful bazaar before you will return to the hotel for overnight at stay.(B,D)
Day 13: Pushkar – Jaipur (130 kms / 2 hrs 30 mins)
Today we travel another magnificent city of India known as The Pink City of India. Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravalis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan and is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India. Legendary for its forts, palaces and lakes the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past which presents an unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated. Rest of the day is kept free for your own programme where you can either choose to relax at the hotel or take stroll in the colourful bazaar of this world renowned city. Overnight at Jaipur.(B,D)
Day 14: Jaipur (Elephant Ride)
This is the day we enjoy Elephant ride while climbing to the 16th century Amber Fort. Set in a picturesque location Amber is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful places. To add to its charm, the crystal mirror image of all-built in white marble and red sandstone on the still waters of the Maotha Lake in its foreground, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Afternoon we return to the hotel, rest of the day is free for shopping. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 15: Jaipur
We enjoy city sightseeing tour and visit City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Hawa Mahal built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive pass old part of Jaipur city. Today we enjoy the authentic Rajasthani cuisine Dinner and taste some of the delicacy of the region. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 16: Jaipur – Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (145 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast we travel to Sawai Madhopur the place known for its Ranthambhore Tiger reserve. Situated between the Vindhya and Aravali range of hills, Ranthambhore is one of Rajasthan’s last remaining sizeable area of forest and savannah. We enjoy afternoon safari spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger, many species of bird’s, reptiles, amphibians and mammals and capture some spectacular views of the majestic Aravalli ranges in your camera. One can also look for the medieval splendour in the forms of forts, havelis (mansion) and palaces that are scattered throughout it. Overnight at Jungle resort.(B,D)
Day 17: Ranthambhore – Agra (227 kms / 4 hrs 30 mins)
Now it’s time when we travel to most awaited city of the tour, yes its Agra, the world renowned city known for the monument of LOVE The Taj Mahal. En-route visit abandoned city of 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 the year 1569. The shortage of water led to the desertion of this city. Arrive late afternoon and overnight stay at hotel.(B,D)
Day 18: Agra – Delhi Departure (200 kms / 4 hrs)
Early morning at 07.00am pay a sunrise visit to the incomparable and enduring Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjahan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out from the hotel. Before we make our way back to Delhi to board our flight back we visit Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period. The tour will conclude with transfer to the airport to board your flight for your onward journey.(B)
Tour Ends
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation with private facilities
- Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance and all transfers
- All sightseeing as specified
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
- THO tour manager (min 7 Traveller)
- Local English speaking tour guide
- All Entry fee to the monuments
- Camel Ride at Jaisalmer
- Elephant ride at Jaipur
- Sunset Cruise at Udaipur
- Wildlife safari at Ranthambhore
- Train Tickets Delhi-Jaisalmer
- All collectable taxes
| Confirm Group Departures |
| Start Delhi |
| 2009 |
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2010 |
| Start |
Finish |
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Start |
Finish |
| 01 Oct |
18 Oct |
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04 Feb |
21 Feb |
| 15 Oct |
01 Nov |
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11 Mar |
28 Mar |
| 12 Nov |
29 Dec |
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01 Apr |
18 Apr |
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For more enquiry regarding this tour, please fill up the following form. |
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