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Day 1 |
Arrive at Jaipur. Check in at the Jai Mahal Palace or the Rambagh Palace and experience Rajput hospitality at its best. Evening visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort. The vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 2 |
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and leave for a half-day sightseeing tour to the hilltop fortress at Amber. Ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. In the afternoon, tour the old walled city of Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa-Shastra , an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory situated in the heart of the city. Built in the 1700's, it still looks futuristic. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds). The old City Palace & its museum display a rare fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Return to the hotel for dinner. |
Day 3 |
Breakfast at the hotel, Day free at leisure, enjoy recreation facilities at hotel or visit the Jaipur city center (car can be provided at an extra charge of Rs 850/- net) & stroll around the bustling bazaars for indigenous handicrafts. The elegantly constructed buildings, within the crenellated city walls reflect an old world charm with their arched entrances, cupolas & courtyards. Early evening set off for a train journey to the ‘Sun City’ of Jodhpur. Arrive in Jodhpur & check-in at the Taj Hari Mahal. |
Day 4 |
After breakfast, leave for sightseeing tour of the erstwhile Marwar capital. From the imposing Mehrangarh fort to the delicate wrought jharokhas of the havelis, the citadel has some of the finest examples of Rajput masonry. At the foot of the fort, lies the Jaswanth Thada, a richly carved white marble cenotaph. In the afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. |
Day 5 |
After breakfast, treat yourself to a visual feast as you tour the golden city of Jaisalmer. This 12th century trading post for camel caravans journeying through the Silk Route, remains untouched by the sands of time. Rising majestically amidst the shifting golden dunes of the Thar Desert, are the bastions of the imposing 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is honeycombed with beautifully carved Jain temples and cobbled alleys flanked by the most beautiful havelis (Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli). Hewn entirely out of sandstone, the city is a tawny colour in the day and at sunset it magically morphs into honey-gold hue. Afternoon drive to Khuri, located 45 km east of Jaisalmer, a quaint village with clusters of thatch roof houses, where men sport magnificent mustaches and bright turbans, and women are swathed in gaily-hued odhinis. On the sand dunes here, take a sunset ride through the scrubland of Rajasthan on a camel safari that is a lifetime experience. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel. |
Day 6 |
After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur, halting at Osian. Osian’s ancient Jain and Vaishnava temples reflect the grandeur of Indian temple architecture. On arrival, check in at the Taj Hari Mahal Palace, Jodhpur . Take an afternoon jeep safari to the picturesque Bishnoi villages to see artisans at the potter’s wheel, or hand weaving. Return to the hotel for dinner. |
Day 7 |
After breakfast leave for Udaipur. En route visit the Jain temples of Ranakpura, famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. Dating back to the 15th century, the temple’s 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, none of which are similar. (Optional - lunch in the temple or at Maharani Bagh, Ranakpur at extra charge). Arrive at enchanting, medieval city of Udaipur and check-in at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur . Built over two and a half centuries ago by Maharana Jagat Singh II, this fairytale palace is probably one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Enjoy a leisurely late afternoon cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Walk around the fountain pavilions and cobbled gardens of the famous Jag Mandir Island Palace. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 8 |
Let the glorious sunrise dazzle you at breakfast. Morning excursion to the famous temple complex of Eklingji & Nagda , which enshrines the deity of the Mahranas of Mewar. Spend the rest of the day exploring this charming lake city by car. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and the museum, which are a testament to the valour and chivalry of the Mewar rulers. Visit the Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola. The Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir is a treasure house of Rajasthani folk culture. The breathtaking beauty of the lakes - Pichola & Fateh Sagar truly make Udaipur an oasis in the desert. Return to hotel after city drive. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel. |
| Day 9 |
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport/station for your journey home. |
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