ERA OF ROYALS

ERA OF

ROYALS

Khammaghani!! Welcome to Land of Kings. If we are talking about Tourism in India, there is no way, anyone can forget Rajasthan. Ideal state for adventures, luxury, experiences and cuisines. Any traveller who has visited Rajasthan cannot get over the fact of surprises this place holds which is why our expertise help you discover the iconic Rajasthan

Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Dechu – Jodhpur – Jawai – Ranakpur – Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Bundi – Ranthambhore – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi

Best time to visit is from October to April

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With India Wanders

Day 1 : Welcome to India

Let us welcome you to the most vibrant place of India, the capital, Delhi. Want to know the history of India or current matters, want to satisfy taste buds or go for quaint place for drinks with friends, Delhi covered almost all necessary aspects of any visitor. Take rest so next day we have full energy to watch and match Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi Sightseeing

Let’s take you back in time through Old Delhi. Chandni Chowk, dates back to 1648, today it is main street of Old Delhi is a colorful and congested wholesale market. Not to forget famous snacks and plenty of options for shopping. Later, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the house that houses the President of India and the house that boasts of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. After lunch we move towards Humanyun’s Tomb, built by Haji Begum, the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun’s, nine years after his death and took eight years to complete. Moving on, Qutab Minar, Delhi’s landmark, 73 mtr. tall victory tower was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler in 1193. We call it a day with a stroll through local market of Delhi.

Day 3 : Drive to Shekhawati region (260 Kms – 6.5 Hrs approx.)

The realm of lovely havelis, harking back to the yester years, epitomizes the beauty of Shekhawati. The land is laced with innumerable beautiful havelis or grand mansions that are guaranteed to capture one’s imagination. Later in the day you will proceed for a guided tour to explore the beautiful havelis and their frescoes or just take a walk in the colourful village and soak in the history of Shekhawati region also referred to as the open air gallery of Rajasthan.

Day 4 : Mandawa – Bikaner (200 Kms – 4 Hrs. approx.)

This desert town in the north –west of Rajasthan was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a descendant of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. In the golden days, the city of Bikaner figured prominently on the great caravan trade routes. Visit Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. We move towards Lalgarh Palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji in 1902. The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting trophies. Visit Bhandeswari Jain Temple, decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.

Day 5 : Further to famous Jaisalmer (350 Kms – 6.5 Hrs. approx.)

The ‘Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live. Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.

Day 6 : Golden Day to Desert evening (160 Kms – 3 Hrs approx.)

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city’s population resides within the fort walls. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Thereafter visit round of Havelis, starting with Nathmalji ki Haveli which was constructed by the two brothers who were famous for their unique architectural creativity. Then comes Patwo ki Haveli, is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. And ending with Salim Singh ki Haveli.

Later you will drive to Desert Dune located far away from Jaisalmer to take the camel ride on sand dunes of Sam. when the is setting down.

In between visit Gadisar Lake and Kuldhara. A haunting village deserted, by its Paliwal residents in one night some 400 years ago due to the immoral intentions of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer at that time. The ruins are now a great tourist attraction. Overnight in Tent

Day 7 : Further to Blue City – Jodhpur (130 Kms – 3 Hrs. approx.)

The second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. Upon reaching, visit Mehrangarh Fort, still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls, moving on to Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir. Finally the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace& Museum, made of marble and pink sandstone, it took 16 years to complete it. This majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum. End the day with stroll through market and Toor ji ka Jhalra Baori.

Day 8 : Drive to Leopard area – Jawai (160 Kms – 3 Hrs. approx.)

Jawai Bandh – home for the leopards came to limelight after a recent coverage of Leopard Safari programme on Discovery channel. The area is also famous for Bera rajasthan safari so if you are looking for leopard safari in Rajasthan, Jawai is the place for that. A healthy population of 50+ Leopards is there in Bera/Jawai Region, and it’s one of the few places on earth where among human settlements leopards thrive, the area is Inhabited by Rabari Tribe (The Shepherds/Herdsmen) and where they is pray predators follow. After lunch, let’s go for jeep safari through rugged terrain to spot wild cat.

Day 9 : Drive to Kumbhalgarh via Ranakpur (110 Kms – 4 Hrs. approx.)

Today we will drive to Kumbhalgarh and en-route will visit famous for Jain temple in Ranakpur. It was built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely Aravali valley. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. Temples have grand structure and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the main temple and no two of them are similar. Later drive to Kumbhalgarh for overnight stay.

Day 10 : Visit biggest Fort in India and then to Udaipur (100 Kms – 3 Hrs. approx.)

Rana Kumbha got the Kumbhalgarh fort constructed in the 15th century. One of the few forts in Rajasthan that have remained unconquered. Kumbhalgarh was also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, Mewar’s legendary king. The attractions of the fort include a number of fascinating palaces and an array of temples inside it. The fort is enclosed by a thick wall, running up to 36 km and offers a splendid view of the surroundings. Later drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is of course the modern face of Udaipur that one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction. This is a place that will hold you in its thrall no matter who you are or where you come from.

Day 11 : In Udaipur

Begin the sightseeing with City Palace and Museum. This majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenelated walls. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Although a conglomeration of buildings constructed by various Maharanas over a period of time, the complex still manages to retain a uniformity of design. Further to Monsoon Palace AKA Sajjangarh Palace, dominating the skyline of Udaipur is the “Monsoon Palace” of Sajjangarh. Deserted by the royal family soon after its construction in 1880 due to the impossibility of pumping water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view of the city’s lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside. As we drive back to Sahelion Ki Bari, on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes. After this comes to the highlight of boat ride, in Pichola Lake. One of the major attractions here are the boat rides. The boats leave regularly from the City Palace jetty (known as Bansi Ghat) and take you on a pleasant trip around the lake including a visit to Jag Mandir Island and other ghats around the lake.

Day 12 : To Bundi via Chittorgarh and Kota (320 Kms – 7 Hrs. approx.)

Today we take the road to traditional Rajasthan, 1^st stop on the way will be Chittorgarh Fort, – rana kumbha was the one who officially built chittor, and his palace is the oldest monument within the fort walls. Moving on to get a grand view of River Chambal from the Garadia Mahadev Temple. Situated near Kota, this temple provides an incredible view of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 13 : Bundi – Ranthambhore (150 Kms – 3.5 Hrs. approx.)

After breakfast visit, Taragarh fort built in the 14th century, set within the horse-shoe shaped fold of the hills, and with the lakes and water reservoirs below, the fort straddles the crest and offers invincible battlements that must have proved difficult to scale. Then to Bundi Palace, only one part of the outer perimeter of the palace, known as the Chittra Shala, is officially open to public. Then comes 84 pillars cenotaphs, set among the well-maintained gardens, was constructed in the year 1683 by Rao Anirudh Singh to honour the services of Deva, his wet nurse. And finally, Rani ji ki Baori. After sightseeing, we drive to Ranthambhore.

Day 14 : Safari through Jungle

Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan’s first project Tiger reserve and named after a 1000-year-old fort which stands in the park. It has a congenial habitat for the stately sambar, the largest of all Asiatic deer, woodland, ground and water birds abound in the park including the uncommon red jungle fowl and varieties of eagles. The water tank harbours marsh crocodiles and pythons. Spread over an area of 392 sq. km, the park is characterized by dry deciduous forests sprawling over the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges. If you are fortunate enough you can also see the tiger strolling in the jungle or near any of the three lakes. You can take early morning and afternoon safari either with Jeep limited for 6 people and a canter (open bus) with 20 people.

Day 15 : Further to Pink City (190 Kms – 4 Hrs. approx.)

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In evening visit Alber Hall Museum and Johari Bazar, where you can buy jewellery and tie and dye sarees, two lanes joining the main road – Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta house numerous establishments selling jewellery. On the main road itself you find many silversmiths. Traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles are also available here.

Day 16 : Let’s explore the capital

Let’s start with Amer Fort – classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression. While coming back from Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women Night stay in Jaipur. Later visit City Palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Then comes Jantar Mantar, this is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. If time allows, we suggest either to visit Galta Ji temple or Birla Temple.

Day 17 : Drive to Agra via Fatehour Sikri (260 Kms – 6 Hrs. approx.)

Fatehpur Sikri, this magnificent fortified ghost city was the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585. The downfall of this once magnificent capital of the Mughals started with the rise of the Jats when Emperor Aurangazeb left this place never to return again. The credit for preserving the ancient monuments situated here goes to Lord Curzon. Since then, these protected monuments and the environs of the city have been well maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. After this shortly comes Agra. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the grandeur and intrigues of the Mughal court.

Day 18 : Coming to an end, drive back to Delhi for departure (240 Kms – 4 Hrs. approx.)

At sunrise, visit the extravagant Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), monument built for love, it was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD). On full moon nights, the glory of the Taj is at its best. Over the centuries, the Taj has attracted more visitors than perhaps any other Monuments in the country. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, on the bank of the Yamuna River. It is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometres long. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. After this, drive back to Delhi and we say goodbye till next time.