| Free India Tourism Brochure |
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Classic Rajasthan
Duration
08 Nights / 09
Days |
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Places Covered: Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur
Sikri, Jaipur, Amber Fort, Nimaj Bagh, Udaipur, Lake Pichola
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 The
real magic of Rajasthan can best be discovered away from the popular tourist
destinations. From the hectic capital, New Delhi, we travel to Agra and
experience the marvels of the Taj Mahal before continuing to Jaipur. Our
adventure includes Nimaj and we discover colourful and remote villages en
route to Udaipur. After our sojourn in Rajasthan we return by air to Delhi.
Cultural Adventure - With focus on local cultures and historic sites,
these trips have the perfect mix of discovery, exploration, comfort and
relaxation. Some trips may include a little walking or a night or two 'roughing'
it. Check the itinerary for details.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
 Upon
arrival we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Our airport
representative will be waiting for us in the arrival hall, located after
passing out of the customs area and beyond the travel desks and exchange
counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport
to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late
evening, so there is nothing arranged for this day. If you have arrived
early, you will be briefed with sightseeing options.
Day 2 - Agra
(Train journey: approx 3 hours) After breakfast we are transferred to the
railway station where we catch the morning Shatabdi train to Agra. After
arriving there late morning we are transferred to our hotel, where there
is a briefing to outline our holiday itinerary and also cover many aspects
of travelling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance
documents to this meeting. After our briefing we head off and visit India's
most famous sight - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble
mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife,
who died giving birth. Started in 1631 the project was completed in 1648
and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were
brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by
over 1000 elephants. We also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex
built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace
during the time of Shah Jahan.
Day 3-4 - Jaipur
(Driving time: approx 6 hours) From Agra we make our first stop at the
deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was capital
of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of
Emperor Akbhar it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack
of available water. We continue by road to Jaipur, the colourful capital
of the state of Rajasthan as well as a vibrant and exciting town. Here,
traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting
magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with
cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. On our second day in
Jaipur we travel 11 kilometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort.
This fort was built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh and is a superb example
of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge
fortification. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa
Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Wind. This five-storey façade
with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known
landmarks. In the evening we can dine at one of the many fine restaurants
in the city.
Day 5 - Nimaj
(Driving time: approx 6 hours) The journey continues through rural Rajasthan
to the village of Nimaj, which is surrounded by millet fields, wheat fields
and mud plastered houses linked by narrow pathways. Nimaj is a fascinating
little village that sees very few tourists. Our visit here is sure to
be one of the highlights of our trip, as we stay overnight in a historic
heritage-listed property that is full of Old World charm. Nimaj Bagh consists
of a series of country retreats set amidst orchards that belong to the
nobles of the village of Nimaj, who have converted their farm houses into
guest houses. Perched on the fringe of the Thar Desert, this mixed landscape
is home to various tribes such as the Gurjars, who are primarily shepherds.
In Nimaj we can explore the narrow lanes of the village and observe close-up
how the local people live. There is also an option to explore the local
countryside as well as visit a nearby lake. Those not so adventurous can
just relax in our heritage palace-hotel and enjoy the charms of a bygone
era.
Day 6-7 - Udaipur
(Driving time: approx 6 hours) From Nimaj we head south towards Udaipur.
The city of Udaipur is built around the shores of Lake Pichola with a
wealth of fascinating temples, ornate palaces and impressive havelis (merchant
homes). The charming setting of the Lake Palace on Jagwinas Island is
unforgettable. During our stay we visit the Jagdish Temple, an Indo-Aryan
temple containing a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of
the Universe. We also visit the City Palace, surmounted by balconies,
towers and cupolas, where there are excellent views of the city and lakeside
from the upper terraces. We have kept the afternoon free do our own exploration
of Udaipur. Our leader can assist with further sightseeing options or
you may wish to relax around the hotel or explore the many shopping opportunities
on offer. Rajasthan is famous for miniature paintings, textiles, clothing
and handicrafts.
Day 8 - Delhi
(Flight time: approx 2½ hours) Today we say goodbye to our tour
leader and the rest of our party who are doing an extended tour of Rajasthan.
This is an early start as we are transferred to Udaipur Airport for our
flight to Delhi (please note that we will be unescorted on this flight).
Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met by another representative who will look
after us for the rest of our time in Delhi. We enjoy an orientation drive
around the city that takes us to India Gate and past the President's House
(Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), before heading
off to do some last-minute shopping at colourful Janpath Bazaar. We then
have the chance to enjoy pre dinner drinks before heading out to one of
Delhi's great restaurants for a final group dinner to commemorate the
end of our tour.
Day 9 - Delhi
Your trip ends in Delhi this morning after breakfast. Check out time is
12 noon. If your flight leaves in the evening you may wish to book additional
accommodation so you have a room until departure. Most flights leave Delhi
in the evening and your leader will be on hand to assist with transfers
to the airport. These are not included, but can be booked through us or
your travel agent. If you are spending extra time in Delhi, there is still
plenty to see. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples
of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth
exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid
(Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma
Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle
and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants
of a historical site.
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