Agra Jaipur & Holy Ganges |
| Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal and once the
capital of the Mughal empire, has several monuments which display the
splendor of Mughal architecture. It was here that Babar, the founder of
the dynasty, had the first formal Persian garden laid out on the banks
of the river Yamuna. Akbar, his grandson, raised the towering ramparts
of the great Red Fort, within whose walls Jahangir built rose-red
palaces, courts and gardens, and which Shahajahan embellished with
marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. Agra is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata as Agraban, the sister city of the more prominent Mathura. Agra was established in 1475 by Badal Singh and came into its own when Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty chose it for his capital because of its proximity to the Yamuna. Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also to lay the foundation of the Mughal empire. In the mid-16th and earlier 17th centuries, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time that the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality. Besides the monuments, Agra is worth a visit for the masterpieces of craftsmen recreating the glory of the Mughal period and for the Mughlai cuisine, the aroma of which fills the narrow lanes of Agra. * Name of Program : Jaipur & Holy Gange * Place to Visit : Delhi-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Jaipur-Agar-Fatehpur Sikri-Varanasi-Delhi Departure. * Duration : 11 Nights. / 02 nights at Train * Best Time : October-March Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival at Delhi: Upon arrival meet to our representatives, drive to pre booked hotel will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax. Overnight will be at Delhi. Day 02 Delhi Sightseeing-Bikaner (By Overnight Train) : Start the day with a visit to Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. Visit the great Red Fort, Jama Masjid and walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. In the afternoon, your attention will be focused on New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar dominated by the 73 m. Victory Tower and Humayun’s Tomb. Then drive down the spectacular Rajpath passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and India gate. Visit Swainarayan Akshardham Temple, a modern and colorful temple where you can enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3: Arrival Bikaner : Early in the morning arrival Bikaner, check in hotel, rest of the time visit Junagarh Fort, One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours, and Camel Breading Farm. Overnight at hotel. Day 04 Bikaner-Jaisalmer (By surface 5-6 hrs drive) : Morning after breakfast drive to Jaisalmer, through the Thar desert, The majority of any inhabitants of Jaisalmer are Bhatti Rajputs who take their name from an ancestor named Bhatti, renowned as a warrior when the tribe were located in the Punjab. Shortly after this the clan was driven southwards, and found a refuge in the Indian desert, which was henceforth its home. This area was part of Gurjar - Pratihara empire and till 11 centuary was ruled by a powerful Bargurjar King. Deoraj, a famous prince of the Bhati family, is esteemed the real founder of the Jaisalmer dynasty, and with him the title of rawal commenced.on arrival check in hotel, Later visit Havelies Nathmal ki Haveli of the late 19th century was also a prime minister's house and two brothers carved its left and right wings, which are similar in their looks. Its highlights are yellow sandstone elephants that stand majestically at its entrance and the intricately carved front door. It seems that the jewelers instead of the stone-carvers did the so-minute carvings of the building. Patwon ki Haveli is the most convoluted and outstanding of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It stands in a narrow lane in the centre of the city and one of its apartments is painted with stunning murals. Built by the well-renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery of their time from Afghanistan to China, Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, there are five suites in the building dating between 1800 and 1860 and was so designed as to showcase their beauty of work in the stone carving of their mansion. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of this is still being used as residence. It was owned by Salim Singh, a former prime minister of the state of Jaisalmer and has an arched roof with superb carved brackets inn the form of peacocks. It is worth a lengthy look and admiration of the tourists who revel to see this pride of Jaisalmer architecture, which is now a part of the national heritage. Situated at the eastern end of the city, it seems to have sprung out of Arabian Nights, with its top blossoming like a wild flower. Day 05 Jaisalmer : Full day local sightseeing, Morning visit Jaisalmer Fort Perched on the 250 feet high hilltop, Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan (after Chittor) and provides an ecstatic overview of the desert land all around. There are three fort walls and four gates through which we pass to reach the palaces within, namely, Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. There were deliberate sharp turns on the pathway to make it invincible. Sharp turns on the road topped by high defence gateways made it invincible. Meghadamber, an umbrella that symbolizes Lord Krishna perches on the highest point of the place. In the 15th century, the local Jain Panchayat built the first buttress wall. There were subsequent fortifications and additions by the Rawals later. There are five palaces in the fort - Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal - which are interconnected. They have beautifully carved jail screens to protect the interiors from the raging desert storms and scorching heat and delicate and extremely beautiful murals painted on their arches and spandrels. The famous Jain temples located within the fort can be rightfully compared to Dilwara temples in their beauty, ornamentation and splendor. Afternoon rest of the time visit Chatariya and Local market. late afternoon drive to Sam Dunes to witness the Sunset. overnight at hotel. Day 06: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (By road 5-6 hrs drive): Proceed in the morning after a leisurely breakfast to Jodhpur en route visit Mehrangarh Fort the unconquerable Rao Jodha built this impenetrable fort, which is certainly one of the best in India, on a vertical hill with a breathtaking view of the surroundings. The fort has elaborate latticed windows, intricately carved panels and gracefully curved porches. Every part of the fort has a distinctive appeal, the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana all add to the distinct ambience of the fort. High on the wall, is the second largest cannon in Asia, whose recoil itself requires as large an area as a football field! Jaswant Thada The white marble marvel, this 19th century cenotaph was built close to the fort complex, in memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Exceptional portraits of Jodhpur's precedent rulers are also exhibited here. Particularly captivating are the intricate latticework and the elaborate carving on the doors. The garden and water tank in front of the cenotaph are superb and heighten the tranquillity of the monument, Umaid Bhawan Palace This flamboyant palace was built in the 20th century as a famine relief project, with a purpose to give employment to the people for a long period of 16 years. A remarkable art-deco construction, Umaid Bhawan is resplendently maintained and one of the most impressive sights in Jodhpur. The museum within is a genuine treasure showcase of mementos displaying the royal history of Jodhpur from clocks and tea sets to paintings and royal costumes. The palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel, though it is still a royal residence in part. The museum is open to visitors for a chosen entry fee and is closed on Mondays.Overnight at hotel. Day 07 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur (By road 4-5 hrs drive): After breakfast drive to Ranakpur, on arrival check in horel rest of the time visit the Hill station, Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex. Day 08 Ranakpur - Udaipur (By surface 3-4 hrs drive) : After breakfast drive to Udaipur, Romantic and divine, Udaipur is much more than an oasis in the desert with its beautiful lakes, exquisite palaces and architectural heritage and deserves the nickname of ‘the Venice of the East’. Later visit The Lake Palace situated on Jag Niwas Island in the midst of Lake Pichola is the supreme example of its delicate architecture and refined culture. The banks of the lake have another beautiful building to boast of - the magnificent City Palace. Known for its arts and crafts and miniature paintings, Shilp Gram festival is a favorite tourist attraction of the city. Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after he lost Chittorgarh to Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is believed that a saint meditating on a hill near Lake Pichola guided him to establish his capital here as it is surrounded by Aravallis, forests and lakes that makes it a safer place than Chittorgarh. His heir Maharana Pratap was a legendary hero who is still revered for his valor and chivalry and being the most ferocious Rajput warrior who gave a tough time to the Mughals all his life.Overnight at hotel. Day 09 Udaipur-Jaipur (By flight) : Morning flight to Jaipur, on arrival meet to our staff drive to hotel, Conceived and built by the great and mighty king, Sawai Raja Jai Singh, the name of the city 'Jaipur' has dual emphasis. 'Jai' means victory and and is also the first name of its maker. Today, the city is a major tourist attraction in India because of its magnificent forts, grandiose palaces, vivacious temples, multihued bazaars, pulsating streets and its renowned pink color to which the city owes its oft-used name 'The Pink City'. This famous pink color symbolizes 'welcome' and was adopted during the times of the ruler Ram Singh II when he received the Prince of Wales in 1876. The color was chosen after several experiments to cut down the intense glare from the reflection of the blazing rays of the sun. Today, every home within the old city is obliged by law to maintain this uniqueness of the city. Throughout the old city you can see the traditional, marvelous, pink-colored houses with latticed windows lending charm to a scene which is almost miraculous at sunset. Rest of the time visit Pink City and local market. Overnight at hotel. Day 10 Jaipur: Breakfast will be at hotel.Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Visit City Palace Chandra Mahal, more popularly known as City Palace, is still the residence of the royal family, at least, in part, while Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum that occupies the ground floors and outer courtyards offers rare manuscripts, Mughal and rajasthani miniature paintingss, mughal carpets, royal costumes and textiles, arms and weapons. Hawa Mahal Latticed windows and stone screens lend an additional charm to the multi-layered palace of Hawa Mahal. Raja Sawai Pratap Singh (grandson of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madho Singh) built it in 1799. Overnight at hotel. Day 11 Jaipur-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra (By surface 5-6 hrs drive) : Morning after breakfast drive to Agar, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture and art and built a city expressing his ideals and vision. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). Later drive to Agra, on arrival check in hotel rest of the time visi Agra Fort, The fort was construsted by Humayun's son, Akbar The Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra fort was built. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress. The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. Rest of the time visit local market. Overnight at hotel. Day 12 Agra - Varanasi (By Overnight Train) : Morning visit the Taj Mahal, Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river. Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628. Drive back to hotel, after breakfast commence sightseeing of Sikendra Akbar the great, the greatest of all Mughal emporors is laid to rest in the midst of a large garden about 10km away from Agra. This structure has perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Jain motifs. This place has a row of beautiful arches and doorways those make it a photographer's delight. Akbar started building his Mausoleum and Jahangir, his son, completed it. Jahangir modified the structure that contributed to the distortion of the original architectural design, and Itmad-ud-Daula, Overnight train to Varanasi. Day 13 Arrival Varanasi : Early in the morning arrival at Varanasi, check in hotel, later commence sightseeing of the holy city. Varanasi, once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world - definitely a must see destination on any trip to northern India. Visit Sarnath and local Ghat. overnight at hotel. Day 14 Varanasi-Delhi : Morning visit the Ghat, boat ride at the river Ganges, drive back to hotel, later take flight to Delhi, On arrival meet to our staff, drive to hotel. for rest of the time visit local market. Day 15 Delhi Departure : Morning after breakfast Half day New Delhi sightseeing, late evening in time departure transfer to International airport, take flight to Home. |
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