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Home > Destinations > Far East > India > India Royal Rajasthan
India Royal Rajasthan
We have designed our Royal Rajasthan tour to exemplify the grandeur of the Rajput and Moghul kings. We stay in their homes, now converted to palace hotels, visit their towns and forts, and gain insight into why Rajasthan, "Land of Kings," is arguably the world's most romantic destination. We visit desert castles, Maharajas' palaces of unequaled grandeur, hear chivalric legends and echoes of the British Raj. India is an unforgettable travel experience. Our tour covers a large section of Northern India's breathtaking panoply of history, culture and peoples. We explore Delhi and the architectural masterpieces of the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. In Jaipur we gaze in awe at the exquisite Hawa Mahal, wander the Janta Manta Observatory and marvel at the wonderful Palace Museum. There is even an optional elephant ride up to the Amber Palace. We take a dawn boat trip on the Ganges at Varanasi, visit Kajuraho's erotic Temples and the ruins the British Residency in Lucknow, preserved as it was at the end of the great seige of 1857. Northern India is, quite simply, magnificent.
DAY 1 : DELHI: MEET AND ARRIVAL TRANSFER TO HOTEL
On arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport we are met and transferred to our Delhi hotel. Overnight Park Hotel or similar.
DAY 2 : DELHI: FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR; OLD & NEW DELHI
There have been seven cities constructed around Delhi stretching back into history. The latest was built in the 1920s by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It rubs shoulders with the Moghul Old Delhi and its famous market, Chadni Chowk, nearby Red Fort and Jamia Masjid (Friday Mosque), all of which we visit on todays tour, along with India Gate, Hamayuns Tomb, and, if time, Qutub Minar. PM return to the hotel. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 3 : VARANASI: FLY VAR. PM TOUR. MEAL WITH INDIAN FAMILY
After breakfast we transfer to the airport and fly to Varanasi. On arrival we transfer to out hotel. Varanasi (Benares) has been the centre of Hinduism since the dawn of history, contemporary with Mesopotamias Babylon and Egypts Thebes (Luxor). Often known as Kashi (city of Light) by Hindus, it attracts over a million pilgrims each year many of whom come to spend their last years or months and to die here. This afternoon we embark on a guided half day tour of the city. We visit Ramnagar Fort - residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, where we also view the fort museum. Dependant on time, we also visit the Golden, Durga and Tulsi Temples. Return to hotel late afternoon. This evening we have the opportunity to explore Indian culture in more depth as we are invited into the home of an Indian family to share their evening meal. Overnight Hotel Radisson Varanasi or similar [BD]
DAY 4 : VARANASI: DAWN GANGES BOAT TRIP. SARNATH TOUR
Today we wake very early and transfer to the Ganga River for a Dawn Boat Trip on the Ganges during which we watch the sun rise and view the morning Puja (prayer) at the various ghats. On our return we take breakfast at the hotel. Records of the city date back over 3000 years, making Varanasi/Benares India's oldest town and one of the most ancient in the world. Varanasi is the "religious capital" of Hinduism. There is little one can say to adequately describe the place where every Hindu wants to die to ensure their cremated ashes drift down the mighty Goddess Ganga to the sea, and thence directly to Nirvana. A pilgrimage site second only to the Kabal in Mecca, pilgrims in their millions flood to Varanasi each year, and the city is one of the most exciting and lively places in the world. Today we visit Sarnath site of Buddhas first sermon at Bodhgaya, the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Located 10 km north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath was at its peak when the Chinese traveler Fahsien visited Benares in the 5th century CE. The city was then known as Deer Park, after The Sermon in the Deer Park, Siddharthas first sermon. Deer still come very close and can be fed by buying a packet of seed. The afternoon is free to explore the city or relax in our hotel. Overnight Hotel Radisson Varanasi or similar [B]
DAY 5 : KHAJURAHO: FLY KJH. TOUR TEMPLES
This morning we transfer to the domestic airport and board a flight for Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel, and then embark on a guided tour of the famous erotic temples. Constructed during the Chandel Empire (circa 950-1050 CE), these temples are considered the architectural genius of Indias medieval period. The temples are a classified world heritage site and the erotic scenes are a relatively small part of the carvings, although sensuous eroticism prevails throughout the sculptures. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 survive. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being. Legend records that Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati. A man-child was born, half mortal, half god, named Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela Dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in so doing bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. PM return to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Radisson Kajuraho or similar [BD]
DAY 6 : LUCKNOW: TRAIN TO LUCKNOW. TOUR BRITISH RESIDENCY
We take the morning train to Lucknow, then check into our hotel. Lucknow, City of the Nawabs (kings), is today the capital of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Prior to UPs creation, it was the central hub of Awadh, a state under nominal suzerainty of the Mughul Emperor then annexed by the British East India Company in 1856, when the last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah was deposed. Lucknow is famous for the most dramatic and heroic siege of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. We spend the afternoon exploring the historic city. We visit the Bada Imambada (Asafi Imambada / patriarch's place), the Hussainabad (Chota Imambada), and The (British) Residency. Bada Imambada was built in 1784 CE by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to provide succor to the famine-stricken people. In this honeycomb of a building is easy to become lost amid labyrinthine corridors, passages and huge vaulted halls. Visitors are only allowed inside with guides who are, amazingly, familiar with the maze. The Hussainabad is the exquisite tomb of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah built in 1839 CE. On either side of the courtyards stand a miniature version of the Taj Mahal. In one of them he lies buried. In the other lies Zinat Asuja, his daughter.. The Residency was built in 1800 CE by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan for the British Resident at his court. An extensive and beautiful building, it received heavy shelling during its long 1857 siege. The inhabitants, men women and children, most civilians, survived for 140 days before rescue by British troops. The building has been left as it stood after the battle with the marks of cannon shots on almost every wall. It is an eerie place, resonating in its profound moment of Indias history. Today, it is believed that a resident of Luknow can curse someone in such a way that the person targeted would feel that he is being praised. High praise indeed! Overnight Lake Palace Park Inn or similar [B]
DAY 7 : AGRA: EARLY TRAIN. TAJ & RED FORT BY RICKSHAW
This morning we wake early and catch the train to Agra, where we are met and transferred to our hotel. Agra is the ancient capital of the Moghul Empire and sits astride the slow moving River Yamuna which flows into the mighty Ganga - God-river to Hindus. On arrival in Agra we deposit our things at the hotel then depart by peddle rickshaw to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort for a relaxed pace tour. Exquisite in design and beautiful to behold, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the worlds most famous building. A white marble tomb built by Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1648 for his wife Arjuman Banu Begum, whose death in childbirth broke the Moghul Emperors heart. Later, imprisoned in the Red Fort by his son Aurangzeb, Shah Jehan lay dying. His last wish was to be propped up to look one more time at the Taj across the river, last resting lace of his beloved, using a strategically held mirror (he was almost blind). The refined elegance of the Taj is a conspicuous contrast both to the Hindu architecture of pre-Islamic India and to the later Indo-Islamic styles. Following the Taj, we visit the Red Fort. Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the Red fort was constructed 65 years before the Taj by Shah Jehans grandfather Emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, under Shah Jahan's rule the fort became more a mini city. Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh Gate, through which we enter. Among the many impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shah Jahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan peered myopically at the Taj before dying. Overnight Mansingh Palace or similar [B]
DAY 8 : JAIPUR: DRIVE JAIPUR VIA SIKKANDRA & FATIPUR SIKRI
Today we drive to Jaipur (232km / 4 hours, plus stops). Our first stop today is at Sikkandra, tomb of Akbar the Great. Located a few miles along the Bharatpur Road from Agra, Sikkandra is entered through the Buland Darwaza, a gigantic gateway beautifully adorned with huge mosaic patterns inspired by Fatehpur Sikri (which we see this afternoon). It is a beautiful and calm place, despite the active monkeys, who are not shy. Continuing our drive, 24 kilometers from Agra we reach Fatehpur Sikri, deserted capital of the Mughal Empire. Constructed in honor of the Muslim saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, the Sufi fakir who accurately prophesized to Emperor Akbar the Great and queen Jodhabai the birth of their son, Jehangir, later Akbars successor. Akbar ordered a city to be constructed in Christis honor on Sikri Ridge, to serve as the new Mughal capital. In 1571 CE construction began. Within twelve months most of the work was finished and over the next few years a well planned administrative, residential and religious center developed. Among the important buildings in the complex is the Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti with its huge single-piece latticed marble screens. Others include the Paunch Mahal (Five Palaces) and the audience chanber. Fatehpur Sikri remained capital for only a short period, abandoned soon after construction due to a fatal dearth of water. Continuing our drive we reach Jaipur late afternoon. Jaipur is a hustle-bustle of a city with a turbulent history. Ordered painted pink in preparation for a visit in the 19th century of the British Viceroy, Jaipur is still nicknamed the Pink City. Today, Jaipur remains Rajasthans vibrant political, trading and social hub, populated by a cosmopolitan array of businessmen, politicians, old-world imperial characters and desert peoples in traditional bright Rajasthani clothing. Overnight historic boutique hotel Samode Haveli or similar [B]
DAY 9 : JAIPUR: TOUR CITY & AMBER
We spend the entire day exploring Jaipur and its surroundings. We first visit the City Palace complex, which houses several museums plus the Janta Manta (observatory), and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) which we visit. If the flag flies at the palace, the Maharaja is home and the business of politics is brisk. In the afternoon we drive to Amber Palace. Amber is one of Rajput historys most spectacular fortified buildings. Participants will have the option of either walking up to the fort or riding in a small jeep. (We have chosen not to participate in the elephant rides up to palace due to the stress on these regal beasts). We disembark at the main gate, ready to explore the labyrinthine passages, chambers, and ornate shrines of the palace. Amber Palace is situated within Amber Fort, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs, on a hillside above Maotha Lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Its construction was started by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592 CE and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex are the Diwan-E-Khas, the Sheesh Maha,l and the Jai Mandir with exquisite mirror work, the Diwan-E-Aam, the Sukh Niwas, the Shila Mata and Kali Temples and the well laid out garden the Kesar Kyar'. Overnight historic boutique hotel Samode Haveli or similar [B]
DAY 10 : JODHPUR: DRIVE JODHPUR
Today we drive to Jodhpur. Jaipur (331km / 5 hours plus stops). It was direct from traditional Jodhpur clothing fashion that the British borrowed the trouser-design which has since become part the international equestrian uniform. Squatting massive over the city sits the fort. Our hotel is the private residence of Swarap Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur. He or members of the family are often at home and may offer intelligent and opinionated light on village life in modern Rajasthan. Overnight historic palace hotel Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 11 : JODHPUR: FULL DAY TOUR. MEAL WITH INDIAN FAMILY
Today we visit the massive Fortress of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort, the most impressive of Rajasthans castles. Situated on a 150 m hill overlooking the entire city, Mehrangarh Fort was constructed by Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, in 1459 ACE. Within the fort are several palaces, galleries, temples and a museum which we explore. Just below and on the approach to the fort lies Jaswant Thada a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.This evening we have arranged the special Wildland touch a dinner with a local Indian family. Overnight historic palace hotel Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel or similar [BD]
DAY 12 : DRIVE JAISLEMER:
We embark today on a journey across the Thar Desert to the 12th century walled fortress city of Jaislemer. (308km / 5 hours, plus stops). Jaislemer is a fairy-tale city. Predominantly a border town, and traditionally a place of smugglers and bandits, Jaislemers importance as a trade center has diminished in recent years. As a result, the population growth has been slow, and there has been little construction outside the historic walls to ruin the romantic effect. The city has lost little of its medieval character. Sunset turns the long rows of battlements to a soft, dusty pink, their uniformity broken only by the roofs of the ornate havalis (mansions) behind, and the unique spires of beautifully carved Jain and Hindu temples. On arrival we check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Gorbhand Palace or similar [B]
DAY 13 : DESERT CAMP: AM TOUR. PM CAMELS INTO DESERT
This morning we explore the old city and visit Jaislemers main Jain Temple and some of the exquisitely carved sandstone havalis, including the Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli. Founded in 1156 CE and named after its founder, Rao Jaisal, "Jaisalmer" means "Hill Fort of Jaisal", and lay at a strategically important halting point along the ancient trade route linking Central Asia to the Middle East. Today much of the 12th century exquisite battlemented walled remain intact. For eight centuries Jaislemer fought and was fought over. Even the greatest emperor of them all, Akbar the Great, married a Jaisalmer princess for alliance. The partition of the sub-continent into India and Pakistan in 1947 destroted the traditional trade routes and rendered Jaisalmer a drought-prone desert backwater. Ironically, skirmishes between India and Pakistan gave Jaisalmer a strategic importance and made it serviceable as an army supply depot. Later, the Rajasthan Canal served to revive the surrounding desert areas. Today tourism and smuggling supplement the cities tenuous hold on prosperity. In the afternoon we mount camels and ride to our desert camp to watch the sunset, and to sit around the fire to eat dinner and watch a Rajasthani Music & Folk Dance. Overnight Mirvana Fixed Camp Camp [BLD]
DAY 14 : JAISLMER: RETURN ON CAMELS TO JAISLEMER. PM FREE
Today we depart camp and return by camel to Jaislemer. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration. Like a vision from 1001 Nights, every corner of this marvelous desert city presents an unforgettable image. This afternoon we roam the alleyways and narrow streets, searching for that classic photograph which, in Jaislemer, is never far away. In the evening the changing light evokes a thousand years of history and a walk through the old town or to Bada Bagh and the Cenotaphs is an option to watch the desert sunset. Overnight Gorbhand Palace or similar [B]
DAY 15 : BIKANER: DRIVE BIKANER
Today we say a fond farewell to magical Jaislemer and, departing early, we cross the desert to Bikaner, the Pearl of the Thar (333km / 5 hours, plus stops). The desert drive introduces a unique region quite different from our previous journeys. There are many photo opportunities along the way. The remainder of the day free. Overnight Gajner Palace or similar [B]
DAY 16 : BIKANER: JUNAGARH FORT. DESHNOKE RAT TEMPLE
Astride the ancient trade route from Africa and West Asia, Bikaner was once a great commercial center, and retains much of this character in the reddish-pink sandstone buildings. We visit the massive and splendid Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611 CE), and wander the colorful markets. Bikaner has not been commercialized for tourism, and has retained an almost medieval character. In the afternoon we visit Desnoke Karni Mata Rat Temple and if time, a camel breeding farm. Deshnoke legend has it that two suitors to the daughter of a local god/prince were turned into rats for their unchivelrous behavior during their pursuit, to be returned to human form when they repent and rescind their wayward ways, the first to do so winning the hand in marriage of the local gods daughter. The villagers have protected the rats for centuries so that when the first suitor returns to human form and inherits the godhead he will remember them. Overnight Gajner Palace or similar [B]
DAY 17 : MANDAWA: DRIVE MANDAWA. TOUR PAINTED HAVALIS
Today we depart Bikaner and drive east to the edge of the desert and the deserted city of Mandawa (280km / 5 hours, plus stops). Mandawa was once an important halt on the fabled Silk Route to China. Trading was all important and rich merchants constructed lavish havelis (mansions) here and embellished them with beautiful paintings on religious, historical, folk and social themes. As the trade died up a century or more ago, the desert encroached and even the sheep farming had to be abandoned, Mandawas Marwari inhabitance immigrated en mass to Calcutta, where they continue to prosper. On our arrival we visit some of the best of the old traders mansions the Painted Havalis which include Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, and Jhunjhunwala Haveli. Overnight Mandawa Castle or similar [B]
DAY 18 : DELHI: DRIVE DELHI
Today we drive to Delhi. (180km / 3 hours, plus stops). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 19 : DELHI: FREE DAY. EVENING MEAL WITH INDIAN FAMILY
Today is left entirely at leisure for personal exploration and last minute shopping. This evening we have arranged the special Wildland touch a dinner with a local Indian family. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 20 : FLY: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
Transfer to airport. Services end [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 20 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2010 Price: From $5190 per person. Land cost based on Group Size & Season | Group Size | 4-5 | 6-9 | 10 + | Per person | $5460 | $5360 | $5190 | Regional flights | $285 | $285 | $285 |
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| Single Supplement: $1890 (click for info) | *Prices valid January 1 through September 10 Additional charges may apply December 20 through January 10, 2011 | | | | | 2010 Departure Dates | 2011 Departure Dates | | | Oct 2 - Oct 22, 2010 (F)
(and on request) | Oct 3 - Oct 23, 2010
(and on request) |
(F) = Family departure |
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| | | Included: Airport transfers; accommodations as noted; private vehicle with English-speaking driver and guide in Delhi; fully escorted throughout by local guide; first class A/C trains Delhi-Agra, Ranthambore-Delhi; private vehicle and English speaking driver / escort Agra-Ranthabore; all entrance fees to sites for touring as noted; meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; services of inbound local ground operators and pre-departure services of Wildland Adventures.
| | | Not Included: International flights; India visa fees; departure taxes; tips and gratuities; alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks; meals not indicated above; extra costs for optional excursions or services on own or to be paid direct; travel insurance; extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
| | | Trip Notes: This is a typical daily itinerary for the Royal Rajasthan trip. Depending on local conditions, the exact day-to-day itinerary and sites visited may vary.
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