Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces, swathes of golden sand dunes, serene lakes and a rich and colourful culture that envelops its inhabitants. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of [...]
Book Now Ask a QuestionRajasthan, the Land of Kings, is an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces, swathes of golden sand dunes, serene lakes and a rich and colourful culture that envelops its inhabitants. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. It is by far the most vibrant region in the country!
Day 1 :
Arrive Udaipur
Welcome to your ‘Royal Rajasthan with Airfare’ tour. On arrival at Udaipur airport, you will be met by a Cox & Kings Representative who will assist you to board the vehicle for the transfer to the hotel. After the check in, kindly proceed to the allotted room.
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.
In the evening proceed for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 2 :
In Udaipur
After buffet breakfast, you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time of Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the museums and the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace. You would also have sometime to explore the enchanting city bewitching in all its details – narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces – every feature, mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola.
Also visit the Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Maids.
Saheliyon Ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant- shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place.
Rest of the day will be at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 3 :
Udaipur to Jodhpur via Ranakpur (255 Kms / approx.6 hours)
After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Jodhpur to Udaipur en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples, an exceptionally beautiful excursion through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley, to see one of the best complexes of Jain religion which is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work.
After enroute lunch, continue your journey to Jodhpur. Arrive at Jodhpur and check into the hotel.
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. The city is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert. Jodhpur is known as the “Sun City” for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bound by a wall with several gates.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 4 :
In Jodhpur
In the morning, after breakfast, proceed to visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. On the wall, adjacent to the Lahapol or “Iron Gate” are 15 handprints, the sati marks of the widows of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort, which is still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort complex is the Jaswant Thada. It is a 19th century royal cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. The cenotaph has two more tombs within it. Near to this are the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs. Jaswant Thada is an example of architectural brilliance. It is a white marble memorial, built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. There is also beautiful marble jali work on the cenotaph and it is the definitive tomb with a view.
After the sightseeing return to the hotel for lunch.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. On your own you can visit the clock tower & markets. The clock tower is a landmark in the old city, surrounded by the vibrant Sardar Market. The alleys lead to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, sweets, textiles, silver & handicrafts. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 5 :
Jodhpur – Jaipur (340 kms / approx 8 hours)
This morning, after breakfast, you will leave the Marwar region and continue your journey to the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Enroute you will stop at the holy city of Pushkar to visit the famous Brahma Temple and have lunch in a restaurant there.
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.
After lunch continue the journey to Jaipur.
Jaipur’s past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort, and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”.
Arrive at Jaipur in the evening and check into the hotel.
Rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 6 :
In Jaipur
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amer Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amer Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
A jeep will take you to the fort and once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
En-route to Amer you will stop and see the ‘Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
In the evening proceed to Chokhi Dhani for a glimpse of village life and have a traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Chokhi Dhani, a Rajasthani village themed resort, situated in the outskirts of Jaipur, is a representation of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of village life in Rajasthan. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7 :
Depart Jaipur * Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to your “Royal Rajasthan With Airfare” tour as you are transferred to Jaipur airport for your onward journey.