| Tour
Title |
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Best of North India |
| Duration |
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14 nights /15 days |
| Route |
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Delhi
- Mandawa-Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur |
| Tour
Code |
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IVI/S/1026 |
| Cost |
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On
Request |
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| Day
01: |
Arrive
Delhi
Arrive into the capital of India, New Delhi.
Upon arrival and after clearing immigration and customs
you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Sightseeing: DELHI
Overnight stay at hotel |
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| Day
02: |
Delhi
Breakfast, This morning enjoy half day tour of Old Delhi.
Sightseeing: The Ghats
Jama Masjid
Red Fort
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
03: |
Delhi
Breakfast, Today enjoy a half day tour of New Delhi .
Sightseeing: Rajpath & India Gate
Qutab Minar
Humayuns Tomb
Overnight stay at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
04: |
Delhi - Agra
Breakfast, Drive from Delhi to Agra en route Sikandra.
Sikandra, a few kilometres short of Agra on the main Delhi-Agra
highway (National Highway 2), is supposedly named for a
pre-Mughal ruler of Delhi called Sikandar Lodhi. Sikandar
Lodhi had ambitions of extending his reign south of Delhi,
and had a citadel in Agra—and perhaps a garden at
this spot. In the early years of the 17th century, the third
of the Mughal emperors, Akbar, chose Sikandra to be the
site of his mausoleum. He renamed it Bihishtabad (`Abode
of Paradise’), and commissioned its design and construction,
though after Akbar’s death in 1605, the building was
completed under the aegis of his son and successor, Jahangir.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
05: |
Agra
Breakfast, Today city tour of Agra
Sightseeing: TAJ MAHAL
AGRA FORT
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
06: |
Agra - Fathepur Sikhri - Bharatpur - Ranthambore
Breakfast
Travel from Agra to Fathepur Sikhri by Road.
Sightseeing: Fathepur Sikhri.
Later proceed from Fathepur Sikhri to Bharatpur by Road
and from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur by Jan Shatabdi Express
Dep. at 1054 : Arr. 1312
Afternoon a 3hr game drive into the Park by Jeep/Cantor.
SightSeeing: Ranthambore
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
07: |
Ranthambore
Breakfast, Today before breakfast enjoy a day`s tour exploring
the forests of Ranthambore.
Sightseeing: RANTHAMBORE SAFARI
Overnight stay at hotel hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
08: |
Ranthambore - Jaipur
Breakfast, Drive from Ranthambore to Jaipur by Road
Sightseeing: Jaipur City description
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
09: |
Jaipur
Breakfast, Today visit the Amber Fort in the morning.
Sight Seeing :AMBER FORT
Later enjoy the City tour in the afternoon
Sightseeing: Jaipur City description
CITY PALACE AND THE MUSEUM
JANTAR MANTAR
Hawa mahal (Palace of Winds)
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
10: |
Jaipur - Ajmer- Jodhpur
Breakfast
This morning your private car with driver will drive you
to Jodhpur en route visiting Ajmer (300km/6hrs)
Sight Seeing:Ajmer
Later drive from Ajmer to Jodhpur
Sightseeing: Jodhpur City Description
Overnight stay at hotel hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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| Day
11: |
Jodhpur
Breakfast, Today enjoy Half day sightseeing of Mehrangarh
Fort & Jaswant Thada.
Sightseeing: MEHRANGARH FORT
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
| Day
12: |
Jodhpur
-Udaipur
Breakfast, Travel from Jodhpur to Udaipur by IC 471 Dep.
at 1435 : Arr. 1515
Drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur
Evening take a boat ride on Lake Pichola(subject to water
in the lake)
Sightseeing: Udaipur City Description
Lake Pichola Boat ride
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
| Day
13: |
Udaipur
- Mumbai
Breakfast, Travel from Udaipur to Bombay by 9W 3406 Dep.
at 1925 : Arr. 2110
This morning enjoy half day city tour of Udaipur and later.Later
travel to the airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Sightseeing: Udaipur city tour
Mumbai City Description.
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
| Day
14: |
Mumbai
Breakfast, Today vist the Elephanta caves lfollowed by the
City tour in the afternoon
Sightseeing: Mumbai city tour
Gateway Of India
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Flora Fountain
Mani Bhawan
Hanging Garden
Elephanta Excursion
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
| Day
15: |
Depart Mumbai
Breakfast, Today depart Mumbai for your flight back home
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
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DELHI
DESCRIPTION
Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to
3000 years. Various rulers built eight successive cities
in and around present day Delhi. Few capitals in the world
have as many monuments of which Delhi is justly proud; overnight
at the Hotel. |
The Ghats
Along the banks of Jamuna are located the places were the
leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated. The
Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple square
platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To North of
Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named
as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay
Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also in the vicinity. The cremation
ground of Lal Bahadur Shastri is nearby.
Jama Masjid
One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama
Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but
in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways,
Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. You can enter
the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and
make sure that you are properly dressed before entering.
One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can
have a birds eye view of Delhi.
Red Fort
Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter
with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters
at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used
to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the
other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the
fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi
Tourism organises a light and sound show which narrates
the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort.
The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has
some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian
independence as the Tricolour flutters on the top of this
gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses
the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from
the Lahore gate There is a small Bazzar, here all kinds
of items are available. This Shopping arcade was known
as the Mina Bazar and was open only to women on Thursdays`s
during the Mughal era.
The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or
the drum house where the Musicians used to play drums
on the arrival of Emperors or princes. Just above the
Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has
a rich collection of armours, guns, swords, and other
items related to war.
The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public
hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious
stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The
Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the
area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his
ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas are the royal baths or
the Hammams and Shahi Burj which are closed for public
viewing. The white marbled Moti Masjid or the pearl mosque
was the private mosque for Aurangzeb.
Rest of the day at leisure.
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Rajpath
& India Gate
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host
to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings
and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located
on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously
the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations
and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of
Rajpath
Qutab Minar
The 72.5 metre high-tower dates back to the 13th century
and is one of the greatest bequests of Islamic culture.
At its base lies the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first
mosque in India.
Iron
Pillar. A famous iron pillar of the 5th century, inside
Qutub Minar complex. It has remained rust free for 1500
years. According to local belief if you can get your fingers
to touch, with your back to the pillar, your wishes will
be granted.
A drive through the Diplomatic Enclaves to see the various
High Commissions.
Humayuns Tomb
It was built by Humayun`s widowed Queen Haji Begum, in
the 16th century. Architecturally the forerunner of the
Taj Mahal, it stands in Nizamuddin, which has Mughal architecture
at its graceful best. |
TAJ
MAHAL
Described as the most extravagant monument ever 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). Ustad
Ahamad Lahori, a Persian Architect, is said to be the
main designer and planner for this magnificent memorial.
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, and it
is all too easy resort to conventional superlatives when
describing it. What makes the Taj Unique is its perfect
proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction
and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and
golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling
white during the day and glowes pearl-like in the moonlight
and during the monsoon. Standing on a high plinth, the
Taj Mahal is visible for miles around and forms a backdrop
to mustard fields and mud-walled villages. It can be seen
from guestrooms at some of Agra`s hotels, as well as from
the landscaped gardens to the west of the complex.
AGRA
FORT
Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on
the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar
in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule
of his grandson, Shah Jahan. In Akbar`s time the fort
was principally a military structure, but during Shah
Jaha regin it had partially become Palace. It is an imposing
strcture with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers
long. Entered through the Amar Singh Gate, the eastern
part of the fort contain palace, audience hall and mosques
built by three emperors. The fort presents a good sampling
of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on
Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic.
By Shah Jahan`s time the style had become so homogenized
that it is impossible to seprate the Hindu and Muslim
strands. The Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall), the beautiful
Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) were also added by Shah Jahan.
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FATEHPUR
SIKRI
This magnificent fortifield 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. The city is rectangular
in shape with nine huge gates - Delhi Darwaza, Lal Darwaza,
Agra Gate, Suraj and Chandra Darwaza, Tehra Gate and Ajmeri
Darwaza.
Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most
renowned national park in Northern India. The park is
located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern
Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered
as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the
Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park
terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that
has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers
and lovers in this destination.
RANTHAMBORE SAFARI
The Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is one of the best
places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat.
In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering
holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. |
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Jaipur
City description
The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all
sides by rugged hills, the city was founded in 1727 by
the astronomer-king, Sawai Jai Singh II and built according
to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture
and sculpture. It is a walled city with seven rectangular
blocks. The Maharajah`s palace stands in the center of
the city amidst lovely gardens. Jaipur is aptly called
the `the pink city` of India. |
AMBER
FORT
Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. Construction
of the fortress-palace started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
the Rajput Commander of Akbar`s army. It was later extended
and completed by the Jai Singhs. The fort is a superb
example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on
a hillside and over-looking a lake which reflects its
terraces and ramparts. Riding on elegantly caparisoned
elephants, we approach the palace in the traditional way.
The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed
animals.
CITY PALACE AND THE MUSEUM
situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about
one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend
of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed
Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view
of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public
audience) has intricate decorations and collection of
manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has
a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection
of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near
Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory
and weapons.
JANTAR MANTAR
(Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used
to study the movement of constellations and stars in the
sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which
are subject to daily corrections.
Hawa mahal (Palace of Winds)
The intriguing `Palace of Winds` is really a facade built
in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city from the
windows. |
| The
lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan,
and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities
who call it `Ajmer Sharif` (Holy Ajmer). . It has the mausoleum
of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings
are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the
`Dargah Sharif`, the last resting place of the saint who
died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint`s
marble domed mausoleum is India`s most important shrine
for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of
all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless
come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind.
Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to
the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an
heir and the saint obliged.
Jodhpur City Description
The former capital of Marwar state, was founded in 1459
by Rao Jodha who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero
of the epic Ramayana). The massive fort - Mehrangarh -
came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected
by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions.
Today, the city has grown to become the second largest
city of Rajasthan while still maintaining its medieval
character.
As in the past, Jodhpur is still one of
the leading trading centres of wood, cattle, camels, salt
and agricultural crops. However, the past is never very
far behind and Jodhpur boasts of some very fine reminders
of this glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other
elegant monuments of architectural and historical value
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MEHRANGARH
FORT
Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable
and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it
in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added
to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the
from the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit
by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second
gate. To the left is chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier
who fell on the spot while defending the fort against the
armies of Amber. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol
meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate
his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. |
Udaipur
City Description
Also known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur, is an enchanting
city. From the lakes in the midst of the sandy terrain
to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds,
the surprises are endless. And, in the lakes, or by their
edges, are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more
beautiful than the other. Founded in 16th century by Maharana
Udai Singh, the House of Mewar or Udaipur as it is better
known is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges.
Lake Pichola Boat ride
Evening we take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the
Jag Mandir Palace. This palace is built on an island,
which covers 4 acres and is noted for its marble interior
and imposing dome. You will get a chance to witness the
daily life on the banks of the lake.
Udaipur city tour
Sightseeing tour of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast
and the exquisite City Palace of the Maharana. Amber,
Jade, and colored glass give the palace a sparkling, yet
ethereal quality. Also visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century
temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Drive past Fateh Sagar
Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the
maids-of-Honor. On return visit the Crystal Gallery in
the Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace which once
used to the venue of state banquets, official functions
& formal `durbars`, offers breathtaking views of the
Lake Pichola with Jagmandir, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh
Fort (Monsoon Palace).
Mumbai City Description.
A beautiful harbor studded with hilly islands and a palm-
fringed shore rising gradually to the peaks of mountain
ranges form a fine waterfront for Bombay, "the Gateway
of India" Besides being the major port of India,
Bombay is also a great industrial center. A cosmopolitan
city, it owes its prosperity to the industry and enterprise
of its population of about eight million. It is the commercial
capital of India. |
Mumbai
city tour
We will see the Gateway of India, a 262 feet high gateway
overlooking the sea, built to commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary in 1911 we`ll drive past the Hanging
gardens, Victoria Railway Station & Crawford Market
to the Flora Fountain, a center of all business activities.
Alsoo visit the Mani Bhavan or the Gandhi Museum which is
a building where Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation stayed
during his visits to Bombay from 1917-34, which now has
pictorial exhibit of the incidents in Gandhi`s life. Also
visit the `not-to-be missed` dhobighats (public laundry).
Gateway Of India.
Mumbai`s most striking monument, this too was designed by
George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the Indo-Saracenic
style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden
carvings. It was built to commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This area is also
the departing point for ferries plying to Elephanta Island
and other beaches across the port. Behind it is the beautiful
old (and new) structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the
British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its
facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes.
It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.
Flora Fountain
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church
gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma
Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former
governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.
Mani Bhawan
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi
lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi`s
room and belongings including his books are on display.
Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August
Kranti Maidan, where the `Quit India` movement was launched
in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Hanging Garden
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala
Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery.
Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence.
But these are off-limits to all except those who have
come to dispose and pay respect to the dead.
Elephanta Excursion
Experience a cruise to the Elephanta caves. The island
of Elephanta is known for its four rock- cut Hindu temples
which were cut between 450 -750 A.D and at that time the
island was known as Gharapuri, the fortress city. When
the Portuguese arrived they renamed it Elephanta after
the large stone elephant near the landing place.
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