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“a Journey of the Senses”.
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Travelling through India is about
the sights and sounds. It is
about taking in the smells and
experiencing the emotions. India
is about the people, the warmth
of Indian hospitality and the
genuine friendliness to guests. A
Journey is about completely
immersing your senses in the
surroundings and letting the
uniqueness of the country
through India take over. A
journey through India is a life
altering experience and a trip of
a lifetime.
Can words describe 3.2 million sq. kms
of the Indian subcontinent?
Can pictures capture a terrain as diverse
as verdant forests, golden deserts and
the majestic Himalayan range?
Can stories tell you all you want to know
about the complex cultures of the Indian
people, their languages and dialects,
their rituals and traditions?
To feel her magic, be touched by her
spirituality, experience her intensity or
join in her celebrations, you have to be
in India.
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India-syncracies……
India and its citizens simply do many things differently from most westerns. Below are some bizarre / annoying /
misunderstood customs you might encounter.
Nothing can possibly prepare
you for the journey ahead.
India will impress, bewilder,
fascinate, depress, thrill,
frustrate, inspires and amazes
you. You'll see things you
never thought possible, meet
people you never thought
probable and your senses will
be working triple time. It will be
an overwhelming experience.
How you react to India is
entirely up to you- it's your trip.
But it may help to keep a few
tips in the back of your mind.
One, be patient. Things don't
work the way they do back
home and sometimes they
don't work at all. Two, be open
minded. India will test your
bandwidth and the more
flexible you are, the easier it
will be to enjoy it. And three,
don't worry about solving or
understanding the
phenomenon that is India. It's a
country of more than billion
people and has a momentum
entirely of its own. There's an
old expression that suggests
the minute you understand
India is precisely the moment
you've missed the point.
Staring and invasion of personal space
Just being different is enough to garner a seemingly endless stare
in India. You will find that any time you stop to take a photo, an
incredible number of locals suddenly appear to observe your every
move. When you open your bag or wallet, you’ll find a local pretty
much leafing through the rupees with you. What can you do? The
first answer is not much. Personal space is not a concept in Indian
culture, so staring and close contact should not be interpreted as
rude behaviour.
Begging
Although the poverty in India is sometimes difficult to deal with, we
ask that you not give anything to beggars. Simply, handouts are not
going to solve anything (apart from maybe assuaging your feelings
of guilt) because they decrease the chances of helping these
people to become self-reliant. Be prepared for the pressure to give;
tourists usually give at least ten times the amount that Indian
nationals do, so you will be an appealing target. The following is a
common scenario: you decide to give a few rupees / a candy / a
pen to a lone child. Somehow, before you know it, ten more
children are swarming around you with outstretched hands and
pleading voices. Most likely, you will not have enough for everyone,
and the memory you will have of the experience is of the children
that did not get anything, and the resultant squabbling.
Unfamiliar Body Language
Perhaps the most common Indian trait that can be misinterpreted is
the ubiquitous “head-bob”. In fact, there are two types of head-bob,
and each carries its own meaning. The first is a kind of short sideto-side tilt of the head, and more or less means “yes”. The second
is longer, slower, and more undulating, and can be interpreted as “I
see”, “maybe”, or even “uh-huh”. This type is worth learning, as it
often works to ward off perspective hawkers and beggars. Hand
gestures also carry various meanings. A quick twist of the wrist
from palm-down to palm-up means “what do you want?”, “What are
you doing?”, or “move along now”. A downward sweeping motion
like somebody trying to fan fire means “stop, I want a ride”, or “I
want to talk to you”. A good response to this one is the “uh-huh”
head-bob described above.
And in general
Despite advance preparation, it is still likely that you’ll be baffled by India. The driving style, the seeming lack of
organization, the way men touch each other more than their wives, the way women do the heavy lifting in
construction sites while the men look on… the list of differences between the West and India is seemingly
endless. Perhaps the best advice we can give is to avoid trying to understand it, and just experience it instead.
Further...
A word of warning about travelling in India. India is a country which is very different from anything you will have
experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.
Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new
challenge.
In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will
sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic
menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you
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are able to travel with a lot of patience and a huge sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will
be captivated by what India has to offer.
Time Zone
India is +5.30 over GMT
Visas
It is compulsory that all foreign travellers must possess a valid visa for visiting India. All visas are the
responsibility of the traveller and is to be obtained before arrival into India. If the tour involves more than one visit
to any country (including transit) we recommend multiple entry visas should be taken. Visa fees vary from
country to country. Please check with the local diplomatic mission of the countries to be visited.
Climate
The Indian sub-continent is large and the climate varies from one part to another. This gives you a wide
selection of climates to suit your holiday needs - from the cold slopes of the Himalayas to the sunny beaches of
the Goan coast. The region has three major seasons - winter, summer and the monsoon. The best months to
visit India are September through April. Nepal is cool in summer. From October through March, the mountains
are best for soft adventure options. Bhutan is beautiful throughout the year, with summer being the best time to
take advantage of its cooler climates. Tibet can be visited from April through October/ November. During the
monsoons, the beaches tend to get rough in Sri Lanka.
Health
Tourists coming to India via Africa and South America or any other yellow fever infected areas must have a
yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bottled drinking water is easily available throughout your tour. If you are
taking any specific medication, it is advisable for you to bring it along as locally available formulations may vary.
However, world-class medical facilities are available. Creative Travel is fully equipped and experienced to handle
any situation if the need arises.
Language
The region has a plethora of languages, which vary from state to state. English is widely spoken throughout the
sub-continent. Guides and travel professionals are available in most major international languages to make your
trip more enjoyable.
Foreign Currency & Customs
Foreign Exchange can be brought in without limit. Large amounts many need to be declared on arrival and a
certificate issued against this to facilitate easy reconversion on departure. Tourists are warned that changing
money through unauthorized persons is not only illegal but also involves the risk of receiving counterfeit
currency. There are 24-hour exchange facilities available at all big cites and international airports. Regarding
customs, items for personal use can be brought in without any restrictions. Certain electronic items such as
computers, video cameras, etc., may need to be certified for re-export to avoid any problems on your departure.
Electricity, Communications, Opening Hours.
Voltage in most places is 220 volts AC with points for 110 volts available in many hotels. You can fax and make
international telephone calls from almost every place you visit. Banks are usually open from 10 am to 2 pm
Monday to Friday and till 12 noon on Saturday. Many branches also offer extended banking hours. Many foreign
money exchange outlets work later as well, with hotels offering round the clock money-changing facilities.
General office working hours are 9.30 am till 5.30 pm. Shops usually remain open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm.
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Itinerary
Royal Rajasthan
Delhi – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi
10 nights - 11 days
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06 December 2015 : Arrive New Delhi
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Arrive at Delhi’s international airport
Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport late this evening. Welcome to India! You are met by your Creative Travel
representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Depart for
your hotel for check in.
New Delhi has expanded and now encompasses residential and commercial development to the west and
south, plus the satellite towns off Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad.
Delhi has overtaken Mumbai & Kolkata in recent years to become the most vibrant creative art centre in India.
The city has more than twenty five galleries. Conducted tours, seminars, film shows and study classes on art
appreciation, history and conservation are frequently organized. Most of the performing art centres are around
Mandi House, Bhagwan Das Road.
There is an amazing range of activities – from cultural walks, talks, theatre productions and art exhibitions to
films by Indian and foreign directors. One can find an option at the Habitat World at Lodhi Road as well as Siri
Fort at Khel Gaon.
Overnight at hotel.
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07 December 2015 : In Delhi
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit Old Delhi
Afternoon visit National museum
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast at the Hotel, proceed on a half day city tour of Old Delhi.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of
the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven
ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has
seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of
monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very
few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650
switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an
exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's
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glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort (from outside) the most
opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol
of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore
Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west
from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded
bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver
being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit,
Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Chandni Chowk, the bustling and
colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of
Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts, and Raj Ghat (Raj
Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was
assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first
Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van
(Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park labelled with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of
Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat).
(Note: Red Fort remains closed on Monday)
Afternoon visit National museum.
The National Museum, New Delhi, as we see it today, has an interesting beginning. The blueprint for
establishing the National Museum in Delhi was prepared by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946. An
Exhibition of Indian Art, consisting of selected artefacts from various museums of India was organized by the
Royal Academy, London with the cooperation of Government of India and Britain. The Exhibition went on display
in the galleries of Burlington House, London during the winter months of 1947-48. It was decided to display the
same collection in Delhi, before the return of exhibits to their respective museums. An exhibition was organized
in the The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s residence), New Delhi in 1949, which turned out to be a great
success. This event proved responsible for the creation of the National Museum.
Overnight at the hotel.
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08 December 2015 : Delhi – Udaipur ( Flight AI 471 1600-1710 hrs)
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit New Delhi
Afternoon transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast proceed for the New Delhi tour.
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's a
city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green
parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of
the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and
Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi's eight city New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized
buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal
style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20
years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British
pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.
You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar (Historical construction of a landmark In 1199,
Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a
base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m) & Humayun's tomb (This tomb, which was built by
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emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is
regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The
emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the
structure is the first of its kind built in the centre of a well-planned
garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a
great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded
as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra). Your drive takes you
along
the
ceremonial
avenue, Rajpath, past the
imposing India Gate (At
the center of New Delhi
stands the 42m high India
Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad.
Almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It
commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting
for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names
of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the
Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation
stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens),
President House (The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the
illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official
residence of the First Citizen) and the Parliament House (This is symbol of Indian democracy).
Afternoon transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur.
Udaipur is often called the “Venice of the East” and the most romantic city in the state of Rajasthan. This city
nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravali hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue
waters of Lake Pichola. City of Udaipur is a kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes,
palaces and temples.
On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
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09 December 2015 : In Udaipur
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning tour of Udaipur
Afternoon boat ride on lake Pichola
Overnight at the hotel
After buffet breakfast proceed for half day city tour of Udaipur.
Morning after breakfast at the Hotel, enjoy a guided tour of this
"Lake City". Udaipur, a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is
probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some
romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge City Palace, towering over the
Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is
a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to
retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords fine views of the
lake and the city from upper terraces.
Proceed on to the Jagdish temple which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle - a mighty
bird called Garuda in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan art. The temple is still in
use and is visited by colourfully dressed pilgrims. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari – the spectacular garden displaying
the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
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This evening take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake
Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite
fascinating. The banks of the lake provided interesting glimpses of the
daily bathing and laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake,
with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a
scene of rare beauty. You will also have time to spend in the bustling
market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.
Overnight at the hotel
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10 December 2015: Udaipur – Jodhpur (Drive: 6 Hrs Approx.)
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Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Jodhpur
Enroute visit Ranakpur temples
Upon arrival check into the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. En route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples
Ranakpur is a village near Sadri town in Pali district of Rajasthan in western
India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western
flank of the Aravalli Hills. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.
Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, and for a much older Sun
Temple which lies opposite the former.
The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. Light colored
marble has been used for the construction of this grandiose temple which
occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. The temple, with its
distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the
slope of a hill. Over 1400 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The idol faces all four
cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest idol. The construction of
the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the conquest of Tirthankara of the four cardinal directions and
hence the cosmos.
After the visit, continue drive to Jodhpur and check into the hotel.
Jodhpur – the Blue City
Among Rajasthan's many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive.
This five hundred year old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs
celebrated for their tales of daring. This princely state is also referred as "The Blue
city". Founded in 1459, the oldest of Rajputana's great cities, Jodha's Jodhpur
preceded Bika's Bikaner by thirty years, Udai Singh's Udaipur by more than a
hundred and Jai Singh's Jaipur by nearly three centuries. Dominated by one of
India's mightiest fortresses, the capital of the warrior Rathores has played hostess to
kings and emperors and tsars; to humble saints and celebrated soldiers; to many a
distinguished statesman of our times and of times gone by. Enemies parted friends.
Friends return. Not the richest, though perhaps the most charming, Jodhpur, the
gate-way to the Great Indian Thar Desert, stands alone as the cultural and spiritual capital of this, the Land of
Kings. Enemies parted friends. Friends return. Not the richest, though perhaps the most charming, Jodhpur, the
gate-way to the Great Indian Thar Desert, stands alone as the cultural and spiritual capital of this, the Land of
Kings.
Upon arrival, check in at hotel.Overnight at the hotel.
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11 December 2015: In Jodhpur
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning city tour of Jodhpur
Afternoon visit Bishnoi village
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, leave for the city tour of Jodhpur with the famous red sandstone fort, built five centuries ago and
containing the handsome Maharajah’s palace, and Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble,
and Mandore Gardens.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada: 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. Fattehpol also meaning victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to
mark the defeat of Mughals. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion
paste and paper-thin silver foil.
The Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark located in Jodhpur. It is a
white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of
intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and
polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across
their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The
Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The
grounds also include exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered
garden, and a small lake.
Afternoon visit Bishnoi village.
If you want to get an experience of the tribal India, Jodhpur Guda Bishnoi
Village is the place for you. It is approximately 25 kms from the main city of
Jodhpur. The Guda Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty
marked with Khejri trees and deer. Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi
Lake. It is an artificial lake, perfect as a picnic spot. A person interested in
exotic wild life & nature should definitely visit this village.
The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch
worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and
animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their
land. In this world of exploitation everywhere, they make every effort to
conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they
worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians.Around the Guda Bishnoi Lake,
you can see numerous migratory birds like domicile Cranes etc, blackbucks
and chinkaras. This pond is drinking point for antelopes black bucks of
nearby area. The Guda Bishnoi village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India is a kind of desert oasis. It is the perfect
place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life. It is a place caught in a delightful time warp, where
life still goes on like the days of the past..
Overnight at hotel.
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12 December 2015: Jodhpur – Jaipur (Drive approx 6 hrs)
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Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Jaipur
Upon arrival check in to the hotel
Evening witness the prayer ceremony at Birla Temple
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Jaipur.Upon arrival in Jaipur check in and relax at the hotel.
Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a
well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others.
Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
Birla Temple: The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi
(goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu
pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the
AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy
the experience and spend night at Jaipur
Overnight at the hotel.
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13 December 2015 : In Jaipur
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning excursion to Amber Fort
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast depart the hotel for a Visit to Amber Fort, 11 Kms from Jaipur. Amber Fort is a marvellous
example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort
in a jeep. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work
complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the
history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
(Elephant rides at Amber Fort cannot be guaranteed in advance. This is due to
the fact that the number of Elephants and the trips each Elephant can take is
limited. All guests have to reach the Amber Fort in time and stand in line to wait
their turn to climb the Elephant. These lines could sometimes be very long and
some guests have had to be turned back)
After the visit of Amber fort continue on your visits of Jaipur city.
This afternoon venture into the city, this time on a city tour. You will visit the City
Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani
and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal
princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying
court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar
Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit
at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular
pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and
spires.
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Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of
the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent
architecture, art and craft structure in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of some of the
structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated in the in the twentieth century too. The
palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.
On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal,
the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madho Singh built the palace in the
nineteenth century. It was used as a reception centre for the visiting personage.
The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on
display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and
precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Banaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and
folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (ruled 1750-68).
Across the road from the palaces is the famous “Jantar Mantar”, one of the five observatories in India. Built by
Sawai Jai Singh, this is one of the largest and the best preserved. A passionate hobby of the king in the field of
Astronomy, numerology, in sighted him to execute this observatory and with the help of skilled labourers, they
managed to create a collection of complex astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone and most of which
continues to provide accurate information to this day. The most striking instrument is the Brihat Samrat yantra
Sundial, an imposing yellow edifice to the far right of the observatory complex which has a 27m high gnomon
arm set at an angle of 27 degree. The shadow this casts moves up to 4m in an hour, and aids in the calculation
of local and meridian pass time and various attributes of the heavenly bodies, including declination the angular
distance of a heavenly body from the celestial equator and altitude. This highlight of the observatory has made it
a centre of attraction for the tourist visiting Jaipur.
The Hawa Mahal (The Palace of winds), which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The Palace is shaped
like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs.
Return to the hotel and after and exciting day.
Overnight at the hotel.
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14 December 2015: Jaipur – Agra (Drive: 6 Hrs Approx.)
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Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Jaipur en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri
Arrive in Agra & check into the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by drive to Agra en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri. - The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and
1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural
grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only
experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Fatehpur Sikri is
the most popular day excursion from Agra, the city of Taj and capital of invincible
Mughal’s for a long time.
Today, as one enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the
way to the palace complex, Diwan-I-Aam, or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular
walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received and entertainment
programmes held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few
years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard
to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
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After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue driving to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel.
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire.
During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made
Agra great. The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding. The short
golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the
unforgettable Taj Mahal.
Overnight at the hotel.
th
15 December 2015 : In Agra
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast proceed to visit magnificent monument to love – Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his
beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed
to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working
around the clock.
The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect,
Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed,
Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be
able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal 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. It is impossible to
visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden.
Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this
concept to India they elevated it to the heights of incomparable history.
(Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday)
Later visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the
chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness
the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday
India.
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The
fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is
about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the
Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled
palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals
Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from
here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the
highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
Overnight at the hotel.
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16 December 2015: Agra – Delhi (Drive: 4 Hrs Approx.)
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Breakfast at the hotel
Afternoon drive to Delhi
Upon arrival transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination
After breakfast, drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival, transfer to the airport to connect flight to onward destination
TOUR ENDS……!
Recollect the golden memories of India!
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