Rajasthan Heritage with Varanasi

Overview
Rajasthan Heritage With Varanasi, a 16 Days tour provides you an excellent opportunity to visit heritage structures of India’s capital Delhi, desert state of Rajasthan and city of Taj - Agra (Uttar Pradesh). In addition to trips of the historic monuments and religious city of Varanasi, you also get a chance to visit the villages of Rajasthan and to interact with local people. Your trip begins from Delhi which is home to attractions like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar etc. Our next halt is Rajasthan’s charming city Udaipur which houses magnificent City Palace. Ranakpur, Rohet, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur are other important destinations you will cover on this tour. From pink city, Jaipur we proceed towards Agra (Uttar Pradesh), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. After sightseeing tour of Agra we head towards the city of Varanasi, known for its temples and ghats. From Varanasi board an overnight train to Delhi, for more sightseeing and boarding a flight back home. Stay with us for more surprises and more to exprience.

Inclusions
Accommodation, Meal, Transport, Services of Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours, Elephat ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur), Jeep Safari at Rohet, Boat ride in Udaipur, Airfare for Delhi - Udaipur Sector.

Exclusions
Shopping and other meals apart from breakfast and home dinner with Indian family.

Detailed Itinerary
Namaste - We welcome you with folded hands

Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car. Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Overnight : The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutab Minar. Afternoon, we cross over to the Old Delhi. Our tour includes visit to the Jamma Mosque, the Red Fort, the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws through the narrow streets of Chandni chowk.

Overnight : The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel.

Day 3 : Delhi / Udaipur (9W 709 - 0545 / 0745)
Early this morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur

Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise", where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love of fine living. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and check into your hotel Jagat Niwas, a modern heritage hotel replete with character and charm. Following rest and relaxation, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". The City Palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image.

Overnight : Jagat Niwas Palace - (Deluxe Lake View room)

Day 4 : Udaipur / Ranakpur / Rohet
Following breakfast we ride out to Rohet. Enroute we visit Jain Temples at Ranakpur which were built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces temple dedicated to Adinath. From here we continue our ride to Rohet.

At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of pride, a world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. Within the precincts of these time weathered walls is our hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani culture. Exquisitely carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities. The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal family interact with the guests and interesting stories and anecdotes are narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dusts trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.

Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here.

Overnight : Rohetgarh - Heritage Property (Standard Room)

Day 5 : Rohet / Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Heritage Inn, a modern hotel with an ethnic touch, this hotel has been synonymous with warm hospitality, quality service, and modern amenities. Rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest you walk along the old city to explore traditional and typical Jaisalmer. The havelis (mansions) in a beautiful state of preservation are a fascinating sight.

Overnight : Heritage Inn (Standard Room)

Day 6 : Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaisalmer
This morning, we visit the residential portions of the fort where one third of the population of the old city lives. The design of houses remains, as they were a couple of century's back and so are the lifestyle of people occupying them. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps.

Afternoon, drive to Sam, a desert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back. Evening drive back to Jaisalmer.

Overnight : Heritage Inn (Standard Room)

Day 7 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and varied collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies of yesteryear. The magnificent sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern comforts. Present day facilities are harmonized so as not to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode.

Evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.

Overnight : Ratanvilas - Heritage Property (Standard Room)
Day 8 : Jodhpur
Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the visit to massive fort. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium. This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.

Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road.

Overnight : Ratanvilas - Heritage Property (Standard Room)

Day 9 : Jodhpur / Jaipur
Morning we drive to the Pink city of Jaipur. When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra that is timely even today.

Upon arrival, check in to Shahpura House, once residence of the erstwhile rulers of Shahpura and scion of the Shekhawat clan of Rajput, is now a hotel. This evening, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.

Overnight : Shahpura House - Heritage Hotel - (Standard Room)

Day 10 : Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal residents.

We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city.

Afternoon, proceed on a tour of City Palace and Jantar Mantar. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next, we visit Jantar Mantar - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.

Overnight : Shahpura House - Heritage Hotel - (Standard Room)
Day 11 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
In the morning after breakfast we will proceed for Fatehpur Sikri and Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. The hill top city lies just 37 kms away from Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with a mosque and lofty gateways. After sightseeing trip of Fatehpur Sikri we will move for Agra. Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable. We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble just as at the Taj Mahal

Overnight : Howard Park Plaza - (First Class Hotel)

Day 12 : Agra / Varanasi (Poorva Express : 0800/0500 hrs)
This morning we visit the Agra Fort. Within a radius of 3 kilometers, on the banks of the river Yamuna, rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Though the check out time is 12 noons, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges. Later in the evening we are transferred to the train station for an overnight train ride to Varanasi.

Overnight : Two Tire AC Sleeper Accommodation

Day 13 : Arrival / Varanasi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to the Hotel Clarks.

Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century BC Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic affiliation goes back to the beginning of time. On your agenda this afternoon are several temples and the Hindu University at Benaras. First stop would be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Next up, the Durga Temple, known as one of the most imposing architectural monuments in Varanasi. The Banaras Hindu University, which occupies a large piece of land at the southern end of town, is also home to the New Vishwanatha Temple.

This evening we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment. The highlight of this tour would be a participation in the evening prayer service (aarti) of the main Buddhist temple here - the synchronized chanting of hymns to the accompaniment of traditional temple music is a sole stirring experience.

Overnight : The Clarks - Heritage Hotel

Day 14 : Varanasi / Delhi (Shivganga Express - 1845 / 0745*)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks are lined with an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats form an impressive part of the religious landscape of the city. Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a twisted maze of narrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back a few centuries. Life here has stood still for years. The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not changed over the centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic experience of timelessness.

Evening, transfer to the train station to board your overnight train to Delhi

Overnight : Two Tire AC Sleeper Accommodation

Day 15 : Arrival / Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel The Connaught.

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Delhi today is truly the melting pot of India, and the main gateway to one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Your Hotel in Delhi is a Downtown Hotel - The Connaught Place is the heart and pulse of New Delhi. This Hotel will give you an opportunity to view the busy streets and bazaars of the capital of India. In other words, you will 'feel' India.

Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner : This evening, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

Overnight : The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel.
Day 16 : Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

End of Services…
Thank You for Giving Us an Opportunity to Serve You…
Indicative Low Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling Together : - US$ 1487 Per Person.

Feedback
What can I say about the trip? It was wonderful, I had such a fantastic time and lots of pleasant memories. Trinetra tour organized the trip very well, as you get to do and see so many attractions in a short itinerary of 15 days. I am planning next visit to India with trinetra.


Before trip to Rajasthan I was worried but Trinetra made my trip a memorable experience. On this trip I got an excellent opportunity to see the massive forts and palaces of Rajasthan. I also got a chance to visit Varanasi which is home to many temples and interesting ghats. Overall my experience with Trinetra was fantastic.