Home -» Rajasthan Travels-» Best of Rajasthan with Varanasi

Best of Rajasthan with Varanasi

Duration : 16 Days / 15 Nights
Covered Destinations : Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Mandawa - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi

Day 01 : Delhi Arrive Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi After breakfast, Morning is free till 11.00 Hrs.
meet your escort who will provide details & answer
your queries followed by combined sightseeing of Old & New Delhi.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Old Delhi : The 350 years old walled city was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Raj Ghat is worth a visit where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.

New Delhi : The new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. An interesting drive in the one passing through the impressive Rajpath from the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate towards the Presidential Palace.Visit Humayun's Tomb built in 1565 AD, Safdarjung's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, 72 meters high and the most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th centoury AD.

Day 03 : Delhi Early morning transfer to Domestic Airport for flight to Udaipur, IC # 7471 at 06.00 Hrs.Udaipur Arrive Udaipur at 09.10 Hrs. Transfer to hotel. Day free till lunch. After lunch, half day sightseeing of Udaipur City. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Udaipur: In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes which whisper the mood of a bygone era.

The city was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.

The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar makes it an Oasis in the desert.

Udaipur is known as the 'city of lakes'. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are lake Pichola and lake Fateh Sagar.

Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The Sunset over these lakes are moments to be cherished.

Day 04 : Udaipur Local sightseeing of Udaipur.

Day 05 : Udaipur After breakfast, day free for shopping & your own activities. Afternoon drive to Jodhpur via Ranakpur.

Jodhpur to Jodhpur, CD # 7193 at 18.10 Hrs. Arrive Jodhpur at 18.50 Hrs. Transfer to hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Jodhpur, amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 meters above the plain. The fort over looks the imperial city of Jodhpur which is part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 Km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or land of death , came into life when the Rathores' of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459. This city was on the silk route of the 16th centoury and hence was host to a number of travellers.

In Jodhpur, the genuis of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former Princely state.

Day 06 Jodhpur/Mandawa (Shekhawati)
Shekhawati, in late 14th centoury, the childless Mokal Singh, ruler of a small principality called Barwara, was advised to meet a fakir by the name of Sheikh Burhan and seek his blessings for a male child. The Sheikh blessed Mokal Singh and within time he became a father. Mokal Singh did not forget the holy man - he named his son Shekha in honour of the fakir.

Shekha ascended the throne at the young age of 12 and began a reign that lasted for 43 years. Shekhawati means Garden of Shekha and is not a single village or town. It is large area in north eastern Rajasthan which lies between Bikaner, Jaipur and Delhi and comprises the Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts. Shekhawati today is known more for its exquisite frescoes that adorne the walls and ceilings of the building here. It is an open art gallery. No other region, anywhere in the world, has such a large concentration of frescoes. This is all the more interesting as the landscape here is totally bare - flat and colorless.

What is quite unusual here is the range of themes to be found on the walls. Mythological frescoes are interspersed with those influenced by Western paintings. Cars, trains, aeroplanes, ships and telephones, foreigners in hats, suits and gowns have been painted just as painstakingly as gods, local heroes, scenes from Lord Krishna's life.

Day 07 :Mandawa (Shekhawati After lunch, leave for Jaipur by Large A/c Coach. Jaipur Reach Jaipur. Transfer to hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Jaipur After breakfast, full day sightseeing of the Jaipur City and Amber Fort. (Includes rides on elephant back up to the fort).
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Jaipur : The pictouresque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput Folk Dance of Rajasthan cultoure. Built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectoural splendor.The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time; a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautiful laid outgardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that makes your trip to the Pink city a memorable one.

Day 09 Jaipur/Sawai Madhopur
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park - the famous tiger Reserve, just 12 km away from here.

Ranthambhor National Park: The 392 sq. km. Park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges .The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the Project Tiger. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the day time and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of sambhar, chital. Nilgai, chinkara, langur , wild boar and peafowl. A system of three pretty artificial lakes-Padam Talab,Rajbagh and Milak Talab, alongwith a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the Park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. While deer congregate here to drink water,fresh water crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperatoure. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local birds. The local fauna of the park includes leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. Other accommodation outside the fort also ensures a comfortable stay. The best time to visit is between November and April. Jeeps are available to take you around the park.

Day 10 Sawai Madhopur/Agra
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11 Agra
After breakfast, fullday sight seeing of Agra City and "TAJ MAHAL". Evening at leisure. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Agra: Is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the "TAJ MAHAL". The architectoural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centouries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectoural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on the marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 12 Agra Early morning, transfer to Railway Station to catch a train, Shatabdi Express for Jhansi at 08.00 Hrs. Jhansi Reach Jhansi at 10.25 Hrs. Afterwards, continue to Orcha Orcha by Large A/c Coach. Reach Orcha. Transfer to hotel. After lunch, half-day sightseeing of Orcha Temples. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Orcha, 168 kms on the Khajuraho-Jhansi Highway is a medieval city flanked by the Betwa River. The 16th and 17th centoury palaces and temples here withstood the ravages of time. The paintings, mirrorwork, stairways and delicate trelliswork in Jehangir Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal are enchanting. Adding to the architectoural beauty are the Ram Raja, Chatourbhuj and Laxminarayan temples and cenotaphs.

Day 13 Orcha After breakfast, leave for Khajuraho by Large A/c Khajuraho Coach. Reach Khajuraho. Transfer to hotel. After lunch, half-day sightseeing of Khajuraho Temples. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Khajuraho has always remained tucked away from the mainstream events of history his is probably why the famed temples escaped the ravages of invaders. The origin of these temples as well as the history of Chandela dynasty, during whose era they were built, are not fully documented. However, it is generally agreed that they were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD and that they numbered no fewer than 85. Today only 22 temples, in a good state of preservation, survive. The sculptoures, considered to be the most perfect figures achieved in stone, depict gods and goddesses and amorous couples. The erotic tinge to many of the works here has given rise to speculations in various fields.

Day 14 Khajuraho
After breakfast, transfer to Airport for flight to Varanasi, CD # 7407 at 12.45 Hrs. Varanasi Arrive Varanasi at 13.25 Hrs. Transfer to hotel.

In the evening, visit Sarnath & Buddhist Museum. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Sarnath, The Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principles of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once resplendent monastery. A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the area north of the Stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period. The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd centoury BC. Near the Dhamek Stupa is a new monastery built by the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist. Sarnath has an interesting archeological museum,which has preserved the famous Sarnath Pillar whose capital forms India's national emblem. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa and Mulgandkuti Vihar.

Day 15 Varanasi Early morning, Boat Ride on Holy River Ganges.
After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Varanasi City. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Varanasi: Its antiquity, like it's spiritually, is shrouded in immortal time. Puranic and other ancient literatoure date its existence to at least 3,000 years ago. Life in the Varanasi of today revolves around the ghats along the River Ganges where the bulk of the temples are located. From down to dusk a steady stream of devotees performs rituals. Every devout Hindu's ambition is to visit Varanasi once in a lifetime and to bathe in the sacred river Ganges. For several thousands years, pilgrims have cleaned themselves of their sins here and sought release from the cycle of rebirth. The town itself is a maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array not less than a thousands temples and shrines. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell, in the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower offerings. This is Varanasi the city that is a prayer.

Day 16 Varanasi After late breakfast, transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi
Delhi, CD # 7408 at 13.55 Hrs. Arrive Delhi at 16.50 Hrs. In the evening, transfer to Village BISTRO for the Farewell Dinner along with Traditional Indian Dances. Afterwards, transfer to IGI Airport & tour terminates.


Best of Rajasthan with Varanasi Reservation Form

(* represents compulsory fields) * Name :   *  Your Country :   * Phone : (Include Country/Area Code)   * E-Mail Address :   * Tentative Date of Travel:   Duration of Travel in India (Approx.):   No. of People Travelling:   00 01 02 03 04 05 Adult       00 01 02 03 04 05 Children * Any specific requirements: