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1 - 17 Jan 2008 17-days India Rajasthan Experience
Cost Rm4300 (per pax for 8 pax group), Rm4050 (10 pax group) & Rm3950 (14 pax group and above)
Update 9 Dec 07 - Trip is "confirmed" for the above dates and Rachel 012 3520868 is handling all matters till Leemin gets back on 17 Dec. Its now 17 days coz we have flight problems and itinerary below will be changed soon.
Update 11 Nov 07 - Winter is the best time of the year to visit the Deserts of Rajasthan. We coupled that with the Golden Triangle cities of Agar/TajMahal, Delhi and Jaipur. We do a day of camel riding in Jaiselmer..
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!
Jaisalmer fort city
Rajasthan is the land of Rajput Kings, a group of worrier clans, who have controlled this part of India for 1000 years. It is a colorful state with stunning and elegant Palaces dot the desert landscape and battle-scarred fortresses appear on every hill like sentinels of the past. It is full of Lakes, Sand dunes, Wild Life Sanctuaries and Beautiful Temples. Rajasthan still retains an elusive fairy-tale character. It is a land where tales of valour of its medieval Rajput warriors are still sung by its traveling bards. It is also known for tradition of craftsmanship with a highly developed aesthetic sense.
The state is diagonally divided as the hilly and rugged south-east region and dry and barren north-east Thar Desert. Here, folk culture still retains all its colour and vivacity with exuberant celebrations of fairs and festivals. A music that echoes across the desert emptiness. Some of the popular fairs are Pushkar Camel and Cattle fair held annually in November, Camel Festival Bikaner held annually in January, Desert Festival Jaisalmer held annually between end January to mid February etc. The exact dates of the fairs is determined by the Indian Lunar Calendar.
Day 1 Nov 11 Tue Fly to Delhi: Depart KLIA on Air India AI433 at 1130AM arriving Delhi 220PM. Transfer to hotel and free rest of day. Overnight (ON) Delhi.
Day 2 Agra: Drive to Agra 200km 4hr. In the 16th and 17th century Agra was the capital of India. Most of its monuments and forts are constructed in that era. Rest of day is free to wander about the markets of Agra.
Day 3 Taj Mahal: Early morning, visit Unesco listed Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Built entirely by white marble, Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. Some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. After lunch, drive to Jaipur, 237km 5hr drive. En route visiting the world heritage monument of Fatehpur Sikri. On completion continue with your drive to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur. On arrival check in your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. ON Jaipur.
Day 4 Pink City Jaipur: After breakfast, half-day excursion to the hilltop fortress at Amber. Ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. In the afternoon, tour the old walled city of Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city' is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa-Shastra , an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory situated in the heart of the city. Built in the 1700's, it still looks futuristic. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds). The old City Palace & its museum display a rare fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. ON Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur / Taj Mahal
Day 5 Holy city Pushkar: After breakfast drive to Pushkar 145km 3hr. There are evidence which points out that Pushakar was existing in the fourth century B.C. Pushkar lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is not less than a miracle. The legend about the Creator God, Bramha describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it. ON Pushkar.
Day 6 City of Lakes Udaipur: Early morning drive to Udaipur 280km 6hr. On arrival check in at your Hotel. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh needed to overcome the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola. The city was named Udaipur on his name.
Day 7 Udaipur: Morning excursion to the famous temple complex of Eklingji & Nagda, which enshrines the deity of the Mahranas of Mewar. Spend the rest of the day exploring this charming lake city by car. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and the museum, which are a testament to the valour and chivalry of the Mewar rulers. Visit the Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola. The Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir is a treasure house of Rajasthani folk culture. The breathtaking beauty of the lakes- Pichola & Fateh Sagar truly make Udaipur an oasis in the desert. Return to hotel after city drive. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 Blue city Jodhpur: Drive to Jodhpur 260km 5hr. visiting Jain temples of Ranakpura, known for their intricate friezes and sculptures, dating back to the 15th century. This temple's 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, none of which are similar. (Optional - lunch in the temple or at Maharani Bagh, Ranakpur at extra charge). Arrive at enchanting, medieval city of Udaipur and check-in at Hotel Devi Garh Palace. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel. Arrive in Jodhpur and check-in at the hotel of your choice. Jodhpur – the erstwhile Marwar capital with its impressive Mehrangarh fort overlooking the Blue city of Rajasthan and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs. 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"Afternoon tour to visit Jodhpur – the erstwhile Marwar capital with its impressive Mehrangarh fort overlooking the Blue city of Rajasthan and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs. 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". Afternoon at leisure.
Jodhpur Mahrangarh fort and the Blue City
Day 9 Desert Jaisalmer: Drive to Jaisalmer 290km 5hr. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trading route between India and Central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill-a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the 'havelis' with delicately carved stone facades. Free afternoon to walk around the town. ON Jaisalmer
Day 10 More Jaisalmer: After breakfast, walk around Jaisalmer Fort, the monolith of stone , built in 1156 atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill , is the only raised feature in a flat desolate area. We will meander through alley ways lined with havelis sporting great intricate hand - carved sand stone latticed balconies and archways. After lunch around 1300 hour drive to the start point of our camel safari through the villages to sand dunes. ON Jaisalmer.
Day 11 Bikaner: 333km 6hr, was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. Bikaner was once on the ancient trading route of caravans. It has many forts, palaces and temples all created with unusual delicacy in red sandstone and a bustling bazaar where you can even buy a pair of 'racing' camels. ON Bikaner.
Day 12 Bikaner: After breakfast, drive to visit Junagarh Fort, Built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar. This fort has many palaces and gateway. Proceed to visit Jain temple, Camel Breeding Farm and Desnok to visit the well known Karni Mata temple, which is known for Rates being fed milk by devotees. It is not allowed to kill a rat in the premises of this temple. ON Bikaner.
Day 13 Mandawa: After lunch drive to Mandawa 190km 4hr, bringing back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthani experience for the guests. Today, the world comes to this storybook town to see its colourful frescoes on every subject under the sun, that is, ranging from the religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire, rendered in the inimitable style of the local artist. ON Mandawa.
Day 14 Back to Delhi: After breakfast drive to Delhi 280km 6hr. After dinner, transfer to airport for your scheduled International flight. (Note for those who like to extend their say in Delhi can do so subject to availability of flights. Air India flys on Tue and Thu only. Do inform us if you chose to do so).
Day 15 Home 25 Nov Tue: Depart Delhi Airport on AI432 at 1230AM (past midnight) arriving KLIA at 825AM.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS