Indo-Asia Tours

Maharajas of Rajasthan

16 days/15 nights

2010/2011 Tour Dates
Anytime. Contact us and let us know when you'd like to go.

This innovative trip takes us into unchartered rural Rajasthan, where we'll pay visits to remote temples and villages and make the acquaintance of the Bishnoi tribal people of the hamlet of Khimsar. Unfamiliar names, perhaps, but all the more reason to break out of the rutted paths for a cultural eye opening.

After a good look at not-so-rural Delhi, in Jaipur we head into the countryside and the villages of Neemrana and Mandawa, amid the Aravalli Hills. We'll walk up to the old, massive fort of Bikaner and visit Rohet garh and Deogarh, an ancient village dominated by a 300-foot rock dotted with marble temples and shrines. We visit nearby Ranakpur, India's most impressive Jain temple complex, and then it's on to Udaipur, the city of lakes and dotted with beautiful palaces, including the floating Lake Palace, the summer abode of the Maharana of Udaipur. And what about the Taj? Not to worry. That is the icing of the tour.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI
NAMASTE. WELCOME TO INDIA! Arrive in India's capital city, New Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome at the airport and escorted to your hotel. The remainder of this day is at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 2: NEW & OLD DELHI - SIGHTSEEING
Full-day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. You begin the tour with a visit to the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President's House, the India Gate, and the famous Birla Mandir. Visit the great Red Fort, Moti Masjid, and the Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad.

DAY 3: DELHI / NEEMRANA
Drive to Neemrana (122km, about 4 hours). Neemrana Fort was built by the hands of Maharaja Devi Singh ji in the year 1464 A.D. in a horseshoe cavity placed in the old Aravalli hill range in the ancient village of Neemrana. Check into hotel.

DAY 4: NEEMRANA / MANDAWA
After a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop restaurant, you drive to Mandawa (140km, about 4 hours). On arrival, check into your hotel. This desert village is often called the "open air art gallery of Rajasthan." Towering high above the town Mandawa, this rugged, handsome Mandawa fort guides the tired and weary traveler to its portals. A 240-year-old fortress stands guard to this quaint village. Overnight stay at your hotel. (B)

DAY 5: MANDAWA / BIKANER
Visit the enchanting village of the Shekhawati region. Apart form the havelis, even temples, fortified residences, and chattris (memorials) were embellished with frescoes painted by local artists. Drive to Bikaner this afternoon (130km, about 4 hours). Site of old trade routes, the city has a large fort, but it is also noted for the camel breeding farm. Check into your hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 6: BIKANER SIGHTSEEING
This desert town in the north of Rajasthan is a largely unspoilt and less-visited place on the tourist circuit. The tour of Bikaner starts with a visit to Junagarh Fort with its superb stone carvings. You will also visit the famous Lallgarh Fort, where you can see the private quarters of the King of Bikaner. Return to your hotel for overnight stay. (B)

DAY 7: BIKANER / JAISALMER
Drive to Jaisalmer (330km, about 7 or 8 hours). On arrival in Jaisalmer, check in at hotel. Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising within the heart of the Great Thar Desert, is like a golden mirage. Overnight at hotel. (B)

DAY 8: JAISALMER SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. You start your tour by visiting the Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156, crowning Trikuta Hill with its honey-colored walls that rise and fall with the contours of the terrain and magnificent cenotaphs. You also see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli. Later in the day we proceed for an excursion of "Sam" (45km), which is known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. Overnight at hotel. (B)

DAY 9: JAISALMER / KHIMSAR
Drive to Khimsar (277km, about 6 hours). Located on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, visit the unique fort at Khimsar. Check in for your overnight stay.

DAY 10: KHIMSAR / ROHET
Time is at leisure to explore the village, or you may perhaps undertake a Jeep safari to visit the nearby villages. Later in the afternoon you travel to Rohetgarh (140km, about 3 hours), the fortified desert home of a famous Champawat clan. Arrive and check in at your hotel. (B)

DAY 11: ROHET / DEOGARH
Drive to Deogarh (145km, about 3 hours). When you see the Deogarh Mahal, you can see that its rulers must have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy, their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen "umraos," the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. Check in at your hotel. (B)

DAY 12: DEOGARH / UDAIPUR
Drive to Udaipur (135km, about 4 hours), stopping en route at Ranakpur. You will get a look at the Rajasthani countryside as you drive, traveling through scenic mountains and Jain Temples in India. Continue to Udaipaur, the "Venice of the East." Evening boat ride on Lake Pichhola. City Palace glows with the golden tones of the ebbing day.

DAY 13: UDAIPUR SIGHTSEEING & JAIPUR
Private city tour of the City Palace. Visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, the "Gardens of the Maids." Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art. Late afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Overnight stay at hotel. (B)

DAY 14: AMBER FORT EXCURSION & JAIPUR CITY TOUR
Enjoy a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothills to the ramparts of the ancient Amber Fort. Explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens. Tour of the old city of Jaipur and the Hawa Mahal (or "Palace of Winds"), and the City Palace.

DAY 15: JAIPUR / AGRA & SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Agra (202km, about 4 hours), and enroute we visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Next, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, the incredible lacy white grandeur built for the "lady of the Taj," which is as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." (B)

DAY 16: AGRA SIGHTSEEING / DELHI / ONWARD DESTINATION
Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, which has imposing gates, red sandstone walls, and a moat. Drive to Delhi and straight to the International Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:

1 Traveler	2 Travelers	4 Travelers	6 Travelers	8 Travelers	12 Travelers
$3375.00	$1875.00	$1750.00	$1625.00	$1562.50	$1562.50

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Daily Buffet Breakfast at Hotels of stay.
Meet and Greet at airport by our representative.
Arrival and Departure transfers in AC chauffeur driven vehicle.
Entrance fee to monuments as per Itinerary.
Camel ride at Khuri Village, Jaisalmer.
Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village near Khimsar.
Service of a local English-speaking Guide.
Air Fare Udaipur - Jaipur in Eco Class.
All applicable taxes.

Price Does Not Include:

International airfare
Departure and custom fees
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Travel Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance and Medical and Luggage Insurance
Cost of lunches or dinners not mentioned above
Any expenses of personal nature

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

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