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Grandeur of Gujrat & Rajasthan
Tour Duration: 19 Nights /20 Days
Places Covered : Mumbai - Dwarka - Somnath - Sasangir - Junagarh
- Virpur - Rajkot - Gondal - Ahmedabad - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Jodhpur
- Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 01: Mumbai - Dwarka
Board overnight train Saurashtra Express for Dwarka at 8.25 PM. Overnight on board.
Day 02- Arrive Dwarka
Meeting on arrival at Dwarka Railway Station at 3 PM and transfer
to the hotel.
The Sacred town of Dwaraka - one of the main centers of Krishna
legend, sites on the western most tip of the Gujarat peninsula,
a sentinel over looking the Arabian sea. Archaeological excavations
show that present day Dwaraka is the 6th city on this site, the
earlier five having been submerged in the sea. The 5 story temple
is supported on 60 columns and is crowned by a soaring elaborately
carved spire. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Evening witness
the Aarti and visit the temple.
Day 03: Dwaraka
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed for a trip to Bet Dwaraka
to visit the old temples of Krishna - the trip from Okha on the
mainland to the temple is by a local boat. On the way to Bet you
will also visit Nageshwar - the 12th Jyotirlingam of Shiva which
is a popular pilgrim place and visit Gopi Talab where it is believed
that the Gopies spent the time. On your way back visit the ancient
temple of Rukmini. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Dwaraka - Somnath- Sasangir - 300 kms
Morning after breakfast drive from Dwaraka to Somnath enroute visiting
the famous Harshad Mata Temple situated on top of a hillock overlooking
the sea. Also visit Porbandar originally known as Sudama Puri. It
is here where there is a temple dedicated to Sudama. Also visit
Bharat Mata Mandir and Kirti Mandir - the birth place of Mahatama
Gandhi. Arrive Somnath and visit the temple where Krishna was believed
to be hit by an arrow by a Bhil. Visit Somnath temple - the legendary
shore temple is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India.
According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by
none other than the Moon God himself. After visiting the Somnath
temple you will drive to Sasangir. Arrive and check-in at the hotel.
Day 05: Sasangir - Junagarh - Virpur- Gondal - 130 kms
Arise early morning to have jeep drive to the Sasan gir Sanctuary
which provides refuge to that rare species - the Asiatic Lion. The
sanctuary covers an area of 500 square miles of dry, open scrubland
where the lions roam freely. Other wild life includes bear, antelope,
hyena, fox, the nilgai or black buck.
Later drive Sasangir to Junagarh - an ancient fortified city rich
in myth and legend. The antiquities of Junagarh go back to the times
of the Emperor Ashoka. Visit the Fort and then drive to Virpur to
visit the temple dedicated to Jalaram sect. After visit the temple
at Virpur drive to Gondal and check in at your Hotel. Later in then
afternoon visit the Naulakha palace and the Swami Narayan Temple.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Gondal - Rajkot - Ahmedabad
Morning after breakfast drive from Gondal to Ahmedabad enroute visiting
Rajkot which was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra.
Today it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the
early years of his life when his father was a Diwan or Prime Minister
of the king of Saurashtra. Visit Watson Museum and Jagat Mandir
dedicated to Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa. Arrive Ahmedabad and check
in at your hotel.
Day 07: At Ahmedabad
Morning after breakfast at the hotel full day excursion to Akshadham
- the temple dedicated to Swami Narain - the richest sect in the
world. The temple is located at Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
Afternoon visit the places of interest in Ahmedabad. The main attractions
are Shaking Minarets and Sabarmati Ashram where Mahata Gandhi lived.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Ahmedabad to Mount Abu
Morning after breakfast drive to Mount Abu in around 4
hours time. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of
the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Mount Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape
thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range
the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering
the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering
shrubs. Mount Abuwas the home of many saints and
sages in the old days.
Day 09 - At Mount abu
Morning after breakfast at the hotel full day explore Gaumukh
Temple - A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow's
head gives the shrine its name. The famous yagna of sage Vashishtha
was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada
-the mighty serpent stands against the beautiful backdrop. Delwara
Jain Temple - These beautifully carved
temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance
in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi
temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
Built in 1031 A.D. Nakki Lake -The
lake is surrounded by hills , parks and strange rock formations.
Several Maharajas built lavish summer houses around the Nakki lake,a
nd the maharaja of Jaipur's former summer palace is perched on a
hill onlooking the water and Sunset Point -
Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered
in the golden glow can be viewed from here.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Mount to Udaipur
Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Udaipur in around 5 hours drive.
City tour of Udaipur Out of many sobriquets of Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes' and the 'City of Dawn' are the most famous appellations given to Udaipur. The city of Udaipur is ideally set amidst the lush green Aravalli hills and the three lakes. The mesmerizing lakes, palaces, temples and gardens make Udaipur one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in India. The glittering waters of Lake Pichola make the city of Udaipur most romantic city of India. Udaipur is also called - Jewel of Mewar - as it was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for a consecutive duration of 1200 years. There are many tourist attractions in Udaipur that make your journey quite memorable in every sense.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - At Udaipur
Morning tour of Udaipur city. City Palace: The City Palace amidst the Lake Pichola is a collection of rooms, corridors, terraces, pavilions, hanging gardens and courtyards. The City Palace of Udaipur built in 1559 is a must-visit for the tourists arriving in Udaipur. The tourists can have a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" (Now the Lake palace hotel) and "Jag Mandir". The Mor-Chowk (Peacock courtyard) and the Chini Chitrashala are the most noteworthy features of City Palace with a series of wall paintings of Krishna, Jag Mandir : Built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 A.D, Jag Mandir is situated on Lake Pichola that adorns a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive "Chattri" on top of the temple, Saheliyon-Ki- Bari : Built in early 18th century AD, Saheliyon- Ki- Bari was a perfect place for the royal ladies to spend their free time. It is a famous garden that comprises of lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors and Jagdish Temple : Created in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, Jagdish Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and decorated with beautiful sculpted images and towering Shikara.
Afternoon explore this city of lakes on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Udaipur to Jodhpur - 5 hours
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed to Jodhpur. On the way stop to visit Ranakpur Jain Complex
Ranakpur - The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.
The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
Check in at the hotel on arrival. Afternoon tour of Jodhpur which will include a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort set on the top of the hill, Jaswanth Thada and a visit to the local market. Overnight at the hotel.
Jodhpur : While the graceful palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts , folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. The lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city . It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers - 'Jodhpurs', took their name.
Day 13 - Jodhpur / Jaisalmer- Drive
5 hours
Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Jaisalmer
and check in at HOTEL. Rest of the time free to relax from
long journey. Evening visit the Royal Cenotaphs
famous for sunset view over entire Jaisalmer Town Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 14 - At Jaisalmer
Post breakfast visit to the Jaisal Fort with visit to various Mansions at leisure.
Jaisalmer : The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities.
Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes (1 hour drive each way), you can enjoy short camel ride here.
Day 15 - Jaisalmer / Bikaner - Drive - 7 hours
Morning after breakfast at the camp proceed to reach Bikaner. Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Afternoon commence sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort – constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, Bandh Sagar Temple – The 16th century Jain temple, Camel Breeding Farm – a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have perhaps the first taste of camel’s milk. Later in the evening take an excursion tour to Deshnok Temple situated in semi desert village at a distance of 30 kms, this place is famous for Karnimata Temple where you will see thousands of rats roaming freely in the temple complex and are held sacred. Overnight at hotel at Bikaner.
Day 16 - Bikaner to Jaipur - drive
5 hours
Morning after breakfast at the hotel commence sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort – constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, Bandh Sagar Temple – The 16th century Jain temple.
Afternoon drive to Jaipur and check in at the hotel on arrival.
Day 17- At Jaipur.
Morning after breakfast at the hotel visit Hawa Mahal - which was constructed in 1799, the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks, although it is actually little more than a façade. This five storey building, which overlooks the main street of the bustling old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. Later proceed to Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the state until 1728. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir of the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali. You ride up to the ramp of this 11th Century Bastion atop a gaily decorated elephant.
Afternoon City sightseeing tour includes Maharaja’s
City Palace - which occupies a large area divided into
a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The outer wall was
built by Jai Singh, but other additions are much more recent, some
dating from the start of this century. Today, the palace is a blend
of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace now houses a museum
containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal
paintings and weapons. Also visit Jantar Mantar-
an observatory, next to the entrance of the City Palace, begun by
Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was even
more notable than his prowess as warrior and before commencing construction,
he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. Jantar Mantar
appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact
each construction has a specific purpose, such as measuring the
positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths and calculating eclipses.
Day 18: Jaipur - Agra - Drive 5 hours
After buffet breakfast at the hotel in Jaipur proceed to Agra by
car (5 hours) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. FATEHPUR SIKRI
: A fascinating ghost town, lies a little beyond Agra the deserted
Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital.
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. Set like a jewel
in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the Saint
Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens. After
the visit continue your drive, on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon tour of Agra city including world
famous Taj Mahal. AGRA CITY : is the medieval city of the famous
17th century master piece Taj Mahal, which of course is the most
splendid of all buildings - perhaps the most perfect architectural
monument in the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal of one of the greatest kings Shah Jehan of the
Mughal Empire - Agra is not only famous for Taj Mahal but the impressive
Mughal Red Fort known as the Agra Fort. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19: Agra - Delhi - Drive 4 1/2 hours
Morning optional visit to Taj mahal at sunrise. After buffet breakfast
at the htoel drive to Delhi and check into the hotel.
Afternoon commence combined tour of Old and
New Delhi. OLD DELHI : An ancient walled city. Here you will see
Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire:
Raj Ghat, the memo -rial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid,
the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and
colourful market of the old city. NEW DELHI : This city designed
and built by the British in the 1920's - a city of wide boulevards
impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. First
you will visit two monuments from Delhi's past Humayun's Tomb and
Qutub Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue,
Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Overnigh
at the hotel.
Day 20 - Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport in time to board flight for onward destination.
End of our services
Extension tours to other parts of the
country are available!
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