|
BESTWAY
TO RAJASTHAN
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
 |
India’s
Rajasthan is a land of chivalry, where people live and
die by their word, where age honored traditions remain
a part of every daily life. With their simplicity and warmth,
the most enchanting aspect of this region is the people.
Exploring the small villages dotting the Thar Desert, on
foot, car are on camel back, we are taken with the architecture
of the havelis, forts, and village life. The storybook
town of Mandawa brings forth colourful frescoes on a variety
of subjects ranging from religious to the erotic; from
copies of popular English prints to witty social satire
rendered in the inimitable style of local artists. The
tour culminates viewing the most well known wonder of the
world – the Taj Mahal – on a full moon
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01 |
Delhi |
|
02 |
Delhi / Jaipur |
| 03 |
Jaipur |
|
04 |
Jaipur
/ Mandawa
|
|
05 |
Mandawa / Bikaner |
|
06 |
Bikaner
/ Jaisalmer
|
|
07 |
Jaisalmer
|
|
08 |
Jaisalmer
/ Jodhpur
|
|
09 |
Jodhpur
/ Ranakpur
|
|
10 |
Rankpur
/ Udaipur |
|
11 |
Udaipur |
| 12 |
Udaipur / Kota |
| 13 |
Kota / Ranthambore |
| 14 |
Ranthambore / Agra |
| 15 |
Agra / Delhi |
| 16 |
Depart Delhi |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
India |
|
|
Agra Fort (1983) |
Near
the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-
century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra.
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of
the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built
by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas;
and two very beautiful mosques. |
| Taj
Mahal (1983) |
An
immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between
1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the
jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally
admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. |
| Fatehpur
Sikri (1986) |
Built
during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex
of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural
style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the
Jama Masjid. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly greeted the traditional Indian way with
hands together and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (1 night) (D)
Day 02: Delhi /Jaipur (drive 4.5 hours)
From Delhi we enjoy on a countryside trip to Jaipur, the beautiful
rose pink capital of Rajasthan. Enroute we see the rural life
of India with its green pastures, people, animal folks, a wide
variety and breed of transportation vehicles – truly
a sight to remember. Upon arrival at Jaipur we are transferred
to our hotel. Evening we enjoy dinner at a local Rajasthani
restaurant with Rajasthani cuisine and folk presentation.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 03: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant
ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example
of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Next we visit the old
astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection
of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the buildings
in the pink city. We end the day at the colourful bazaar reflecting
the Rajasthani way of life. (B, D)
Day 04: Jaipur / Mandawa (drive 4 hours)
After a lovely morning drive to Mandawa we enjoy lunch at Roop
Niwas Palace Nawalgarh then enjoy a walking tour of Nawalgarh
to see the finest of Shekawati Frescoes. Fresco making is an
ancient art that dates back several centuries in India. This
will be our day to get into the storybook town of Mandawa.
Overnight: Hotel in Mandwa. (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 05: Mandawa / Bikaner (via Deshnoke Temple 4 hours)
A scenic drive to Bikaner on the way we visit Deshnokh to see
the famous Temple of Rats. Mother Goddess is worshiped throughout
India in various local forms. Consort of Shiva. Karnimata,
the tutelary deity of Bikaner kings, is worshipped as incarnation
of Durga or Parvati. it is believed, Rao Bika became the first
king of Bikaner state;due to Karimata’s blessings.Rats
reign the temple and thousands of mice, big and small of all
colors run everywhere freely and fearlessly. Devotees feed
these rats with milk and sweets believing that the rats form
the army of Karnimata. Sighting of a white rat is considered
auspicious. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the city visiting
the Fort, camel breeding farm and the Jain Temple.
Overnight: Hotel in Bikaner (1 night) (B, D)
Day 06: Bikaner / Jaisalmer (drive 7 hours)
Another day of the rural and colourful Rajasthan as we drive
to Jaisalmer. Our first stop will be for breakfast at the opulent
Gajner Palace from where we continue our exploration of village
life before stopping at the Fort for lunch. We are now in the
hinterland of the incredible Thar Desert.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaisalmer. (2 nights)(B, L, D)
Day 07:Jaisalmer
Almost 900 years old, Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade
route across the forbidding Thar Desert, even today, glimpse
of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot
and barren desert is magical, untouched by time, Jaisalmer,
with its golden crenellated walls and narrow streets lined
with exquisite havelies, has a medieval ambience The houses
are decorated with beautifully carved facades, jali screens
and oriel windows; each with an inner courtyard surrounded
by richly decorated apartments. Our Jaisalmer experience starts
with visits of some of colourful and striking Havelis followed
by Gadi Sagar Tank, Fort and Jain Temples. This will be followed
by visits to the Lodurva Temples and then we continue to enjoy
the sand dunes and for a spectacular desert Sunset. (B, D)
Day 08: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (drive 6 hours)
Today we drive to the second largest city, Jodhpur. Located
at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur was once the capital
of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief
of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants
of Rama - hero of the epic 'Ramayana'. Dominating Jodhpur is
the massive fortress, Mehrangarh Fort, which safeguards the
Royal Palaces with their collections of arms and priceless
jewels. We also visit the exquisite Jaswant Thada and the Mandore
Gardens. In the afternoon we take a Jeep Safari to Bishnoi
Village, to see the traditional lifestyle of rural Rajasthanis
in their colorful dress.
Overnight: Hotel in Jodpur (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 09: Jodhpur / Ranakpur (drive 4 hours)
After the Jodhpur experience we get a different feel of Rajasthan
visiting the Ranakpur Temples home to an exceptionally beautiful
complex in the Aravali range and a popular pilgrimage for the
Jains.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranakpur. (1 night) (B, D)
Day 10: Rankpur / Udaipur (drive 2 hours)
If Jaipur is a study in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white.
The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains
and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope
of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces
and temples. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the
Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold. Within the City Palace
are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the
Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim
Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings.
The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering
like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Mandir, the other island palace
with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a
refuge for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile
following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir.
Overnight: Hotel in Udaipur (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 11: Udaipur
We start the day with a city tour, visiting City Palace, Jagdish
Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Seheliyon Ki Bari. This afternoon
we visit Crystal and Tea display at the Gallery Restaurant
after which we take a boat ride on lovely Lake Pichola. (B,
D)
Day 12: Udaipur / Kota (drive 7 hours)
We enjoy breakfast at our hotel and then set off for Kota.
In Chittorgarh we visit the Fort then continue on to Bijaipur
where we have lunch then continue on to Kota. En route we stop
in Bundi, for a visit to Palace.
Overnight: Hotel in Kota (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Kota / Ranthambore (drive 5 hours)
After breakfast we drive to Ranthambore where we wander through
the Park in an open jeep. On our journey we will see various
indigenous animals such as: nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara,
wild boar and TIGER! Other habitants of the Park include the
muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque
and the black-faced langur. About 150 species of bird are also
found here including migratory birds, like the steppe eagle,
that arrive in winter.
Overnight: Hotel In Ranthambore. (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 14: Ranthambore / Agra (drive 4 hours)
Our tour of Agra begins with the spectacular Taj Mahal, probably
the most well known World Heritage Site in the world. Built
by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz
Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved
and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort
followed by shopping in Agra town and bazaar. for replicas
of the Taj, handicrafts and various other curios that the descendants
of the builders of the Taj are famous for crafting. After an
early dinner we again visit the Taj Mahal under Full Moon.
The tour dates for this tour have been timed to coincide with
the Full Moon.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (1 night) (B, D)
Day 15: Agra / Delhi (Intercity (Road 4 hours)
Early morning we depart for Delhi in time to take a tour of
Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb – a world Heritage
site, Rajghat – the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated
and the majestic Red Fort – another of the wonderful
and aesthetic Moghul buildings built Shah Jehan, We end our
tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chowk, the street
of silver and goldsmiths
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Depart Delhi
After an inspiring tour of Rajasthan we bid farewell to India,
with our minds filled with lovely memories of amazing sights,
sounds end experiences. |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 09, Apr 06,
May 04, Jun 08, Jul 06, Aug 03, Sep 02, Oct 01 & 31,
Nov 28 & Dec 29
2009
Jan 27, Feb 25, Mar 30, Apr 26, May 25, Jun 24, Jul 24, Aug 21 & Sep 21
* all dates timed to reach Agra in the Full Moon period
|
| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| First
Class |
2750 |
850 |
| Superior |
3150 |
1090 |
| Deluxe |
3650 |
1425 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
- Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast,
L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Entrance Fees to museums and other sites:
- Elephant Ride at Amber fort, Jaipur
- Camel Ride at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
- Boat Ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village, Jodhpur
- Jeep safari at Ranthambhore National Park
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing
tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee
at the airport and railway station only
- Local English speaking guides at each destination
- All currently applicable taxes
|
- International
Airfare & Departure Taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Drinks/Beverages
with meals
- Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject
To Change) |
Udaipur / Delhi
|
|
City
|
First
Class
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
Delhi
(1 Night)
|
Hotel City
Park
(Superior Room) |
Jaypee
Siddharth
(Standard Room) |
Vasant
Continental
(Standard Room) |
Jaipur
(2 Nights)
|
Alsisar Haveli
(Standard Room) |
Park
Plaza
(Superior Room) |
Country
Inn Suites
(Standard Room) |
Mandawa
(1 Night)
|
Castle Mandawa
(Standard Room) |
Castle
Mandawa
(Standard Room) |
Castle
Mandawa
(Standard Room) |
Bikaner
(1 Night) |
Karni Bhawan Palace
(Regular Room) |
Lallgarh Palace
(Standard Room) |
Gajner Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Jaisalmer
(2 Nights) |
Rang Mahal Jaisalmer
(Standard Room) |
Gorbandh Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Fort Rajwada
(Standard Room) |
Jodhpur
(1 Night) |
Park Plaza
(Superior Room) |
Park Plaza
(Superior Room) |
Taj Hari Mahal
(Superior Room) |
Ranakpur
(1 Night) |
Fateh Bagh Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Fateh Bagh Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Fateh Bagh Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Udaipur
(2 Nights) |
Hilltop Palace
(Standard Room) |
Shikarbadi Hotel
(Deluxe Room) |
Shiv Niwas Palace
(Palace Room) |
Kota
(1 Night) |
Umed Bhawan Palace
(Exclusive) |
Umed Bhawan Palace
(Exclusive) |
Umed Bhawan Palace
(Exclusive) |
Ranthambore
(1 Night) |
Pugmark
(Cottage) |
Pugmark
(Cottage) |
Pugmark
(Cottage) |
Agra
(1 Night) |
Howard Park Plaza International |
Holiday Inn
(Deluxe Room) |
Jaypee Palace Hotel
(Standard Room) |
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1250 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1350 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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