Rajasthan First Time Traveler Sep 2024

Key features:

• Get the opportunity to experience a stay in a Palace or Mansion during the stay. Enjoy the world famous Rajputana Hospitality.
• Enjoy the tasty north Indian cuisine. We have given the liberty to our group members to consume meal as per consumption and their choice on a direct payment basis, we have only included breakfast.
• During the tour you will get a chance to interact with locals during Bishnoi jeep safari close to Jodhpur.

RAJASTHAN FIRST TIME TRAVELER 01st – 12th SEPTEMBER 2024

Day 01- 01^st September 2024  Sunday

Arrive Delhi by international flight.

On arrival at Delhi International airport after clearing immigration formalities, you will meet our representative in the arrival hall holding paging of your name. He will further assist you to your vehicle and then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours)

The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax and overcome jetlag.

Enjoy shopping here along with small eateries are there in the complex. Return to hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel. (No meals included on the arrival day)

Day 02- 02^nd September 2024  Monday           

Delhi

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast you will be proceed for combined full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. We start the tour from Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk this part of Delhi will take you in Old Mughal era, while walking through old lanes you can see big wooden carved antique doors, big havelis (mansion), narrow lanes and busy bustling life. You must taste lip smacking street food in Old Delhi market area. Then you will visit India’s largest Mosque “Jama Masjid” where at a time 25,000 can accommodate.

Post lunch visit New Delhi or Lutyens Delhi, beautifully designed by “Sir Edwin Lutyens”, drive pass India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Connaught Place. Later continue the sightseeing visiting, Humayun Tomb, the tomb was built in 1570 and was the first garden tomb made by Humayun’s son Akbar. It is Unesco world heritage site.

Conclude the sightseeing with the visit of “Qutub Minar”, the stunning red stone tower is 72.5 m high with 2.75m in diameter. It is also a UNESCO site.

Evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant. This is the time when group members introduce themselves with other group members and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 03- 03^rd September 2024  Tuesday       

Delhi – Agra (approx. 204 Kms/ 4-5 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Agra. The land of the Taj is not only famous for the biggest allure “Taj Mahal” but also legacy of Mughals which they had left behind. Their legacy can be seen in mausoleums, tombs and magnificent forts. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Later you will visit Red Fort, it is a UNESCO heritage site. It is a major tourist attraction from all over the world. The fort is built of red stone to make it the main residence of Mughals.

Evening arrives at Mehtab Bagh so that guests can enjoy the sunset there. Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of Yamuna opposite Taj Mahal. The garden complex is approximately 300 square meters and is in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The excavation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery; Baradaris or pavilion on the East and West; a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the Northern wall.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 04- 04^th September 2024  Wednesday 

Agra – Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

Early morning visits beautiful Taj Mahal, during sunrise the sunrays have a magical effect with marble surface. It changes its color which creates eternal beauty (Closed on Friday).

Return to hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast drive to Jaipur en-route visit Abhaneri Stepwell. It is one of the largest step wells in the world and one of the most beautiful ones. Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Chand Baori is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India Chand Baori one was built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well.

Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through. Today, the construction is not used as a well anymore, but its exquisite geometry attracts local and international visitors. About 64 feet deep, it is India’s largest and deepest stepwells with 13 floors and was built in the 9th century for water harvesting.

After visiting step well continue drive to Jaipur.  Jaipur is also known as pink city because of its wall color which are exclusively painted in pink color. This colorful city has chaotic streets, colorful auto rickshaws and lively culture. It is the gateway to Rajasthan vacation, here you can still see royal life, forts and Palaces reflecting glorious past.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening will be at leisure to relax or to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay hotel.

Day 05- 05^th September 2024  Thursday 

Jaipur

After early breakfast proceed to visit Amber Fort en-route stop at Hawa Mahal for clicking some pictures, it is a stunning 5 story building. It was built to enable royal ladies to see daily lives of the city or some function or procession as those days ladies had to cover their faces. Visit Amber Fort by shared jeep.

Afternoon visit City Palace (Royal residence) & observatory (Jantar Mantar).

Later visited the beautiful Jaipuri Mojri (Sandals) showroom. After seeing the fascinating design of traditional Jaipuri Sandals, we will visit a textile showroom showcasing amazing textile products like cushions, bedcovers, art objects etc. Here you can see carpet weaving and many craftsmen doing block printing preparing different awesome designs with different color themes.

Then we visit workshop of semi-precious and precious stone jewelry, how the craftsman are cutting and shaping the stones. Check out the amazing jewelry collections too. Later also visit silver jewelry showroom, stone showcasing modern, contemporary, and traditional jewelry designs.

Lunch at a local restaurant. (On a direct payment basis).

Later visit Blue Pottery shop in Jaipur is one of the well-known crafts of Jaipur. It was once a native craft of Persia that was brought to India by Mughals and later got patronized by Indian ruler (mostly Rajput).  This blue pottery technique is an imported one. It is a mix of Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. Blue pottery caught the local people’s interest, and many started learning this craft soon, most of the Kumbhar (pottery) families also shifted from working on red clay to blue pottery later, on a larger scale. Eventually blue pottery craft flourished in and around Jaipur. Blue pottery has made its mark among few other crafts.

Later visit making of Lac Bangles. Bangles are known by many different names across the country.  There is a high demand for lac bangles mostly during festivals and occasions in India. Even foreign people has started adorning these Lac bangles and are even exporting these bangles to foreign countries. Many tourists from foreign countries comes to India in search of Lac Bangles, stays in India for few months practicing this craft and after learning goes back to their countries to produce lac bangles. Jaipur is recognized as a chief center of art and crafts in India.

Evening you will visit bustling yet colorful market showcasing beautiful handicraft, Rajasthan jewelry and shoes. You can get your hand painted with traditional Indian design of henna.

Overnight stay hotel.

Day 06- 06^th September 2024  Friday

Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel

This day will be free for independent activities and to relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07- 07^th September 2024  Saturday           

Jaipur – Pushkar (approx. 140 Kms/ 4 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is a favored destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510 meters, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Later in the afternoon visit Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple.

Pushkar Lake: According to Hindu scriptures, the sacred Pushkar Lake is described as ‘Tirtha Raj’, the king of all pilgrimage sites. No pilgrimage is complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Semi-circular in shape and about 8-10 metres deep, Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is truly a magnificent sight to behold.

Brahma Lake: Nestled in the picturesque Pushkar valley beyond the Nangaparvat and Anasagar Lake, the Brahma temple holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. It is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Built with marble and decorated with silver coins, this temple can be identified by its red spire and the image of a swan (considered sacred to Lord Brahma). The chaturmukhi (four faced) idol of Lord Brahma is housed in the inner sanctum. A marble statue of the sun god stands sentinel at the temple. Interestingly, while all the gods are shown bare footed, Surya is shown wearing ancient warrior’s boots.

Evening will be at leisure to relax or to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 08- 08^th September 2024  Sunday

Pushkar – Jodhpur (approx. 200 Kms/ 4.5 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is another famous tourist destination, also known as The Blue city because of its buildings painted in blue color. The massive Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most massive and signature forts of Rajasthan.

On arrival check in at the hotel. After lunch and some relaxation, you will explore the market area of Jodhpur. (Lunch will be on a direct payment basis).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09- 09^th September 2024  Monday

Jodhpur

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast enjoy jeep safari at Bishnoi village where you will explore this village by jeep. Bishnoi Community has a firm believer in nature, and they protect animals and trees. Here you will get a chance to interact with villagers and learn about their daily life.

Afternoon return to Jodhpur city. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis.

Later proceed for city sightseeing visit Massive Mehrangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada,one of most famous and massive Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada. Mehrangarh Fort: Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline is the Mehrangarh Fort. This historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite, latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.

Jaswant Thada: This milky white memorial built towards the end of the 19th century as a tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh is a huge tourist attraction. Jaswant Singh, who ruled Jodhpur, invested well in his state. He made attempts to bring down the level of crime, subdue dacoits, build railways and broadly worked on raising the economy of Marwar. Jaswant Thada is managed and looked after by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT) and is open to the public.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10- 10^th September 2024  Tuesday       

Jodhpur – Udaipur (approx. 6 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur Temples. It is built in 15^th century; it is one of biggest temple Jain temple Complexes India. It is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple has 18 domes and 1444 marble pillars, and each pillar is artistically carved.

Later continued to drive to Udaipur. Udaipur, also known as city of Lakes or Venice of the east. This romantic city is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. Beautiful Palace, mountain, lakes, history and culture make this city more beautiful and interesting. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Evening will be at leisure to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11- 11^th September 2024  Wednesday   

Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning, take a tour of the city visiting the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirrorwork, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Later visit mid-17th century-built Jagdish Temple in the old town, famous for the remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu.

Continue the visit to the Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens), a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains.

Afternoon, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewelry shops, utensil shops, jiggery shops, silver market, and local meat & food shops.

Towards the evening, enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 12- 12^th September 2024  Thursday

Udaipur – Delhi by flight

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport to connect flight for onward destination.

End of our services (No accommodation on this day included).

Hotel envisaged:

11 Nights staying in a 4-star & heritage hotel.

Breakfast & 01dinner in Delhi & 01 dinner in Pushkar are included on fixed menu basis.

Seat in coach basis included.

English speaking accompanied guide service is included.

Secure your seat by depositing USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.

Since this tour involve air-travel from Udaipur to Delhi hence we would be requiring airfare amount in -order to issue air-ticket well in advance. The air fare will be refundable in-lieu of cancellation as per respective airline policy after deducting our handling charges. (WE WOULD REQUIRE AIR FARE AMOUNT 3 MONTHS PRIOR THE TOUR STARTING DATE).

We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.

Cost includes:

• Accommodation for 11 nights based on above mentioned hotels on DOUBLE/TWIN sharing basis.
• Meals are included as follows:
• Breakfast is included at all the hotels at hotel’s coffee shop on buffet basis.

(Please note that on the arrival day breakfast & dinner is not included)

• 2^nd Day dinner is included at Delhi’s local restaurant of fixed menu basis.
• All transportation i.e. airport transfers, sightseeing and interstate drives will be done using following vehicles:
• 06 pax-using tempo traveller (minivan).
• 7- 12 pax Mini coach. (18seater-mini coach)
• Separate arrival transfer service is included.
• We have envisaged the services of English-speaking accompanied guide from Delhi till Udaipur.
• We have included 01-time entrance fee as per the itinerary.
• Bottled water and wet tissue throughout in the vehicle.
• All currently applicable taxes. (5% Goods & Service Tax)

Cost Does Not Include:

• International airfare
• Domestic airfare or Internal flights
• Visa charges
• Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips.
• Any expenses of personal nature & Insurance of any kind.
• Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Any item not specified under ‘cost includes’.
• Any bank charges during transferring the payment.

Special Notes

• The flight timings and FARES are subject to change at the time of issuance.
• The check-in time at hotel is 1400 hrs and check-out time is 1200 noon. Incase if you have flight arriving or departing during midnight, we suggest the book room for pre-night/late check-out to avoid any inconvenience.
• The vehicle will be as per the itinerary only and not available during leisure time and strictly as per the itinerary.
• The hotels mentioned are indicative and will be booked only once we get go ahead from your end. The rooms will be subject to availability.
• Incase if any of the guest/s are allergic to any food or have any dietary restrictions, we request you to please advise in advance to update hotels/restaurants accordingly.

Visa process:

• Now you can obtain e-visa online for India. The details and process are available on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Please check the eligibility and apply for Visa accordingly.

Booking terms

• At the time of booking USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.
• In case of internal flight ticket is involved we would require air-fare amount to issue the
• ticket well in advance.
• We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.
• In case of air tickets involved, we need payment to issue the tickets as ticket always issue in advance.

Cancellation terms:

• 49 days prior to arrival in India: 10% of total billing
• 30 days prior to arrival in India: 50% of total billing

10-15 days or less prior to arrival in India: No refund

Flight ticket cancellation:

• 30 days prior to arrival in India: internal/international flights (if issued non-refundable ticket), will refund as per airline policy after deducting our handling charges.

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before leaving for the holidays.