Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan
SIC Group Tour
Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan
* Tour Starts @ New Delhi on 29 Oct, 2016 *
Tour Route: Delhi (2) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bijaynagar (1) – Rohet (2) / Jodhpur – Rawla Narlai (2) – Udaipur (2) – Pushkar (2) – Shahpura (1) - Delhi / Departure
Tour Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
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www.traveliteindia.com | www.miceinindia.com | www.soulmantrajourneys.com
Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan
SIC Group Tour
29 Oct (Sat) Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be met by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Ø Airport Arrival Transfers will be provided for all flights arriving between 10:00am Sat, 29 Oct – 07:00am on Sun, 30 Oct.
Ø Hotel Check in time: 14:00Hrs onwards
Ø Services included on Day 01 are airport arrival transfer and hotel accommodation. For any other services, separate booking will be required and supplement charge will apply
30 Oct (Sun) Day in Delhi [B / L / D]
Today in Delhi we will visit the famous Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and India’s tallest brick minaret. Built in the early 13th century, the minaret is 72.5m high, and is surrounded by structures of archaeological significance such as funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam.
Return back to your hotel in the afternoon. This evening enjoy Diwali celebration at your hotel.
CELEBRATE DIWALI AT COLONEL’s RETREAT
Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated all over India. The celebrations involve lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil signifying the triumph of good over evil. To celebrate the festival, people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Believing in good luck and fortune associated with the auspicious festival of Diwali, most Indian business communities choose to begin the financial year on the day of Diwali.
Tonight we celebrate Diwali at the beautifully lit up Colonel’s Retreat. Our evening commences with Lakshmi Puja Ceremony worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. A traditional puja ceremony involves lighting of oil lamps to light the path of the Goddess to your home, offering food to the Goddess and chanting holy hymns.
Enjoy the evening with Diwali dinner followed by glittering fireworks dazzling the skyline.
31 Oct (Mon) Delhi to Agra [205 Kms / 4 Hrs] [B / L]
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Later this afternoon, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Option to watch a live theatre performance: This evening, you have the option to watch a live theatre performance, introducing you to the story of the Taj Mahal. Watch the spectacular performance - “Mohabbat the Taj – The saga of love”, staging the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, and presenting the legend of love that created this magnificent mausoleum (at extra charge and subject to operation of show)
01 Nov (Tue) Agra to Jaipur [240 Kms / 5.5 Hrs] [B / L]
Today visit the Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.
This afternoon, embark on your drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
02 Nov (Wed) Day in Jaipur [B / L]
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.
This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Culture Connection:
Option for Hot Air Balloon Flight & Village Safari: Early morning, you have the option to enjoy a hot air balloon flight over the pink city of Jaipur, giving you the opportunity to float above forts and palaces and village settlements beneath. (at supplement charge and subject to operation).
Option for Elephant Safari with Breakfast: Early morning, embark on a short drive to Dera Amer for a fascinating elephant safari, followed by a scrumptious breakfast at Dera Amer(at supplement charge).
Option for Home Hosted Dinner: This evening you have the option to learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking (at extra charge)
03 Nov (Thu) Jaipur to Bijaynagar [190 Kms / 3.5 Hrs] [B / D]
After breakfast embark on a drive to Bijaynagar, a quaint little town in Rajasthan.
This afternoon we take a cycle / bullock cart tour of the nearby village to explore the surrounds of Bijaynagar. You get an opportunity to stop and interact with local villages, take pictures and observe their way of life.
Spend a relaxing evening at Bijay Niwas Palace, a charming and romantic heritage hotel hidden amidst vast private farmlands and orchards. The palace is set over 50 acres of orchard and is a majestic heritage retreat.
Tonight we enjoy a Bar-be-que dinner al-fresco in this ‘middle of nowhere’ heritage retreat. Entertainment with dinner includes a special ‘Ghoomer’ dance performance, popular in this region of Rajasthan.
Overnight stay at hotel.
04 Nov (Fri) Drive Bijaynagar – Rohet [200 Kms / 4 Hrs] [B / L]
After breakfast embark on your drive to Rohetgarh. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.
Set in the midst of rural surroundings, Rohet Garh is a haven of peace and tranquility. Over the course of years it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest Heritage hotels of India. Sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis in the middle of nowhere.
Later this afternoon, experience an offroad jeep safari to the nearby villages, to get a feel for the local lifestyle of Rajasthani villagers. Observe the local lifestyle and interact with villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region, alongside enjoying an offroad experience through the dunes of Rajasthan.
05 Nov (Sat): Day in Rohet / Explore Jodhpur [B / L]
This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D.
In Jodhpur, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - MotiMahal, Sheesh Mahal, PhoolMahal, SilehKhanaand DaulatKhana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the JaswantThada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silver ware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Return back to Rohet in the afternoon with time free at leisure. You also have option to spend rest of the day exploring the remote village of Rohet and its surrounds. You may opt for any of the following optional activities (supplement charge applies) * Marwari horse safari * cycling tour * culinary delights * bird watching * angling
06 Nov (Sun): Drive Rohet – Rawla Narlai [110 Kms / 3 Hrs] [B / D]
After a leisurely breakfast set off on your drive to Narlai, an authentic village in the remote regions of Rajasthan.
Upon arriving, check in at Rawla Narlai for 2 nights stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure relaxing at the hotel and enjoying evening entertainment with dinner.
07 Nov (Mon): Day in Rawla Narlai [B / D]
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the remote village of Rawla Narlai and its surroundings. You may opt for any of the following optional activities (supplement charge applies) * Countryside Safari * Horse safari * Leopard Sighting Safari * Elephant Hill Walk * Visit Cave Temple * Trekking * Train Safari * Enjoy the famous Stepwell dinner * Relax at the Spa
08 Nov (Tue): Drive Rawla Narlai – Udaipur [220 Kms / 4 Hrs] [B / L]
This morning, drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, FatehSagar and UdaiSagar.
En route to Udaipur, visit the 15th century, Ranakpur temples, one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their beautiful architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures.
Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Option for boat cruise at Lake Pichola, Udaipur: Enjoy an evening boat cruise at the serene Lake Pichola (at extra charge and subject to water level)
09 Nov (Wed): Day in Udaipur [B / L ]
Today, visit the 16th century City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan comprising residence of the current Maharaja, heritage hotels, museums and galleries, courtyards and reception halls where royal events take place even today; Jagdish Temple, the 17th century Indo Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe; Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honour, with beautiful green lawns, flower beds, water pools, marble elephants and bird fountains;
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Option for excursion to Eklingji Temple: This afternoon, you have the option to visit the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur. (at extra charge)
10 Nov (Thu): Drive Udaipur - Pushkar [275 Kms / 6 Hrs] [B / L /D]
After breakfast, embark on a drive towards Pushkar, the land of camel fairs in the heart of Rajasthan. Famous for the annual cattle and camel fair in November, Pushkar is also one of the holiest cities of India, being one of the 5 sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for Hindu devotees.
Upon arrival in Pushkar, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, mingling with saadhu’s (holy men in their orange attires), visiting the holy Pushkar Lake and the various temples in the region. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, creator of the universe.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.
11 Nov (Fri): Day in Pushkar [B / L /D]
PUSHKAR FESTIVAL
After breakfast, enjoy your day at the Pushkar fair. Spend the day walking through the traditional decorated fair grounds, viewing (and participating!) in various activities, like folk dance and music, camel races, cattle auctions, village handicraft shops, traditional food eateries and more. This is your time to experience the local lifestyle and mingle with the tribes of the deserts to learn more about life in this part of the world.
12 Nov (Sat): Drive Pushkar to Shahpura [210 Kms / 4 Hrs] [B / L]
After breakfast embark on your drive to the village of Shahpura, to stay at a nobleman’s mansion now converted into a small heritage hotel located in the midst of Shahpura village.
Upon arrival check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
This afternoon, take a walk through the village seeing the village houses, local bazaars and the traditional bawdi (step well). Also visit the local temple, the house of faith for local people of Shahpura.
13 Nov (Sun): Drive Shahpura – Delhi [185 Kms / 4 Hrs] [B / L]
After an early breakfast embark on your drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj.
This afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold dome, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the first world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi
This evening, you will be transferred to the airport, to catch your flight back home.
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www.traveliteindia.com | www.miceinindia.com | www.soulmantrajourneys.com
Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan
SIC Group Tour
TOUR QUOTATION
Commissionable Price in USD Per Person, Twin Share
Tour PricePer Person Twin Share / USD 2,245 [Half Board]
* Includes Diwali Celebration & Dinner in Delhi
+ visit to Pushkar Festival & all meals in Pushkar *
Monument Entrance Fees / USD 120 per person
Single Room Supplement / USD 1,125 per room
* Bookings Close on 01 Oct 2016 *
SUGGESTED HOTELS
City / 4* & Heritage Hotels / Room Category / Number of nightsDelhi / Colonel’s Retreat / Standard Room / 2
Agra / Four Points by Sheraton / Superior City View / 1
Jaipur / Country Inn & Suites / Deluxe Room / 2
Bijainagar / Bijay Niwas Palace / Deluxe Room / 1
Rohet / Rohet Garh / Super Deluxe / 2
Rawla Narlai / Rawla Narlai / Classic Heritage / 2
Udaipur / Udai Kothi / Deluxe Room / 2
Pushkar / The Green House / Superior Tent / 2
Shahpura / Shahpura Haveli / Suite Room / 1
Note: Above mentioned hotels or similar shall be provided, subject to availability