INDIA'S MAGIC  DESERT

WELCOME TO INDIA - One Nation, countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that's ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience it. 


Highlights of the Tour:

Delhi    - Visit to Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Enjoy Rickshaw ride.
Agra - Visit to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy Tonga ride from hotel to the Taj Mahal.
Jaipur - Visit to Amer Fort with Elephant ride (one-way), City Palace and Hawa Maha.
Bikaner - Visit to Junagarh Fort and Camel breeding farm.
Jaisalmer - Visit to Jaisalmer Fort and Havelies, Enjoy Camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes.
Jodhpur - Visit to Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Udaipur - Visit to City Palace, Jagdish Temple and enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola.



DAY 1   Arrive Delhi   by International Flight. Reception upon arrival at the International airport and transfer to HOTEL.

Delhi -  Capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the  Parliament House and the Presidential Estate.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 2   DELHI. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India, built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past the Red Fort (Closed on Mondays) (1639-48), built by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Later proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. 

Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins with a drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) while we are on the way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This striking medieval tower of victory, built by the slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years. Continue your tour to visit the Humayun's Tomb. Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy's House) and Connaught Place, New Delhi's main shopping area.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 3     DELHI-AGRA. Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive from Delhi to Agra (203 kms/4.5 hours).

Agra - The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16^th and 17^th century, depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - "The Taj Mahal". Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City. On arrival check-in at: HOTEL

Afternoon, proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.   

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 4   AGRA-JAIPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, drive from Agra to Jaipur (221 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in 1570 and legend says that the Moghul Emperor Akbar was without a male heir because of which he made a barefoot pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son, and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who was later called by the title Jehangir.

Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies  hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18^th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore. Continue your drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 5    JAIPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the Palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.

Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing " Palace of Winds". This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.   (Please note - all monuments in Jaipur will be closed by 1630 hours).

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 6   JAIPUR-MANDAWA.  Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from  Jaipur to Mandawa (160 kms/4 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL

Afternoon visit Mandawa: In the semi-desert Shekhawati region lies Mandawa, a compact little town which, was settled in the 18^th century.  Fortified by the dominant merchant families, Mandawa houses some of the finest painted havelis in the region and the fort, dating back to 1760, dominates the town.  The most famous of the Havelis, is the Bansidhar Newalia Haveli built in 1910 which, has some curious paintings on its walls.  The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, built in 1870, is also one of the finest in the region & has some of superb murals.  Other attractions include the Harlalka Well in the western part of town and the Majisa  Ka Kuan  North of the Central bazaar.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 7      MANDAWA-BIKANER. Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Mandawa to Bikaner (190 kms/5 hours).

Bikaner: on the northern tip of the desert triangle stands the royal city of "Bikaner ". The genesis of this desert town dates back to 1486 A.D., when Rao Jodha's eldest son, Rao Bika set out of his father's kingdom to conquer a separate kingdom for himself. Once a major center of trade in the 16^th century situated on the ancient silk route, today Bikaner has retained much of its medieval aura. Unlike most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences are minimal here and the traditional life style endures in the old city surrounded by a high crenellated wall. On arrival check-in at: HOTEL

Afternoon, tour begins with a visit to the "Junagarh Fort" built between 1588 and 1593 built by Raja Jai Singh who was a general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & 2 entrances, and it is famous for the super quality of stone carvings. The tour also includes a visit to the fascinating "Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The huge silver gate and marble carvings donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh, lead you into the sea of swarming rodents who are considered auspicious. Devotees throng this temple to make offerings to the rats. Other places of interest include the famous camel - breeding farm just outside the town (closed on Sunday).

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 8           BIKANER-JAISALMER. Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 kms/6-7 hours).

Jaisalmer The magic of a golden fortress, centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trade route between India and central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill, straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights, a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area . Jaisalmer is truly a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the "Havelis" with delicately carved stone facades. On  arrival check-in at: HOTEL

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 9           JAISALMER. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. The tour begins from "The Jaisalmer Fort", built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the fort crowns 80 meter high on the Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars with in the fort walls, which has 99 bastions around the circumference.  Also visit the "Havelis", wealthy merchants built these exquisite havelis with profusely - carved stone facades. The famous ones are the Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Other attractions include Ganga Sagar Tank and Museum, once the water supply of city, housing many small temples and shrines. A wide variety of water birds flock here in winter.

In the afternoon, visit the Sam Sand Dunes. Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 10           JAISALMER-JODHPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308 kms/6 hours).

Jodhpur; Grandeur by the sand dunes, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the state of  Marwar during the rule of  the Rathor clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15^th century, all vividly testify to the history of the princely state.On arrival check-in at: HOTEL.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 11 JODHPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. The tour begins from " The Mehrangarh Fort ",this formidable hilltop fort is the one of the most impressive in Rajasthan . A series of gates lead into the Fort like "Jayapol", built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and the " Fatehpol" or "Victory Gate ", erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. The main gate is the "Lahapol", an iron gate besides which there are 15 hand prints which are the  "Sati Marks" of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort ,also visit the palaces Moti Mahal or "Pearl Palace", the Sukh Mahal or "Pleasure Palace" and the Phool Mahal or "Flower Palace". Continue the tour to visit the "Jaswant Thada", a marble cenotaph built in  1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Afternoon at leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 12           JODHPUR-UDAIPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur (259 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Ranakpur -Visit the famous Jain Temples dating back to the 15^th century, which is located some 90 kms from Udaipur. Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, none of which are alike. The temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures.  

Udaipur - This is Rajasthan's most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the "Venice of the East". Continue your drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 13           UDAIPUR. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning  proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum.

In the afternoon, enjoy a motor launch cruise 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.  You can also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - which is a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.


DAY 14           UDAIPUR-DELHI-ABROAD. Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Leave: Udaipur at 1535 hours and Arrive: Delhi at 1710 hours. Remain in transit to connect flight for onward destination. Leave Delhi by International Flight


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Price list for India's Magic Desert  

1. Summer (Validity - 01^st April till 30^th September 2011)

2. Winter (Validity - 01^st October 2011 till 31^st March 2012(except for Pushkar Period from 01^st till 15^th November, Christmas/ New Year Period)

Our Rates Includes the following specific services

• - 13 Nights accommodation in above mentioned hotels or similar on twin share basis as per meal plan mentioned above.
• - Arrival/departure transfers and sightseeing tour by Air-conditioned medium sized Indian made car.
• - Services of Local English speaking guide.
• - Cycle rickshaw ride in Delhi
• - 01 hour camel safari of Sand Dune
• - Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• - All applicable taxes on hotel and transport.
• - All entrance fee to monuments as per the itinerary.
• - Service of our representative for assistance at the airport on arrival/departure transfer as per the program.

Rates do not include the following services

• - Any extra meal other than that mentioned in the program.
• - Any airfare
• - Any expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks etc.
• - Any camera fee during the sightseeing.
• - Any Services which is not include in offer shall be extra

Important

• - The cost has been calculated on the existing tariff/conditions and any change in the cost or modifications in the tax structures will oblige us to revise the same.
• - This e- mail / fax is a proposal of itinerary/cost and not a confirmation of booking.
• - All reservations are subject to availability of accommodation/domestic air seats /train seats.
• - Additional services, if any during the trip have to be paid by the clients.

Responsibility

• - All arrangements for transportation, accommodation, transfers, sightseeing's will be made by ROIS TRAVELS and its correspondent as agent for the passenger upon the express condition that we shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident or irregularity which may be caused by any company or person employed in the operation of the tour.

NOTE

Please refer to our Tours & Activities list if you want to integrate, remove or substitute stuff in our program!

Check availability, prices and conditions and remember: all our packages can be fully personalized. Contact us for more information.