Bikaner

Duration - 14 Days / 13 Nights
Places to See - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rawalanarlai - Ranakpur - Kumbalgarh - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Delhi

BIKANER- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.

Bikaner's history dates back to 1488 AD when a Rajput prince Rao Bika ji a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD)., Rao Jodha Ji established his kingdom here. Bika Ji chose a barren land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name. Archeological surveys and excavations have established beyond doubt that civilization flourished here even before the Harappa period . Excavated statues, coins and carvings of stones and clay stands as testimony to this fact.

Ever since the foundation of Bikaner till its accession into Indian Union in 1947 A.D. and there after it's integration in Rajasthan state in 30-3-1949 A.D., Bikaner has played a notable role in the history of the country. Bikaner state has produced several able Generals and warriors and distinguished Rulers and just to name of few Raja Rai Singh Ji-One of Akbar's most distinguished Generals. Another famous name is Raja Anup Singh who ascended the throne in AD 1669 a scholar and warrior. His period has been described as "the golden time of Bikaner valor and fame".

Rajasthan is a land which can fill pages and pages of history with its tales of Chivalry and valour. Its a colourful land rich in arts & crafts and architectural marvels of ancient and medieval times. Rajasthan is perhaps one of the most popular destinations today for both Indian and foreign tourists.


Day 01: DELHI
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and transfer to Hotel. Day at leisure in Delhi. Option to visit the sight seeing spots of Delhi after lunch.

Day 02: DELHI - AGRA
Drive in the morning to Agra and check in at Hotel. No trip to India can be complete without seeing Taj Mahal, the beautiful testimony to true love. Spend some time at the monument of love, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Also visit the Agra Fort which offers a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Yamuna River. Overnight Hotel.

Day 03: AGRA - JAIPUR
After Breakfast drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned ghost capital of Emperor Akbar. This exquisite city with forts, palaces, and mosques was abandoned due to lack of water. After lunch drive to Jaipur, check in the Hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 04: JAIPUR
Morning excursion to Amber fort where you can take an elephant ride to the mighty fort. The palace complex rising from the placid Maota Lake is approached through a steep path. Later explore the colourful by-lanes of Jaipur city. Evening at leisure amidst the villagers performing and singing in the village atmosphere of Rajasthani folklore with local dances & Traditional Rajasthani food at Chauki Ki Dhani.

Day 05: JAIPUR - MANDAWA
Today we will visit the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. This semi-arid region has a fascination uniquely its own. Its famous for its plethora of painted Havelis with interesting frescoes. There is much to explore in this region. The unique architectural style of the Havelis or Mansions, painted in vivid shades of Indigo, Maroon, Yellow and Green leads to the charm of this colourful area. Overnight at Mandawa Castle.

Day 6: MANDAWA - BIKANER
Morning drive to Bikaner arriving by lunch and check in the Palace hotel. Afternoon visit Junagarh fort, where beyond the massive walls, rise picturesque pavilions, delicate ornamental balconies, and windows in hundred different designs. Also visit the Ganga golden jubilee museum, which has a good collection of terra-cotta pottery, some dating back more than 5000 yr., and centuries old miniature paintings. Bikaner stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. The royal fortified city has a timeless appeal as it retains its medieval aura in this modern age. This is Camel country. Bikaner is renowned for some of the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an integral part of life here - pulling heavy carts, transporting grains and working on wells. Bikaner was a bustling trade centre in yesteryears on account of its strategic positioning on the caravan routes that came from Africa and west Asia. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 0:7 BIKANER - JAISALMER
Morning drive to Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar desert, arriving by lunch check in the hotel. Spend the evening exploring the fortress town. Walk in the streets leading to the Jain temples and Havelis, with exquisite stone carvings in honey yellow stone. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 08: JAISALMER - SAM
No trip to the desert can ever be complete without a trip to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam. The sheer magic of the golden sand dunes is a delight. Join an exciting camel safari to get the real feel of the desert. A Cultural program in the evening will add to the magic of the wind caressed dunes. O/Nt Deluxe camps at Sam sand dunes.

Day 09: SAM - JAISALMER - JODHPUR
Today we will go to the third city in the Golden desert triangle, Jodhpur. 58 kms before Jodhpur, in a deserted valley stand the temples of Osian. The ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples date back from 8th to 11th century. Each one is spectacular in its originality of composition and sculptural elegance, the most unique being the Jain Mahavir Temple. Arrive Jodhpur in the evening and check into hotel.

Day 09: JODHPUR
The imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity and valour. The monuments and temples of Jodhpur depict a multifaceted grandeur. The massive Meherangarh fort looms on top of a rocky hill on the western edge of the city. This city is truly a gateway to the wonderful sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees and the emptiness of the desert. Take a tour of Meherangarh fort and the Grand Ummaid Bhawan palace Hotel. Overnight Hotel.

Day 11: JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - KUMBALGARH.
Morning drive brings you to the most celebrated Jain temples, marvellously carved in Amber stone at Ranakpur. The main temple built in 1439 boasts of 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars and is quite exceptional. Though they date back to the 15th Century, the temples are superbly preserved in a near perfect condition. Ranakpur is one of the five Holy places of the Jain Community. Later on drive to Kumbalgarh and take an excursion to the many palaces and temples that lie in the walls surrounding the fort.

Day 12: KUMBALGARH - UDAIPUR
Drive to Udaipur (2Hrs) and check in the hotel. Udaipur is a lovely city around the azure water lakes, nestled in a valley among the lush hills of the Aravalli range. In dramatic contrast to the desert-scape of most of Rajasthan it presents an enchanting picture of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and beautiful gardens. It is set on the edge of three lakes, most notable being Lake Pichhola with the exquisite lake palace shimmering like jewels adding to the magnificence. Afternoon visit the City palace, Jagdish temples and the garden of the maids. Evening enjoy a boat ride at lake Pichola at Sunset. Overnight Hotel.

Day 13: UDAIPUR - CHITTORGARH - BIJAIPUR
Morning drive to Chittorgarh, housing one of the oldest and most stunning forts in the whole of Rajasthan. It was the former capital of Mewar. The romantic remains of the temples, palaces and towers date back from the 7th to the 15th century. Option to drive back to Udaipur or overnight stay at the Castle Bijaipur (45 minutes drive), situated atop the Vindhyachal hills. Evening view local tribal folk songs and Dances.

Day 14: UDAIPUR - DELHI
Morning transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi. Afternoon at leisure in Delhi to visit the markets. Late evening transfer to Airport for onward flight.

OPTIONS & EXTENSIONS:

CAMEL SAFARI IN THE DESERT.
JEEP SAFARI IN THE DESERT
EXTENSION TOURS OF THE MOUNT ABU OR AURANGABAD (Ajanta/Ellora Caves) from Udaipur.
VISIT TO BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY/SARISKA/RANTHAMBOR.
EXTENSION OF TRIP TO GUJARAT (7 DAYS)

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