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Jodhpur

Duration - 12 Days / 11 Nights
Places to See - Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Kota - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Rajasthan, the land embellished with infinite imprints of colour and chivalry, harmonious life and lingering music, harmony and hospitality, palaces and pristine nature; has been extending an invigorating invitation to the world, since time immemorial.

Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, iluminate the Thar, enriching the desert with enterpreneurship, scholarship and art.

According to Rathore tradition, the clan traces its origins back to the Hindu god, Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana, and thence to the sun. So the Rathore's belong to the Suryavansha (solar race) branch of the Kshatriyas, the warrior caste of Hindus. Later, breaking into historical reality, in 470 A.D. Nayal Pal conquered the kingdom of Kanauj, near modern Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Rathor capital for seven centuries, Kanauj fell in 1193 to the Afghan invader's led by Muhammad Ghori.
The fleeing ruler, Jai Chand was drowned in the Ganga. But his son Siyaji, had better luck. An expedient marriage alliance between the Rathore Sihaji and the sister of a local prince enabled the Rathors to consolidate themselves in this region. In fact, they prospered to such a degree that they managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, nine km to the north of present day Jodhpur.He later set himself up as an independent ruler around the wealthy trading centre of Pali, just south of Jodhpur. His descendants flourished, battled often, won often, and in 1381 Rao Chanda ousted the Parihars from Mandore which then became the Rathore seat of government.Rathore fortunes then turned for better. Rao Chanda's son and heir, Rainmal, won praise for his capture of Ajmer and was then entrusted with the care of his orphaned nephew, destined to inherit the Mewar throne of Chittor. Rainmal may well have had his eyes on this fine, hilltop fort. But court intrigue and treachery stopped him. In 1438 he was doped with opium, and finally shot dead. This triggered bitter feuds, ending with Mewar and Marwar becoming separate states.Rathore legend continues in various versions. One is that Jodha, one of Rainmal's 24 sons, fled Chittor and finally, 15 years later, recaptured Mandore in 1453. Five years later he was acknowledged as ruler. A holy man sensibly advised him to move his capital to hilltop safety.

DAY 01 - DELHI/ MANDAWA (242 kms. 6 hrs. approx.)
Morning drive to Mandawa, heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known for its frescoed havelis. Driving in a south-westerly direction form Delhi one immediately leaves behind the urban environs of the capital of India and gets the glimpses of the country side. Stopping midway at Peer Mal Ki Haveli. On arrival in Mandawa check into your hotel. In the afternoon visit the Havelis notable among them being the Chokani, Ladia and the Saraf Havelis. Overnight at hotel. (Dinner included)

DAY 02 - MANDAWA/ BIKANER (164 kms. 4 hrs. approx.)
After an early breakfast start the drive at 0700 hours to Bikaner, which is in true desert country, and part of the ancient caravan route that came from west and central Asia. After traversing this part of the Thar desert stopping at Ratangarh for lunch, one arrives at the fortified city of Bikaner. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon a city tour of Junagarh Fort and the City Palace. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

DAY 03 - BIKANER/ JAISALMER (353 kms. 8 hrs. 30 min. approx.)
Depart at 0700 hours after an early breakfast for Jaisalmer the 12th century inhabited fort city. This fort city built by Rawal Jaisal has exquisite stone work in typical yellow sandstone. This drive also gives you a glimpse of typical desertic lifestyle with little thatched hutments, camels and sand dunes strewn from horizon to horizon. Upon arrival check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or take an evening walk towards the chattris and watch the sun set on the golden fort. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 04-JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is well known for weaving, embroidery, silver jewelry and its colorful bazaars. The fort has some of the most intricately carved havelis such as the Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli and beautiful Jain temples. In the afternoon take a drive to the sand dunes of Sam and watch the spectacular sun set. One has the option to take a short camel ride. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 05-JAISALMER/ JODHPUR (300 kms. 8 hrs. approx.)
This morning after breakfast leave Jaisalmer at 0700 hours, stopping midway at Pokhran you arrive at Jodhpur -the blue hued city of the Rathore Rajputs, overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh fort. Jodhpur the former capital of the Mewar State was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. In the late afternoon visit the Mehrangarh fort its ramparts. Return to the hotel for an early dinner. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 06-JODHPUR/ UDAIPUR (260 kms. 7 hrs. approx.)
An early start from Jodhpur takes you to Udaipur the enchanting city of dawn and the lake side capital of Mewar. Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temples which are well preserved and in near perfect condition. The most distinctive feature of the shrine dedicated to Adinath are the 29 halls of the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike. After lunch at Maharani Orchard, continue drive to Udaipur. Check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

DAY 07 - UDAIPUR
The highlights of an excursion to Udaipur city involves a visit to the City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari - Garden of the maids of honour, Jagdish Temple and museum of folkart. In the evening one has the option to take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola. Return to the hotel for dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 08-UDAIPUR/ KOTA (285 kms. 8 hrs. approx.)
Leave Udaipur for Kota via Chittorgarh the most romantic name in Rajasthan, where the famous Rajput beauty Rani Padmini enamoured the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, upon seeing her reflection on a mirror. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort believed to have been built by the Mauryan rulers in the 7th century AD. Arrive at Kota - a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization - an impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams, while an old palace of the Hada Rajputs overlooks the turbulent Chambal river. Overnight at your hotel in Kota. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 09 - KOTA/ JAIPUR (242 kms. 7 hrs. approx.)
Depart Kota via Bundi to the capital city of Jaipur. Enroute visit Bundi Fortress of medieval times standing sentinel to the city. Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings and murals. Arrive Jaipur check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 10 - JAIPUR
Jaipur is part of the exciting Indian Trail. It is here that the seekers of India experience their fantasy of a voyage of discovery. Jaipur is an exuberance of color, dance and song with the traditional arts and crafts. Known as the 'Pink City' is one of India's most well planned cities with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. In the morning visit the impressive Amber Fort, the former capital of the Royal Family of Jaipur, taking an elephant ride to the top of the fort. In the afternoon visit the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 11 - JAIPUR/ AGRA (232 kms. 5 hrs. 30 mins. approx.)
Depart Jaipur the land of the Rajputs to the Mughal splendour of Agra, enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri the ghost city 35 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Drive on to Agra and check-in to the hotel. Later visit the incomparable Taj Mahal. This monument a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles is one ofthe wonders of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete this poem in white marble. In the afternoon visit the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. It was here that Aurangzeb the third son of Shah Jahan kept his father under house arrest. One can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Fort. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

DAY 12 - AGRA/ DELHI (201 kms. 4 hrs. approx.)
Morning free. Drive to Delhi in time to connect your flight for onward destination. (Breakfast included)