Encounters Travel

Rajasthan Explorer - 14 Days

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This 14 days tour of Rajasthan explores one of India's most popular and interesting states, famous for its hilltop forts, camel fairs and colourful saris and stays in some lovely heritage hotels converted from old havelis and palaces. We start the trip by exploring the contrasting sides to India's capital with tours of both New and Old Delhi, before boarding a southbound overnight sleeper train to the lakeside city of Udaipur one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities. Here, we'll visit its top attractions, such as the city palace, gardens and a boat trip on Lake Pichola. We'll also visit some less known temples at Eklingii and Nagda. We'll then head to Jodhpur to see the beautiful white marble Jain temples at Ranakpur. Jodhpur itself is a classic Rajasthani town, with a large fort dominating a hill overlooking the town, but it is especially famous for its blue painted houses and streets. On the agenda is also a visit to the lakeside town of Pushkar, the home to the only Brahman Temples on the planet. We'll also have the opportunity to explore the Rajasthan's capital of Jaipur, before heading to the remote rural village of Tordi where we have an enjoyable night staying in another converted palace. Our next stop is a visit to the world's largest stepwell in Abhaneri, before visiting the Keoladeo National Park, here we take a cycle rickshaw to the park to see the huge variety of birdlife the park is famous for. The Taj Mahal in Agra is our next highlight. This monument to love is a spectacular building with a tragically romantic story behind its construction. We'll visit it at sunrise, and also from opposite bank of the Yamuna River where we take a walk through farm fields and homesteads with a local village guide. We'll then return to Delhi to finish the tour, visiting the huge and impressive temple complex at Akshardham when we arrive, staying long enough to enjoy a spectacular water and light show just after sunset before returning to our hotel.

Highlights

Visit Old and New Delhi Visit Lakeside Udaipur Visit Ranakpur Jain temples Explore the Fort and blue streets of Jodhpur Visit Holy town of Pushkar Visit Pink city of Jaipur Visit Tordi Garh Visit Abhaneri step well Visit Keoladeo NP Visit Fatehpur Sikri Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise Visit Agra Fort

Itinerary

Day 1: Your Indian adventure starts in Delhi, hotel transfer included When you arrive in Delhi, one of our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, we’ll run through the itinerary for the next few days and arrange a time to collect you tomorrow. Days 2: Visiting Delhi's most popular sights We start with a morning tour of India's capital, New Delhi. Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, New Delhi is a city where ancient and modern seamlessly blend together. We'll visit the India Gate, a 42 metre high archway, built in remembrance of the 82,000 soldiers who participated in the undivided Indian Army. New Delhi is India's political hub as well, and we'll drive past many government buildings such as the President's Palace and the Parliament of India. We'll also pass Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the Bangla Sahab Gurudwara Sikh Temple. We'll then hop onto a metro train with the locals at Connaught Place Station as we make our way to Old Delhi. Here, we'll explore one of its oldest and busiest markets the Chandni Chowk, before exploring the Chawri Bazar, famous for its brass, copper and paper creations. We'll also be introduced to Old Delhi's unique street foods and delicacies, giving us a first taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Once our taste buds are sufficiently satisfied, we'll take a rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India. Finally we head to the train station to catch the overnight sleeper train to Udaipur. You'll see a lot of busy Delhi life through the windows as the train makes its way out of the city this evening. Days 3: Arrive in Udaipur, Eklingi and Nagda temple We arrive in Udaipur this morning, a city often dubbed as the 'Venice of the East', as it's set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. It was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia clan of Rajput, when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur. We'll start by making a stop for breakfast, before driving around 20km north of Udaipur to the early Mewar capital, Nagda, famous for an unusual temple that dates back to the 10th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it's made in two structures, one by a mother in law and another, by a daughter in law. We'll also visit the nearby temple complex of Eklingji, which is home to over 100 temples and very popular with Hindu pilgrims, though few tourists visit here. One of the most famous temples in Rajasthan, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and holds a striking four faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) made in black marble. The Shivlinga (phallic form of Lord Shiva) is here garlanded by a silver snake and is also given great attention. After visiting the temples we return to Udaipur and have lunch at Jodhpur Mishthan Bhandar in Udaipur's city centre, where we can try all sorts of unique Indian treats, such as Mirchi wada, Kachori, Samosa, Pakodi, Khaman (Gujarati food) and much more. Once we've had our fill of these delicious snacks, we’ll check into our hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring Udaipur yourselves. Days 4: A sightseeing tour of Udaipur Today is all about exploring Udaipur. We'll start with a visit to the City Palace, which was built over a period of 400 years and is one of Rajasthan's architectural marvels. Located on the edge of Lake Pichola the palace comprises an assortment of pavilions, terraces, courtyards, terraces and hanging gardens, encircled by granite and marble fortifications. We'll then make our way to the Saheliyon Ki Bari Gardens, famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains, before we head to Lake Pichola and board a boat ride to Jagmandir Island, which houses a palace built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620. At its entrance, you'll be met by massive stone elephants and the island has an ornate 17th century tower, the Gol Mahal, carved from bluestone. We'll also visit the Jagdish Temple, located just outside the Royal Palace, before taking a walk through the Old City. As the evening arrives, we’ll visit Bagore Ki Haveli, an ancient palace that has been converted into a museum on the waterfront of Lake Pichola, where we'll enjoy watching a traditional dancing and puppet show Days 5: Jain Temple and monkeys at Ranakpur We make our way towards Jodhpur today, the second largest city in Rajasthan, with a stop on the way to visit the spectacular white marble Chaturmukha Jain Temple there, the largest and most important temple in the Jain religion built in the 15th century to commemorate the first Tirthankara of Jainism Lord Adinath. We'll take an audio tour here, and also look out of the large population of monkeys that make the temple their home. Days 6: A walking tour of Jodhpur Our morning starts with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort one of the largest forts in India, standing on a perpendicular cliff, 410 metres above the city of Jodhpur. We'll also visit Jaswant Thada, a milky white marble cenotaph built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. We'll walk through the city, stopping to view the impressive Lord Krishna Temple a marvel of rich architectural skill and craftsmanship, meeting with the priest and his family, before visiting Ram Rasoda, a community kitchen that has been in use for centuries. We'll also visit the ancient temple of Jetha Bera, the deep step well of Toor ji ka Jhalra, said to be as old as the sixth century. It's an ancient well that often takes the shape of an inverted pyramid. For decades, the well sat filled with stagnant water, until the pool was recently purified and the steps were sandblasted. Our walk takes us through narrow winding streets, between the city's famous blue painted buildings to the grain, produce, silver, crafts and spice markets the streets around the clock tower. While we're walking, you can sample sweets such as Gulab jamun a milk based sweet and Mawa Kachori which is a fried puffed pastry stuffed with sweetened and flavoured khoya. Days 7: A Pushkar adventure Today, we'll go on a morning drive to the town of Pushkar, located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities and also one of the Hindu religion's 5 most sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites). It is set around Pushkar Lake, whose waters are considered holy and are surrounded by 52 stone staircases which pilgrims use to bathe. We'll arrive just in time for lunch, and once you've checked into your accommodation, we'll explore Pushkar Lake and its temples including a 14th century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation and its surroundings. If time, there's also the option to take a sunset walk up to the Savitri Temple nestled in the Ratnagiri Hills which offers sweeping lake and valley views. There's also a cable car available to reach the temple. Pushkar is also famous for its huge camel fair which takes place in October or November every year and one of our departure dates is timed to ensure we visit during the peak of the fair. Days 8: Onwards to the Pink City of Jaipur You have the option this morning to walk up to the Savitri Temple for sunrise and to watch how dawn breaks over the town. We'll then say our goodbyes to Pushkar, as we make our way to the pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. We'll stop to visit Amber Fort, the jewel in Jaipur's crown an ancient fortress built on a hilltop in the 16th century dedicated to the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber. It's a massive monument; with some saying it resembles the Great Wall of China. Days 9: Exploring the city of Jaipur You have some options today. You can either choose to go on an early morning hot air balloon over the Jaipur's palaces and forts, taking in the architectural beauty of the pink city, or sleep a little later, before heading out on a sightseeing tour. During the sightseeing tour, you'll head to the unique Jantar Mantar Monument, an astronomical observatory built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II between 1724 and 1730. You'll also visit the architecturally brilliant City Palace, built between 1729 to 1732 AD, which was once the seat of the King of Jaipur and the leader of the renowned Kachwaha Rajput clan. You'll have lunch, before exploring Jaipur's famous craft markets, where you can see craftsmen such as jewellers, silversmiths, textile workshops and bangle makers conjuring up some of the most unique creations. While you're here, we'll also stop at fruit, vegetable and spice markets. Days 10: Visiting the ancient village of Tordi Today, we'll head to the village of Tordi, situated in rural region of Rajasthan. Tordi was built in the 16th century by Th. Akhey Singh, a descendant of Khangar Singh who overthrew the regional chief and built a hilltop fortress. All that's left are ruins, which can still be seen today. The family still lives in the palace and fort built in the plains below, and we'll stay in a section of the palace which has been redesigned for guests. This afternoon, you'll explore the local village of Tordi, visiting a temple, a school and a potter's house before chatting to the locals, learning about their way of life here in rural Rajasthan. There are a few optional activities that can be arranged by the family at the palace, such as camel cart riding, a jeep safari to a 300 year old step well as well as a visit to a shepherds village. Other optional activities include watching the sunset at the Tordi Sagar Dam and the sand dunes, hiking to the 400 year old Tordi Fort for drinks and snacks at sunset or sunrise. Horse riding and henna hand art is also available. Days 11: The world's largest step well and a guided cycle rickshaw ride through the Keoladeo Ghana NP Say your final goodbyes to the village of Tordi as we make our way to Bharatpur to visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park one of the top places for birdwatching in India. You'll first visit the Abhaneri step well though, which is the largest of its kind on the entire planet. It has 3,500 steps and is 13 stories deep. You'll arrive at your accommodation for the day before heading out on a guided cycle rickshaw ride through Keoladeo, which was once a duck hunting reserve, but is now a sanctuary for over 360 species of birds and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keoladeo is a strategic location on the Central Asian migratory flyway, making it a vitally important location for wintering water birds, most notably the endangered Siberian crane and its huge heronry which in good years can host more than 20,000 nesting birds of various species. Apart from its diverse birdlife, the park is also home to wild boar, black buck, sambar, chital, mongoose, porcupine, several different wild cats, and some huge pythons. Days 12: Your first view of the Taj Mahal After being mesmerised by the unique wildlife of the Keoladeo National Park, we'll head to the city of Agra, famous for being the home of India's Taj Mahal. You'll head to your hotel and settle in, before spending the afternoon on the Mughal Heritage Walk through the through the ancient village of Kachhpura and surrounding farmland on the banks of the Yamuna River, which will give you your first view of the Red Fort and the impressive Taj Mahal Mausoleum. The Mughal Heritage Walk was designed by a local NGO who supports the local community with job opportunities and new infrastructure. One of the locals will give you a tour of the village, showing you their architecture, cooking and religious areas as well as how they farm. You'll also be introduced to the local cottage industry for leather shoe making which helps Agra export shoes all over the world. As the afternoon comes to an end, we’ll walk around the Mehtab Bagh Park, which is one of 11 parks built by Emperor Babur on the east banks of the Yamuna River, to take in the breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal at sunset. Tonight, you have an option to join a local Hindu family for a vegetarian cooking lesson and a tasty meal before settling in for the night. Days 13: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal and a visit to Agra Fort You had a glimpse of the Taj Mahal at sunset, now it's time to witness its majesty at sunrise. You'll head for an early morning tour of the Taj Mahal, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty two years to complete. Watch how the colours of the Taj Mahal changes as the light of the day gradually gets brighter. You'll have breakfast before we visit Agra Fort a towering complex which once served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, you'll head back to Delhi to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham a Hindu mandir and a spiritual cultural campus, home to millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture and architecture to witness the mesmerizing Sahaj Anand water show which makes use of multicoloured lasers, underwater flames, video projection, water jets combine to provide a captivating experience which tells the story of Kena Upanishad a Vedic Sanskrit text. Days 14: Time to say goodbye You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home. Some half day tour options are available this morning if you have a late flight departure, and extensions to the tour are also available

Includes

13 nights accommodation: Almondz Hotel at Delhi (1 night), Mahendra Prakash at Udaipur (2 nights), Mohan Niwas Homestay at Jodhpur (2 nights), Gulaab Niwaas Palace at Pushkar (1 night),Khandela Haveli at Jaipur (2 nights), Tordi Garh at Tordi (1 night), Kadamb Kunj at Bharatpur (1 night), Seven Hills Tower Hotel at Agra (2 nights),Sleeper train from Delhi to Udaipur (1 night) 13 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner 24 hours airport arrival and departure transfer, train, private vehicle Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary Services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides