Swastik India Journeys

Heritage Tour of India

Jaipur 1 week

Day 01 : Delhi

Arrive Delhi . On arrival check in at hotel . The capital of India was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times, and virtually carries in its bosom the history of 07 cities. The present New Delhi was designed by Edwin Lutyens, and its main architect was Herbert Baker. In 1911 the capital of the British Raj was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi. Today it is the seat of power of the country and a major Gateway to the country for the tourists.Old Delhi visit Raj Ghat which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, This is Mahatma Gandhi‚Äôs Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words ‚ÄúHey Ram‚Äù. Red Fort (closed on Monday) the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India‚Äôs largest mosque where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer at one time.New Delhi visit Humayun‚Äôs Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutab Minar, the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Drive Pass) once the Viceroy‚Äôs residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chhattris ‚ÄúHindu‚Äù and the graceful colonnades very ‚ÄúBritish‚Äù. It has 340 rooms. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, glows the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame commemorating Indian armed forces‚Äô losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi ‚Äì Jaipur via Neemrana

After Breakfast , drive to Jaipur renowned as the Pink City . Enroute we will be visiting & having Lunch at the Neemrana fort Palace . Built since 1464, Neemrana Fort-Palace became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who had fled Delhi in 1192 after he was vanquished in battle by Muhammad Ghori. Neemrana‚Äôs rulers, proud of lineage, continued to assert themselves, even under the British, as their kingdom suffered. Thus, their lands were clipped and given away to Alwar, Patiala, Nabha and others who entertained the viceroys of the Raj with shikar and Champagne breakfasts. The Chauhans would bow to none.

After Lunch Drive to Jaipur . On arrival check in at hotel .

Day 03 : Jaipur

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh - II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur was the first planned city in India.This town is also referred as Pink city for the colour of buildings in its wonderful old city. The city was painted pink to honour the visit of Prince Albert of England in 1882.After Brekfast Excursion to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Ride the colourfully painted elephants up the hill, admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces the recall the glory and wealth of Amber‚Äôs association with the Mughals.Visit the City Palace (still houses the erstwhile Royal family); Jantar Mantar ‚Äì the Royal Observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds, with 1043 windows) - built for the royal ladies to watch the activities on the market street below without being observed themselves. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 04 : Jaipur ‚Äì Jodhpur

After breakfast , Drive to Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City . Enroute we will be visiting & having Lunch at the Nimaj palace . Over the centuries the Thakurs of Nimaj refurbished the palace as per their likes which even today evokes a feeling of awe and reverence and the imposing gates remind you of the chivalrous days. The palace facade carved in red sand stone makes it a distinctive landmark in the architectural history of India. Many typical Indian Motifs and designs used here have to be seen to be believed which gives the palace a unique flavour.

As you enter 'Loha Pole' the towering gates and pass by the 'Dalwans' (country kin's sit-outs) the touch of royalty is instantly apparent. When you stop in the courtyard (chowk) even a casual glance will make you appreciate its distinctive architecture.

After Lunch , Drive to Jodhpur . On arrival at Jodhpur , check in at hotel .

Day 05 : Jodhpur ‚Äì Khimsar

Drive to Jodhpur via Pushkar . On arrival check in at hotel . Sightseeing of Jodhpur . Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates.Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujrat trading route and the marwaris benefited from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. Today We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort(majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble.

Then drive to Khimsar . On arrival check in at hotel . Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India lies this unique 16th century fort that offers experience after exhilarating experience. Hundreds of years of history unfold as you glance at its battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts. As you sip tea on the terraces you realize the beauty of being surrounded by acres of lush green gardens. A true rarity of any desert in the world!! Peacocks, parrots, pigeons and as many as forty-six varieties of birds greet you to add to the charm and splendour of this ancient fort.

Today, Khimsar Fort has been awarded the 'NATIONAL GRAND HERITAGE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE' (this being the highest recognition conferred upon any heritage property by the Department of Tourism, Government of India).Evening Enjoy the Village safari by Jeep .

Day 06 : Khimsar ‚Äì Nawalgarh

Today after breakfast , drive to Nawalgarh . Maharaja Nawal Singh (Songara Rajput) founded Nawalgarh in 1674 AD at the village site of Rohili, before abolition of Jagirs in Rajasthan. Many great business families of marwari community have their origins from Nawalgarh. Nawalgarh was a tazimi thikana of Jagmal Ji Ka Songara. Nawalgarh was encircled by the high Parkota (walls) consisting of four Pols (gates) in different directions, namely Agoona Darwaja, Bawadi Darwaja (literally - 'door near the well' in the north), Mandi Darwaja(literally - 'door near the market') and Nansa Darwaja. Each gate has iron doors. Bala Kila Fort is situated in the center of the Thikana, and Fatehgarh Fort is situated outside the Parkota as an Outpost. The market place of the town and layout of the havelis indicate that the original city was well-planned before construction. On arrival check in at hotel . Evening enjoy the Horse Safari of Nawalgarh visiting the old painted havelis .