RAJASTHAN CLASSIC

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07 DAYS / 06 NIGHTS

01st Feb 2017/ Wednesday: Jaipur –Bikaner

This morning, proceed for your drive to Bikaner (334 Kms / approx. 6 hours).

On arrival, check into your hotel.

Lying in the north of the desert state of , the city of Bikaner is dotted with many sand dunes. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples are magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone and are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy.

Afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of Bikaner. Visit , one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.

Overnight at the hotel.

02nd Feb 2017/ Thursday: Bikaner-Jaisalmer

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Jaisalmer (331 Kms / approx. 06 hours) where on arrival, you will check into your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Rising from the heart of the like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer founded by Rao Jaisal. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Famous for the , Patwon-ki-, Sand dunes, and ideal for camel rides and safaris.

Overnight at the hotel.

03rd Feb 2017/ Friday: Jaisalmer

Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a guided city tour of Jaisalmer. You will visit Jaisalmer Fort, the main attraction of this picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, the ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Continue on to Jaisalmer's most intricately carved or mansions - Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 year ago, this haveli belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. Yellow stone that is covered with intricate carvings, elaborate balcony and beautiful blue cupola roof characterizes Salim Singh ki Haveli; Patwon-ki-Haveli, the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having a ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight. Round off the tour with a walk through narrow cobbled street. Sam Sand Dunes - the village of Sam is Jaisalmer's nearest real Sahara-like desert. The best place to see the sunrise and sunset on the picturesque sand dunes. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes creating an enchanting mirage are surely a delight. Various cultural programs are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back and you can spend a night on these dunes.

Overnight at the hotel.

04th Feb 2017/ Saturday: Jaisalmer-Jodhpur

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Jodhpur (295 Kms / approx. 6 hours) where on arrival you will check into your hotel.

Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ located on the edge of the Thar Desert was once the capital of the former of state founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur.

While the graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur; exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Afternoon you will proceed on a visit to magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, which looks down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess , stands on the southern end of the fort.

Continue your tour to Jaswant Thada. Located a short distance from the fort, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899 was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs.

Overnight at the hotel.

05th Feb 2017/ Sunday: Jodhpur--Udaipur

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Udaipur (260 Kms / approx. 6 hours)

On arrival you will check into your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’ is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of , one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world and was established around 1567 A.D. The history of Mewar is showcased in the city of Udaipur, which is akin to an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the centuries.

Also referred as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is located in the Aravalli ranges of the royal state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by ancient mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, it is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes meandering through it.

In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir Island where the Maharana of Udaipur once gave Shah Jahan sanctity.

Overnight at the hotel.

06th Feb 2017/ Monday: Udaipur

Following breakfast at the hotel, this morning you will proceed on a half day city tour. Commence your tour with a visit to the City Palace which stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single facade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. Continue to Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honour), a small ornamental garden which was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

07th Feb 2017/ Tuesday: Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel.

Today you will be dropped to Udaipur airport to board for onward connection to Delhi/Mumbai.

Flight Indigo 6E 747 ││ Departure Udaipur: 1405 hrs ││ Arrival Delhi: 1525 hrs Flight Indigo 6E 753 ││ Departure Udaipur: 1505 hrs ││ Arrival Mumbai: 1635 hrs

TOUR COST

Option 1: Standard Hotel

City Hotel Room Category Nights Bikaner Laxmi Niwas Palace Royal Deluxe 1 Jaisalmer Gorbandh Palace Deluxe Room 2 Jodhpur The Fern Residency Winter Green Room 1 Udaipur Garden Hotel Standard 2 Cost based on 06 paying persons travelling in Tempo Traveler Per person cost Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 47850 per person Per person cost in a Single Room INR 63800 per person Cost based on 04 paying persons travelling in Tempo Traveler Per person cost Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 62600 per person Per person cost in a Single Room INR 78550 per person Cost based on 02 paying persons travelling in INNOVA Car Per person cost Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 55250 per person Per person cost in a Single Room INR 71200 per person Note: Air fare not included in the above cost.

Option 2: Superior Hotel

City Hotel Room Category Nights Bikaner Laxmi Niwas Palace Palace 1 Jaisalmer Suryagarh Palace 2 Jodhpur Indana Palace Executive 1 Udaipur The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Valley View 2 Cost based on 06 paying persons travelling in Tempo Traveler Per person cost Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 57513 per person Per person cost in a Single Room INR 86656 per person Cost based on 04 paying persons travelling in Tempo Traveler Per person cost

Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 66715 per person

Per person cost in a Single Room INR 95858 per person

Cost based on 02 paying persons travelling in INNOVA Car Per person cost

Per person cost in a Twin Room INR 68560 per person

Per person cost in a Single Room INR 97700 per person

Note: Air fare not included in the above cost.

The tour cost includes the following specific services:  Hotel accommodation in the hotels mentioned or of similar standard, based on sharing a double room with attached bath for a total of 06 nights based on Room & Breakfast basis as per the itinerary. This includes presently applicable Government taxes, which are subject to change.  Check in and checkout time at all hotels is 14.00 hrs and 12.00 respectively unless otherwise specified.  Sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary with services of locally appointed English Speaking Guides.  Applicable entrance fees to places of visit as per itinerary.  Intercity transportation and visits by air conditioned vehicle, as per the itinerary.  Presently applicable Government Service Tax of 4.5% on the total tour cost.

The tour cost DOES NOT include:  Items of a personal nature such as cost of meals, table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, tips etc.  Any international air fares, visa charges, airport taxes on departure.