Rajasthan trip 12 D.
Rajasthan is famous for its glorious past, colourful customs and culture, art and architecture, the royal medieval era, forts and palaces and citadels, and above all, its camel safaris. Fairy-tale palaces lie on hilltops, deep in the forests, in the middle of the lakes, each with its history and legends of valour and self-sacrifice, pomp and gaiety, love and romance. Today, some are splendid museums with rich collections, others lavish hotels preserving the ambience and luxury of princely times. The royal hunting reserves are now national parks and sanctuaries.
Details
Description
- Trip Length:
- 12 days / 11 nights.
- Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the history and culture of India.
- Locations Visited:
- Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar/ Observatory, Junagarh Fort, Camel breeding farm, Excursion to Deshnoke to see the Karni Mata Temple, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh Fort, Excursion to Mandore Garden, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb, Chisti’s tomb, Sikandra in Agra.
- Start City:
- Delhi.
- End City:
- Delhi/Agra.
- Physical rating:
- Culture rating:
- Meals included:
- Budget class – 2 breakfast. Tourist class – 11 breakfast. First class – 11 breakfast.
- Transportation:
- AC vehicle.
- Departure days:
- Every day
- Included in the price:
- AC car for the whole trip (10 days) with all road taxes and parking fees, chauffeur who speaks basic English, accommodation in hotel of choice (only basis), camel ride in Jaisalmer, for budget class you may choose to stay in the desert for 1 night at no extra cost ( inform your sales agent/Delhi office before starting the tour).
- Group size:
- No limits.
This is not included
- Visas, travel insurance (compulsory), personal items, other tips, sleeping bags.
- Entry fees at the monuments
- Items of personal nature e.g., room service, laundry, telephone, tips, etc.
- Any additional cost incurred due to road blocks, political protests, natural disasters and situations beyond control.
Season
Though it is possible to visit Rajasthan throughout the year – the best time is said to be the coolest month starting from September to April.
Day 1: Delhi - Jaipur
It’s a half-day’s drive to Jaipur. We visit a monument in the afternoon and the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 2: Jaipur
The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color-washed pink – the color of hospitality in Rajput tradition. Built in 1772 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable architectural harmony. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort (a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh), Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind), City Palace (the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles), Jaigarh Fort and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Day 3: Jaipur - Mandawa
Today we drive to the Shekhavati region of Rajasthan. Shekhavati is also known as the open art gallery due to the numerous fresco paintings all over the palaces, houses and havellis (houses of rich noblemen). Please note that the village is very small with dirty roads. Sewage is a major problem that causing the paintings to fade.
Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Lying in the north of the Desert State, 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. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Sightseeing in Bikaner includes a camel-breeding farm and an excursion to Deshnoke to see the Karni Mata Temple, where rats scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Early in the morning visit to the Junagadh Fort, and then another long drive to reach Jaisalmer. Drive to the desert and enjoy the camel ride in the Sam sand dunes. See the sun slowly disappearing in the sand during sunset. This is followed by some local dance performances and desert camping or a drive back to your hotel and overnight stay in the city.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone dominates the amber-hued city. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, Havelis, temples, skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. A visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without a ride on a camel and of course, the view of the city during sunset. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Fort.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Half-day’s drive to Jodhpur. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama, the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century Mehrangarh Fort looms on the tops of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. above the plains. A high wall – 10-Km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. A major trade centre of the 16th century AD, the fortress – city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Sightseeing in Jodhpur includes:
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to a famine-struck population.
- Jaswant Thada: A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
- Mehrangarh Fort: This is one of the most impressive and formidable forts ever built! Within the fort are magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels and latticed windows. The palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty.
- Excursion to Mandore Garden: The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall that represents Hindu deities. This is a beautiful garden with high rock terraces.
Day 9: Jodhpur - Rohetgarh
After breakfast we drive to Rohetgarh and check in at the beautiful Rohetgarh Palace hotel. After lunch we go on a half-day jeep safari to the Bishnoi villages. Bishnois are said to be the first ecologists. A survivor of a great famine came up with the principles of the ecology centuries ago by in 1485. His name was Jambeshwar or Jambhoji. He observed that the famine was the result of the deforestation in the region and formulated a list of 29 rules to prevent famine. Bishnois are vegetarians and have great respect for all living things. The Bishnoi people expect that the tourists respect nature and their way of life. You can recognize a Bishnoi village because of their green farming land and orchards (don't forget you are in the Thar Desert!).
Day 10: Rohetgarh - Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
On the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake – an important spot for the Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples. The most famous of these is the Brahma temple – the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Every year thousands of devotees throng the Lake around full moon day of ‘Kartik – Purnima’ (an auspicious date between October and November) to take a holy dip in the lake. The Pushkar fair, a huge colourful cattle fair, is also held during this time.
Day 11: Pushkar - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Once the capital of the mighty Mughals, this is now a bustling small market catering to the tourists. It houses a school and a mosque, where people tie a thread and seek blessings from the saint. Agra is often described the city of monuments. Historic Agrabana, legendary city of the ancients, is today remembered as the capital of the Mughals and famed all over the world as the City of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Not far away is Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city today but for a one brief moment Akbar the Great’s Camelot.
Day 12: Agra - Delhi
Early morning visit the Taj Mahal for a sunrise view. Emperor Shah Jahan constructed it in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After breakfast, visit The Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb, Chisti’s tomb & Sikandra in Agra. After Lunch, proceed for the drive to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel, if pre booked or proceed to next destination.
Note: Taj is closed on Friday. If the trip end on Friday then costumer will see Taj - sun set view on Thursday evening.
Index of notes:
Emergency Contact - Emergency Funds - Additional Expenditures - Tipping - Weather and Unpredictables - Meals - Group Leaders and Guides - Arrival - What to bring - Checklist - Visas - Laundry - Share Your Trip - Respectful Dress - Money, Dough, Loot & Booty - Departure Tax - Communications - Expect the Unexpected - Health & Fitness - Travel Insurance - Your Travel Buddies - Responsible Travel - The law and "the man"
Emergency Contact
In the event of a genuine crisis or emergency, Visit Beyond’s India Office can be reached on Mobile - 0091 93101 40833, 98181 61194. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.visitbeyond.com/top-menu/contact-us
Emergency Funds
We advise that you keep INR 5,000 for unforeseen incidents and circumstances beyond our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.).
Back to Index
Additional Expenditures
Take into account your personal spending habits when deciding how much money to bring. How much will you drink and party? How many souvenirs to you intend to bring? How many gifts? Remember to include tips in your calculations. (See below.)
Back to Index
Tipping
Visit Beyond employs local guides who greatly appreciate recognition of services rendered. Tipping about INR 200 per day (if you are happy with the service for a one time day sight seeing) is appropriate, but not compulsory. We suggest INR 50 per day for porters (if applicable). For drivers who render services for several days in a row, INR 100 per day is appropriate. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
At small restaurants you may want to round up to the nearest INR 20. At upscale restaurants, a tip of 5 to 10% is appreciated. (Note that upscale restaurants often levy a 10% service charge on the bill. Additional tipping is at your discretion.
Back to Index
Weather and Unpredictables
Visit Beyond operates trips in India throughout the year—including the rainy season—and changes may result from inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. We reserve the right to change the itinerary according to such circumstances as we see fit to ensure the best experience for our customers.
Back to Index
Meals
Meals in India - Breakfasts are often simple (eggs, bread, butter and jam, coffee/tea would be most common). This is mostly accompanied with Indian breakfast dishes. For lunch and dinners, if you are new to Indian food then the easiest is to order some curries/cooked vegetables/gravies with Indian breads and rice.
Back to Index
Group Leaders and Guides
Visit Beyond will often provide experienced, local, English-speaking guides who know the destination and region well. Kindly note that it is sometimes necessary to change the guide at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Your guide is there for you. He will offer recommendations, history, useful phrases and more. We encourage you to ask questions. At Visit Beyond we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit.
Back to Index
Arrival
If you have booked an arrival package then you can expect a Visit Beyond representative waiting for you at the airport. If you cannot locate your tour leader at the airport, please contact Visit Beyond at Mobile - 0091 93101 40833, 98181 61194. Office Phone - 0091 11 2353 9018, 2353 5231
Visit Beyond does not offer refunds for missed transfers due to a change in flight or delays. Any additional cost you may incur to meet with your group is at your own expense.
What to bring
Pack according to the tour you have chosen. If you’re going trekking, bring appropriate shoes; if you’re going diving, bring your suit, etc. Visit Beyond encourages you to pack only necessities. Although there are some tours and trips in which you can leave your luggage behind for a day’s excursion, we generally require you to carry your own gear. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to pack in a backpack with straps and back support and a smaller daypack. We strongly discourage traditional luggage!
Responsible travel (see below) dictates that we respect local cultures. Bring a camera and take pictures and video, but never intrude on people’s lives.
See our checklist below for more specifics.
Back to Index
Checklist
This checklist is intended as a reference guide; it is not a complete packing list. Always keep in mind weight restrictions according to your airline of choice.
Travel documents: Passport and visas, travel insurance documents, tickets, Visit Beyond vouchers (if any).
Money: Cash, credit card, money pouch.
Day pack: First-aid kit, medication/prescriptions (consider carrying a doctor’s letter if you require a large amount of medication), sunscreen, refillable water bottle and purification tablets, flashlight, insect repellent, hat and sunglasses, traveler’s diarrhea tablets, prescription glasses, contact lenses and solution, earplugs, playing cards, phrasebook.
Large pack: Alarm clock, international outlet adapter, swimsuit, lightweight towel, eye mask, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, umbrella, waterproof jacket, outdoor sandals with good grip, waterproof bags for the rainy season, appropriate clothes for temples and religious sites.
And, of course, your camera, film or memory cards and spare batteries!
Please also check our online checklist for this tour.
Back to Index
Visas
Tourist visa needed for traveling around in India.
For more information on Visa for Danes refer to http://www.indian-embassy.dk/mainPages/home.asp
For more information on Visa for Dutch nationals refer to
http://www.indianembassy.nl/page181000.htm
Back to Index
Laundry
Some hotels offer laundry services for an additional charge. You can find additional laundry services in all major cities. If you choose to do your own laundry, kindly use non-polluting and biodegradable soap.
Back to Index
Share Your Trip
Go on, show off a little! Share your pictures on our Facebook page. We occasionally hold contests for those who provide the best shots, so stay on the look-out and you could win a free trip!
Respectful Dress
Remember that styles of dress are generally conservative throughout Asia. This is especially true outside major cities. Visit Beyond therefore strongly recommends modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Avoid tank tops on the beach and never sunbathe topless. Men and women alike are often required to wear trousers that cover the legs in temples and religious sites.
Back to Index
Money, Dough, Loot & Booty
We recommend withdrawing money from ATMs, which are widely available throughout India. This has the advantage of keeping your money safe in the bank; not vulnerable in your back pocket. Remember to bring your bank’s emergency contact details in the event that your card is stolen. In addition, notify your bank of your travels before you depart, as banks often place a temporary hold on cards due to transactions in foreign countries or other suspicious activities.
Visit Beyond does not recommend traveler’s cheques. Exchanging them can be a lengthy process and can pose difficulties due to banking hours and holidays. In addition to a commission, unfavorable exchange rates often apply to traveler’s cheques. If you insist on bringing traveler’s cheques then purchase them with a major brand like American Express and strong currency like US Dollars. Old cheques are rarely, if ever, accepted.
Back to Index
Departure Tax
There is no departure tax at Indira Gandhi International Airport at the present time. This is subject to change without notice and Visit Beyond is not liable for unexpected charges levied on departing tourists.
Back to Index
Communications
The most reliable method of communication during your travels will be email. Although Internet access is widely available in India, we do visit areas of the country for several days at a time in which Internet access is limited or unavailable. Please take this into account when planning your trip. It is a good idea to leave your booking agent’s contact details or Visit Beyond’s contact information with friends or family in your home country in case of emergencies. We do not recommend that you leave friends and family with your hotel details because there is no guarantee that hotel staff speaks English. Facebook is another handy tool to keep in touch. Always register with your country’s embassy in India and provide details of your itinerary in order to make yourself available in the event of an emergency.
Back to Index
Expect the Unexpected
Visit Beyond, as the name implies, brings you places that are beyond the well-worn tourist path. Out here, things sometimes go wrong and if they do, it is imperative that you tell your guide, tour leader or Driver immediately. They are best suited to help however they can. If this does not suffice, your Driver will contact our manager.
Back to Index
Health & Fitness
There are no health requirements for this trip. However, to get the most out of your trip, all travelers should be in good physical health. You should consult your doctor or physician before leaving your home country and you should honestly assess your ability to complete your vacation based on the detailed Visit Beyond trip itinerary. In general, the more you physically prepare for the trip, the more you will enjoy it. We sometimes walk at altitude and some treks are very demanding. Expect hilly terrain and extreme temperatures. Visit Beyond and its guides reserve the right to exclude a participant without refund if said traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to him/herself or to the group. Small and very handy first aid kits should be readily available in your home country. We recommend you purchase a kit before departure along with any personal medication you may require. Read the trip itinerary closely and bring medicine accordingly, as many trips entail travel on long, windy roads and require that you eat local food. Do not rely on trip leaders or guides, as they are legally prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache medicine and antibiotics.
Visit Beyond is well aware of the health risks of bird flu and SARS. Therefore, Visit Beyond reserves the right to make unannounced changes to all itineraries in the very unlikely occurrence of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease. Please contact us at india@visitbeyond.com should you require any clarification.
Back to Index
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is obligatory to join a Visit Beyond trip. We recommend Gouda Travel Insurance for our European customers.
Back to Index
Your Travel Buddies
Traveling in a group can be a very positive experience. You are likely to find that your travel buddies hail from all over the world. Therefore, you will get the double pleasure of experiencing a new part of the world and new friends to enjoy it with. In order to get the most out of your trip, each traveler must respect every member of the group, arrive on time according to the trip itinerary, and practice patience with one another. These are your responsibilities as a member of a group and we expect each member to follow them. For reasons of privacy, Visit Beyond will not provide personal information or contact details of your fellow travelers prior to departure.
Solo Travelers
Visit Beyond trips most often provide double room accommodation. A single supplement charge is levied for solo travelers. This applies only to accommodation during the tour. This tour can be arranged individually for solo travelers.
Back to Index
Responsible Travel
Traveling responsibly is a pillar of the Visit Beyond philosophy. To us, it means two things: respect for the environment and respect for local cultures. We practice low-impact tourism and make every effort to preserve the environment. We refuse to treat local people as mere photo-ops and insist that you engage with locals as human beings. You will have a better trip for it. Please refer to our Responsible Travel page for further details and suggestions for responsible travel.
Back to Index
The law and "the man"
Visit Beyond does not tolerate illegal drugs nor do we tolerate visiting prostitutes. Both of these may be common among certain communities we visit but they are illegal nonetheless. Engaging in such activities puts you and your group at serious risk. Possession of illegal drugs is a crime punishable by death in India. Visit Beyond and group leaders reserve the right to immediately expel from the group anyone engaging in these activities.
Back to Index
