hidden rajasthan - Travel The Unknown

HIDDEN RAJASTHAN
13 days
HIDDEN RAJASTHAN
Countries visited
India
Tour Highlights
• Admire the stunning Mehrangarh Fort
• Jodhpur’s blue buildings and magnificent forts
• Spend the night under the stars in Rohetgarh
• Rural villages of Rajasthan
• Leopards of the Aravalli Hills
• Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Splendours of the lake city of Udaipur
Places visited
Delhi • Jodhpur • Rohetgarh • Deogarh • Bera • Kumbhalgarh • Shahpura • Udaipur • Chittorgarh
What's included
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Internal flights and train journeys
• Ground transport
• Drivers and guides
• Accommodation
• Some meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
• Entrance fees to sites & parks
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
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HIDDEN RAJASTHAN
Your Itinerary Explained
Date
Place visited
Meals
B:
The first part of the text in each day is the itinerary schedule and will explain what you will
Breakfast
normally see/do during this day of your itinerary.
--L:
The part of the day’s text in italics (and usually comes after the three dashes “---“) is Lunch
background information on the places or sites on that day of your itinerary. It is not part of
D:
your itinerary and may mention places that will not be visited on your itinerary. If you have
Dinner
any questions please ask us. Travel times where noted are only meant as a guideline.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Meals
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and
transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
--The old India Gate holds a historic importance in Delhi, and was once the entrance point
to the old city. Nearby is the opulent Presidential Palace, situated just outside the old city.
Delhi - India
Old Delhi boasts the impressive Red Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of
Gate/Old Delhi India’s Mughal past as well as her sovereignty today. The area is very atmospheric and
visitors can stroll around the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb and its stunning gardens
watching the tomb change colour as the sun starts to set.
Day 2
Jodhpur
N/A
Meals
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur. Visit
Mehrangarh Fort and explore some of the city's important sites. Later, drive to Rohetgarh.
Overnight in Rohetgarh.
---
B
Jodhpur
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Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 335
kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur. It was formerly the seat of a princely
state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular
tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of
the Thar desert. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all
year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City". Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of
Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented
by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.
Mehrangarh Fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city, and is enclosed by imposing
thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings
and expansive courtyards. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can
still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the 'chhatri' (umbrella) of Kirat
Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort. There are seven
gates, which include Jayapol (victory) built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his
victories over the Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (victory) gate was built by Maharaja
Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract
much attention even today. The museum in Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most wellstocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old
royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in
a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the
Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.
Day 3
Rohetgarh
Day 4
Deogarh
Rohetgarh
Meals
Enjoy a morning jeep safari ride around Rohetgarh and nearby villages. In the evening take
a walking tour of Rohetgarh. Overnight in Rohetgarh.
--A village safari in Rohetgarh offers the chance to observe rural desert life. Visitors can
explore the enigmatic Thar Desert by camel and stay in luxurious desert camps perched on
sand dune peaks.
Deogarh
B
Meals
After breakfast at the hotel you will depart Rohetgarh for Deogarh. After arriving in
Deogarh there will be time to freshen up before taking a jeep safari of the local area.
Overnight in Deogarh.
--Deogarh is a small farming village known for its Gupta monuments which are situated on a
hill fort on the Betwa River. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and depicts all ten
incarnations. It is now mostly in ruins and its special features include two carved figurines of
the water goddesses Ganga and Yamuna and three large panels with depictions of the
Vaishnava mythology. It is also the earliest known Panchyatana temple in North India.
B
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HIDDEN RAJASTHAN
Day 5
Deogarh
Meals
Today you will take a scenic train ride through local surroundings. The evening is free to
enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Deogarh.
B
Deogarh
Day 6
Bera
Meals
Transfer to Bera in the morning. Take an evening game drive by jeep. If you're lucky you
may spot some leopards. Overnight in Bera.
--Bera is a dusty village in Southern Rajasthan located amidst the Aravalli mountain range.
Surrounded by bodies of water, it is famous for its leopard population.
B
Bera
Day 7
Kumbhalgarh
Day 8
Shahpura
Kumbhalgarh
Meals
Morning safari ride. Later, drive to Kumbhalgarh to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort. Overnight in
Kumbhalgarh.
--Kumbhalgarh was built in the 15th Century by Rana Kumbha and is supposed to be the
largest and most elaborate out of the 32 fortresses he designed. Legend has it that it took
him several attempts to build the fort and it was only after a human sacrifice that he was
successful. Today, the main gate, Hanuman Pol, contains a shrine and a temple to
commemorate this. Its wall is claimed to be the second largest in Asia and according to
folklore, Maharana Kumbha used to burn massive lamps that provided light for the farmers
who worked in the valley.
Shahpura
B
Meals
In the morning set off for Shahpura Bagh. The evening is free to relax and enjoy at your
leisure in the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in Shahpura Bagh.
--Sitting halfway between Jaipur and Udaipur, Shahpura is a quiet town with friendly
inhabitants. It is surrounded by plains and lakes that were dug to bring water to the area by
the ancestors of the people who live there. Nearby is a temple dedicated to the God
Seetaram.
B
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Day 9
Shahpura
Meals
Today is free to relax and explore your beautiful surroundings. Overnight in Shahpura Bagh.
B
Shahpura
Day 10
Udaipur
Meals
After breakfast, proceed to Udaipur. En route, stop for a visit of Chittorgarh Fort. Overnight
in Udaipur.
Udaipur
Day 11
Udaipur
B
Lying on the banks of the Berach River, Chittorgarh is well known for its splendid fort, a 700
acre complex that stands on a mountain plateau. The city symbolises the epitome of the
Chattori Rajput (Hindu warrior caste) as the inhabitants always chose death before
surrender. The fort has been under siege three times during its long history and during each
siege Jauhar (the self-immolation of Rajput women) was committed to avoid capture and
dishonour at the hands of the Muslim invaders. The city hosts the biggest Rajput festival
‘Jauhar Mela’ which commemorates the bravery of the Rajput ancestors.
Udaipur
Meals
In the morning proceed on a guided tour of Udaipur, with visits to the City Palace Museum,
Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple. Later, enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight in Udaipur.
--Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’ or the ‘City of Lakes’, and was founded by
Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 AD. According to legend, Udai Singh was guided to establish
his capital on the very spot that a holy man was meditating on near Pichola Lake.
Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes, this place was less vulnerable to external
invasion than Chittaurgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by
Maharana Pratap, who valiantly defended Udaipur from Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap
is the most revered Rajput icon who gallantly fought the Mughals in the battle of Haldighati
in 1576. Mewar continuously defied foreign invaders and has a history of bloody battles,
until the British intervention in the 19th century, when a treaty was signed to protect
Udaipur. Upon gaining independence, Udaipur merged with the union of India.
B
The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), located in the middle of Pichola Lake, is the finest example of
an architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake, along
with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above, enhances the beauty of this
magnificent city. This is one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Udaipur is also
the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilpgram
festival is a great crowd-puller during New Year celebrations.
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HIDDEN RAJASTHAN
Day 12
Delhi
Meals
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to connect with your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to
enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
B
Delhi
Day 13
Departure
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Meals
B
Delhi
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