Though it is one of the most explored destinations of India, a large part of Rajasthan still remains obscure to the outside world. This tour (Lesser Know Rajasthan) will take you to some of the inconspicuous but charming destinations of Rajasthan which will allow the visitors to experience the more authentic flavours of Rajasthan.
In this tour you will explore lesser-known destinations of Rajasthan like Abhaneri which boasts of one of the largest step wells in India, Shekhawati region which is also referred as the open air art gallery of Rajasthan, Desert town of Nagaur, Temples of Osian, rustic landscape of Rohet, Kumbhalgarh and Dungarpur etc. apart from the popular destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur.
An elephant ride in Amber Fort, visit to Rat Temple of Deshnok, rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, Camel ride etc. will enhance your experience of Lesser Know Rajasthan.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive IGI airport Delhi. Met by our representative upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
This morning proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. The capital of India where history has seamlessly given space to modernity without losing its presence. One of the largest cities in the world, it is dotted with imposing monuments of Hindu, Mughal and Colonial era.
Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque of India which can accommodate 25000 people at a time for offering prayer. Qutab Minar one of the tallest break minarets in the world, Humayun Tomb considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Drive pass India Gate and other government buildings. A visit to Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial) will be a part of the sightseeing.
Apart from visiting historic buildings one gets to take cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk is an experience by itself. Once was a flamboyant bazaar (market place) for the novels of the Mughal era, it today is the largest wholesale market of Asia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Delhi to Abhaneri
Morning drive to Abhaneri (236 Km/ 5 ½ Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Abhaneri and check-in at the deluxe tented accommodation.
Afternoon explore Abhaneri village is one of the oldest settlements in Rajasthan. Walk around the village to observe the life around and interact with villagers to know more about them. However, highlight of Abhaneri is 10th century step-well known as Chand Baori, an indigenous invention of the locals for rainwater harvesting. This 13 level step-well fortified with flights of steps on the three sides is an interesting piece of architecture. Also, take a short camel cart ride to get a feel of it.
Overnight in deluxe tent.
Day 04 – Abhaneri to Jaipur
After a leisurely morning drive to Jaipur (100 Km/ 02 Hrs. approx.). Arrive Jaipur and check-in at hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace – a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, The City Palace official residence of the present royal family covers a series of courtyards, gardens, and residential buildings, etc. A part of this Palace has now been converted to a museum housing an elaborate collection of Armoury, Textiles, and Artifacts. Jantar Mantar - this 17th-century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes, and calculating eclipses, etc. and some of them still work quite accurately.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Jaipur
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort stopping by enroute at Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap a five-story façade in red sandstone with 953 small windows, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is part of the City Palace. It was built with an intention to allow ladies in the palace to observe everyday life on the street below without being seen. However, today Hawa Mahal has become the emblem of Jaipur.
Amber Fort lies in outskirts of Jaipur city. Erstwhile capital of Kachhawaha Rajput rulers of Jaipur, the Amber Fort guarded one of the important defiles against invading enemies. Wander around the fort exploring extravagant palaces that once witnessed the opulence and magnificence of Royal Rajasthani lifestyle. The mirror palace, winter palace, and summer palace, etc. are some of the highlights of the visit to this fort. You will climb atop the fort’s ramparts on an elephant’s back.
Afternoon at leisure or free for optional activities (you can take heritage walk or food walk in the old Jaipur area if desired).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 – Jaipur to Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (170 Km – 3 ½ Hrs. approx.). Arrive Mandawa and check in at hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandawa. Started as a thikana or a feudal estate in the mid of 18th century by the Shekhawat Rajputs, it graduated to be a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes from China and Middle East and soon became one of the important trading centre of silk route. However, in the recent days it became favourite amongst visitors for its fascinating havelis with elaborate murals on the walls. Some of the famous havelis here are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli all depicting some or the other classic on its wall.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 – Mandawa to Bikaner
Morning drive to Bikaner (190 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Bikaner and check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit the Camel Breeding Farm. Government managed camel breeding farm is the largest in Asia and one of its kind. Visit to this farm will give a good idea of how camel plays an important role in daily life of Rajasthan. It creates and interesting site to see in the afternoon when hundreds of camels return to the farm from their grazing grounds. You can try tick camel milk while Raika/ Rebari (a camel breeding tribes) briefs you about the animal and their breed along with some interesting camel trivia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 – Bikaner
Full day sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort - one of the finest and most impressive fort palaces complexes in India this fort palace was built in 1593. Dotted with beautiful palaces built by successive ruler. Anup Mahal with impressive gold leaf painting, Rang Mahal or the pleasure palace, Ganga Niwas, Badal Mahal or the palace of clouds, etc. are some of the interesting palaces to explore inside. Part of the fort also houses a museum which has an array of a rich collection of royal memorabilia which includes a First World War DH – 9DE Haviland plane. Lalgarh Palace, an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone built by Maharaja Ganga Singh during 19th century in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. A fusion of traditional Rajaput architecture with Muslim and European latticework and filigree work in the palace is very beautiful. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum which has one the best collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings that belong to Bikaner school etc. Some the items in display here are sculptures of the late classical time and master pieces from Harappan civilization. Devi Kund - the royal cremation site located in the outskirts of the city is dotted with royal cenotaphs built in the memories of members of Bikaner royal families. Some these cenotaphs boast of brilliant designs, delicate carvings and beautiful murals stand today as testimony to brilliance of Rajasthani arts and architecture. Rampuria Havelis – one of the not to be missed sites, this group of mansions said to be built by wealthy merchants during 15th century. Intricately carved outer walls, balconies and panels on red sandstone here is one of the finest example of Rajasthani architecture and craftsmanship.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 – Bikaner to Nagaur
Morning depart Bikaner by road for Nagaur stopping by en route to visit Rat Temple of Deshnok (40 Km./ 01 Hr. approx.).
This 600 year old temple dedicated to Karni Mata the presiding deity of Bikaner is considered as the saviour of the region. Elaborate work on the front wall and gate of the temple boasts of an elaborate work which reflects the excellence of the craftsmanship of those days. However, the unique aspect of this temple is the reverence of rats here, one can see about 20,000 rats scampering freely around the temple including the sanctum of the temple.
Though Nagaur remains relatively quiet most part of the year, come late January/ early February and town transforms into a swam of the colourful people and cattle alike for next ten days. Apart from 70000 cattle exchanging hands, this fair showcase rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
Continue drive to Nagaur (08 Km./ 02 ½ Hrs. approx.) on finishing the visit. Arrive Nagaur and check in at hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Nagaur. Located in the north west of Marwar, Nagaur has been an important centre in the history of medieval India. Believed to be inhabited by Nagavanshi Kshatriyas during 2nd century, Nagaur has played an important role in the history of Rajasthan and witnessed control of the region changing hands. A visit to Ahhichatragarh Fort is the main attraction here. Built during 4th century as a mud fort, control of this fort went to different hand from various Rajputs to Mughals. Successive rulers contributed in adding a portion of the fort what we see today making it one of the finest example of the Rajput- Mughal architecture.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Nagaur to Osian and Jodhpur
Morning depart Nagaur for Jodhpur by road taking a small detour en route to visit Jain temples at Osian (110 Km./ 3 Hrs. approx.).
Osian is an architectural oasis in the middle of an arid locale. One can visit 8th century Sun Temple with intricately carved pillars that supports a tapering roof, 12th century Sachiya Mata temple with a large assembly hall with an elaborately carved ceiling and exquisitely sculptured figures of several Gods, Mahavir Jain temple that stands on a wide terrace with a three-tiered roof and a `torana' gateway here.
Continue driving to Jodhpur (90 Km./ 2 ½ Hrs. approx.) on finishing the visit here. Arrive Jodhpur and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Day 11 – Jodhpur
Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, which truly stands to its name ‘Mehrangarh’ or the Majestic Fort, it is one of the most imposing forts in Rajasthan. Set atop a hillock commanding a bird eye view of the city, the fort displays medieval charm with elaborate and exquisite carvings, lattice work on the panels and porches and decorated walls of palaces. Mehrangarh has its own architectural appeal, such as brilliant stained glass that creates vibrant mosaics on the floors when light passes through them. Fort also houses museum with an elaborate collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal cradles, howdahs, canopies and armoury. Also, visit nearby Jaswant Thada - close to the fort complex, lies 19th century Jaswant Thada or the royal cenotaph. Built in white marble a visit inside Jaswant Thada will enable one to understand the reverence hold by the locals for the royal family till date.
Afternoon take a village tour of Rohet. A visit to Rohet village enables one a better understanding of life in rural Rajasthan. Drive through the dirt tracks of Rohet village on a open jeep observing local lifestyle in rural Rajasthan, visit Bishnoi-ki-dhani or a typical household in the village (Bishnoi are a local clan who are very famous for their conservation work) and participate in the opium ceremony if one is in progress. You will also have opportunity to observe local wildlife such as black bucks, Nilgai etc. apart from birdlife of the region.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Jodhpur to Ranakpur to Kumbhalgarh
Morning depart Jodhpur for Ranakpur (170 Km/ 04 ½ Hrs. approx.) to visit Chaturmukha Jain Temple. This 15th century temple is the largest Jain Temple in India (covers an area of 4500 Sq. Yard) and an architectural genius. Lies on the base of Aravali Hills about 90 km from Udaipur intricacies put in the carvings in this temple looks more a lace work than stone carving. The most remarkable aspect of the temple is intricately carved 1444 pillars which are unlike one another and their placement synchronizing with the light and shadow making them change colour as the ray of the sun sifts through the day.
Continue driving to Kumbhalgarh (55 Km/ 1 ½ Hrs. approx.) on finishing the visit. Arrive Kumbhalgarh and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 – Kumbhalgarh
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumbhalgarh. Rugged, scrubby hills of westerly Aravali Range dominate the landscape of Kumbhalgarh. The landscape of the place made it a strategic defence location inspiring the rulers of Mewar to build an invincible fort here which worked as safe refuge at the time of the fall of its stronghold Chittorgarh from the invading enemies. Kumbhalgarh Fort that tugs on top of the hills is main attraction of the visit here. Built atop hill 3600 ft. above sea level, this fort is one of six forts in Rajasthan that is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort named after Rana Kumbh who built it in 15th century is surrounded by a 36 Km long peripheral wall (making it the second longest wall next to Great Wall of China). The fort is dotted with massive entrance gates, palaces and temples of which Kumbha Palace, Badal Mahal and temples in the Vedi Temple Complex (main temples here are Neelkanth Mahadeva and Parsvanath), Charbhuja Temple are some the highlights of the visit here.
Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the surrounding on your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 – Kumbhalgarh to Nathdwara to Eklingji to Udaipur
Morning depart Kumbhalgarh by road for Nathdwara (52 Km/ 1 ½ Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Nathdwara and visit temples there.
Nathdwara is an important pilgrimage for Lord Krishna devotees. The idol of Srinathji a manifestation of Lord Krishna was shifted here from Vrindavan in 17th century to save it from Mughal ruler Aurangazeb, while he was in a spree of destroying Hindu temples in Mathura and Vrindavan. It is believed that the while the priests were sifting the idol of Srinathji the chariot’s wheel got stocked here and refused to move – taking it as indication of lord’s wish to be re-established here they took permission from the ruler of Mewar and installed idol. Nathdwara is famous for Pichwai Paintings a particular style of painting where central theme is Lord Krishna.
Drive a little further to Eklingji and Nagda (30 Km/ 45 minutes approx.) to visit one of the best temple complexes of Rajasthan.
Eklingji - The Temple of Eklingji is 22 kms from the city of Udaipur and was built in 734 AD. The Temple complex has 108 temple shrines small and medium sized all beautifully sculpted. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the Mewar rulers. In the sanctum sanctorum is the four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda - Near the temple of Eklingji is Nagda - the ancient capital of Mewar dating back to the 7th century AD. It is known for the Sahasra Bahu Temple, popularly referred to as Sas Bahu temples of the 9-10th century AD, now in partial ruins but still with interesting architecture and carvings.
Continue driving to Udaipur (20 Km/ 40 minutes approx.). Arrive Udaipur and check in at hotel.
Late afternoon proceed on a sunset boat cruise in the Lake Pichola. An hours cruise in the lake Pichola in the evening is quite an experience, one gets to enjoy the landscape formed by heritage buildings lined along the bank of the lake with hillocks on the backdrop. Fading light of the setting sun adds to the experience.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 – Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of the Udaipur City Palace - actually a cluster of palaces built by successive Maharanas, City Palace now appears to be an impressive whole. Standing on the bank of Lake Pichola this palace is a marvel on marble and granite. Wander inside the palace observing the exquisite workmanship – Baari Mahal, Dilkush Mahal, Moti Mahal, the Suraj Gokhada or the Sun Balcony and the Mor Chowk known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics are some of the highlights of visit. This palace also houses some of the finest miniature paintings. City Palace commands an impressive view of the Lake Pichola with Lake Palace and Jag Mandir in the middle. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or the ‘Garden of the Royal Maidens’ built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a luxurious garden to relax with his maids. Garden boasts of hosts of fountains shaped in birds and animals sprinkling water all over recreating the scene of the rain in this arid environment. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum – dedicated to folk arts of region museum has a rare collection of typical rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 – Udaipur to Dungarpur
Morning drive to Dungarpur (120 Km/ 03 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Dungarpur and check-in at hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Dungarpur. Located in the south of Rajasthan, this little obscure but a picturesque place is a hidden treasures of Rajasthan tour. Believed to be established by one of the descendant rulers of Udaipur in 13th century by overthrowing the original inhabitants Bhil tribes from here. Hills of Aravali Range and lakes doted with historical monuments dominates the landscape of the place making it one of the most picturesque locales in Rajasthan.
Sightseeing tour of Dungrapur comprise of visiting to old palaces, temples and museums. Juna Mahal, the seven-story old palace built in 13th century boasts of elaborate fresco and miniature paintings, glass and mirror work surely is one of the highlights of visit to Dungarpur. Badal Mahal located on the bank of the lake Gaib Sagar Lake with a unique architecture now houses a museum. Udai Bilas Palace on the other bank of Gaib Sagar, the present residence of the royal family here boasts of the museum with an elaborate collection of vintage automobiles, air crafts. Part of the palace is converted into a heritage hotel - however, the main attraction of the visit here is the “Ek Thambia Mahal” literary translation of which is one pillar palace. An architectural delight having intricately carved pillars and panels, lavishly ornated balconies and window panels, bracketed windows is truly fascinating.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 – Dungarpur to Udaipur to Delhi and Depart
In time transfer to Udaipur airport to connect flight for Delhi. Depart
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