India Classic Journeys

Heart Of Rajasthan Tour In India

14 Nights / 15 Days

5/5

Outline Itineraries

Included With Every Luxury Small Group Journey

About Heart Of Rajasthan Tour In India

Experience the Heart of Rajasthan on a captivating tour through the royal state of India. Immerse yourself in the opulent heritage, explore majestic palaces, and vibrant bazaars. Witness the desert’s allure, enjoy authentic cuisine, and admire architectural wonders. This tour blends culture, history, and adventure, offering an unforgettable journey.

Trip Highlights

TRIPADVISOR

Detailed Itineraries

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative at the international airport and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight at hotel , Delhi

After breakfast our guide will collect you from the hotel for the sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

There is Old Delhi and New Delhi, although the demarcation between the two has begun to blur and areas to the north, south, east and west of Delhi are becoming increasingly popular.  Old Delhi was the capital between the 17th and 19th centuries.  Here you will find many mosques and monuments relating to India’s Muslim history and much of the hustle and bustle of Indian life.  New Delhi was designed and built by the British and remains the hub of major political and commercial activities giving the city a cosmopolitan air. It is graced with wide roads, stately monuments, government buildings and embassies, and green parks and gardens.

Some monuments of interest include India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War; Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy and today the official residence of the President of India; and Parliament House a unique circular building with huge colonnades, housing the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Visit the Bangala Sahib Sikh Temple and its adjoining kitchens, in your ride.  It is a special place, offering a fascinating insight into the Sikh faith, with devotees singing and musicians playing in rotation all day.  Visit the kitchens which prepare food in vast quantities, to be offered to anyone, regardless of an optional donation. 

Humayun’s Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb’s resemblance to its more famous cousin, the Taj Mahal, with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. 

Visit to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th Century.  Then enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride down Chadni Chowk (Silver Street), once the Imperial Avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, and endless little alleyways, today bustling with silversmiths’ ateliers and shops and stalls selling almost everything!  Visit the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name.  There is a museum that houses a 14th century manuscript of the Holy Quran.

Overnight  at Hotel

Fly to Jaisalmer our representative will meet you at the Airport station and transfer you to the hotel.  

Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. The exotic, remote, and beautiful city is a bit of a paradox. Just a walk through Jaisalmer, savoring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvelously rewarding travel experience.

After lunch your guide will come to the hotel and take you to visit the citadel’s palace that houses a museum with a huge collection of robes and artifacts from the royal family of Jaisalmer. The ‘Desert Citadel’, few places can match the grandeur and magnificence of this golden fantasy of the Thar, it is a legend amidst the vast barren sandy tracts of western Rajasthan. After driving miles and miles through the stony waste land, denuded and devoid of any vegetation and life, the sudden appearance of Jaisalmer hillock in its golden color exhibits a complete contrast in its surroundings. The golden city was founded by Brawl Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav, a Bhati Rajput in 1156 AD, on the advice of a hermit Eesul, and shifted his capital from Lodurva. 

Visit the Patwaon ki haveli with intricately designed latticed windows used by the ladies to view the external world. Also see the Gadisar Lake. Later, we go to Sam or Khuri village. Here we have loads of excitement in store for you. Upon arrival in the village you will be taken to the nearby sunset point on the dunes to see the sunset by camel carts. After the sunsets return to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel, in Jaisalmer

Today you will start your activities with visit to Jaisalmer Fort and an exclusive visit of the Jain temples inside the Sonar Kila (fort). The Jains are a community that respects life and are pure vegetarians by religion.

Drive to Chatrail and Mool Sagar to explore Bagri people.

Chatrail is a village with its own significance, because they had only one job to do was to provide ration to the Caravan’s coming from other countries. They were solely authorized to do so. It is more than two hundred years old a population of 300 people and 100 houses. Mainly attach roof now their occupation is cattle and carpets floats and blankets made out of camel hairs. It is a Muslim village.

Explore Mool Sagar was built by Maharawal Mool Raj-1 in fifteenth Century and it is a picnic place. There is a deep well here and one can see now people drawing water with the help of camel to irrigate the vegetable garden there. The camel leather bucket and the device of drawing all attract one’s special attention. There are some nice idols on the walls which are examples of fine sculpture.

Drive to Sansi village, Sansi is a wandering tribe and does not have any special habitat, nor apparently any permanent interests or connections anywhere. Their social and economic conditions are at a less advanced stage than the stage reached by the other sections of the communities around them. Sansis have a traditional caste panchayat to maintain social control and deal with all disputes. They have their own rules and regulations, and people of the community are firm in following the rules under any and all circumstances. At the same time, while they are in the process of losing their tribal characteristics, they are not yet integrated into the national mainstream.

Drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight at hotel, in Jaisalmer

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival we will visit Jodhpur Fort; A bleak scarp rears up 120 meters from the desert valley. Straddling the rocky crevices is the massive Jodhpur Fort, its sheer walls reflecting the strength of its warrior builders. The fort is entered through seven gates, each a formidable barrier. The museum within the fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan and displays royal apparel, ancient paintings and manuscripts, fabled treasures of the royal household and an armory. An interesting section displays folk musical instruments from different regions of Rajasthan. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens worked in sandstone form the dominant motif within the rugged casket of the fort and the palaces are exquisitely decorated.

Overnight at hotel

After Breakfast drive to Ghanerao in Pali district is a small village which was the childhood home of Meera Bai, the famous saint and poetess of Rajasthan. This 15th century village has a palace build of sandstone. The Ghanerao Castle as it is called was founded in 1606 by Gopal Das Rathore a Rajput soldier of the Mertia clan. Next to the palace are chhattris or umbrella-shaped monuments built to honour important people of the ruling dynasty. Ghanerao is famous for its heritage, picturesque surroundings and wildlife. Historically, Ghanerao patronized painters from the courts of Mewar, Bikaner and Jodhpur who polished their distinct styles here. Ghanerao has many temples, stepwells and archways in its villages and by lanes which are worth exploring.

Nature is surprisingly different in this part of Rajasthan with rocky hills and lots of greenery. As we drive through narrow fertile valleys we will see sugarcane and other staple food being cultivated with old Persian water wheels driven by oxen irrigating the fields.

Ghanerao Village Walk

Ghanerao is only village in India with 33 Step-wells and beautiful quaint temples

Overnight at Hotel, Ghanerao

RANAKPUR

Tucked away in the forests of Aravalli hills, comes a place of magnificence in the form of this 15 th century Jain Temple of Ranakpur. , the Ranakpur Temple in Rajasthan sits graciously poised on the banks of River Maghai.

Featuring intricate designs akin to a fine piece of embroidered cloth, this temple stands as one of the most brilliant architectural monuments on the Indian subcontinent. Besides, the Ranakpur Temple is also the largest and most significant places of worship for the Jains. The massive temple structure, raised entirely in softly colored marble, stands atop a base of subterranean vaults, sprawling in an area of over 48,000 square feet. Entering into the temple complex, it is difficult for someone to not be mesmerized by the vivacity and scale of its designs.
The moment you step into Ranakpur Temple is the very moment you begin unraveling its veritable splendor; rays of light steal through carved pillar-corridor, emanating their warmth into the cups of ornate domes overhead.

After visiting Temple we drive back to Ghenario for overnight stay.

Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India, memorable outing in jeeps visit various traditional villages seeing local handicrafts shoe markers, pottery hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver jewellery.

GARASIA TRIBES VILLAGE 

The village has a considerable population of Garasia tribes in and around its area and is a small Rajput tribal group of Rajasthan. You can go around and discover their way of living, dress up and other customs. Cultural exuberance of these Garasia tribes of Rajasthan is rightly being depicted in several of its elements. Since the houses of these Garasia tribes are small, a Garasia male of the household can perform all the household chores on his own. These Garasia tribes in general reside in one-room houses prepared from mud and bamboo. Nowadays with investing money, this Garasia tribal community made flat tiled roofs. There are also few Garasia tribes who still today make thatched roofs. Houses are usually built on the slopes of hills with their fields extending out in front. There is as a rule a guest house opposite the house of the head of the Garasia village. However, there is hardly any meting point for all the people of the Garasia community. However, the most interesting custom of the Garasia tribal’s is their marriage. They have the custom of wedding through elopement, which normally take place during the full moon of the month March on the celebration of the annual Gaur Fair. Couples of the tribe flee during the yearly Gaur fair on full moon night. You can try and find out more about this custom during your visit to them.

Rabari: The Nomads of The Desert

An indigenous tribal caste of nomadic cattle and camel herders, people from the Rabari tribe generally live in Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. Traditionally the Rabaris followed a highly nomadic way of life, living in tents or under the open skies and raising cattle, camels and goats. They are known for their distinctive art, particularly mirrored and white washed mud sculpture work that adorns their homes and villages – most of which are created by the women folks. Rabari women also spin wool from their sheeps and goats, after which they are converted into woollen skirts, blankets, turbans and other apparels. Further, the Rabari tribe is one of the most photographed minorities in India because of their striking dress and jewelry, vibrant embroidery work and beautifully geometric house decoration.

Overnight at Castle Ghenaro

After breakfast, drive to the Udaipur Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The name derives from Pichola Village, which was submerged when Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir and the City Palace extends along its eastern banks.

Our guide will collect you from the hotel and will take you for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Visit the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. 

The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards, richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronzestatue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen’s ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks

Overnight at Udaipur

After breakfast drive to Jhalawar,

The princely state of the Jhalas, Jhalawar was created in 1838 A.D., after being separated from Kota by the British. Remarkable contributions from various rulers including Zalim Singh I made it a culturally rich state. Lying in the south-eastern region of Rajasthan at the edge of the Malwa plateau, Jhalawar has rocky but water-laden verdant landscape, unlike much of Rajasthan. With some exquisite pre-historic cave paintings, massive forts, thickly wooded forests and exotic wildlife variety. Jhalawar boasts of rich historic as well as natural wealth. One can spot countless species of birds as one drives past the lush countryside. Red poppy fields and orange laden orchards make the countryside all the more fascinating and colorful during winters. The area around Bhawani Mandi is known for contributing a major share to the production of citrus in the country.

Upon arrival check in to the hotel, evening free at leisure to wander around the village & meet poor villagers.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast we visit  – 

BHAWANI NATYASHALA

The Bhawani Natyashala is one of the most unusual theatres in India, constructed in 1921 A.D by Maharaja Bhawani Singh. This architectural wonder gives one an excellent insight into the world of theatre and art and is known to have an underground passage which allowed horses and chariots to appear on stage. The theatre seen the enactment of several great plays ranging from Kalidas’s Abhignana Shakuntalam to Shakespeare’s classics. 

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

The Jhalawar Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan established in 1915 A.D and has a fine collection of rare paintings, manuscripts and idols. The museum is situated bang in the middle of the city and is also a part of the Garh Palace. This beautiful structure is a great of attraction. Inscriptions dating back to 5th and 7th centuries can also be seen here.

GAGRON FORT

Gagron Fort is a fine example of a hill and water fort. It is one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers on three sides, the fort is indeed a sight to behold. A beautiful mausoleum of Sufi saint Mitheshah just near the fort is the venue for an annual colorful fair held during the month of Moharram. Also of interest is the monastery of Saint Pipa, a contemporary of Saint Kabir and disciple of Saint Ramanand.

CHANDRABHAGA TEMPLE

On the banks of the magnificent Chandrabhaga River stand some beautiful temples with intricately carved pillars and arched gateways. Chandramouleshwar temple, Lakulish, Harihar and Devi temple are the part of this temple complex.

SUN TEMPLE

The finest temple of jhalrapatan is the 97-ft high, 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is popularly known as the Padmanabha or Sun Temple. The temple is crowned with a finely carved shikhara (spire). This high steeple is an amalgamation of miniature towers which seem to stick to the main tower, making it a unique one by itself. The shikhara is built in layers and the size of the pillars decreases as height increases, following a seven storey pillar format. The base of the shikhara is made up of larger pillars close to each other around the main foundation. This temple was first restored in the 16th century and later in the 19th century. The columns and arches at the entrance are richly carved with images of gods, goddesses and other Hindu motifs. Also worth seeing are old tiles engraved with figures of the gods-Vishnu and Krishna-on the outside walls of the temple.

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast drive to Bundi

Situated in the southern part of the colourful state Rajasthan, Bundi is 39 km North West of Kota. It is easy for tourists to explore this typical Rajasthani city and its history within a very short span of time on either a taxi or auto rickshaw or simply a cycle.

History

In the year 1193 when Prithviraj Chauhan lost out to Mohammad Ghori, numerous Chauhan nobles fled to Mewar to seek a safe refuge. However, there were still others who were not intimidated and hence moved towards newer destination in the Chambal valley. There they subdued the Meena and Bheel tribes and established their own supremacy in the kingdom of Hadoti. Later during the Jehangir rule, Bundi was forcibly separated into two parts, Kota and Bundi. The state lost its earlier prestige with the rise of Kota, though it continued as an independent state within the British rule. Later, when India gained independence, Bundi was incorporated into the state of Rajasthan. 

Attractions

Taragarh Fort 

Built in the 14th century, the Taragarh Fort is the star attraction in Bundi. With the entry being free and souvenir shops fortunately absent, the fort provides an option of peaceful ramble round its premises. Inside the instant eye-catchers include the Bhim Burj, a large battlement with a cannon placed on it and a large reservoir carved out of single piece of rock. The views from the fort are exceptional, especially during the sunset when the rays seem to lend a lovely grace to the entire area. 

Bundi Palace 

Adjacent to the fort and past the bazaar, a wooden gate leads to the beautiful Bundi Palace. The highlight of this palace is the beautiful murals that carry the spectators back into the time of Bundi royalty. The murals cover almost entire palace walls; however, all these areas are not open for public viewing barring the Chitrashala. For visiting other areas, special permission needs to be obtained from the secretary of the Maharaja of Bundi. Photography is not allowed otherwise Bundi palace, illuminated with lights during night, presents a glowing beauty to be captured on camera. 

Baoris & Tanks 

Bundi is renowned for its baoris or stepwells. There are 50 step wells in Bundi out of which only few have been maintained till date. Most prominent among these are the Raniji ki Baori, Nagar Sagar Kund and Nawal Sagar. The first one was built by Rani Nathavatji and is known for its exquisite carvings. The stepwell was built in the year 1699 and is 46 metre deep. The second one is a pair of identical stepwells close to the Queen’s step well while the Nawal Sagar is close to the palace containing many small islets. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, half submerged in the water of the lake. This temple can be reached only by a boat. 

Sukh Mahal 

The palace was constructed during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the princes a free hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of the Rao. The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that stands in the centre of the roof of the second storey. The palace, that serves as the Irrigation Rest House today, holds the honor of playing host to the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling. 

84 Pillared Cenotaphs

The Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri is located south of the town and is a pavilion supported by 84 pillars. The pavilion was constructed in the year 1683 by Rao Anirudh Singh to honored the services of Deva, his wet nurse. The two storied structure serves as a cenotaph as well as a temple though the importance of the cenotaph seems to have deteriorated with the passage of time. On the other hand, the temple with Shiva Linga still commands respect from the devotees. The ceilings on both the floors are decorated with paintings of Rajput battles and fish symbols.

Overnight at Bundi 

After breakfast, Drive to Jaipur. 

Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its colored gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city.

Overnight at Hotel

Morning Excursion to Amber Fort. Stop en route for a Photo Op at Hawa Mahal – place where the Royal Ladies used to witness the everyday City life.

Amer, 7 miles (11 km) outside of the city. Here, you’ll see the Amber Fort—a fortified palace that was constructed by Raja Man Singh. During your tour, you’ll visit Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audience), Shila Devi TempleJai Mandir (the hall of victory) with its inlaid panels and a mirrored ceiling, and Sukh Niwas. After you explore, you can also take an elephant ride on the grounds of the fort. 

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Jaipur to see the City Palace of Jaipur, which occupies a seventh of the city’s total area, the Jantar Mantar astronomy instruments and observatory, and the famous pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). 

 Overnight at hotel.Overnight   

After breakfast drive to Delhi ( 5hrs)  , upon arrival  proceed to Airport for onward flight

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit cultural destinations in India during a cultural and wildlife tour?

ome of the must-visit cultural destinations in India during your cultural and wildlife tour include the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur’s palaces and forts, Varanasi’s spiritual sites, and the cultural heritage of cities like Delhi and Udaipur. For wildlife enthusiasts, national parks like Ranthambore, Kaziranga, and Jim Corbett offer incredible biodiversity.

When is the best time to embark on a cultural and wildlife tour in India?

The ideal time for a cultural and wildlife tour in India depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to explore. Generally, the winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for most parts of India. However, wildlife enthusiasts may prefer visiting national parks during the cooler months, while cultural tours can be enjoyed year-round.

India boasts incredible wildlife diversity. During wildlife tours, you can spot iconic species like Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, leopards, and various bird species. Each national park and region has its unique fauna and flora, making India a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.

Are cultural and wildlife tours in India suitable for families and children?

Yes, cultural and wildlife tours in India can be family-friendly. Many tour operators offer family-oriented itineraries that include educational activities and interactions with local communities. However, it’s essential to consider the age and interests of your children and choose destinations and activities accordingly.

What should I pack for a cultural and wildlife tour in India?

Packing essentials for a cultural and wildlife tour in India include comfortable clothing suitable for the season and region you’re visiting, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a camera with extra batteries, any necessary medications, and a power bank for charging electronic devices. Additionally, it’s wise to check specific packing recommendations with your tour operator based on your itinerary.

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