INTRO
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Itinerary
2004 Journey to Rajasthan:
Royal Palaces, Sacred Temples
 

This year's tour is one for princes and queens During the first two weeks, we will be traversing through the fascinating and romantic desert state of Rajasthan. Known as the Land of Kings, Rajasthan is India at its exotic and colorful best, with its battle-scarred forts, riotous colors, and palaces of breathtaking grandeur and whimsical charm. Our route will take us to both popular tourist sights as well as places off the beaten path and will include various temples, rural villages, fabulous palaces, and ruins of forts from a time gone by. Our final week will be spent in the enchanting city of Varanasi, on the bank of the Ganges, considered to be one of holiest cities in India. In Rajasthan, we'll generally be staying at smaller Heritage properties:old palaces and mansions from days gone by; in Varanasi, our accommodations will be much simplier. To read about one woman's experience in Rajasthan, click here

 

Dates: November 25 (Thanksgiving) — December 18, 2004.

Duration: 23 days.

Group Size: 12 max (plus Scott)


Our destinations include:

Agra:the home of the exquisitely beautiful Taj Mahal. We'll stay at the five star, deluxe, Jay Pee Palace. To read more about the history and visiting the Taj Mahal, click here

Ranthambhore National Park: one of the most famous tiger reserves in India and famous for its beautiful scenery of lakes, rivers, step high crags, ruined pavilions, and 10th century fort. We’ll spend three nights here, resting from our long trip from the US as well as taking some safaris into the park. We'll be staying at five star Heritage facility, the Hotel Sawai Madhopur Lodge —once owned by the maharaja of Jaipur — whos amenities include a lovely 12 acre garden.

Chittorgarth: known for it's impressive, sprawling hilltop fort. Off the tourist track but well worth a visit. We'll stay in the popular heritage facility, Hotel Pratap Palace.

Udaipur: a beautiful, romantic city known for it’s lake palace and a worthy subject for any impressionist painter. Called the Venice of the East, the old city is full of jumbled and tangled streets--perfect for a day's exploration. We'll also visit the sublime 15th Century Temple in Ranakpur, one of the most exquisite Jain temples in India.We'll stay at the Hotel Laxmivilas Palace, a five star deluxe Heritage facility.

 

 

Pushkar: a major pilgrimage sight as well as a bewitching little town. In the center of town is Puskar Lake which is full of bathing ghats and temples. We'll stay at the Hertitage facility, Hotel Pushkar Palace, built by the Maharaja of Jaisalmer around 400 years ago.

 

 

 

Mandawa: a typical village in the Shekhawati region known for beautifully painted mansions (including frescos depicting mythological themes huge animals) and thus is considered the "Open Aft Gallery of Rajasthan." We’ll spend two nights here, unwinding into the sleepiness of such surrounding villages as Mahansar which is a little village oozing old world charm as well as other villages known for their handicrafts. We'll be staying in the Hotel Castle Mandawa which was a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel.

Jaipur: the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the pink city because of the color of the buildings in the old city. Rajasthan is a vibrant metropolis full of wild contrasts and feasts for the eyes; from vegetable laden camel carts weaving their way through streets packed with cars, cows, rickshaws, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians to traditionally dressed Rajjput men sporting bright turbans and swashbuckling turbans. We'll stay in the Heritage Hotel Shahpura House.

Varanasi: considered the most holy city in India. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and is bursting with character. It has been my favorite destination in India and I’m delighted to be able to return once again. We’ll be staying in the old part of town at a simple hotel overlooking the Ganges. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the fascinating and numerous ghats as well as the narrow winding alleys.

 

2004 Itinerary


25 Nov (Thanksgiving): Depart San Francisco

26 Nov: BANGKOK
Late night arrival and overnight in Bangkok

27 Nov: BANGKOK -DELHI - AGRA ( 204 Km)
Morning departure from Bangkok. Arrive Delhi in early afternoon. Transfer from Delhi to Agra.

28 Nov: AGRA - RANTHAMBHORE ( 290 Km)
Visit Taj Mahal in morning. Afternoon, drive to Ranthambhore National Park. Overnight in Park.

29 Nov: RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon wildlife safari.

30 Nov: RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon wildlife safari.

1 Dec: RANTHAMBORE - CHITTAURGARH
Drive to Chittaurgarh.

2 Dec: CHITTAURGARH - UDAIPUR
Morning enjoy local sightseeing tour at Chittaurgarh followed by drive to Udaipur. Rest of the day free.

3 Dec UDAIPUR
Day free to explore. Possible destinations include Saheliyon - Ki - Bari - The garden for the maids of honour of the queen; Jagdish Temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu & approachable by a broad flight of steps, the shrine is a rectangular platform on the lines of Indo-Aryan style of architecture, City Palace - located amidst Lake Pichola.

4 Dec UDAIPUR
Today morning enjoy excursion to Eklingji, Nagada and Ranakpur Temples . The 108 temples of Eklingji are enclosed by high walls and has a pyramidal roof composed of hundred of knobs. Nagada, one of the ancient palaces of Mewar dating back to the 6th Century AD. The Sas Bahu temples are among the most exquisitely carved temples. The Ranakpur Temple is one of the most important and exquisitely beautiful Jain temples in India.

5 Dec UDAIPUR - PUSKAR
Drive to Pushkar .

6 Dec: PUSHKAR
Morning free. Afternoon visit the only Lord Brahma temple in the world then an excursion to Ajmer where famous Dargah Sharit Tomb is located

7 Dec: PUSHKAR
Free day for personal exploration.

8 Dec: PUSHKAR - MANDAWA
Drive to Mandawa. Rest of day free to explore.

9 Dec: MANDAWA
Visit the famous painted Havelis (mansions) and local villages.

10 Dec: MANDAWA - JAIPUR
Drive to Jaipur in the morning. Rest of day free to relax and unwind.

11 Dec: JAIPUR
Morning sightseeing tour to magnificent Amer fort . Ascend the hill on the decorated elephant back - am experience of life time. Afternoon visit the famous City Palace which occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. Visit Hawa Mahal, Royal Astronomical Observatory and the colorful Bazaars.

12 DEC JAIPUR - VARANASI
Morning free. 1:10 PM: take overnight train to Varanasi.

13 Dec: VARANASI
9:30 AM arrive Varanasi. Transfer to Hotel on the banks of the Ganges in the old part of town. Optional visit to Daswasamed Ghat, Burning Ghat and Shiva Temples, tailor and silk shops.

14 Dec: VARANASI
Day free to explore. Options: sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, visit Durga Temple near Assi Ghat, visit shop of a stone-cutter who makes marvelous sculptures.

15 Dec: VARANASI
Day free to explore. Options: Hanuman temple, Annapurna Temple,. Overnight in Varanasi.

16 Dec: VARANASI
Day free to explore. Options: Sarnath and outlying villages.

17 Dec: VARANASI _ DELHI
Fly to Delhi. Rest at hotel. Transfer to airport.

18 Dec: DELHI - SAN FRANCISCO
Early morning departure for San Francisco. Arrive San Francisco late morning (yes the same day)

 

 

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