Rajasthan Short Tour
( JAIPUR - JODHPUR - UDAIPUR )
DAY -1 JAIPUR :
Today morning, Arrival at Jaipur.Jaipur - The capital of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'pink city' as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink-colored sandstone. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). He laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks by principles of town planning set out in an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In 1728 he constructed the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur's central attractions. It is worthwhile spending any leisure time wandering through the bazaars. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enamelled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts.
In the afternoon visit the Observatory, the Palace of Winds and the City Palace and Museum. The museum has an interesting textile section, which contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 02 JAIPUR :
This morning after breakfast proceed to Amber Fort which is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone. Thereafter proceed for a half day tour of the “Pink City”, visiting the Maharaja's Palace which is known as “The City Palace”.The City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings and now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts. Also visit Jantar Mantar the astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh, drive past Hawa Mahal – the palace of winds, its five-storey façade decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows and balconies. Also visit the Albert Hall Museum.Overnight in Jaipur.
Amber Fort Hawa Mahal.
DAY 03 JAIPUR- JODHPUR :
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.The 15th century city of Jodhpur, stands at the edge of Thar Desert and is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur is a resplendent city, with a blend of modern and traditional buildings. The city is totally dominated by a massive fort sprawled across 125‐ meter high hill known as Meherangarh Fort, founded by Rao Jodha in 15th century. A flourishing trade center in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural Crops. It boasts of some of very fine reminders of its glorious past‐palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical significance. Also Jodhpur is popularly known as the ‘Blue City’ because of the beautiful houses painted with indigo color mostly belonging to the Brahmin caste.
Afternoon visit the Meherangarh Fort and enjoy a magnificent view of this Blue city from the ramparts. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of Marwar sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings.
It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests. Also visit Jaswant Thada - a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04 JODHPUR - UDAIPUR:
This morning we'll drive through valleys in the remote and peaceful Aravalli Range to RANAKPUR to visit one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike. We'll continue driving south, arriving Udaipur, described as the “City of Sunrise” in the evening. In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on LAKE PICHOLA. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat.Overnight at hotel.
DAY05 UDAIPUR:
Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is of course the modern face of Udaipur that one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction. This is a place that will hold you in its thrall no matter whom you are or where you come from. During a guided tour you will visit the CITY PALACE built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola.One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; JAGDISH TEMPLE built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city.
The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble. In the afternoon, enjoy the boat ride on lake Pichola (Subject to water level in the lake). Return to your hotel for overnight stay.