Rajasthan with Chandrbagha Festival

About Chandrabhaga Festival:

The Chandrabhaga fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan (6kms from Jhalawar) in the month of Kartik (October-November). On the full moon night of 'Kartik Purnima', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at a particular spot which is known as Chandravati. Big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from as far as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions.

Day 01 / 23 NOV'12: ARRIVAL DELHI

Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and assisted by our company representative at airport. Later after traditional welcome transfer to your hotel. Delhi as the capital of India is a melting pot of modern, old cultures and traditions. Overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

Day 02 /24 NOV'12: DELHI - JODHPUR (By Flight)

Morning after breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival meet & greet and transfer to the Hotel for Check in. Jodhpur city is located at the edge of the Thar Desert and was founded in 1459 A.D. Upon arrival in Jodhpur transfer to your hotel. Take a half day city tour visiting the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125-mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jarokhas" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour of a bygone era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. The tour culminates with a visit to the Museum housed in the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at Hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 03 / 25 NOV'12: JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR (250 Kms/5Hrs )

After breakfast drive to Udaipur- it is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of India and is also known as the "City of Lakes". En route stop at the beautiful Ranakpur temples. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur, built in the 15th century, are situated in the lovely Aravalli valley. The town is named after Rana Kumbha, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The Ranakpur Jain temples have grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the temples and none of them are similar. Arrive evening at Udaipur. It is in contrast with its desert neighborhood, with its enchanting image, placid blue lakes, gardens, temples surrounded by hills and mountains. Upon arrival check-in and Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 04 /26 NOV'12: UDAIPUR

After breakfast half day Udaipur city tour. Begin with the City Palace built in the year 1725 - it is A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake. The palace houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honor) - which is a small ornamental garden and used to be a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll. The visit also includes Jagdish Temple-Built in 1651A.D. by the local king. Afternoon enjoy Boat ride at the Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 /27 NOV'12: UDAIPUR - CHITTORGARH - BUNDI (255 Kms/ 6 Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Bundi. En route stop at Chittorgarh to visit Chittorgarh Fort. Chittorgarh epitomizes Rajput spirit, valour, pride and romance. It reverberates with heroism and sacrifice, the tales of which are still sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The imposing and awe inspiring fort stands on a 240-hectares site, on 180 m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains. Continue drive to Bundi. Upon arrival check into your hotel. It is a magnificent town. The palaces and forts have a fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. In Bundi, the Rajput architecture shines in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 /28 NOV'12: BUNDI - JHALRA PATAN - KOTA (207 Kms/ hrs) CHANDRABHAGA FESTIVAL

Today after breakfast check out and morning visit some of the attraction of Bundi. Visit Taragarh Fort and from the ramparts of the city take a view of the city which appears mostly blue in colour because of the houses painted in blue. Later Drive to Jhalra Patan to experience the local festival of Chandrabhaga. The fair has its own unique ethnic charm. In the evening drive back for overnight stay at Hotel in Kota.

Day 07 /29 NOV'12: KOTA - CHANDRABHAGHA FESTIVAL - KOTA ( 82 Kms/ 2 Hrs one way)

After breakfast take an excursion to Jhalra Patan for Chandrabhaga Festival. These big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from as far as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions. Later in the afternoon drive back to Kota for overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 08 /30 NOV'12: KOTA - JAIPUR ( 248 kms/ 6 hrs)

Post breakfast proceed to Jaipur. Jaipur is popularly known as 'The Pink City' due to the colour of the buildings in its old part. This Buzzing city is a place of wild contrasts and is a feast for the eyes. Rest of the time free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 09 / 01 DEC'12: JAIPUR

Post breakfast pass through Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) for photo opportunities. Proceed to Amber Fort with elephant ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. PM half city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 10 / 02 DEC'12: JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA (235 Kms/ 5.5 Hrs)

Drive from Jaipur to Agra en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This medieval city was abandoned due to non-availability of water but is still in a state of perfect preservation. Arrive Agra and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 / 03 DEC'12: AGRA - DELHI (207 kms/ 4 Hrs)

After breakfast, guest will be assisted for a morning half-day guided city tour of Agra visiting world famous Taj Mahal- (closed on Fridays). Taj Mahal is an eternal monument signifying love. Proceed to visit from inside the Agra Fort- This magnificent fort was built by a Mughal emperor to commemorate his victory in war. Later proceed to Delhi by surface. On arrival check in & Overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

Day 12 / 04 DEC'12: Departure DELHI

After breakfast full day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. Start with the 17th Century Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, built in the year 1656. Pass through Red Fort which was built in the year 1646. Also visit the memorial of the Mahatma Gandhi known as Raj Ghat. PM we explore the two world heritage sites of New Delhi. First The Humayun Tomb which is the mausoleum of The Mughal Emperor Humayun and Second - Qutab Minar. It was built in the 12th Century and the tallest brick Minaret in the world with 72 Meters of Height. The Qutab Minar is gracefully hand-carved for its entire height. It also has the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Also drives pass the President House (formerly the viceroy's residence); the India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) and the Parliament House. Later at night transfer to the International Airport for departure to onward.