Unusual Rajasthan

Unusual Rajasthan (Tour Code: IN/016) – This tour is beyond Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Rajasthan is an epic, a treasure trove or rather call it a paradise that a traveller yearns for. How about visiting the lesser known places of Rajasthan that are hidden from the tourists’ eyes, but are indeed a treat. We take you for 12/13 days into Rajasthan uncovering Karaului, Bundi, Ranakpur, Luni, Khimsar, Pushkar and finally Jaipur.

Itinerary

Day 01  Arrival day in Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, our representative will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel. Later in the day we set out for a sightseeing tour of Delhi that may include India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Late evening back to the hotel, welcome dinner along with a briefing session at the hotel and overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 02  Delhi / Karauli

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast drive to Karauli (290 kms / 6 hrs). En route visit Deeg town which is strewn with massive fortifications, beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces, and a colorful bazaar. You can explore Deeg Fort, Suraj Bhawan, Krishna Bhawan and Keshav Bhawan. Reach Karauli by evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Karauli

Day 03  Karauli / Bundi

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast walk or go by camel cart to see the 600 year old city where one can see the local handicraft shops like bangle makers, wooden toys, bamboo items, traditional sweets etc. Later visit the 500 year old City Palace full of frescos, fine stone carvings & paintings. Back to hotel by lunch. Post lunch check out from the hotel and drive to Bundi (230 kms / 5 hrs). Reach Bundi and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Bundi.

Day 04  Bundi

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast visit Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, Chattar Mahal, Ratan Daulat, 84 Pillared Cenotaphs, Chitrashala and Nawal Sagar. In the evening you can shop for cotton carpets, famous Kota paintings and Kota doria sarees, stone statues, wooden toys and bangles. Overnight at the hotel in Bundi.

Day 05  Bundi / Ranakpur

Early breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Ranakpur (320 kms / 7 hrs). Reach Ranakpur and check in at the hotel. Later you can visit Sadri (8 kms) to explore a few magnificent temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest and the most ancient of the temples situated here. Back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ranakpur.

Day 06  Ranakpur / Luni

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast check-out from the hotel to visit Ranakpur Jain Temples which were built under the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century AD. Each temple provides an insight into the rich temple architecture of the medieval times. The most important temple is dedicated to Rishabhji. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 square feet. The Rankpur Jain temples cover an area of 4500 sq yards. Chaumukha, the central four-faced temple houses an idol of Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. Rising to three stories, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. There are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared halls and in all 1444 columns. Each column is intricately carved and decorated with most elaborate sculptures and figures, none of the two being alike. Facing the main temple are two temples dedicated to Parasvanath and Neminath. The carving on these temples bear resemblance to those of Khajuraho. Enjoy your lunch in Ranakpur and later drive to Luni (160 kms / 3.5 hrs). Arrive Luni by evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Luni.

Day 07  Luni

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast exploring Luni. It is a charming and cloistered village which reflects the royal past of Rajasthan. In Luni many artisans are still pursuing their ancestral profession of carving metal, clay or wood into intricate forms. Luni’s Fort Chanwa is an outstanding piece of elegance and proportion in Indian Architecture of the last century. The village of Luni is situated in the shadow of fort walls. This small bustling village invites innumerable tourists to the nearby fort. Back to hotel by evening. Overnight at the hotel in Luni.

Day 08  Luni / Khimsar

Early Breakfast at the hotel. Post early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Khimsar (145 kms / 3 hrs). Reach Khimsar and check in at the hotel. Day up to lunch at leisure. Post lunch you can enjoy Jeep / Camel safari into the village and the nearby sand dunes. Back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Khimsar.

Day 09  Khimsar / Pushkar

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast visit Khimsar Fort. Back to hotel by lunch and check out from the hotel to drive to Pushkar (160 km / 3.5 hrs). Arrive Pushkar by evening. Check-in at he the hotel and later you enjoy at the lakeside and explore the lively streets of this city of Lord Bramah. Back to hotel and overnight at the hotel in Pushkar.

Day 10  Pushkar / Jaipur

Early morning you have an option to enjoy by the lake or visit the temple. Back to hotel for breakfast and post breakfast we will check-out and drive to Jaipur (150 km / 3.5 hrs). Arrive Jaipur by lunch and check-in at the hotel. Today we will visit Hawa Mahal, which a five storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Also visit the traditional bazaars of Jaipur. Back to hotel by evening. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 11  Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel and post breakfast we will visit Amer fort. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Also visit the City Palace today followed by Jantar Mantar – Astronomical Observatory. Back to hotel and overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 12  Jaipur / Delhi / Home

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast fly to Delhi and further connect your international flight from Delhi to home. As an option spend another night in Agra visiting the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

Tour Highlight

Sand dunes at Khimsar is the highlight of this tour that ensures total tranquility and peace with perhaps nothing but the sound of the sifting sands wafting on the desert winds, occasionally interrupted by the ducks, geese and wild birds that flock to the water body. The savage beauty of the desert is constantly before you, be it in the harshness of the day, or as the glow of sunset envelopes the entire desert in orange hues or underneath a brilliant starlit night.

Enjoy an evening drink on the sand and camel safari on the desert sand.