Highlights
- Travel by air-conditioned Volvo coach for the duration of the tour
- Accommodation on twin/triple/quad sharing basis
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing of City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal
- Visit to Amer Fort, Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts
- Experiential visit to Sanganer
- Evening of authentic Rajasthani culture and food at Chokhi Dhani ethnic village
- All inclusive tour
- Daily blog
- GPS access to know whereabouts of the group
- Full time tour escort for the duration of the tour
- Experienced English speaking guides for sightseeing
Day 01: Delhi / Jaipur (By Surface 255 Kms / 05 – 06 hrs) (B,L,T,D)
Pick up from school early to drive to Jaipur by air conditioned Volvo bus. Breakfast will be served enroute at a restaurant. On arrival there, check-into your preferred hotel, and have lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed for half day city tour of Jaipur, including The City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal.
The City Palace situated in the heart of the old City occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, houses the seven storied Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. The Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collections of manuscripts; The Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble paved gallery. The Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons.
The Jantar Mantar built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is an astounding Observatory. The huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time, which is subject to daily corrections.
The Hawa Mahal built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument has 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies and is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum.
In the evening return to the hotel for tea. Time to freshen up, and get ready for an evening of music and dance after dinner.
Overnight at your preferred hotel.
Day 02: Amer Fort, Sanganer and Chokhi Dhani (B, L, T, D)
After breakfast this morning take an experiential excursion to Sanganer for a firsthand experience of block printing. Sanganer prints are one of its own kinds, for the reason that patterns in bright colors are always printed on white backgrounds.
Later, after lunch visit Amer Fort, the old capital of the Kachhwahas which stands atop a range of craggy hills. 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. The solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lI the last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shifted his capital in 1727.
The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukh Mandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout the massive fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
In the evening, visit the Chokhi Dhani ethnic village for a truly Rajasthani experience! Enjoy authentic Rajasthani food, shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, ride on camels and elephants and have the time of your life.
Day 03: Nahargarh and Jaigarh Forts. Drive to Delhi (B,L,T)
In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a visit to Nahargarh Fort. Also known as Tiger Fort, it is perched high on the rugged Aravali Hills overlooking Jaipur city. The fort was built in 1734 to help defend the city. It found fame in 2006, after many scenes from the movie Rang De Basanti were filmed there. This is a two-storey building which had suites for the king and his twelve queens. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam, an open air enclosure where the king met the common men and listened to their problems and complaints.
It is connected to the Jaigarh Fort through its fortifications. It is believed that the construction of this fort was obstructed by the spirit of a Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia. However, the spirit was pacified when a temple dedicated to him was built inside the fort. Sawai Ram Singh renovated this fort in 1868.
Also visit the massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it’s one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn’t have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress. Climb the Diwa Burj watchtower to get an excellent view over the plains.
After lunch at your hotel, drive back to Delhi where you will be dropped back to your school.