Self Drive Tour Package
- Durations: 15 Nights / 16 Days
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport.
Delhi - the capital of India – The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.
Meet & Assist: A dnata representative meets you at the arrival hall of airport, holding a signage of ‘dnata’ and escort you to your hotel in air-conditioned vehicle.
Check-in at hotel and stay for overnight.
Meals included: None
Overnight at hotel
DAY 02: DELHI - MANDAWA
This morning drive to Mandawa covering a distance of 236kms in approx 5 hours & 30 minutes.
The town of Mandawa was founded and inhabited by Shekhawati Rajputs in the 18th century and is popularly known as the open art gallery of Rajasthan due to magnificent murals and frescoes from mythology, legendary tales and contemporary lifestyle which adorn the havelis (small mansions) of this town. Apart from the havelis the market town of Mandawa is renowned for the Mandawa Castle. A large number of antiques and paintings are also on display in the Durbar hall of the castle. The Mandawa castle is now converted into a heritage hotel.
Afternoon arrive in Mandawa and check-in at the hotel.
In the evening, meet the team where the guests will get to know the about the drives & some technical know-how.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 03: MANDAWA - BIKANER
This morning drive to Bikaner covering a distance of 190kms in approx. 3 hours & 30 minutes.
(One could also opt to stop at Taal Chhapar Sanctuary for birds and black buck.)
Bikaner exists in magnificent isolation in the northern Rajasthan desert, a fortified town founded by Bika, son of the Rathore King Rao Jodha (who built Jodhpur), in the late 15th century as a stop on the trading route between the Punjab and the plains. It may not have the golden perfection of Jaisalmer, but its fort has interiors alive with mirror-work, gold leaf and stained glass. Also see the sandstone Lalgarh Palace with its fine jaalis or latticework screens, many fine Jain havelis, Karni Mata or the Rat Temple - this may not be for everyone - whose rodent residents are thought to be the reincarnations of departed souls and, outside town, a camel farm. Bikaner is famous for its superior camels - dark caramel colour, with luxuriant eyelashes - and hosts a famous January camel fair.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04: BIKANER - PHALODI
This morning drive to Phalodi covering a distance of 165kms in approx. 3 hours.
Phalodi is thought to have been founded in the 15th century. In the books of history this town was famous for Jain and Hindu temples. It is believed that some of these temples are over 300 years old. There are a number of havelis in Phalodi. Most of them are typical in their style. Most of the havelis have their entrances towards the main road; special attention has been given in building Jharokhas and Jaalis to keep womenfolk in seclusion.
On arrival in Phalodi, check-in to the hotel.
Afternoon visit to Kichan to view the migrating demoiselle cranes.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05: PHALODI - MANVAR
This morning drive to Manvar covering a distance of 53 kms in approx. 1 hour.
The beauty of Manvar is breathtaking and the feeling of viewing a sunset in the midst of the sand dunes is hard to describe. For those who seek a tad more privacy and the luxury of absolute solitude, this is the perfect spot for them.
Arrive in Manvar and check-in at your tented camp.
Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Tent.
DAY 06: MANVAR - CAMP
This morning drive to Camp covering a distance of 160kms in approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The camp focuses on rural and wilderness driving through scrub country on quality four by fours. Though the entire idea of off-roading can be customized depending upon the destination, guest interest and time, they have pre-set programs which can be easily included into a Rajasthan program that has Jodhpur in it.
In evening, trek up the hill to have wonderful views of sunset.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Camp.
DAY 07: CAMP
Today experience the full day excursion into the wilderness of western Rajasthan to visit homes and see the lives of various tribal communities.
These are villages or hamlets, completely off the beaten path where simple village folk still live in complete harmony with nature. All along the drive one can encounter wildlife like black buck, blue bull, chinkara, and migratory birds like the demoiselle cranes, various species of ducks and geese and several land birds.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Camp.
DAY 08: CAMP - BERA
Breakfast at hotel.
Later drive to Bera covering a distance of 190 kms in approx. 4-5 hours.
Hidden in the belly of Rajasthan, Bera is a small town in Pali district with a considerable number of leopards but very few tourists. Bera was hardly known amongst the wild lifers.
To photograph leopards in Bera is in the to do list of every wild lover. It has a classic landscape with Aravalli hills dotting scrub-land vegetation such as cactus and keekar. Hillocks with caves present here provide a perfect habitat for leopards. Close to this village, lie the River Jawai and the Jawai Dam.
The result of these two structures is a lake-like water body. A scenic place amidst the hills is home to some of the biggest crocodiles apart from a number of resident and migratory birds.
Arrive in Bera and check-in at your hotel for 2 nights.
Afternoon experience a leopard safari by a Jeep/gypsy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at lodge
DAY 09: BERA
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, experience a leopard safari by a Jeep/Gypsy. One could also indulge in activities like Village tour or a Nature Walk excursion.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own.
During the stay, on could go on a rural excursion interacting with the lively Rabari herdsmen who have shared this land with wildlife for many centuries and continue with the same even today to link the wildlife and local culture. One could cycle around the pastoral fields where wild grasslands and Jawai Bandh’s waters meet and merge. One could spot cranes, flamingos and other wild animals as well.
Cooking here has its own unique flavor and the simplest ingredients go into preparing most dishes. Scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables has had their impact on the cooking in the desert areas of Rajasthan. One could witness the way the Rajasthani dishes are prepared.
Optional:
Visit to Jawai Bandh / Jawai Dam Safari for Birding & Crocodile watching by exclusive Jeep. The large reservoir is home to many species of migratory and residential birds and provides incredible sightings of species like the Sarus Crane, Indian Courser, Pelicans, Bar – Headed Geese etc.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at lodge
DAY 10: BERA - DEOGARH
Breakfast at hotel.
This morning drive to Deogarh covering a distance of 130kms in approx. 3 hours.
Deogarh is sharing boundaries with Mewar & Marwar. Its territory comprised some 210 villages, with one of their defensive forts. In the olden times, ‘Rawat’, chief of Deogarh, was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) entitled to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Hotel Deogarh Mahal is a mega structure building built in the late 17th century.
It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli range with numerous serene lakes.
Arrive at Deogarh & check-in at hotel for an overnight.
In the afternoon enjoy short Rural Rail ride on 1930’s local train through a wooded hill section.
After the train ride, drive back to Deogarh.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 11: DEOGARH - JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Jaipur covering a distance of 275 kms in approximately 5 hours.
Jaipur: The city was first intended to be called ‘Sawai Jaipur’, named after the boy Prince who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743. Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name the ‘Pink City’.
Arrive in Jaipur and check-in at your hotel, where you stay for 02 nights.
Rest of the day at leisure at the resort - unwind; enjoy the Spa/ pool.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 12: JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel
Morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort.
Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points & shimmering mirrors encrust walls of Sheesh Mahal.
Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Jaipur City.
Visit the Jantar-Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but still appears to be futuristic. It houses unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! Continue your visit to City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the "Palace of the Winds." This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved.
Return to hotel after the above visits.
Optional 1: Cooking Demonstration Followed By Dinner with an Indian Family
In the evening visit an Indian family to observe and learn some of the Indian's housewife's secret. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your gracious host and welcomed into their home. As dinner is being prepared, your guide will provide an insight into Indian family life. This is an opportunity to learn more about local life, Indian lifestyle, the traditions of home life and the importance of family in Indian culture, arranged marriages and of course, the food. Begin with exploring market (to buy fruits & vegetables) and drive to the house of a local resident family of Jaipur to attend a welcome dinner with your Indian hosts. Enjoy your dinner and spend some time with the family to know and feel their culture in more authentic way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 13: JAIPUR – AGRA
Breakfast at hotel.
Later drive to Agra a distance of 260kms in approx. 5-6 hours. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur.
Continue your drive to Agra. Arrive at Agra and check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Later, visit to Agra Fort. Agra Fort: Situated two kilometres towards west of the Taj Mahal on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar, and added to by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Agra Fort is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques built by all the three emperors. The fort presents a good sampling of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
Optional-1: Evening visit to Kalakriti Auditorium to enjoy Mohabbat-The Taj for a live show in the evening. Mohabbat the Taj, the-80 minute presentation that perfectly complements a pilgrimage to the Monument of Love. "Indeed to fully appreciate and soak into the beauty of the monument, one is advised to see the musical presentation at the Kalakriti auditorium.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 14 : AGRA - DELHI
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal - The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved
Return back to hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon, drive to Delhi (approx. 200kms / 4 hours’ drive).
Delhi - the capital of India – The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.
Arrive at Delhi and check-in at hotel for 2 nights.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 15: DELHI
Breakfast at hotel
Morning combined sightseeing tour of Old + New Delhi.
Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. Begin your day with an exploration of Old Delhi - visit the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers. In the old city of Delhi, walk through the by-lanes of the spice market, the wedding street and the jeweler’s lane to savor the 350 years old culture up-close. There will be great photo opportunities here.
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648. Drive past Red fort, built in red sand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. Drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by the Edwin Lutyens in 1920. Lutyens' Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hill. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War.
Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Culminate your tour at Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368. Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs.
Optional-1: Evening enjoy a spectacular Bollywood entertainment show at a Grand Theatre “Kingdom of Dreams. Right from live theatre to food to shopping, Kingdom of Dreams has it all. Two of the most famous shows playing at Kingdom of Dreams are Zangoora - The Gypsy Prince and Jhumroo, a musical tribute to legendary singer Kishore Kumar. Nautanki Mahal is the venue of these two shows, which is built in a state of the art manner, complete with matrix sound system for a more real and enjoyable theatre experience. To enjoy arts and culture from across the country head to the Culture Gully in the Kingdom of Dreams. Spread over an area of 1, 00,000 sq ft there are restaurants representing 14 states from across India. Each restaurant has a unique theme and showcases something unique about the state. The Culture Gully has two lounge bars, the Mekhana Bar and the Kerala Bar.
Note: Evening show followed by dinner is recommended. It is closed on every Mondays.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
DAY 16: DELHI
Breakfast at hotel.
In time you will be transferred to International airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast