Culture Of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a central place in enriching the Indian culture as a whole. The land of princes is an enigmatic state where tradition and history blend with contemporary lifestyle. The culture of the state is a result of its 5000-year old history and the varied topography of the desert land. Rajasthan has a diverse population belonging to different castes, tribes, and religions, which embellish the culture by their unique customs and beliefs. The rich cultural heritage of the state is reflected in its impressive folk music and dances, different languages and dialects, the majestic forts, palaces, mansions and divinely holy places of religious worship, its multihued fairs and festivals, its tempting cuisines, and, above all, its inviting and cheerful people. Rajasthan is truly one such stop to experience all the hues of a healthy culture.
Interestingly, you can own the rainbow Rajasthan culture in the form of various gorgeous and startling commodities, stunningly representing the same. The markets are overflowed by products reflecting the culture of Rajasthan, like tie & die textiles, intricately carved wooden furniture with alluring motifs, block print textiles, lavish Bandhej saris & kurtis, zari & embroidered saris, luxurious and royal hand knotted carpets & durries, astonishing blue pottery, captivating mojaris & jutis, and so on. You can easily find them while strolling in any market in Rajasthan. To dive completely into the colors of Rajasthan, people adorably tie colorful pagris on their heads. Every nook and corner of Rajasthan delights and compels visitors to fall in love with it. Read further to truly get acquainted with the rich and bewitching culture of Rajasthan.
People
The inhabitants of Rajasthan are friendly and amiable who welcome every visitor with open arms. Like the whole of India, Rajasthan also displays unity in diversity. The moment you enter this vivacious state, the warm and jolly nature of Rajasthani people will impress you deeply. In terms of demography, Rajasthan is a diverse state with people categorized on the basis of birth or occupation. Some parts of the state are thickly populated, while others are sparsely inhabited.
Dances
The dances of Rajasthan are so inviting and engaging that they are bound to induce you to tap a foot or two along with the dancers. Rajasthani dances are essentially folk dances tracing their origin to rural customs and traditions. What is more interesting is that keeping alive the numerous dance forms are not the professional dancers but the ordinary rural men and women of Rajasthan.
Music
If the majestic forts and palaces are the body of Rajasthan, then the folk music is the soul of the "Land of the Princes". The folk music gives the people of Rajasthan a means of forgetting the tough living conditions in the desert and even adds a charm to the desert land. The Rajasthan style of music has made significant contribution in enriching the Indian music as a whole.
Cuisine
Cuisine from time immemorial has given a distinct identity to a region simultaneously echoing the cultural of the same. A place where cooking food is considered an art form, one can only imagine what a lip-smacking treat is awaiting a man in love with authentic food. Rajasthan is one such state that offers sumptuous and simply irresistible delicacies, leaving you asking for more.
History
The history of Rajasthan dates back to pre-historic times as one finds settlements dating to this period in Rajasthan. Archaeological excavations establish a relation with the Harappan culture trailing back to 1000 BC. Rajasthan has also had Paleolithic settlements as one finds paintings in some areas of Rajasthan tracking back to this period.
Rajasthan Cultural Tour
Duration: 17 Night / 18 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi – Agra - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - Mount Abu – Udaipur – Chittorgarh - Pushkar - Delhi
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival our representative will meet you at Delhi international airport and escort to the hotel for assistance with check in process. Delhi, the capital city of India, is located in northern part of India and sets on the bank of River Yamuna. The city has its own historical importance for the fact that it has been the home to Mughal Empire for a long time; its rulers had built some magnificent monuments here. Overnight stay is at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi sightseeing
After a comfortable night, today morning we take you for Delhi city tour, in which your visit covers both the parts of Delhi the Old Delhi and the New Delhi. In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid built mu Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 AD, it is the largest and very famous mosque of our country. Drive pass the massive Red fort also built by emperor Shah Jahan. The oldest market of Delhi - Chandni Chowk will be explored by a joyful rickshaw ride. And lastly visit Raj Ghat - cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight is at hotel in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Agra (205 kms / 05 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra – the city of seventh wonder on the earth. Upon arrival check into your hotel and afternoon take a city tour visiting Agra Fort. Built mainly as a military organization by Akbar in 1565, the Agra Red Fort made up of red sandstone it was partly rehabilitated into a fort during Shah Jahan's period. It is on the western bank of the River Yamuna and this marvelous fort dominates the centre of the city. The Taj Mahal – the world famous love monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved queen “Mumtaz Mahal. One is left speechless with the capturing beauty of this white marble beauty. If time permits visit Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb also known as Baby Taj. Overnight stay is at hotel in Agra.
Day 04: Agra – Jaipur (235 kms / 05 hrs)
From Agra this morning drive towards the capital city of the princely state Rajasthan - Jaipur. On arrival check in at the hotel and get relaxed. Jaipur is the city of forts and palaces popularly known as the Pink City is a must visit on the tourist map of India. This city has lived a glorious past and is studded with stunning structures. Rest of the day is free to relax and explore the city on own. Overnight stay is at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
On day 5 enjoy an excursion tour to Amber Fort, it is one of the main attractions in Jaipur, situated atop a hill it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and royalty. To reach the entrance of the fort one has an option to enjoy an elephant back ride like the past king and queens. Afternoon drive back to the city and take on a city tour of Jaipur visiting the famous City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and evening explore colorful market and active bazaars of the city, here you can enjoy the shopping for its beautiful handicrafts, jewellery and precious stones and gems. Overnight is at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur (The Pink City) – Mandawa (170 kms / 04 hrs)
Morning after breakfast leave for Mandawa located in the Shekhawati district of Rajasthan it is an artistic town with its own individuality. Enjoy the visit to various cenotaphs, step-wells, frescoed old houses, havelis & buildings at Mandawa and Nawalgarh. Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 07: Mandawa – Bikaner (190 kms / 04 hrs)
Before leaving for Bikaner, have breakfast at the hotel. On your way to Bikaner halt at Deshnok Temple also known as Karni Mata Temple and the Camel Breeding Farm just before Bikaner. On arrival Bikaner check into the hotel & rest of the day is free for relaxation. Overnight stay will be at Bikaner.
Day 08: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (The Golden City) (330 kms / 07 hrs)
After energetic breakfast take city sightseeing tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, and various Havelis. By afternoon you drive towards your next destination Jaisalmer, the Golden City. On arrival check in at the hotel and relax after a long road journey. Overnight stay is in Jaisalmer.
Day 09: Jaisalmer (The Golden City)
After wonderful night proceed for city sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting the Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) which is a capturing structure in this town and the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. The fusion of Rajput and Islamic architecture styles are visible in fort. Later walk through the local streets to the Patwon-ki-haveli & Kothari Haveli. After that visit Sam Sand Dunes just 40 kms away from Jaisalmer these offers a perfect experience of desert to its visitors, enjoy the camel ride here. Later drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Jaisalmer (The Golden City) – Jodhpur (280 kms / 05 hrs)
Drive to Jodhpur also known as the Blue City it is the second largest city of the state. Also referred as the Sun City due to the bright sunny weather throughout the year Jodhpur is one of the prime tourist places in India. On arrival check in at the hotel and after wash & change visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. From the fort you can have a beautiful view of blue city, with most of its local houses painted by blue colour and by evening view the sunset from the fort. Overnight stay is in Jodhpur.
Day 11: Jodhpur (The Sun City) – Mount Abu (260 kms / 05 hrs)
Today we head to the oasis in the deserted state of Rajasthan, the city of Mount Abu. It is the highest peak of Aravalli Range of Rajasthan had been the summer capital in past due to the pleasant climate and natural lush green beauty all over. En-route visit Ranakpur Temples which is one of the five pilgrim places of Jainism, the main temple here is the Chaumukha Temple or Four Faced Temple which is dedicated to Lord Adinath. The temple is made up of marble and is carved intricately, the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars is the most eye catching feature of the temple. Later continue drive to Mount Abu on arrival check into your pre booked hotel in the beautiful hill station. Evening you can visit the Sunset Point of Mount Abu. Overnight stay is in Mount Abu.
Day 12: Mount Abu
After breakfast enjoy the sightseeing tour of hill town visiting Dilwara Temples which are wonderful carved temples from 11th and 13th century. Also visit Sunrise Palace, Adhar Devi Temple and Gomukh Temple. By evening visit Nakki Lake discover the stunning background beauty. Overnight stay is in Mount Abu.
Day 13: Mount Abu – Udaipur (The City of Lakes) (185 kms / 04 hrs)
Morning have breakfast at hotel and drive for Udaipur – the City of Lake & Palaces. On arrival check in at the hotel and after wash & change, relax at the hotel. Evening get pleasure from boat ride on the charming Lake Pichola and see the dynamic view of sunset. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 14: Udaipur (The City of Lakes)
After breakfast enjoy full day city tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace & its museum, in the museum you can find a huge collection of defensive gear, weapons and fatal two-sided sword. Also enjoy the peacock square and the small painting school inside the palace premises. Next visit the splendid “Sahelion Ki Bari” known as Garden of Maids of Honour, it is a beautiful garden decorated with lotus pool, fountains, flower beds and marble pavilions. The largest and most beautiful temple in this city is – Jagdish Temple which we visit next and by evening enjoy a delightful boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay is in Udaipur.
Day 15: Udaipur – Chittorgarh (112 kms / 03 hrs)
After hearty breakfast depart for Chittorgarh, upon arrival check into hotel for little relaxation. After wash & change proceed for royal Chittorgarh Fort visit it is largest fort in India and the last sign of Rajput chivalry and pride. The slope to the Chittorgarh fort is led by a snaking road secured by seven fortified gateways or 'pols'. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 16: Chittorgarh – Ajmer – Pushkar (200 kms / 04 hrs)
After morning breakfast depart for Pushkar enroute visiting Ajmer, famous for Dargah Sharif. Both the places are known for their religious meaning. Arrive Ajmer and visit Dargah of Garib Nawaj (Dargah Sharif) the main attraction here and the prime shrine for Muslims in India. Also visit Taragarh Fort and Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra. Later continue drive to Pushkar, on arrival check in at the hotel and later visit the famous Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake in the evening. Overnight stay is in Pushkar.
Day 17: Pushkar – Delhi (by train)
Spend beautiful morning free at leisure; later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Ajmer railway station to board the train for Delhi. On arrival our representative shall meet and greet you at the Delhi railway station and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay at Delhi.
Day 18: Delhi – Departure
Morning on time transfer to Delhi International airport to board your flight for onward destination/ back home.