Arrive Ahmedabad and drive to Mount Abu; Arrive Mount Abu and
transfer to your hotel At 1200 meters, Mt. Abu is the highest point of the
Aravalli Range passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan, it
is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According to a
legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the
spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a
pleasant hill resort, Mount Abu is also a centre of pilgrimage for Jains on
account of the famous Dilwara Temples. There are interesting treks and picnic
spots, romantic royal retreats of various erstwhile royal families, and some
relics of the Raj period.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast visit the breath taking Dilwara temples, among the
finest examples of Jain architecture with their superb marble carving. The
complex consists of five temples built between the eleventh and thirteenth
century. The intricate ornamental carvings here represent the great heights
reached in stone decoration. Also visit Nakki Lake and see the strange rock
formations around it including Toad Rock. The Achalgarh fort has the famous
Achaleshwar temple and provides superb views of the area.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast drive to Kumbhalgarh enroute visiting
Ranakpur – which is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the
15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar.
Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the
walls, pillars and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the
complex and none of them are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the
domes are a superb example of western Indian temple style. Surya temple and other Jain temples are side
attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs
and black clothing not allowed)
Later drive to Kumbhalgarh; arrive and transfer to your hotel. Kumbhalgarh,
is one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in Rajasthan. The
15th century fort commands an important strategic position and gives superb
views over the surroundings. The 36 km long walls enclose palaces, gardens,
temples and water storage facilities. The fort is believed to have been taken
only once in its history. There is also a wildlife sanctuary here, known for
wolves. Other wildlife found here includes leopards, antelopes and sloth bears.
After breakfast drive to Udaipur and transfer to your hotel. Set
on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete
contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old
Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in
the face of Muslim invasion. This fairy – tale city, with its marble palaces
and lakes surrounded by a ring of hills, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in
1559. The city is dominated by massive City Palace, which overlooks Lake
Pichola with its romantic island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats and
temples line the lake front, with the lively bazaars of the old walled city
stretching behind them.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour of Udaipur –
visiting the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is
a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. Also, see the 17th century Jagdish
temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake, and visit the Sahelion ki Bari (the
Garden for the Maids of Honour), an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains
and marble kiosks. Later visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir or the Folk-Art
Museum. Later in the evening take a boat ride – on direct payment on the 4 km
long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis,
ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular views of the city. Visit
the Jag Mandir Island with its exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad; arrive and in time transfer to
Ahmedabad Airport / Railway Station to board your flight / train for onward
journey to your next destination.
