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Rajasthan Explorer with Taj & Golden Temple
Fully Escorted 21 Days/20 Nights
Destination Covered Delhi | Agra | Ranthambhore | Bijaipur |
Udaipur | Jodhpur | Dechu | Jaisalmer |
| Bikaner | Jaipur | Amritsar | Day 01: 05-Feb (Thu) Arrive
Delhi by International Flight (D) Arrive Delhi International
Airport Meet on arrival by our executive. Transfer to your Hotel.
Delhi discover that Indias capital is sprinkled with glittering
gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a
vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinents
yummiest places to eat. Check into your Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: 06-Feb (Fri) Delhi (B, L) Breakfast at the Hotel Briefing
of the tour by the Tour Manager Depart for full day guided tour of
Old & New Delhi Delhi, the capital of India comprises of
conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the
capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one
can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history.
New Delhi is the imperial city created as India's capital by the
British intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings
displaying various modern style of architecture.
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Drive past Red Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Red Fort was
built by the Mughal emperor famous for its architectural wonders
one of which is Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan. Red Fort is famous for its
delicately carved inlaid and Royal chambers. Enjoy Cycle Rickshaw
ride in Old Delhi
Stop at Jama Masjid the Great Mughal Mosque (It is the largest
mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity
to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD
and again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is behind this
architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were
occupied in the construction of the mosque)
Then visit Raj Ghat (The memorial of the father of the Nation
Mahatma Gandhi) Lunch at Chor Bizarre a unique restaurant. Continue
your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Qutab
Minar is 73 meters high minaret which tapers from a 15 m diameter
base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist of intricately
carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect
towers of the Persian world). The tour would also include a drive
through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war
memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament
House. You are invited for a Welcome Dinner to know your fellow
travelers. Overnight at Hotel. Day 03: 07-Feb (Sat) Delhi Agra by
Train (B) Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Delhi Railway Station
in time to board your train to Agra. Agra is famous as being home
to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal. The
architectural splendor of the Moslems, the fort and the palaces is
a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of
which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
While its significance as a political center ended with the
transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its
architectural wealth has secured its place on the international
map. Transfer & check-in at Hotel.
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Later we shall do a sightseeing tour of Agra - enjoy Tonga ride
from parking of Taj Mahal We will depart for Taj Mahal (closed on
Fridays) Unesco Wolrd Heritage Site. Described as a most
extravagant monument ever built for love, this sublime Mughal
mausoleum is Indias most appreciated icon. The Taj was built by
Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal,
who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of
the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653.
Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his
son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of
his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window.
Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside
Mumtaz.
And then you will be taken to visit AGRA FORT (sometimes called
the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar
in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone
tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before
1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was
converted into a palace during Shah Jahans time, and reworked
extensively with marble & Pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings
in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'm and Dwn-e-Khs
(halls of public and
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private audience), Jahangir Palace, Khs Mahal and Sheesh Mahal
(mirrored palace), Also visit local market and a marble factory
where you can actually see the inlay work on marble as it was done
for the construction of Taj. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel. Day 04: 08-Feb (Sun) Agra Fatehpur Sikri
Ranthambhore by road (280kms/6-7hrs) (B,L,D) Breakfast in the
Hotel. Depart for Ranthambhore en route visiting Fatehpur Sikr The
Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpr Sikr about 35 km from Agra, and
moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a
number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World
Heritage Site, it is visited by most tourists. The name of the
place came about after the Mughal Emperor Babar defeated Rana Sanga
in a battle at a place called Sikr . Akbar wanted to shift his head
quarter to Fatehpur Sikri so he built a majestic fort. However, due
to lack of water the city had to be abandoned and the head quarters
returned to Agra. Continue your drive to Ranthambhore &
check-in at hotel. Late lunch at the hotel. Rest of the day is free
to relax. Overnight at hotel. Day 05: 09-Feb (Mon) Ranthmabhore
(B,L,D) Breakfast in the Hotel Morning & late afternoon Safari
into the park by sharing Canter.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most
renowned national park in Northern India. The park is located in
the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is
about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and
former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the
Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist
attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife
photographers and lovers in this destination.
Lunch and Dinner would be at your hotel. Overnight at hotel
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Day 06: 10-Feb (Tue) Ranthambhore Bijaipur by road
(280kms/5-6hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel. Depart for Bijaipur
& check-in at hotel. Bijaipur village is located at the foot of
Vindhyanchal Hills and is surrounded by forests of Jacaranda. The
16th-century Bijaipur Castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger
brother of Maharana Pratap Singh being run as heritage hotel is
major tourist attraction of Bijaipur. This castle is blend of
Colonial and Mughal architecture and showcases traditional Mewar
hospitality. Jeep safari to nearby villages is a testament to rural
Indian life. Overnight at Hotel. Day 07: 11-Feb (Wed) Bijaipur (B)
Breakfast in the hotel Today you will enjoy a short Horse Safari.
Also visit the local village on foot. Rest of the day is free to
relax Overnight at Hotel. Day 08: 12-Feb (Thu) Bijaipur Udaipur by
road (150kms/3-4hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Udaipur
& check-in at hotel. Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput
kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia clan. The founder of Udaipur
was Rana Udai Singh. The ancient capital of Mewar was Nagda,
located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that
Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the
foothills of the Aravalli range. The hermit blessed the king and
asked him to build a palace on the spot and said that it would be
well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568
the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor and Udai Singh moved the
capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of
Udaipur. As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia Ranas, and
later Maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most
of Mewar except the Fort of Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital
of the state, which became a princely state of British India in
1818. After India's Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur
acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into
India's Rajasthan state. The city's pride, the 'Lake Palace' was
once a prison. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 09: 13-Feb Fri Udaipur (B) Breakfast in the hotel After
breakfast, you will be taken on a half day sightseeing tour of
Udaipur also known as City of Lakes visiting City Palace - standing
on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces
built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the Palace
provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel), Jag
Mandir on one side and on the other side of the city of Udaipur.
Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia,
built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards,
overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a
Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in
the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The
Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in
glass decorating its walls. The Chinese Painting Exhibition is
noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on
display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other Palaces such as
Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas built in
the memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to
avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the Palace
contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and
utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day,
Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women
attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her
dowry. The garden set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake
has lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains.
These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through
ducts specially carved for the purpose.
Afternoon is free to relax or you may like to take an optional
sunset cruise on the Lake Pichola. Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 10: 14-Feb Sat Udaipur Ranakpur Jodhpur by road
(257kms/5-6hrs) (B,L) Breakfast in the hotel. Depart for Jodhpur en
route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples Ranakpur is located in the
mountain ranges of Pali district of Rajasthan. The Ranakpur Jain
Temple complex was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted
monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement
covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines,
twenty four pillared hall and eligibly domes supported by over four
hundred columns. This is one of the finest examples of Jain
Temples. Lunch would be provided at a local restaurant/hotel in
Ranakpur. After lunch continue your drive to Jodhpur & check-in
at hotel. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the
Rajput clan known as the Rathores, and the city grew out of the
profits of Opium, Sandalwood, Dates and Copper. Rathore kingdom was
once known as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today its moustached
men are more about smiling for the camera. Rest of the day is at
leisure. Overnight at hotel Day 11: 15-Feb Sun Jodhpur Dechu by
road (126kms/3hrs) (B,L,D) Breakfast in the hotel. Today you will
go for the sightseeing of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort
which lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a
125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is the most
majestic and one of the largest Forts in India. It was originally
started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of
the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78).
The walls of the Fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they
enclose some exquisite structures. The Fort Museum houses an
exquisite collection of Palanquins, Howdahs, Royal Cradles,
Miniature Paintings, Musical instruments, Costumes and Furniture.
The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently
preserved Cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.
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Jasawant Thada
The Jaswant Thada is the architectural landmark found in
Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built
out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are
extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the
sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there
are also two more tombs. Also visit the bustling market of Jodhpur.
Depart for Dechu and check in at the
Desert Camp This evening you would enjoy camel ride to the sand
dunes to see a spectacular sight of sunset in the desert. You would
return to the camp for lovely entertainment followed by dinner.
Overnight at Camp Day 12: 16-Feb Mon Dechu Jaisalmer by road
(154kms/3hrs) (B) Early risers will enjoy another beautiful sight
of sunrise in the desert After leisurely breakfast depart for
Jaisalmer and check in at hotel Jaisalmer is named after its
founder Rao Jaisal. Jaisalmer means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal".
Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden City of India because the
yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its
surrounding area. Rest of the day is free to relax Overnight at
hotel
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Day 13: 17-Feb Tue Jaisalmer (B) Breakfast in the hotel
Depart for half day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting
Jaisalmer Fort (Golden Fort) Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput
ruler Jaisal, it is situated on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene
of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion color
during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets.
This is a living Fort and about a quarter of city's population
still lives inside the Fort. The main attractions inside the Fort
are: Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain Temples and the Laxminath
temple.
Also visit the famous Havelis of Jaisalmer visiting
Patwon-ki-Haveli: Guman Chand Patwa (and later by his five sons), a
wealthy merchant and banker who had over three hundred trading
centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-storey complex
took fifty years to complete. This is the largest, the most
magnificent, and the most elaborate of Jaisalmer Havelis. Salim
Singh-ki-Haveli: It was built by the scheming Prime Minister Salim
Singh in 1815. It has a beautifully arched roof capped with blue
cupolas and carved brackets in the form of Peacocks.
Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes to enjoy another Camel
Ride and Sunset. Overnight at hotel
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Day 14: 18-Feb Wed Jaisalmer/Bikaner by road (330kms/6-7hrs)
(B,L) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Bikaner and check in at
hotel. Lunch at a midway restaurant.
Overnight at hotel Day 15: 19-Feb Thu Bikaner/Jaipur by road
(330kms/6-7hrs) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart of sightseeing
tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort The fort was built by Raja
Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to
1612. Junagarh Fort is constructed between 1588 and 1593. Fort has
a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances. The
main entrance to the Fort is Karan Pol [gate] that is east facing.
Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the Sun Gate. The Fort has some
very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang
Mahal (palace of pleasures). The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel
for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses.
These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a
picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows
dotted all over the structure. Bhand Sagar Temple The 16th century
Jain Temple, is the most important of this temple complex. The
temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Parasvanath. It has
elaborate ceilings and Jins engraved on the outer walls. The temple
is crowned by a high grey stone tower. After finishing the tour
drive to Jaipur and check in at hotel
Overnight at hotel
BIKANER- if ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at
Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north
west part of Rajasthan state. The imposing palaces, beautiful and
richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display
some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization.
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is
the first well planned city of India, located in the desert land of
India. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now
is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur
resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. In the
present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives
of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city.
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Day 16: 20-Feb Fri Jaipur (B, L) Breakfast at Hotel Morning
depart for Amber fort - Situated atop the Aravali hills, it is the
ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput
architecture. We ascend to the fort on the back of a caparisoned
Elephant. Return can be on foot or by shared jeep.
Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal- Palace of
Winds - This five storied building which looks out over the main
street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is
a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with its pink,
semi-octagonal and delicately honey-combed and stone windows.
Originally Hawa Mahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal
families to watch the daily life and processions of the city,
Jantar Mantar - The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in
1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein
each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of
stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most
striking instruments is the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high.
City Palace Museum - City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal
and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is
still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Visit the various
galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the
Rajput clan. The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping.
Jaipur is known as a shoppers paradise famous for jewellery,
handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles Overnight at
hotel.
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Day 17: 21-Feb Sat Jaipur (B) Breakfast in the hotel Full day
free to explore the city on your own you may like to enjoy a walk
in the bustling city of Jaipur or just relax at the hotel before
starting the next leg of the journey which is a little faster than
the previous one. Overnight at hotel Day 18: 22-Feb Sun
Jaipur/Delhi by flight (B) Delhi/Amritsar by flight Breakfast in
the hotel Transfer to Jaipur airport in time to connect flight to
Amritsar via Delhi (Change of Plane in Delhi) Meet/Assist on
arrival and transfer to hotel Amritsar city is one of the major
cities of the Punjab state in India. This city was founded by Guru
Ram Das in 1574. Earlier Guru Ram Das had begun building Santokhsar
Sarovar, near the village of Sultanwind in 1564 (according to one
source in 1570). It could not be completed before 1588. In 1574,
Guru Ram Das built his residence and moved to this place. At that
time, it was known as Guru Da Chakk. (Later, it came to be known as
Chakk Ram Das). Overnight at hotel Day 19: 23-Feb Mon Amritsar (B)
Breakfast in the hotel Depart for half day sightseeing tour of
Amritsar
Golden Temple also called Sri Harmandir Sahib was laid by Guru
Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest
sites for the Sikh community. It has four doorways and gorgeously
decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim
styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a
tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the
attention of numerous tourists around the globe. Although
principally a pilgrimage spot for the Sikh, it is visited by people
of all religions and proves to be one of the greatest tourist
attractions in Amritsar on your tour to India.
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Jalianwala Bagh situated near the Golden Temple, it bears
testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh massacre during
the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on
the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919
was set on fire by General Dyer. In the late afternoon you will be
taken to visit The Wagah border often called the "Berlin wall of
Asia", is a ceremonial border on IndiaPakistan Border, where each
evening a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags takes
place. At that time there is a very energetic and thrilling parade
by the Border Security Force (B.S.F), India and the Pakistan
Rangers soldiers. It may appear slightly aggressive and even
hostile to foreigners, but it really is entertainment for the crowd
with grand stands being built on both sides. Troops of each country
put on quite an entertaining show in their uniforms with their
colorful turbans. Border officials from the two countries sometimes
walk over to the offices on the other side for day to day affairs.
Overnight at hotel Day 20: 24-Feb Tue Amritsar/Delhi by Express
train at 0930/1725hrs (B,L,D) Transfer to Amritsar train station in
time to board train to Delhi Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to
hotel Farwell Dinner at the hotel Overnight at hotel Day 21: 25-Feb
Wed Depart/Delhi by Intl flight (B) Breakfast in the hotel.
Check-out time is 12 noon. Today you will be transferred to Delhi
International airport in time to connect flight to next
destination
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COSTS: Costs are per person in US Dollars, as per the above
program.
Share Twin Room US$ 1999 Single Room Supplement US$ 849 Above
rates are calculated on the basis of minimum 10 persons in the
Group. Rates may vary if the numbers reduce.
HOTELS CONSIDERED*
City Hotels
New Delhi Piccadily Agra Siris 18
Ranthambhore Ankur Resort Bijaipur Castle Bijaipur Udaipur
Jaiwana Haveli Jodhpur Ratan Vilas Dechu The Oasis Camps
Jaisalmer Rang Mahal Bikaner Rajvilas Palace Jaipur Shahapura
House
Amritsar Golden Tulip New Delhi (2nd Visit) IBIS Delhi
airport
*In the event of any hotel not being available at the time of
booking, we shall provide similar hotel.
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INCLUSIONS
Accommodation at the hotels specified above; Breakfast
throughout the tour; 07 TDH or Buffet Lunches; 06 TDH or Buffet
Dinners; Delhi-Agra train tickets (Semi Bullet Train) in AC Chair
Car; All ground services by AC vehicle; Economy class domestic
airfare; Local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours; Entry
tickets to the monuments; Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi; Elephant ride
at Amber Fort; Camel Ride; Tonga ride to Taj Mahal; Two Safaris to
Ranthambore National Park by Canter (sharing basis); Horse Ride in
Bijaipur; One liter Mineral Water daily (on the bus); Services of
Tour Manager; Present applicable taxes as on 30th June, 2014
EXCLUSIONS Visas, travel insurance, meals not mentioned in the
itinerary, beverages during included meals, gratuities, baggage
handling in the Hotels, expenses of personal nature like room
service, telephone calls, laundry, internet usage etc. Checked-in
baggage allowance is 15 kg per person for domestic airlines and any
access charge will have to be settled directly by individual guest.
PAYMENT TERMS: Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of USD 500 per
person is required, along with passport copy at the time of booking
the tour, to hold arrangements on definite basis. Early Bird
Discount: Full payment is to be made by 30th September, 2014 to
avail the early bird discount of US$ 100. Final Payment: Balance
payment would be payable latest by Thursday, 27th November
2014.
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CANCELLATION TERMS: In case of any cancellation or reduction of
services, following cancellation terms will apply: Cancellation in
booked arrangements till 71 days prior to start of services: Loss
of deposit Cancellation in booked arrangements from 70 days till
start of services: 100 % charge No refund is due for any
arrangement once the tour has commenced. Domestic/regional flights
and train are non-refundable, once issued and attract 100% penalty
for any amendment or cancellation. There may be some services which
require non-refundable deposits and we shall advise you the same at
the time of confirmation of arrangements since these are
non-negotiable and suppliers will charge penalty in case of
cancellation. LIABILITY Target Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd while
undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other
services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it
shall not be, in any way responsible or Liable for any accident,
damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with the
travel facilities arranged by the company, its employees or agents.
All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no
responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account
of factors beyond our control. Target Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd
reserves the right to modify any arrangements required by and made
on behalf of clients and to cancel the same without notice.
Rajasthan Explorer with Taj & Golden TempleFully Escorted 21
Days/20 NightsDestination CoveredDelhi | Agra | Ranthambhore |
Bijaipur | Udaipur | Jodhpur | Dechu | Jaisalmer || Bikaner |
Jaipur | Amritsar |Depart for Ranthambhore en route visiting
Fatehpur Sikr