Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your van.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel The Connaught (Standard
Room)
Day 02: Delhi / Udaipur (Mewar Express - 1950
/ 0830*)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour
of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's
Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the
most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar
which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years.
Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old Delhi.
The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries,
Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New
Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting
mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history.
Our tour includes visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive
through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates
to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors
meet in the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648
built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra)
to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat
and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were
cremated.
Later in the evening transfer to the train station to board
your overnight train to Udaipur.
Overnight: 01st Air - Conditioned Sleeper
Accommodation
Day 03: Arrival / Udaipur
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise".
Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of
the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun
God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition
and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love
of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of romance
in the warrior state of Rajasthan
Meeting and assistance upon arrival check into the hotel
Jagat Niwas, a modern heritage hotel replete with character
and charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists would
seek.
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a tour of
this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the
dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city
in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale
to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola
is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a
conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it
manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords
very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black
stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird
called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine
example of Indo-Aryan Art.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful
Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir
Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations
and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the
lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and
the laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake,
with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island
palace, is a scene of rare beauty.
Overnight at Hotel Jagat Niwas (Deluxe
Lake View Room)
Day 04: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Rohet
After breakfast we ride out to Rohet. Our first stop would
be at Ranakpur. This is a site of some exquisitely carved
white marble Jain temples .The profusion of such detailed
and intricate sculpture depicting various folk tales and gods
is mind boggling.
We have a guided tour of the temple and following which,
we continue riding to Rohet.
Upon arrival check into the Rohetgarh fort
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a
world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a
world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. Past
centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet-
the 16th century fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan.
Within the precincts of these time weathered walls is our
hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput
traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani
culture where one can, even today experience the famed warm
and courteous Rajput hospitality. Frescoes on the tall gateway,
brightly painted in the traditional style, using traditional
motifs and colour schemes herald your entry to this charmed
world the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where
a profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The
portico is a warm and informal place decorated with the artifacts
and trophies of many years. Exquisitely carved furniture,
delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs
decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance
of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities. Antique
hunting riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original
paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The swimming
pool here is in beautiful settings and is an oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional
and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded
to retain its pristine flavours. You savour only the very
best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty.
The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family
still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal
family interact with the guests and interesting stories and
anecdotes are narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating
small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian
Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dust
trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops
of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters,
fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
Late evening, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
Rajasthan villages where tradition centuries old still permeate
life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual
by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women
carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their
norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village
huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here.
As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the night
is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around which the
rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes shape in brilliant
colours; truly an electrifying experience
Overnight at Rohetgarh - Heritage Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 05: Rohet / Jaipur
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival check into your Hotel Shahpura House, once residence
of the erstwhile rulers of Shahpura and scion of the Shekhawat
clan of Rajput, is now a hotel. Set in the elite Bani Park
area of Jaipur, this hotel offers a green environment with
lovely lawns. With its proximity to the business centres of
Jaipur, Shahpura House is an ideal place to stay for the business
travelers and holidays, alike.
Afternoon, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur
along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan
craft work is block making and block printing and we will
be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the
popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor
make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky
tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry.
Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been
a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The
stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the
champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for
its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac
and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.
The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones
into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting
little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight at Shahpura House - a Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 06: Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the
royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput
grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur.
Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified
battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills
overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls
lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could
peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Following lunch, a tour Of City Palace & Observatory.
The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace
is a seven storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the
heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The
fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection
from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles which
surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory
- an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give
accurate predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city.
Overnight at Shahpura House - a Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 07: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (Taj
Mahal closed on Fridays)
After breakfast depart for Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri
(ghost capital) for a tour of these magnificent and world
heritage buildings, which are still in a state of perfect
reservation. The city is divided into religious and secular
sections. The profusion of sculpture is breathtaking. Also,
the white marble mosque in the secular section is incredible.
It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near
arrives here to pay their respects. Continue riding to Agra.
Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza. The hotel's
cuisine is renowned for its taste and splendour.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed
monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma
about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and
once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations
are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal.
No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how
high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the
unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond
all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal
to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides
perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the
inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura
style is absolutely remarkable.
We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom
where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble
just as at the Taj Mahal.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza (Standard
Room)
Day 08: Agra / Delhi / Departure
After leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort.
The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis
of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by
Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private
chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.
The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect
the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
From here continue ride to Delhi, The journey is through
one of India's finest 4-lane dual carriageway. Also, your
travel in your luxury car would ensure the smoothest and the
most comfortable journeys. Also, you would have opportunities
to stop at well appointed restaurants for refreshments and
washroom facilities.
A Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: Upon arrival, we visit
an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening
is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family
life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and
home made Indian food
Following the Dinner, transfer to the international airport
for your onward flight back home.
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