Tour price includes: Deluxe Heritage Hotels, Agra Moti Masjid mosque, Agra Red Fort, Agra bazaar, Agra Taj Mahal (evening), Agra Taj Mahal (morning), Fatehpur Sikri desert city, Jaipur Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur Amber Fort, Amber on elephant back, Amber Fort Garden, Jaipur Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur Jai Mahal Lake Palace, Jaipur Johari Bazaar Jewellers’ market, Khimsar sunset in the Dunes, Rohetgarh, Jodhpur tour, Jodhpur Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur Royal Palace, Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort, Rohetgarh, Rohetgarh jeep safari to villages, Rohetgarh Bishnoi village, Brahmin village, Rohetgarh afternoon tea, Deogarh, Ranakpur Jain temples, Delwaraj, Devi Garh Fort Palace, Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur Crystal Gallery, Udaipur Durbar Hall for afternoon tea, Udaipur Lake Pichola boat cruise, Delhi Jama Masjid, Delhi Red Fort, Delhi Raj Ghat, Delhi India Gate, Delhi Parliament House, Delhi President’s House, Delhi Qutab Minar tower, Delhi bicycle rickshaw ride.
ITINERARY
Day 1 DELHI
You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 2 DELHI
A half day city tour this morning will introduce you to Old Delhi, including an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the through Chandni Chowk – a hustling & bustling market place and a maze of narrow streets. Visits will be made to:
• Jama Masjid – an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, with its vast marble domes and minarets. The largest mosque in India, this is a handsome structure that is still used today
• Red Fort – an impressive and immense red sandstone Mughal fort enclosing beautiful palaces and gardens within *
• Raj Ghat – where the Father of India, Mahatama Gandhi, was cremated in 1948
This aftermoon you will discover New Delhi, driving past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s House. Time will be spent at Qutab Minar, an 11th century, 73-metre high victory tower built by slave king Qutubuddin Aibak and later completed by his successor Iltumish. Overnight Delhi. (B)
Day 3 DELHI-AGRA
Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon visit the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Akbar in 1565. Shahjahan added the marble palaces inside. Inside the fort is a famous pure marble mosque, the Moti Masjid. Explore the colourful local bazaar, and also see the intricate work of marble inlaid with fine gemstones, which is unique to Agra. Then late afternoon you will be taken to experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal **- symbol of love – at sunset. Overnight Agra. (B)
An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.
Day 4 AGRA-SAMODE via FATEHPUR SIKRI (235kms)
The magnificent Taj Mahal really warrants a second visit, to appreciate its beauty, and to see it in a different light. Watch the pearly light of dawn paint delicate hues on the Taj before being driven to Jaipur, stopping en route to explore Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th Century. (B)
Day 5 SAMODE-JAIPUR-SAMODE – 33 kms
Drive to nearby Jaipur for a full day excursion. This morning’s tour will commence with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, 8kms away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambience. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber on elephant back.*** The fort is a striking example of Rajput architecture situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects the forts’ ramparts and terraces. Also visit the Palace, Kali Temple and Jai Mahal. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur will include The City Palace, Jai Singh’s Observatory and, if time permits, shopping in the Pink City. (B)
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape surrounded by forts and palaces. The walled old city is in the northeast of Jaipur, the new parts spread to the south and west. Jaipur offers a combination of splendid sightseeing and shopping opportunities. If Jaipur is a dream city for those with an eye for history and romance, it is also a shopper’s paradise. The main tourist attractions are in the old city, and the principal shopping centre in the old city is Johari Bazaar, the jewellers’ market. The City owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1728, he built the remarkable observatory, Jantar Mantar, which is still one of Jaipur’s main attractions.
Day 6 SAMODE-KHIMSAR (275kms – 6 hours)
Today you will be driven to Khimsar for a 2-night stay. Perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. Overnight at Khimsar. Dinner on the ramparts is magical (not included in cost). (B)
Day 07 KHIMSAR
Full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of your Khimsar Fort accommodation, and to wander in the village. Experience sunset in the sand dunes in the Thar Desert this evening, with an optional camel ride. Overnight at Khimsar. (B)
Day 08 KHIMSAR-JODHPUR-ROHETGARH (140 kms)
On the way to Rohetgarh today, stop for lunch and to do a tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Jaswant Thada – a white marble cenotaph, built in 1899 in memory of the Maharadja Jaswant Singh, the Royal Palace and the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort. Continue 40kms south to Rohetgarh for a 2 night stay. (B)
Among Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This five hundred year old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs celebrated for their tales of daring. This princely state is also referred to as “The Blue city”. One of the most beautiful Indian cities, the land of royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert landscape. The light that reflects off the golden sands engulfs a land renowned for its vibrant colours, people in bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in a city dominated by towering forts and palaces that rise from the sand like a mirage. Jodhpur is now a major export centre of handicrafts. Dominating the city of Jodhpur is Mehrangarh (meaning “Majestic Fort”), one of Rajasthan’s three great hilltop forts, originally built in 1806. Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned walls and windows, seem to make the mediaeval splendour come alive. Mehrangarh appears impregnable, with its battlements soaring 400 feet above a hill.
Outside the fort, the small feudal town of Rohet seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights with its primitive clay plastered huts and pigeon hole shops set up along dust trails. As evening descends upon the 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. A visit to Rohet Garh, (located 40 kms from Jodhpur), can also mean an introduction to the life-style of a typical Rajasthani village. Visitors can visit and witness the traditional ceremonies of Bishnoi and Brahmin villages.
Day 9 ROHETGARH
Take a jeep safari this morning into the desert and tribal areas and the picturesque Bishnoi villages to experience rustic Rajasthani life. Return for tea or coffee on the lawns, with the rest of the day to relax in your fort, or to wander in the village. Overnight at Rohetgarh. (B)
In the dusty desert region is located this spectacular hallmark of royalty blended with strength. Isolated, undiscovered and unspoilt, Rohetgarh reflects the true essence of an Indian village. Situated in the region of Marwar, the general environment of Rohetgarh expresses an enigma of valour, battle and chivalry.
Day 10 ROHETGARH-DEOGARH (250kms – 5 hrs)
On to Deogarh this morning to stay the night in another of the beautiful palaces of Rajasthan. (B)
Day 11 DEOGARH – DEVIGARH (110kms – 2½ hours)
On your way to Devigarh today, a stop will be made to visit the Ranakpur Jain temples.
The Ranakpur Temple, built in the 15th century, is the largest Jain temple in India There are 4 shrines, 24 pillared halls and 1444 columns, each richly decorated with elaborate sculptures and filigrees, including the domes. The creativity and beauty of those artistic works is unimaginable and the variety is such, that no two of the 1,444 columns are alike! The lavish abundance of marvellous stonemason works on white marble is quite overwhelming.
On to Delwara for a relaxing 3 night stay in one of the most luxurious Forts in India, and renowned for its Spa and Wellness Centre. (B)
Day 12 DEVIGARH
Free day in Devigarh. You may like to enjoy some special Ayurvedic treatments. (B)
Day 13 DEVIGARH-UDAIPUR-DEVIGARH (56 kms return)
Not very far away is Udaipur, the city of lakes, palaces, museums, temples, and gardens. The City Palace, a marvel of marble and granite overlooking Lake Pichola, is the largest palace in Rajasthan, its exquisite worksmanship making it a must on every visitor’s itinerary. A visit will also be made to the exquisite Crystal Gallery, with tea or coffee served in the interesting Durbar Hall. And to end your day in this magnificent city, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B)
Udaipur’s kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of Lake Pichola is an enticing sight…. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
Day 14 UDAIPUR
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning. You will be transferred to the airport today for your onward or homeward flight. (B)
NOTES
*The Red Fort is closed on Mondays. Also the places visited may not be in the same order.
**Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
***Elephant or Jeep ride, subject to availability.
| ACCOMMODATION – ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS | ||
| DELUXE HERITAGE HOTELS (5 Star+) | SUPERIOR HOTELS (4 Star+) | |
| DELHI - (2nights) |
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Imperial Hotel |
Oberoi Maidens (4 Star) This historic turn of the century hotel, situated amidst spacious gardens in the heart of old Delhi, is renowned for its gracious elegance and old world charm. A jewel of colonial architecture set amidst eight acres of emerald green lawns, The Oberoi Maidens has retained its old world charm down the years. The setting of many a historic event, The Oberoi Maidens played host to the late Duke of Windsor in 1927, when a ball was held in his honour. The 54 spacious rooms and suites are tastefully appointed with modern facilities. Hotel Amenities include: Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Beauty Parlour, Conference Facilities, Business Centre. |
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| AGRA - (1night) |
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| The Oberoi Amarvilas (5 star deluxe ) “…uninterrupted views of the magnificent Taj Mahal” The Oberoi Amarvillas is a member of the Great Hotels of the World, a collection of the world’s finest luxury hotels. Each of the 105 luxurious rooms and suites of this unique hotel has a view of the glorious monument. The Oberoi Amarvilas reflects its grandeur with terraced gardens, reflection pools and tastefully decorated interiors. Moghul arches, domes and fountains complement the palace – offering superb views of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. All guest rooms have teak floors, hand-knotted carpets, fine handcrafted furniture and luxurious marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls. The amenities seem endless: a luxury spa with a range of therapies, a swimming pool beset by luxury sundeck chairs where snacks and drinks are served; an ornamented ballroom and a superb restaurant framing that most romantic vista in the world. |
Gateway Taj View (5 star) Taj-View Hotel allows visitors to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long as they wish – whenever they feel like. Guests can look forward to gracious interiors, personalized service, and the Taj’s inimitable style for a memorable stay.The hotel offers extensive facilities and is home to Agra’s only 24-hour, multi-cuisine restaurant. |
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| SAMODE - (2nights) |
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| The Samode Palace Set amidst three imposing forts high on the mountain, The Samode Palace reminds one of Rajasthan Chivalry with its eighteenth century frescoes and hall of mirrors intact. Winner of the award for the best Heritage hotel in the country for 5 consecutive years, Samode Palace is one of India’s most charming and romantic hotels. It has been meticulously restored, offering a quiet, elegant and luxurious retreat within an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India’s natural beauty and rich history. Facilities include: an outdoor marble and mosaic swimming pool surrounded by the Aravali range, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a health complex comprising of a fully equipped fitness centre, sauna, steam and changing rooms. |
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| KHIMSAR - (2nights) |
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| Khimsar Fort – Grand Heritage Hotel Perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert reflecting rural India, the unique Khimsar fort offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind one of the glorious past in India.Originally, the fort walls, turrets and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed in 1523 AD. Subsequently, by mid 18th century, the royal family moved in when a new Zenana or ladies’ residence was constructed. Finely carved windows in stone were constructed in this section for providing purdah or veil for the ladies in waiting. Thakur Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself in the 1940’s. Today, the Khimsar Fort, with its 50 luxurious rooms, is counted amongst the Premier classified Heritage hotels of India. Facilities include: 3 Restaurants; Bar; Swimming Pool, Health Club, Steam room, Fitness Room, Sauna, Tennis Courts, Games Room,Table Tennis, Village Safari, and Camel & Horse Riding are arranged on request. |
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| ROHETGARH - (2nights) |
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| The Rohet Garh Fort – Heritage Hotel Past centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet – the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of Champawat clan, who welcome you personally as their honoured guest. 6 Here, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. The colourful arched gateway leads to lawns and gardens into which the rooms open. The 28 large spacious rooms are tastefully furnished with exquisitely carved furniture, delicate handblock prints, original paintings and momentoes of a bygone era, but with all the most modern amenities. Facilities and activities include a swimming pool, safaris, horse riding, camel riding, cooking classes, laundry, and a doctor on call. |
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| DEOGARH - (1night) |
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| Deogarh Mahal – Heritage Hotel An imposing 17th century palace, Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. It stands majestically in the Aravali Mountains, surrounded by hills and lakes, in the charming village of Deogarh. The palace is characterized with domes, turrets, jharokhas and imposing gateways, and holds the distinction of being one of the finest heritage hotels of India, that combines royal charm replete with all modern facilities. Deogarh Mahal has 40 spacious elegant rooms including 4 suites. Amenities include: restaurant, solar heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and Ayurvedic Massage – a special team from Kerala is available to provide relaxing and therapeutic Ayurvedic massage. Airy terraces provide a splendid view of the ranges and lakes. Facilities for horse riding, jeep safaris, and bird watching are also available. Shows featuring folk music and dance are also organised. |
Fort Singh Get “away from it all” with a drive of 5kms from Deogarh Mahal by jeep through rocky terrain and past the ruins of the deserted ancient village of Manpura, to the majestic island fortress of Singh Sagar, a small exclusive lodge. This fort was built in the 1806 as a recreation cum shooting lodge. It has been magnificently restored, and with just 4 suites, in a very peaceful setting on the edge of a lake teeming with bird life, and overlooking the Avavali Mountains, it is a wonderful haven. It has just 4 gorgeous, spacious suites very elegantly decorated and built around a courtyard. The 2 lake facing suites have large cushioned balconies. Breakfast is served in the charming courtyard. There is also a large terrace looking the lake as well as a rooftop terrace with excellent views. The sounds of birds and tinkling cowbells create an aura of tranquillity. Guests can also use all the facilities of the Deogarh Mahal if they choose to. |
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| DELWARA - (3nights) |
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Devi Garh Fort Palace Tucked away in the age-old Aravali hills of Rajasthan, (28kms from Udaipur), the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace – in the village of Delwara – commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Today, after years of restoration and reconstruction, Devi Garh has regained its past glory. An imposing and impressive structure, it is now a unique all-suite boutique hotel, with 30 suites and 6 tents, and renowned for its spa and wellness centre. Devi Garh stands, quite literally, in two worlds: the traditional and the modern. Its ambience is an eclectic mix of skillfully crafted designs, both old and new, functional and purely aesthetic. Local materials like marble and semiprecious stones have been used in contemporary designs to create an elegant beauty. Personalized service complemented by a wide range of modern facilities, including excellent spa facilities, goes towards making Devi Garh a highly comfortable and attractive retreat. The restaurant, along with a magnificent view of the Aravalis, offers an a la carte selection of Asian and Continental dishes. With their penchant for innovation, Devi Garh has perked up traditional recipes – a secret ingredient here, an unusual addition there – to lend a new dimension to well-loved dishes. All of the 23 suites at Devi Garh are unique; luxurious and beautiful, yet equipped with the most modern of conveniences to make a guest feel totally at home. Most include an individual terrace or garden. |
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ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS Tour Costs Include
• Transportation in private vehicle with chauffeur
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Train Tickets where applicable
• Accommodation for the mentioned number of nights
• Daily breakfast
• Porterage
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours – including a full or half day city tour at each major destination
COST PER PERSON – Land Only - Daily Departure
BOOK DURING FEBRUARY 2010 AND SAVE 5% ON THE PRICE BELOW
| Hotel Class | DELUXE | SUPERIOR | ||
| ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
| Medium Car -twin share | $5039 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:5039:end] |
$4313 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4313:end] |
$3667 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3667:end] |
$2836 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2836:end] |
| Toyota Innova -twin share | $5301 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:5301:end] |
$4454 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4454:end] |
$3805 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3805:end] |
$2978 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2978:end] |
| Toyota Innova -triple share | $4900 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS -Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4900:end] |
$4175 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS -Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4175:end] |
$3526 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS -Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3526:end] |
$2698 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS -Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2698:end] |
| Mini Van 4 to 6 share | $4818 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4818:end] |
$4093 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4093:end] |
$3444 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3444:end] |
$2616 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2616:end] |
| Single Supplement | $3704 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3704:end] |
$3010 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3010:end] |
$2027 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2027:end] |
$1587 [wp_cart:ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1587:end] |