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HOTELS & RESORTS IN KERALA
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Desert Biking in Rajasthan
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our
representative welcome you and escort you to your car.
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 Palace Heights (Deluxe Room)
Day 02. : Delhi

Following
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting
such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayuns 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.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with
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. Visit the Red Fort
(1639-1648 built by Shah Jahan 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.
The highlight of this tour would be
a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now
these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla
(Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on
the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the
hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals
of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight at Palace Heights (Deluxe Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Udaipur (AI 471 1215 / 1430 Hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to 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 in Udaipur and transfer to the hotel
Jagat Niwas Palace, a modern heritage hotel replete with character and
charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists would seek.

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. We will
explore the bustling bylanes of Udaipur which have artisans practicing their
traditional crafts handed down to them by their elders. Khari printers do
decorative floral patterns in gold and silver on plain or printed fabric.
Block printers print various designs and patterns in different colours with
the help of wooden blocks. Youll also find artisans carving furniture,
making puppets and traditional wooden toys. Along with engraving and
embossing on brass, silver, jewellery, copper and even pottery, Meenakari is
a specialty of this region. Udaipur also specializes in stone carving,
especially in marble and sandstone, with artisans working hard at chiseling
their finest filigree work. Colour as usual plays an important role in the
life of Udaipur as in Rajasthan. It is wonderfully evident in ghagharas
(long flowing skirts), cholis (blouses), and odhnis (long scarves) of the
women as well as the turbans of the men.
Overnight at Jagat Niwas Palace (Raj Room Lake Facing)
Day 04: Udaipur

After
breakfast, we proceed on a tour of the "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.
Later in the afternoon, we enjoy 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 Jagat Niwas Palace (Raj Room Lake Facing)
Day 05: Udaipur / Kumbhalgarh (90 Kms) (02 Kms Drive)

Following
breakfast, we will drive to Kumbhalgarh. We would have photo stop several
times as we walk through the countryside as well as interact with primitive
tribal. Upon arrival in Kumbhalgarh, check into the fine Aodhi Lodge - a
property of the Royal family of Udaipur.
Afternoon, we explore the beautifully preserved and one of the most
majestic forts of India. 13 mountain peaks surround the impregnable fortress
of Kumbhalgarh (54 Kms) at a height of 3281 ft. Seven towering gateways
pierce the massive walls of this prominent fortress of Mewar. The young Udai
Singh founder of Udaipur took shelter here from his treacherous uncles.
These impregnable walls dotted with cannonballs defeated Emperor Akbar.
Overnight at Aodhi Lodge (Deluxe Room)
Day 06: Kumbhalgarh / Deogarh (70 Kms) (02 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Deogarh
Upon arrival in Deogarh, check into hotel Deogarh Palace. The Deogarh
Castle is located on a hillock and is encircled by the town. It was built in
1670 ad by Rawat Dwarkadas Ji of the Chundawat clan of the Siaodia Dynasty.
Constructed by the famed Sompura architects, well known for their additions
and alterations were carried out according to the needs of the residents.
There are five floors and over 200 rooms have murals done by local painters
after whom Deogarh School of painting has acquired fame the world over. The
family has a large collection of Deogarh miniatures.
Afternoon escorted walks through the primitive town to witness traditional
styles of living and occupation.
Following the walk, we reach
Seeng Sagar for high tea. Fort Seeng
Sagar is a magical and awe-inspiring island fortress sitting in the middle
of a lake within a dramatic rocky landscape. It is fully-staffed and
everything is of the highest quality. The small pond in the central
courtyard becomes a cosy fire to sit around during winter. As well as a
dining and sitting area under cover there is a superb, open-air terrace
which overlooks the lake.
Evening, drive back 4 Kms to Deogarh Mahal for overnight
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal (Deluxe Room)
Day 07: Deogarh (Primitive Train
Ride through Fascinating Villages)
Following breakfast we embark upon a unique experience
a 19 km
train ride between two villages. We will go native today, and travel
with the villagers through exceedingly fascinating countryside and
landscapes.

The
track passes through a breath taking scenery of Ravli Sanctuary, with 100
feet high bridges, two long tunnels, waterfalls, thick jungle, and above all
an unchanged ambience of a bygone era. The track is cut on a cliff side and
one comes down by almost one thousand feet. All along one can only
appreciate the Herculean effort by the engineers in 1928.
The safety devices are most amusing. At one place the driver has to get
down physically to change the track (when gong down).
We ride on a meter gauge local train, having wooden sleepers, accompanying
villagers traveling to Marwar. One travels through a ghat section and
descends 1200 feet to Phulad Railway Station. Enroute we stop at GoramGhat
flag station where monkeys descend from nabouring scrub jungle to feed on
articles given by the villages. Your car awaits you at Phulad 19 Km away
that brings you back to Deogarh Mahal.
Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your spectacular property.
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal (Deluxe Room)
Day 08: Deogarh/ Narlai (60 Kms) (01 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Narlai
Upon arrival in Narlai, check into Rawla Narlai

Situated
in the Narlai village, Rawla Narlai is a 17th century fortress renovated
over the years to have 15 exquisite double rooms. Rawla Narlai is full of
surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village
bustling with activity and bursting with colors. But, inside the Rawla
(fortress) there is only serenity and stupendous view of a gigantic350 ft
single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples and crowned by a statue
of a white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the
crumbling Aravali hills on the other. Maharaja and Rani Swaroop Singh, and
their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with
aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses.
Comfortable rooms and modern bathrooms blend with the ancient way of Narlai,
while offering a warm and homely atmosphere. The charming rooms are all
stylised from references from the past adding more to your experience at
Rawla Narlai. The chef prepares you a delicious meal, garnished with care
made from Secret Recipes handed down for generations to the Royal family. In
the evening bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening to
hypnotic and chanting rhythms by local musicians who will rekindle the sprit
in you. The peace and calm of the gentle rustling leaves, the sun bathed
courtyards and the star lit nights adds an air of romanticism to this
wonderful fortress.
Overnight at Rawla Narlai (Heritage Room)
Day 09: Narlai
Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual
energy from descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the
hill overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the early morning
chanting coming from the many temples and mosques. At breakfast you are
encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills,
as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman.
Today, we would have an escorted stroll through the small town, bustling
with activity and bursting with colour- perhaps pausing to see the rich
handicrafts or even to design your own silver Tabiz, an ancient lucky charm,
both for women and men- worn around the neck, at the silversmith.
Overnight at Rawla Narlai (Heritage Room)
Day 10: Narlai / Dhamli (45 Kms) (01 Hr Drive)
Following breakfast, we will drive to Dhamli
The landed aristocracy of Dhamli village is descendents of the brother Rao
Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. In year 1780, Budh Singh of Harsolav was
granted a jagir (estate) of 12 villages including Dhamli from the Maharaja
Abhay Singh of Jodhpur for his gallantry during a battle campaign in the
state of Gujarat.
Thakur Inder Singh belongs to Champawat clan of Rathore dynasty. Since 20
years he is a famous linguistic tour escort for European tourists to
Rajasthan. He is also lover of horses & has made many efforts to
popularize the breed within India & abroad. In the year 1985, Thakur
Inder Singh & Canadian advisor Ms. Margaret Reid decided to convert Fort
Dhamli into a heritage hotel with modern amenities.
Fort Dhamli is off the beaten track of Marwar region, so visitors may
experience the real life style of villagers around Jodhpur. Dhamli invites
you to explore culture & traditions of an untouched village. The
visitors can see a traditional oil mill & chat with our weavers and
potters as they work.
Overnight at Fort Dhamli (Deluxe Suite)
Day 11: Dhamli / Rohet (50 Kms) (01 Hr Drive)
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Rohet

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 cuisines, 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.
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 dusts 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.
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 Property (Super Deluxe
Room)
Day 12: Rohet / Manvar (105 Kms) (2 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages
where traditions 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.
After breakfast we will drive to Manvar
Upon arrival in Manvar, check into Manvar Resort, located right in the
heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert. It is an unprecedented destination
offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan's desert life, culture,
wildlife & beauty. The place provides every comfort the modern traveler
could wish for; luxurious accommodation, mouth watering cuisine & an
incredible Rajasthani hospitality. Built in the style of a traditional
desert village, the resort complex is spread over 5 acres. Constructed using
local materials & techniques
Manvar offer great outdoor adventure and a taste of the Thar Desert. We
would enjoy jeep safaris and a camel safari today to the Mustard and Red
Chili fields in the middle of the desert. We would also witness traditional
desert villages and lifestyles unchanged for centuries.
Overnight at Manvar Resort
Day 13: Manvar / Jodhpur (75 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)

Early
morning excursion to Khichan The tiny village of Khichan has assumed a
popular appeal with the bird watching community. The local people offer
large amounts of grain to birds every morning and this has attracted large
numbers of Demoiselle Cranes to usurp this food supply. It is great
spectacle to watch these Cranes swoop down to a especially created
rectangular enclosure, for their early breakfast. The feeding session lasts
for an hour and a half, one group takes off as another settles. Their flight
across the backdrop of the traditional mansions of the village, presents
wonderful opportunities for photography, as do the feeding birds on the
ground. We are very close by and can be offered vantage positions over the
terraces, by the local people who feel proud of their visitors.
After breakfast, we will drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check into hotel Ratan Vilas. Built in 1920, by Maharaj Ratan
Singhji of Raoti who was a keen horse lover and one of the greatest polo
players of his time, Ratan Vilas with its imposing but delicately carved
exterior and simple yet comfortable interiors, is a genuine heritage edifice
in a sylvan setting

After
rest & relaxation, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower
Bazaar. This is one of Indias largest and most colourful wholesale
markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc
Evening, we proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the
massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky
base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once
inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels,
on to the armoury and Jaswant Tara - the Royal Crematorium.
Overnight at Ratan Vilas a Heritage Hotel (Superior
Room)
Day 14: Jodhpur / Jaipur (Intercity Express 0555 / 1045 Hrs)
Early morning, transfer to train station to board your train to Jaipur with
packed breakfast
Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to your hotel Naila
Bagh Palace. The Palace stands tall within a 21000 sq feet area; you will be
welcomed within its folds by a serene and tranquil environment. The palace
is surrounded by various courtyards and gardens on all sides where you may
find beautiful peacock's walking about aimlessly or dancing. Walk through
the beautiful Mahal (main hall) and get transported back to a time of
beauty, history and opulence. Ornate frescos and majestic portraits of
Maharajas and Princesses from the bygone era adorn the walls; colonial
furniture surrounds you in majestic charm.
After rest & relaxation, we explore the unending shopping options of
Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan
craftwork 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 Naila Bagh Palace (Royal Room)
Day 15: 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 todays 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.

Later
in the afternoon, we proceed on a tour Of the 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.
Overnight at Naila Bagh Palace (Royal Room)
Day 16: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
Following breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping at deserted Capital City of
Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly
preserved city at the height of the empires splendour. The city
divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings. From here we will continue our drive to Agra
Upon arrival in Agra, check into Hotel Wyndham Grand Agra
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car &
driver at disposal to visit local markets
Overnight at Wyndham Grand Agra a 5* Equivalent
Day 17: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive) Delhi / Departure

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 sunrise
we visit one of the greatest sights of ones lifetime - Taj Mahal.
Before departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies
so that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn
visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the
reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant
white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast.
After 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.
Later, we will drive to Delhi along one of the Indias finest
freeways.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: Upon
arrival in Delhi, we would 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
After dinner, transfer to the international airport to board your onward
flight