Rajasthan - A living Museum

Namaste!! We welcome you with folded hands Day 01: Arrival / Delhi

Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives 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 Hotel Justa – The Residency, G.K (Superior Room)

Day 02: Delhi

Your morning activity begins with the historical part of the city also known as Old Delhi starting with `Shah Jehanabad’ which has some dramatic remnants of the Mughal Empire in the imposing Red Fort and Jama Masjid India’s largest mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jehan, creator of the Taj Mahal. You ride rickshaws through its principal street,

Chandni Chowk, originally renowned throughout the Asia with its tree-lined canal flowing down its center. These days it’s a bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques and craftsmen’s workshops of goldsmiths, silversmiths, silk traders and embroiderers.

Explore the hustling and bustling of Old Delhi and streets of Chandni Chowk sitting in a cycle rickshaw.

Culminate the Old Delhi tour with a photo stop at Raj Ghat the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a simple memorial that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. A pretty park has been created around the memorial.

Continue on to Explore New Delhi drive through the boulevards of New Delhi and pass India Gate which is a memorial built to the 85000 soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan battles of 1919.

At the other end of Rajpath stands the official residence of India's president, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a complex of buildings that mix Mughal and Western architectural styles. Prior to independence, this was the home of India's last viceroy, Lord Mountbatten. Close by is Sansad Bhavan, the large though less imposing parliament building.

Lunch will be arranged at ‘The Lodi’ located next to Lodi Garden.

After lunch proceed to visit Qutab Minar, a tower of victory begun by the Slave Dynasty’s founder, Qutb-ud-din-Aybak, in A.D. 1193 and completed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1368. At its base is India’s first mosque, the Might of Islam Mosque, built on the foundation of a Hindu temple. It was completed in A.D. 1300.

Like the nearly contemporary slave, or Marmeluke, rulers of Egypt, slave kings of Delhi were anything but servile. The term simply indicates that they had once been held captives. In a court awash with intrigue and opportunity, India’s Turkish conquistadors regarded a slave’s loyalty as more dependable than that of their own kin. Purchased, rapidly promoted, eventually freed, and forever trusted, the erstwhile slave of a royal patron was ideally placed to act as either power broker or pretender. His elevated status was equally proclaimed with monuments. The Qutb Mosque boasts a tower of victory that doubles as India’s, and perhaps Islam’s, most massive minaret.

As the afternoon sun recedes, visit the Tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, which was commissioned by his senior wife Haji Begum, in the 16th century. This is an early example of Mughal architecture. The design elements of this tomb – a squat building lighted by high arched entrances topped by a protuberant dome and surrounded by formal gardens, were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight at Hotel Justa – The Residency, G.K (Superior Room)

Day 03: Delhi / Ahmedabad (Spice Jet 133 – 0725/ 0900 Hrs) Ahmedabad / Dungarpur (170 Kms)

Early morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Ahmedabad

Meeting & assistance upon arrival at Ahmedabad and we will drive to Dungarpur

Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace

The history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of bluish grey local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged in 1940 by Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings around the " Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally one- pillared Palace) and thus created the famous " courtyard of the palace. The result is an architectural expression exquisitely detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers accommodation in the houseguest tradition with seventeen spacious and lavishly appointed bedrooms. No two rooms are alike; each room enchants with its own personality, spaciousness and modern comforts and offers a unique experience. The Furnishings are mostly from the 20th century art-deco style, marble bathrooms with English fixtures and running hot and cold water. Meals are served either in the banquet hall, which displays crystal chandeliers, or in the more intimate family dining room. Continental or Chinese dishes are also served.

Late evening, transfer to the train station to board the Rajdhani Express to Ahmedabad.

Overnight at Udaibilas Palace - Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 04: Dungarpur

The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli Range is said to date back to 4000 B.C. They are one of the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world. This morning we will visit some of these unspoiled Bheel hamlets in and around the town. We will witness and photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. You would have an opportunity to meet villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello to people, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!!!

We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the destination at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise for bird watchers.

The cooler months from mid October to February are the best to see winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself at remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons, white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks among others, depending on the season of your visit. Birds are also plentiful in the surrounding woodlands where one can hope to see the Grey Hornbill, Gray Partridge, Green Pigeon, Peafowl, Peacocks, Paradise flycatcher and the Golden backed woodpecker, to name a few representative species. You may proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or heir boat for a special boat trip on the lake as well as a gentle trek through the forests so that the nature lover in you is able to enjoy the beauty of the place and are able to get a close look at the bird life.

Late afternoon we visit the ancient fortified ruins of the Old Fort. Besides fine panoramic view of the ancient town of Dungarpur the fort has well preserved examples of natural colour paintings and incredible art and architecture.

Overnight at Udaibilas Palace - Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 05: Dungarpur / Udaipur

This morning, we drive 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 check into the Jagat Niwas Palace, a modern heritage hotel replete with character and charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists would seek.

Evening 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 Rooms)

Day 06: Udaipur

After 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.

This afternoon we 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. You’ll 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 Rooms)

Day 07: Udaipur/ Ranakpur / Rohet (240 Kms)

Following breakfast we ride out to Rohet Enroute we visit Ranakpur.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces temple dedicated to Adinath. From here we continue our ride to Rohet

Upon arrival, check into 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.

We would also 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 afternoon 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.

As evening descends, 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

Day 08: Rohet / Mirvana (220 Kms)

Following breakfast, ride out through desert country to Mirvana. For miles altogether, there is nothing but sand, but from this aridness one can expect the unexpected as groups of women appear and disappear in their colourful clothes, apparently going nowhere. Just as suddenly, medieval cities rise, magnificent for their architectural heritage, and are just as suddenly lost to sight. Mirages? No, in the Thar, these are only too real. We will have opportunities to stop on the way and interact with tribals and villagers in remote countryside.

Upon arrival, check into Mirvana Nature Resort. Escape from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a delightful stay at Mirvana Nature Resort, which offers the tranquility of greenery within an otherwise harsh desert. Mirvana Nature Resort is a perfect place to experience nomadic desert life at its best.

Evening we visit the nearby Sand Dunes and enjoy camel rides as we explore desert life in all its peace, tranquility and of course draped in its colourful richness. We enjoy tea as we witness the Sun setting in the horizon and camels with their shepherds forming nice sillouttes in the foreground

Overnight at Mirvana Nature Resort

Day 09: Mirvana

Today we explore the primitive Sadakore village which exists back in time. Traditional camel dung plastered homes, crafts, occupation take us back in time. The disarming hospitality of the natives and their brightly coloured traditional outfits form an indelible imprint on our hearts and minds

Besides, Sodakore is a destination for several domestic bird species during the winter season. It is a classic habitat for the Great Indian Bustards, which are an endangered species. Some major fauna present are the Desert Fox, Desert Cat, antelope species, like the Chinkara and Blue Bull.

Overnight at Mirvana Nature Resort

Day 10: Mirvana / Jaisalmer (55 Kms)

After breakfast we will drive to Jaisalmer. The drive is through desert country with scantly vegetation and life stock in view.

Upon arrival check the hotel Taj Rawal Kot

Rest of the day is at leisure to walk along the old city to explore traditional and typical Jaisalmer. The havelis (mansions) in a beautiful state of preservation are a fascinating sight.

Overnight at The Gateway Rawal Kot – a Taj Group Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 11: Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaislamer (60 Kms – One Way)

This morning we visit the residential portions of the Jaisalmer Fort., where one third of the population of the old City still lives. The designs of the houses here remain as they used to a couple of centuries behind time, and so do the lifestyles of the people inhabit them. This is so as most of the families continue to work for generations for the ruler (though only titular now). Hence, there is a sense of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps through. This city is believed to be the home of the most handsome men and the most gorgeous women in Rajasthan. We would also walk through the narrow cobbled lanes of the golden sandstone city to witness the magnificent medieval Indian Havelis (mansions) of medieval Indian merchants. These elegant buildings, which are very well preserved, tell an apt story of how medieval Indian society existed.

This afternoon we drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. The rough terrain here does not support cultivation; hence the entire village works as casual labourers in road works or community projects. Inspite of their poverty and hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be aware that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful faces. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back.

Late evening we will drive back to your hotel in Jaisalmer


Overnight at The Gateway Rawal Kot – a Taj Group Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 12: Jaisalmer / Manvar (210 Kms)

Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Manvar

Upon arrival, check into Manvar Camp, 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 Camp

Day 13: Manvar / Jodhpur (75 Kms)

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.

Later we will drive to Jodhpur

Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and varied collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies of yesteryear. Everything is well preserved by the royal family, which still uses a part of the building as its home. The magnificent sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern comforts. Present day facilities are harmonized so as not to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode

Afternoon, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India’s largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc. It is a fantastic experience to walk through the place observing and photographing this incredible spectacle of vibrant lifestyles and incredible colours.

Overnight at Ratan Vilas – a heritage property (Superior Room)

Day 14: Jodhpur

After breakfast, 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 Thada - the Royal Crematorium. This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.

Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches Overnight at Ratan Vilas – a heritage property (Superior Room)

Day 15: Jodhpur / Shahpura Bagh (140 Kms)

Morning we drive off the beaten track to reach Shahpura Bagh an aristocratic Estate. Set amidst the golden sands of Rajasthan at Shahpura one finds an oasis - A dazzling shimmer of sunshine on water that hovers on the edge of a mirage. Shahpura Bagh has just opened its doors to visitors for the first time. A stay here with the family and the Ruler himself, offers a rare opportunity to experience a royal way of life, preserved in a timeless corner of Rajasthan. Simple in decoration, but grand in proportion, Shahpura

Upon arrival check into hotel Shahpura Bagh situated on the edge of the lakes where man and nature exist in harmony with each other. This was the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura. The 30-acre estate was granted by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to Rajadhiraj Suraj Mal, Rana Pratap's grandson in 1630 AD for successful military campaigns against the Marathas and Afghans.

Shahpura Bagh has exquisitely furnished spacious bedroom over 600ft with walls that are coated with limestone. The traditional charm and décor blends delightfully to facilities and services discerning tourists would see - all rooms have world space radios, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers, phone system as well as eco friendly herbal toiletries. The place is still the residence of the descendants erstwhile Royal family and they are your present hosts. They meet you, share stories and put your holiday in perspective. It is their personal touch and their local knowledge that make the stay a memorable fairy tale.

Shahpura Bagh is also a food-lover's heaven. You can take your pick from authentic home cooked Rajasthani food prepared over fire or home-cooked continental and tradition meals, tempered to suit your palate.

Late afternoon, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of villages where tradition centuries old still permeate life styles. We will witness the rituals & local practices of the people of this town. 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.

Overnight at Shahpura Bagh (Royal Suite)

Day 16: Shahpura

Today make short trips into farms & villages and forts; these farms are great for bird watching. You will have a great time with simple activities like boating, air gun, target shooting, farm visits as well as having fun with someone like Sat and Jai. They are the host brothers who will escort you around.

You will enjoy your visit to Ram Dwara, the revered ancient temple. Also, the old city palace reveals the integration of Rajput and Mughal traditions in architecture while the geometrical symmetry of the baoli (step wells) inspires a serenity that lingers. The Dhikola Fort stands majestically on a hill, surveying a vast expanse of verdant green and lakes.

In evening we explore the unending shopping options of Shahpura. There are many goods on sale in the marketplace. Suggest get a leather mojari or local footwear, made to your size.

Overnight at Shahpura Bagh (Royal Suite)

Day 17: Shahpura / Ranthambhore (90 Kms)

This morning we will drive to Ranthambore

Upon arrival & check in to hotel Tiger Den resort, which gives you all the excitement and exhilaration of holidaying in the heart of the Indian wildlife; right where all the action is, in the lap of Nature at it’s most raw. This Resort sprawling over an area of 5 acres on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park, is a place, which refreshes your scenic senses. Nestled among the majestic Aravali Hills, covered with lavish flora and fauna, it provides a soothing warmth to the eyes and relaxation to the mind. The Resort is barely five minutes drive to the main entrance of the park, just next to the Helipad. A well planned landscaping adds on to the rustic ambiance and enhances the natural beauty.

Afternoon jungle excursion in Canter

Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room)

Day 18: Ranthambhore

Morning & afternoon Jungle excursions in Canter. Ranthambhore is known to have India's Friendliest tigers Assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. Sprawled on the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which lives a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number of deer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionally sighted. The Pandam Taloa lake, located adjacent to the Jogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the park's favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and Milak also attract a variety of wild life The best way to explore Ranthambore is in canter as the park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular sighting areas are Nal Ghati, Lahpur, Bakuala, Anantpur and the Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose. Birds: Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana, painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.

Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room)

Day 19: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (170 Kms)

Morning jungle excursion in Canter.

After breakfast, we drive to the Pink city of Jaipur..

Upon arrival check into 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. 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 20: Jaipur

After a leisurely breakfast 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.

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 21: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)

After 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 empire’s 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 check into hotel Radisson

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car & driver will be at disposal for your local visits.

Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)

Day 22: 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 one’s 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.

A Home Visit & a Farewell Dinner With An Indian Family: Upon arrival, 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 flight back home

End Of Services - Thank You For Your Visit

We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”

Tour Cost Based On 02 People Traveling Together Sharing 01 Room
Cost valid for period till 30^th September, 2013: - INR 145,500* Per Person
Cost valid from 01^st October till 31^st March, 2014: - INR 165,950* Per Person

NOTE: - Upgrades at same price available depending upon exact date of travel.

*T & C Apply

Includes : Accommodation on twin share basis; daily American breakfast ; air-conditioned private car for all journeys and tours ; local guides ; jeep safari at Rohet; boat ride in Udaipur; Elephant ride in Jaipur; Jeep asafri and camel ride at Mirvana and Manvar; All meals in Manvar and dinner in Mirvana; horse carriage ride in Jodhpur and rickshaw ride in Delhi. Train journey in
air - conditioned carriages as per the itinerary; Airfare for the Delhi / Ahmedabad sector in economy class (Discounted airfare subject to change & availability); Home dinner with an Indian family