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HOTELS & RESORTS IN KERALA
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Rajasthan Lifestyles
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 Palace Heights (Deluxe 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 Indias 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 its a
bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques and craftsmens 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 Gandhis 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 Dynastys founder, Qutb-ud-din-Aybak, in
A.D. 1193 and completed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1368. At its base is Indias
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, Indias Turkish conquistadors regarded a
slaves 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 Indias, and perhaps Islams, 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 Palace Heights (Deluxe Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Udaipur (9W 2603
0545 / 0725 Hrs)

Early
morning, 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 & transfer to the Jagat
Niwas Palace, a modern heritage hotel replete with character and charm,
besides all comforts discerning tourists would seek.
Following rest and relaxation, 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 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 04: Udaipur / Shahpura (220 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.
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.
Overnight at Shahpura Bagh (Royal Suite)
Day 05: 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 06: Shahpura / Jaipur (220
kms)
After breakfast we will drive to 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 07: 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, 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 08: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri /
Agra (245 Kms)
Following a leisurely 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 check into hotel Orient Taj
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car &
driver will be at disposal for your local visits.
Overnight at Hotel Orient Taj (Superior Room)
Day 09: 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 a 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.
Later we will drive to Delhi along one of the Indias finest freeways
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
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
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!