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HOTELS & RESORTS IN KERALA
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India Tour Itinerary
Tour Highlights :
» A Specially Featured Departure
» Limited Participants
» Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a launch)
» Jeep safari through tribal villages at Rohet
» High Tea with Royalty in Deogarh
» Going Native - Village train ride
» Camel ride & Jeep Safari in Manvar
» Horse carriage ride
» Elephant Rife at Amber Fort
» Rickshaw Ride Along The Bustling Bazaars Of Old Delhi
» Enjoy Typical Indian Food & Hospitality With A Visit To An
Indian Family
» Discounts For Bulk Bookings
» 24x7 Escort For A Minimum 5 People Travelling
» Hotel Upgrades Possible
The
Crowning Glory Tour Of India...
Rajasthan, The Land Of Kings is India at its exotic and
colourful best. The destinations suggested below take us through a time
machine a few hundreds of years back in time. We find ourselves in extremely
remote tribal areas of Rajasthan where life is as primitive as primitive can
be. This enables us to capture images of tribal life at its best - in all
its traditional colours and innocent hospitality...The highlight of the tour
is stays in royal palaces, forts & castles - imposing buildings replete
with luxury, character and Old World charm. Life outside these amazing
buildings is a contrast. Life is very primitive and traditional; typical
homes with mud plastered or cow dung plastered walls and hay thatched roofs;
narrow lanes or trails broad enough only for camel carts or donkey carts;
traditional costumes of men & women; primitive agricultural techniques
of plough being drawn by men or bulls; traditional occupations of wood
carving, block printing, pottery etc. For most people here, their world ends
where the village ends. The village itself is self-sufficient; they have
their local bazaar and a village temple with a village deity in it. - the
deity is supreme and responsible for anything and everything that effect the
day to day life of the natives. The only other God that comes a close second
to their village deity are members of the royal family who inhabit the
palaces, forts and castles that dominate their village. The feudal respect
for the rulers has been retained over several generations. Time seems to
have come to a standstill here. The experience is like traveling through a
living museum. The Tour is a photographers paradise offering
innumerable opportunities to capture virgin lifestyle images unchanged for
centuries. Finally, the distances between destinations are very small. This
not only cuts out the travel time, but encourages people to have time in
hand to explore the country side on the way at their own pace. You would
have an opportunity to interact with the locals, visit villages and tribal
homes etc. You could do all this and more without worrying about loosing
time on journeys. Also, we believe that the sights and experiences that come
up on way to a destination are more fascinating and natural compared to the
destination itself.
Of Course the crowning Glory of the tour is the Taj Mahal the most
photographed monument in the world
A fitting climax to our back street
adventures in Rajasthan
Namaste ! - We welcome you with folded hands
27th Oct (Thu): 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 Visaya (Superior Room)
28th Oct (Fri): Delhi

Following
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting
such sights as, 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 Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view
the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where
the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and
Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
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 Hotel Visaya (Superior Room)
29th Oct (Sat): Delhi / Udaipur (IT 4301 1140 / 1330 Hrs)
Morning transfer to airport to board our 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 & transfer to hotel Devra, a unique
and a charming Homestay. Devra is a colonial style house built on top of a
hillock in the lap of the Aravali hills of Udaipur. It overlooks the city of
and offers grand panoramic views of the Udaipur environs, once the scene of
many a hunt and battle. Devra literally translates to 'where God resides'.
In the local language, Devra means a tribal temple. A 400 year-old temple
still stands at the site of Devra Udaipur . in 2006, Devra Udaipur was
personally reviewed by the editorial team of 'Alastair Sawday's Special
Places to Stay' - the world's best guide to boutique hotels and unique
travelling experiences. Your Hosts, Major Durga Das and his wife Ms. Jyoti
Jasol hail from very traditional, cultured and well-educated families of the
Mewar and Marwar regions. The beautifully appointed accommodation here
include air-conditioned suites, private lounges and semi-private verandahs
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 Hotel Devra - A Very Highly Acclaimed & Much
Recognized 5* Equivalent All Suites Homestay
30th Oct (Sun): Udaipur

After
a leisurely breakfast we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City".
Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the
most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic
tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of
buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising
uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city
from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace
enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird
called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of
Indo-Aryan Art.
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 Hotel Devra - A Very Highly Acclaimed & Much
Recognized 5* Equivalent All Suites Homestay
31st Oct (Mon): Udaipur / Deogarh (140 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
Following breakfast we will drive to Deogarh, Upon arrival check in to
Deogarh Mahal
Evening, we will visit
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.
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal (Deluxe Room)
01st Nov (Tue): 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)
02nd Nov (Wed): Deogarh / Ranakpur / Rohet (150 Kms) (03 Hrs drive)

After
breakfast we will drive 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.
After the tour of Ranakpur Jain Temples we continue our ride to Rohet, Upon
arrival check in to the Rohetgarh Fort

At
Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of honour and
of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and
spectacular magnificence. Past centuries come to life at the historic
boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century fortified deserted home of a
Rajput clan. Within the precincts of these time weathered walls is our
hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput traditions
bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani culture where one can,
even today experience the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality.
Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the traditional style,
using traditional motifs and colour schemes herald your entry to this
charmed world the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where a
profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The portico is a warm
and informal place decorated with the artifacts and trophies of many years.
Exquisitely carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings
and photographs decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance
of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities. Antique hunting riffles,
shields & spearheads, daggers and original paintings form the backdrop
of the dinning room. The swimming pool here is in beautiful settings and is
an oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional and
typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded to retain its
pristine flavours. You savour only the very best of Rajasthani 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.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small feudal
town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no
proper road here - only one main 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)
03rd Nov (Thu): Rohet / Manvar (105 Kms) (02 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 a leisurely breakfast we 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
04th Nov (Fri): Manvar / Jodhpur (75 Kms) (01 Hr 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
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, 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.
Evening, 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. 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 Hotel (Superior
Room)
05th Nov (Sat): Jodhpur / Pushkar (214 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)

Following
breakfast, drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival check in to Swiss Tents.
You have two days here to experience the amazing spectacle called Pushkar.
Picture this - countless camels ambling their way across the golden sands of
Rajasthan, horses marching towards the site of the fair with their masters
and an assemblage of numerous cows and sheeps, that's Pushkar Fair for you.
But wait, there is a lot other that make this fair a major event all over
Rajasthan. The large gaudy turbans of the native males, women wrapped in
exquisite jewelry from head to toe and children dressed in colorful
tradition attire enjoying every moment is a sight that you would remember
for a long time to come
Overnight Swiss Tented Accommodation
06th Nov (Sun): Pushkar
The fair is initially devoted to the trade of camels, sheep, horses and
cows. Their owners, dressed in colorful attires use all their persuasive
skills to sell them at most competitive prices. The festival offers a
perfect opportunity to the local people specially the womenfolk to purchase
the most exquisite jewelry items. The garment stall selling various garments
with attractive tie n die work, patchwork and tattoo shops add to the colors
of the festivals.
As the fair approaches a climax, its time for the merriment. The fair
observes various breathtakingly competitive events including camel races,
musical chairs and beauty contest. There are jugglers, fire dancers and a
variety of swings that make this festival an absolutely awesome event.
Overnight Swiss Tented Accommodation
07th Nov (Mon): Pushkar / Jaipur (146 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Jaipur
Upon arrival, check into the 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.
AEvening, 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)
08th Nov (Tue): Jaipur

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)
09th Nov (Wed): Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)

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 in to Grand Imperial which is located in the heart of
the city of Agra, the hot seat of the Mughal Empire. This 100 year old hotel
is a living relic of the British Raj. There are special rooms, old mementos,
photographs and macho stories of courage and valour that can be recounted
over and over again. The Imperial Hotel, as was then known, played hosts to
distinguished guests such as The Crown Princes of England and Japan, Prince
Aga Khan, Shri Moti Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car &
driver will be at disposal for your local visits.
Overnight at The Grand Imperial (Deluxe Room)
10th Nov (Thu): 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. 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
Indian family for an Indian home experience in India. 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 breakfast, transfer to the International airport to board your onward
flight
End of Services
We do hope the flavour 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
After breakfast, transfer to the International airport to board your onward
flight
Tour Cost for A Minimum Of 02 People Traveling Together On Twin Sharing
Basis: - INR 102,000* Per Person
Single Room Supplement : INR 44,600
*Quotes Based On Accommodation Listed In the Above Itinerary
(Subject To Availability)
Cost Includes:
» Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis
» Daily Buffet Breakfast.
» Delhi/Udaipur Airfare (Discounted Internet Fare subject to
Change)
» All journeys as per itinerary in a fine air-conditioned Car
» Local guides, all applicable taxes
» Rickshaw ride at Delhi
» Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a launch)
» Jeep safari at Rohet
» High Tea in Deogarh
» Joy train ride at Deogarh
» Jeep Safari & Camel ride in Manvar
» All meals in Manvar
» All meals in Pushkar
» Horse carriage ride to Clock Tower Bazaar - Jodhpur
» Elephant ride at Amber Fort Jaipur
» Home Dinner with an Indian Family.
» Train Journeys as per the itinerary
Cost Does Not Include:
» Entrances/Camera & Video fee to monuments.
» Meals other than as mentioned above.
» Expenses of Personal nature such as Laundry, Drinks, Telephone calls
etc.