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DAY 01 : ARRIVE
DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met &
assisted with your baggages at the airport by our executive and
transferred to prebooked hotel
Hotel Imperial - Heritage room.
The Imperial is an ode to India's independence
from the British Raj and was builit as a jewel in the crown of the
outgoing rulers. The Imperial boasts a rich historical past with
an awe inspiring heritage and a truly international appeal. The
Imperial was built was S.B.S. Ranjit Singh, son of R.B.S. Narain Singh
who was honoured by the British Government for his commendable work
on 1911's coronation durbar where New Delhi was declared the capital
of India. It was Lady Wellington who gave the the name "The
Imperial" to the hotel and conferred the Lion insignia upon the
hotel.
DAY
02 : DELHI
After breakfast, full day city tour of old & modern capital
of India. Delhi
: India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary
Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its
fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one
of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their
seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left
behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction
between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’
past.
Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built
by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not
completed until 1658 ; Red Fort, which was also built by
Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni
Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Witness the India Gate, the Presidents House & the Parliament.
Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century this
is an early example of Mughal architecture ; Qutab Minar.
The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).
DAY 03 : DELHI - AGRA
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit Sikandra
- Mughal Emperor Akbar's Mausoleum.
Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in at prebooked
hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions
were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains
the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful
structues; Itmad-ud-daulah,
which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very
similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near
Lahore in Pakistan; the highlight of the day - The
Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of
his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and
was not completed until 1653.
DAY 04 : AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR
After
breakfast, leave for Jaipur, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal
city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the
old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due
to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama
Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which
are still preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive
to Jaipur : The capital
city of the state of Rajasthan also know as “Pink City”
owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior
astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II.
The city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city sits on a
dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by
barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls.
Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel Rambagh Palace.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 05 : JAIPUR
After
breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills
of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance
of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state.
Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput
commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.
Afternoon, free for individual activities.
Afternoon,
city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum
having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and
weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh
in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.
DAY 06 : JAIPUR - SAMODE
(47 KMS, 01 HR DRIVE)
After
breakfast, leave for Samode. Arrive Samode and check in at Samode
Palace.
Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large
and flourishing town. It was among the wealthiest territories in
the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan
to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service.
After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished
to the Raj. In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats
(the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with the present
family).
Samode Palace was transformed into one the country's
premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Moghul
architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned
in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. It is
one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet,
elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel
for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation,
services, cuisine and amenities. it is the flagship of the Samode
Hotels. The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic
presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators.
Rest of the day, free to explore the Palace and its surroundings.
DAY 07 :
SAMODE - MANDAWA
(160 KMS, 03-0 4 HRS DRIVE)
After
breakfast, leave for Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check-in at Castle
Mandawa.
Afternoon, visit Mandawa (Shekhawati region). This region came into
prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved
into the area and the towns of this region developed into important
trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of
Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) most
of which date back from the 18th century. The major towns of interest
are Mandawa, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh. Visit the havelis in Mandawa and
other villages of Shekhawati region.
DAY 08 :
MANDAWA - KHIMSAR
(275 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After
breakfast, leave for Khimsar. On arrival, check in at Khimsar
Fort.
Khimsar Fort : Perched on the edge of the
Great Thar desert in the rural India lies this unique 16th century
fort that offers experience after exhilatating experience. The battle
scarred walls and turrets remid of the glorious past. Hundreds
of years of history unfolds as you glance at its battle-scarred
walls and stroll down its ramparts. You are not prepared for the
beauty. the grandeur, the layout or the magnificence of this castle
even as you approach it through sand dunes and narrow countryside
roads.
In the afternoon, jeep ride to the sand dunes. Enjoy a cup
of tea/coffee on the sand dunes while watching a magnificent
sunset on the sand dunes. Return to the fort.
DAY 09 : KHIMSAR -
ROHET
(140 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
 After
breakfast, free. Later, for Rohet, enroute visit Osian.
Continue drive to Rohet. Arrive Rohet and check in at Rohetgarh.
Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th
century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The
"Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by
the Maharaja Of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery
in battle. Generations of valiant noble-men have built this heritage
home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic
values are respected. The visitor of today experiences the famed
warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.
Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under
finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the neem
tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within these time weathered walls
lies an oasis of landscaped gardens and flowers in bloom - your
Oasis in the arid land of Marwar.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 10 :
ROHET
After
breakfast, Jeep safari to a Bishnoi villages –
A memorable outing in jeeps visit various traditional village seeing
local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving and also
men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver
Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph wildlife black buck, chinkaras,
peacock etc. freely moving in abundance protected by “Bishnois”
Protectors of wildlife and tree.
In the afteroon, excursion to Jodhpur.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic
Fort”, located at the
very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates , each
built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce
the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins,
furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble
cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at
Jaswant Thada.
DAY 11 :
ROHET - RANAKPUR - DEOGARGH
(210 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After
breakfast, leave for Deogarh, enroute visit the Jain temples at
Ranakpur.
Ranakpur :
The cluster of temples, made of intricately
sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture.
It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in
1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main
temple is supported on 1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly
carved.
After the visit, continue drive to Deogarh. Arrive Deogarh
and check in at Deogarh Mahal.
Deogarh Mahal : is an imposing structure built
in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding
view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn
across the countryside.With its greying battlements, domes, turrets,
jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the
town below.
Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence,
it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted
with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities
to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions
are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed,
to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests. Deogarh lies on
the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east
of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen
umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur,
the capital of Mewar such feudal estates, called 'thikanas' were
granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood
relationship or for an act of bravery.
DAY 12 :
DEOGARH - UDAIPUR
(115 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
Morning,
free to explore the Palace & its surroundings
 Afternoon,
leave for Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend
of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its
palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces,
temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with
stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry.
Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake
Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is one of
the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice of East.
Arrive Udaipur and check in at Devi Garh Fort Palace. (28
kms from Udaipur)
Nestled in the Aravali hills of Rajasthan,
the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village of Delwara
commands one the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Sajja
Singh, who hailed from the neighboring state of Gujarat, was awarded
this strategically significant principality, in recognition of his
bravery and loyalty to Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor
Akbar, at the battle of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction
of the fort palace started only in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh
II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers
who followed. The palace was absorbed into the state of Rajasthan
in the 1960s, and was subsequently abandoned.
Devi Garh, is ready for visitors after years of restoration and
rebuilding. The Fort Palace was conceived as a place where the past
meets the future. This all suite luxury hotel comprising of 39 suites
takes on the look of modern India, with an emphasis on design and
detail, using local marbles and semi-precious stones. The contemporary
design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented
by personalized and intimate service, creates a new image for India
for the 21st century.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 13 :
UDAIPUR
After
breakfast, city tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace
which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Jagdish temple,
a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or
Garden of the Maids of Honour, which is a small garden with its
fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.
Later, boat ride on Lake Pichola. Return to Devi Garh Fort Palace
for overnight stay.
DAY 14 :
UDAIPUR - MUMBAI
(FLIGHT)
Early
morning, transfer to the airport to board flight for Mumbai. Arrive
Mumbai and transfer to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace - Heritage
wing.
Since it opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai
has created its own unique history. From Maharajas and Princes to
various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played
the perfect host, supportive of their every need.
Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together
Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views
of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious
landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences
along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful
archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent
art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic
cantilever stairway.
Over the past century, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai
has amassed a diverse collection of paintings and works of art and
is a veritable showcase of artifacts and art of the era. From Belgian
chandeliers to Goan Christian artifacts, the hotel incorporates
a myriad of artistic styles and tastes.
Afternoon, half day city tour of Mumbai - The
city was called Bombay for much of the last four hundred years.
The origin of the name is obscure, but is often said to come from
the Portuguese phrase
bom bahia
meaning "good bay". The name Mumbai has been used in the
main local languages for as long, and is ascribed to the local goddess,
Mumba
(ai
means mother in Marathi). The name of the city was changed to Mumbai
by an act of the parliament in 1997.
Estimated to hold about 15 million people (a census is on in the
years 2000-2001), the city has grown dramatically in the last fifty
years. Mumbai is called the financial capital of India: the stock
exchange is the primary stock exchange of the country; most large
business houses have their corporate offices in this city. It also
the primary center for the arts and the entertainment industry.
DAY 15 :
MUMBAI
After breakfast, excursion to Elephanta - About ten kilometers north
east of Apollo Bunder lies the island of Elephanta, the glorious
abode of Lord Shiva. An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta
consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti
cave. It has a very impressive size with a main body of 27 meters
square supported by rows of six columns each. The main temple consists
of a large pillared mandapa (hall) and a freestanding square shrine
at the west end of the hall. The pillars and reliefs in the cave
are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large
reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around
the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments in this cave
with images from the Hindu mythology. They depict Lord Shiva as
Andhakasuravadha, impaling the demon of darkness, as Kalyanasundara-the
gentle loving god, as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and
female, Nataraja-Shiva as the cosmic dancer and as Ravana anugraha
-the destroyer of enemies
Afternoon, free for individual activities.
DAY 16 :
DEPART MUMBAI
Transfer
to the airport to board flight back home.
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