| |
Travel through the ages of the time when Rajasthan was known as 'Rajputana' or the Land of the Rajas. Their Palaces are simply magnificent and splendid , some of which have been converted into comfortable hotels, and still run by the descendants of these royal families, keeping alive their graceful and elegant lifestyle. Come and be a part of it. Enjoy the stay in these spacious rooms with four poster beds which are beautifully decorated with Art Deco furniture. Experience the joy &honour of sleeping in suites once occupied by the rulers of this state. Pamper yourself and relish all the facilities, ancient and modern are at your disposal. Travel from a 16th century Palace to a 14th century fort, a 17th century hunting lodge or Haveli. Enjoy your drink while sitting on the ramparts, watching the sun set over the plains of Rajasthan and get this one of a kind experience of being here! Enter through the arched gateways built by high wooden gates and cannons. The descendants of the great warrior kings who once protected this land from invaders from the north will be your host of the day. You will be taken to visit their villages, meet with the local people, and enjoy the wildlife which surrounds their properties. There will be picnics organised , tea in the dunes, a jeep ride or horse ride which will bring you back to their ancestral homes for more delights. Sounds Fun? What's more? These palaces have been restored beautifully and you can visit the public rooms. Live in the glorious past. Walk the grand staircases , admire the hunting trophies and view the photographs of polo matches and tiger hunts. Check out the audience chamber which was once the place where the 'Maharajas' met the public and his ministers. These rooms are decorated with delicate and gilded paintings, murals and fine mirror work known as the 'meenakari' , which are decorated with tiles from Holland and glasswork from Belgium. The word 'Haveli' is derived from the Persian meaning "surrounded" or "enclosed place".The Havelis were built around the courtyards which provided the families with security, privacy and seclusion from the outside world. They were suppose to serve the purpose as a main home or as retreats or hunting lodges. Mere words cannot express the way of life they represented once. One can truly experience this and get to know what life of the 'Maharajas' were at that time and get an insight into what it would have been to be born into this way of life. Treat yourself to the experience, to Royal Rajasthan, to India, another world.
Take a trip back through the ages - to the time when Rajasthan was known as Rajputana - the Land of the Rajas. Their Palaces are there for you to enjoy. In many cases, they have been converted into comfortable hotels, still run by the present day descendants of these royal families, retaining their graceful and elegant lifestyle. Be a part of it. Stay in spacious rooms with four poster beds, beautifully decorated with Art Deco furniture. Often you will be sleeping in suites once occupied by the rulers of this state.
|
|
Be waited on hand and foot, where all facilities, old and new, are at your disposal. Let yourself be pampered and feel special. Travel from a 16th century Palace to a 14th century fort, a 17th century hunting lodge or Haveli. Delight in having drinks while sitting on the ramparts, watching the sun set over the plains of Rajasthan which can only add to the unique experience of being here!
|
|
| |
|

|
Enter through arched gateways protected by mile high wooden gates and cannons. Your host in many cases will be a descendant of the great warrior kings who protected this land from invaders from the north. Their staff will arrange outings for you to visit their villages, meet with the local people, or enjoy the wildlife, which often surrounds their properties. They will organise picknicks for you, tea in the dunes, a ride out by jeep or horse and bring you back to their ancestral homes for more delights.
|
Interested? Contact Us
Some of the palaces have been beautifully restored and you can visit the public rooms. Step back and re-live the glorious past. Walk the grand staircases, admire the hunting trophies and sepia photographs of polo matches and tiger hunts. Visit the audience chambers where the Maharajas would come to meet with the public or with their ministers. These rooms are resplendent with delicate and gilded paintings, murals and fine mirror work known as meenakari, sometimes decorated with tiles from Holland and glasswork from Belgium. |
|
| |
As well as palaces there are the Havelis. The word is taken from the Persian meaning "surrounded" or "enclosed place". Because of their architectural form, the Havelis are built around courtyards, which provided the families with privacy and seclusion from the outside world. They were built either as a main home or some distance away as retreats or hunting lodges.
The words cannot capture the essence of the way of life they represent. Only by experiencing it yourself can you get an insight into what it would have meant to be born into this way of life. Treat yourself to the experience, to Royal Rajasthan, to India, another world
|
|
|
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi – Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Bundi - Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa – Delhi |
Day 01 Abroad - Delhi
 |
Arrive at IGI - International airport. On arrival, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer to hotel of your choice. DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi. |
|
Day 2: Delhi
|
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be at Delhi. |
|
|
Day 3: Delhi - Agra (By road 204 km / 4 hr ) |
 |
After early Breakfast, check out and leave for Agra. En-route you will visit the SIKANDRA Fort . Check in to hotel of your choice.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. |
|
|
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmadullah's Tomb. Enjoy battery van ride. Relax in the evening or visit the markets – Agra is famous for its marble and softstone inlay work, leather goods, brassware, carpets, chikan work fabrics and semi precious & precious jewellery in the ornate Mughal style.
Overnight will be at Agra.
|
|
|
Day 4: Agra - Jaipur (By road 221 km in 6 hr) |
 |
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and leave for Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
|
|
| |
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Proceed to Jaipur and check in at hotel of your choice.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
|
|
|
| Day 5: Jaipur (By road 221 km in 6 hr) |
 |
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. |
|
| |
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
|
|
|
 |
Relax in the evening or visit the markets – Jaipur is a treasure trove for the shoppers and there is everythinh here that the heart desires. As a major gems & jewellery center, you can count on finding some of India’s finest jewellery here. Besides that, there are marble statues, wollen carpets, cotton rugs, hand block printed Sanhaneri and Bagru cotton fabrics, brassware, leather footware and much more.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
|
|
Day 6: Jaipur-Pushkar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Proceed Proceed for Pushkar. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at PUSHKAR PALACE.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
|
|
|
Day 7: Pushkar- Bundi |
 |
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Brahma Temple. The one and only in the world. Offer Pujas at the holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi. The town's medieval character, Taragarh Fort and the palace below are captivating. The Chitrashala in the palace has rooms covered with miniature paintings depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. Stay at an old hunting Haveli - ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE TARAGARH FORT COMPOUND for a beautiful experience. The hotel is of no star category but the experience will be better as this is the only hotel in the Fort Complex. In the evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up with burning torches and traditional dinner prepared of game is served. Truly an unforgettable experience
Overnight at Bundi
|
|
Day 8: Bundi - Kota – Udaipur
|
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and leave for KOTA. Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes. Visit the CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which houses the Rao Madho Singh Museum containing the relics of the former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience.
|
|
|
| |
 |
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas. Proceed for Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel of your choice. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur. |
|
| |
Day 9: Udaipur
Enjoy Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur. |
|
|
Day 10: Udaipur – Jodhpur
|
 |
Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Check out and drive to Jodhpur. En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Reach Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions |
|
Day 11: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
|
Enjoy breakfast at hotel . Morning go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. |
|
|
| |
 |
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel.Overnight at Jaisalmer
|
|
Day 12: Jaisalmer
|
Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill. In the afternoon, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, (Same camels to be used for Safari - getting to know the camels) as the sky is set on fire. It can be an unforgettable experience. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Overnight at Village Camp.
|
|
|
Day 13: Jaisalmer – Bikaner |
 |
Enjoy breakfast at camp. Check out and proceed straight to Bikaner. (The road is very good and the journey will be comfortable and relaxing) Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel. The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Bikaner at your chosen hotel. |
|
Day 14: Bikaner
|
Enjoy Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake.
Overnight at Bikaner.
|
|
|
Day 15: Bikaner – Mandawa |
 |
Enjoy Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Mandawa. The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two hundred and forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. |
|
| |
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening. Overnight at Mandawa.
|
|
Day 16: Mandawa – Delhi
|
Enjoy Breakfast at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi. Reach Delhi by late afternoon. On arrival you will be transferred to airport for you flight back home or you may extend your stay with us.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|