Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Hotel Taj Ambassador.
Day 2: Delhi
Breakfast, orientation & introductions by tour escort. Afternoon sightseeing of Old & New Delhi including the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutab Minar & a rikshaw ride through the market in Old Delhi. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. (B, D)
Day 3: Udaipur Fateh Prakash/Trident
Fly to Udaipur. Transfer to hotel. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B)
Day 4: Udaipur
Morning city tour including the City Palace & Museum, Jagdish temple, visit a minature painting artists' studios if interested; walk around old city. An independent afternoon to relax, stroll, and shop. (B)
Day 5: Nimaj Village, enroute a visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples Deluxe
Tents (B, L)
Continue our drive to Nimaj (190 km/118 miles), Nimaj has no palaces or forts, just wonderfully warm hospitality, an insight into rural India, and a chance to get to know an Indian family. The location is stunning. Chattra Sagar, the district where Nimaj is located, is the home of the Seervi Tribe, a tribe very similar to the better-known Bishnois. Tourists are a rarity here. There are 10 fully furnished tents with attached bathrooms set along an enormous man-made lake, a haven for water birds. Traditional Rajasthani meals will be served with farm fresh, organically grown vegetables.
Day 6: Pushkar BhadRawti camp, Deluxe Tents
We visit a Bishnoi Village and after lunch drive to Pushkar. (B, L, D)
Day 7-8: Puskhar BhadRawti camp, Deluxe Tents
Our deluxe tents each have an attached bathroom with western facilities. We are located near the fair grounds and one can wander through the nomadic camel herders’ camp quarters to see their lifestyles closeup and interact with them. They are very friendly and enjoy the exchange as well. The town of Pushkar surrounds a holy lake below the fair site and one can relax by the lake, explore the village on foot and check out cafes and shops, as well as visit the Brahma Temple. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Jodhpur Taj Hari Mahal/Ajit Bhawan
Drive to Jodhpur (B)
Day 10: Jodhpur-Jaiselmer Taj Rawla/Gorbandh Palace
A morning half-day city tour of Jodhpur including the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort perched majestically on a high hill. Afterwards, brief time to browse in the bazaars of the old city, Jodhpur is well known for its glass bangles, puppets and other folk art. Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer. (B)
Day 11: Jaiselmer Taj Rawla/Gorbandh Palace
Morning: we visit the Hilltop Fort and the ancient Jain Temples. The fort is the most lively that you’ll visit anywhere in India, with homes and shops tucked in hidden lanes. Stalls are swaddled with colorful Rajasthani embroidered and mirrored cloths. Guided walk about the city seeing several havelis. These impressive mansions, built by wealthy merchants, are fine sandstone buildings with elaborate wall murals and mirrorwork. Late afternoon: visit Khuri village, in the desert southwest of Jaiselmer. It is a peaceful place with houses of mud and straw, decorated like the patterns on Persian carpets. Camel ride in the sand dunes just before sunset.
Day 12: Morning drive to Bikaner Karni Bhawan Palace /Laxmi Villas Palace
We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Khichan, a lovely village with superb red sandstone havelies belonging to the Oswal Jains. Just outside the village, hidden by sand dunes, is a lake full of cranes. Our hotel, an original palace, is a small intimate 14 room heritage hotel decorated in time-period luxury. (B, L)
Day 13: Mandawa Mandawa Castle
Morning visit to Junagarh Fort before departing for Mandawa. In Mandawa, we’ll stay at the authentic 16th century castle, run today by the grandson of the former maharaja. The medieval feel of the place has remained undiminished. The rooms are wonderfully furnished with original period pieces. We’ll enjoy an afternoon walk through the village, visiting the bazaar and the many ornate havelis. Evening dinner under the stars in the back courtyard, including a cultural program of Rajasthani music and dance. (B, D)
Day 14: Jaipur Samode Haveli /Raj Palace/Sujan Niwas Palace
Drive to Jaipur, also known as the “pink” city, via Sikar and Nawalgarh. Lunch at the Samode Palace. Jaipur is the only city in India built according to the Vedic Shilpashastra, and was built in 1727. (B, L)
Day 15: Jaipur Samode Haveli / Trident
Morning: we visit Amber Fort, the old capital of the kingdom of the Kacchawaha Rajputs of 15th-18th centuries. An elephant ride up to the gates is included. Afternoon: a city tour including Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, and Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Time to browse the shops if you wish. (B)
Day 16: Agra Grand Imperial
Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri and have lunch at the Chandra Mahal Haveli. Known as the deserted city, Fatephur Sikri was the capital from 1570 to 1586 of the Great Mughul Empire, and has a unique architectural concept reflecting Akbar's belief in the unity of all religions. (B, L)
Day 17: Morning visit Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
After visiting the majestic, beautiful Taj Mahal, we will take an afternoon drive to Delhi. transfer to the international airport for your flight home. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: accommodations, escort throughout the tour, meals as indicated, mineral water during long drives, all transfers and sight seeing in an air conditioned Tempo Traveler, entrance fees to the monuments, camera fees, professional guides for local sight seeing, elephant ride at Amber, camel ride in the desert, porterage at hotels and domestic airports.
Price excludes: International air, Airport departure tax, Insurance, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Festival Tours
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