The tour provides an opportunity to stay at the properties, which were once the mighty fortresses of the Rajputs.
Tour Highlights:
- grand heritage hotels,
- no long drives,
- witnessing the village life and culture along with the royal cities,
- ample time at leisure.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi
On arrival, just past midnight, you are met by our executive and accorded a royal welcome and escorted to the Hotel Imperial, Similar 5 Star Category Hotel, where we already have done a pre check in for you to save time.
New Delhi begins with the drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar (1193 AD) this striking medieval tower of victory of Persian World is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years. Then drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate, Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area. Visit Humayun’s Tomb - considered to be the fore runner of Taj Mahal.
Day 2: Delhi
Your day would begin after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Your personal guide takes you to the fantastic sites of old and New Delhi. The sites include the Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (Gandhi’s memorial), Humayun’s tomb and the 12th centaury Qutab Minar. During the day you also drive through the government building like the president house, the parliament, India gate and the Sikh temple. Evening we seize the opportunity to host you a welcome dinner at the Village Bistro on a rooftop. Overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Neemrana
The fort is situated on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horse shoe formation on the hills of Arravali mountain ranges. The hotel has 10 levels and it is most romantic at the sunrise and sunset. All the rooms have a sit out balcony from where you could view the plain for miles.
After a leisurely breakfast we take a short drive to Fort Neemrana, nestled in the Aravalli hills. Day at leisure for your personal activities. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Samode
A short drive this morning brings you to the most ornate Samode palace. The residence of the then finance minister of Jaipur state. After check in take a guided tour of the palace ( rated as the fifth best hotel in the world by London times). The day offers you a complete relaxation and leisure. Late afternoon take a stroll in the village. This evening we host you a romantic dinner at one of the chosen venues to add to the charm of the evening.
The story of Samode Place goes back more than four and a half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons-Gopal Singhji along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Nestled picturesquely amid rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur and frescoed walls is a pleasant journey into the glorious past.
The palace is full of architectural delights -the birds, animals and flowers painted on the walls of Sultan Mahal, the dining-room with its stained glass windows and its collection of old family portraits, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved walls and beautiful chandeliers, give this palace its old world charm. Each room is done up in traditional Rajasthani style and the antique furniture blends well with the atmosphere making it comfortable and luxurious at the same time. A traditional welcome with camel carts, buggies, elephants and local musicians is organized if desired. Camel safaris available. Overnight at the hotel. includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: Samode – Jaipur – Samode
Only about 40 kms from Samode, is the pink city of Jaipur. This morning after breakfast you drive to the most enchanting city of all times. The Capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in Pink, a colour which symbolizes hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Jaipur is a city of ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, treasure trove of handloom and craft. Come visit city of Love, legends and lore.
The splendid fort, palace of Amber was wrested by the Kachhwaha Rajputs in the mid-12th century. The Kacchawaha's dominated the surrounding area for the next six centuries. Amber was also the prime site of the alliance between the Mughals and the Rajputs. The astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh II, famous for his Jantar Mantar ascended the throne in 1699. He soon decided to build a new city in the plains: Jaipur was designed according to the principals of the Shilpa-Shastra (Architecture)and the capital shifted here in 1727, the city attracted merchants and crafts-people that over time shaped its irresistible bazaars.
This morning you take a ride on an elephant back as your personal guide takes you to the majestic Amber fort. You ascend the fort, the royal way. The sight seeing of Jaipur includes the visit to the most distinguished astronomical observatory and the royal city palace complex.
We would like to offer you a traditional silver platter lunch at a restaurant known for its cooking demonstration and the most exclusive for us, a turban tying demonstration. There is also a turban museum there. After a eventful day, return to the pristine Samode palace. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 6: Kuchaman
Hotel Kuchaman. This morning explore the Rajasthan not open to the most travelers, as the drive takes you through the saline ravines of the the thar. Short of lunch arrive the majestic Kuchaman fort perched on a hilltop overlooking the salty lakes in the horizon. Take some time off this afternoon to relax and later take a guided tour of the fortress to witness the sati point, the maze , the secret tunnel, the palace chambers and eventually allow us to host a cocktail at the sunset point to take your spirits high. includes: (B), (D), and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Mandawa
Yet another day to treasure is here. The drive this morning brings you to the open air art gallery of Rajasthan. The Shekawati region.
Mandawa - Shekhawati. Think of the most famous of the Marwari business families in India, and it s a fair bet that a painted haveli by that name exists in Shekhawati. Singhania, Goenka, Birla, Bharatiya, Jalan, Saraf, and Poddar the list is impressive.
The successful Marwari ventured out to the ports of Bombay and Calcutta, prospered and spent lavishly on beautifully painted havelis in the 18th and 19th centuries. The painters are as much at ease with Krishna and the gopis as with the Wright brothers trying to fly their machines. Shekhawati is not a town or a village, but a region comprising Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts with a network of towns Nawalgarh, Dhundlodh, Mandawa, Lachhmangarh, Fatehpur and Sikar.
Upon arrival check in at Castle Mandawa for a stay of one night. Late afternoon take a walking tour through the narrow lanes of Mandawa to witness the fine frescos from the 15th – 16th century, truly a photographers delight. Overnight and stay at the hotel. includes: (B).
Day 8: Mandawa – Sariska
Today we take you to the most extravagant Sariska palace (the former hunting lodge of the royal family of Alwar region). The palace stands just outside the entrance of the tiger project. Upon arrival check in and take some time off to lay by the pool and put things together. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 9: Sariska
Today you have a day full of adventure, as we offer you two game drives into the park to witness the wildlife around. The park offers you chances to track the royal Bengal tigers, leopards, antelopes, deer and the captivating nature alluring the visitors. Overnight and stay at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Sariska – Agra
This morning you start off to the city of love and mughal grandeur, Agra. En route visit the fabled city of mughals, the Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival check in at the Taj view, mughal Sheraton for a stay of two nights.
Day 11: Agra
The morning begins early, as we recommend to visit the Taj at sunrise, when it’s sublime beauty enchants you at the first sight. The visit allows the best photography of the building as during the early hours it’s not very crowded. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Then after you tour continues and your personal guide takes you to other spectacular monuments of the mughal era, including the larger than life Agra Fort and the sublime Itmad-ud-Daulah ( baby taj). Includes: (B).
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders, who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India s finest; was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrosolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.
Day 12: Agra – Delhi
After breakfast we drive to Delhi. 200 kms / 5 hrs. Upon arrival we hold day rooms for you at the hotel not too far from the airport. Transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation in grand heritage / 5 star hotels, with all specified meals.
- Air conditioned transport of superior category , with mineral water and soft beverages served during drives with compliments.
- Services of excellent, English speaking guides at all destinations.
- Entrances to all monuments, even on multiple visit basis.
- Day room in Delhi prior to your departure.
Notes:
- Single Supplement Available for 35% Extra.
- Kindly put in a Rate request for The Tour cost of Four Star hotels.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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