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Day 01
:
Arrival / Delhi
Late Night arrival. Traditional welcome with garlands as
your representatives welcome you aboard your Luxury
Coach. The ride to your luxury hotel, The Connaught, is
a 30-minute drive during which time your representative
would introduce, India as well as some common Indian
customs and courtesies.
Upon arrival at the hotel, whilst our representatives
organize your check in, a refreshing welcome drink is
served to you - 'namaste' and welcome to India !
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 01 :
Arrival / Delhi
On arrival, Traditional Welcome with garlands. Our
representative would guide you to your luxury car, and,
during the ride to your hotel, would introduce India and
your tour to you. Whilst you are being checked in, a
refreshing Welcome drink is served 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 will be in Delhi.
Day 02 :
Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New
Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's
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.
We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old
Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and
19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic
as compared to New Delhi.
It draws one through congested roads and lanes,
interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its
chequered history. Our tour includes 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, on to 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 Prime Ministers of
India Smt. Indra Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are cremated.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 :
Delhi / Udaipur (9W 708 - 0545/0810Hrs)
Transfer to airport to connect your flight to Udaipur, a
royal capital of a divine dynasty
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 check into the hotel
Lake Palace, which is a palace on an island girdled by
hills. Built on a rocky island over lake Pichola over
two and a half centuries ago, once it was the summer
palace of the rulers of Mewar. Today the pleasure palace
is a luxury hotel like no other in the world. To stay
here is an un missable privilege, affording as it does a
glimpse of pleasure that once were the sole preserve of
princes. The Lake Palaces Hotel amazes and delights you
at every turn. It is pure white marble, every ancient
inch of it - slender carved columns, fountains,
filigreed screens, marble from the pinnacles of its
domed Chatris to the bottom of its swimming pool,
created for the private frolics of a princess.
Afternoon, 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.
We would also have an opportunity to visit the bustling
bazaars or simply enjoy your charming heritage hotel
overlooking the Lake city.
Overnight will be in Udaipur.
Day 04 :
Udaipur / Narlai (120 Kms)
Following breakfast drive to Narlai, stopping enroute
for photography and walk through the countryside to
interact with and witness the life styles of the
natives.
Upon arrival check into Rawla Narlai. Situated in the
Narlai village, Rawla Narlai, is a 17th century fortress
renovated over the years to have 15 exquisite double
rooms. Rawla Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated
in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village bustling
with activity and bursting with colours. But, inside the
Rawla (fortress) there is only serenity and stupendous
view of a gigantic350 ft single rock of granite dotted
with caves and temples and crowned by a statue of a
white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on
one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other.
Maharaja and Rani Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw
the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with
aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace
your senses.
Comfortable rooms and modern bathrooms blend with the
ancient way of Narlai, while offering a warm and homely
atmosphere. The charming rooms are all stylised from
references from the past adding more to your experience
at Rawla Narlai. The chef prepares you a delicious meal,
garnished with care made from Secret Recipes handed down
for generations to the Royal family. In the evening
bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening
to hypnotic and chanting rhythms by local musicians who
will rekindle the sprit in you. The peace and calm of
the gentle rustling leaves, the sun bathed courtyards
and the star lit nights adds an air of romanticism to
this wonderful fortress.
Afternoon, stroll through the small town, bustling with
activity and bursting with colour- perhaps pausing to
see the rich handicrafts or even to design your own
silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm, both for women and
men- worn around the neck, at the silversmith.
Overnight will be in Narlai.
Day 05 :
Narlai / Rohet
Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and
take in the spiritual energy from descending from the
Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill
overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the
early morning chanting coming from the many temples and
mosques. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the
harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills, as a
token of prayer to Lord Hanuman.
After breakfast, drive to Rohet. Upon arrival check into
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 cuisine's, 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, 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 dust 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 the 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 will be in Rohet.
Day 06 :
Rohet/ Jodhpur (40 Kms)
Following breakfast, enjoy jeep safaris to visit the
heart of Rajasthan villages where tradition 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.
Later, we drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel. which is beautifully
set amidst well appointed gardens
Afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Jodhpur, which
would include 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.
Following the tour, ride horse carriages to the Clock
Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most
colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.
Return back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Day 07 :
Jodhpur / Jaipur (365kms)
This morning, drive to one of India's most colorful and
dynamic cities, Jaipur, a vast open-air museum of
bazaars, gardens, and fanciful pink architecture. Settle
into your room in a converted 200-year-old palace graced
with fine art and antiques, and lavish grounds where
folkloric entertainment is often staged.
As evening approaches, set out with your guide on a walk
through the city, where every lane and byway pulsates
with an endless procession of camels and elephants,
brilliantly attired people, and free-roaming cows. The
city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive
visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and
galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's
colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue
pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass
work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly
patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts
and miniature painting.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 08 :
Jaipur
This morning visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the
royal Jaipur. 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.
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 today's visitors as they did their former royal
residents.
We shall also 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.
Following lunch, a tour Of 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 will be in Jaipur.
Day 09 :
Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (240 kms)
Following 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 empire's splendour. The city divided
into religious and secular parts has interesting
well-sculpted buildings.
From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival,
check in to the hotel.
Afternoon, embark on the sightseeing of 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.
Overnight will be in Agra.
Day 10:
Agra / Delhi/Departure
Agra 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, visit the Taj
Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for
love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its
construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones
into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely
remarkable. After breathtaking visit of Taj Mahal,
return to Hotel.
Afternoon drive to Delhi. The journey is along one of
India's finest 4-lane dual carriageway. Also, this
travel would ensure the smoothest and the most
comfortable journeys. We would have opportunities to
stop at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments and
washroom facilities.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: Upon arrival in Delhi we
would visit an Indian family for an Indian home
experience. 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.
Following the dinner we will transfer you to the
international airport for your onward flight. |
