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Home > Destinations > Far East > India > India Royal Rajasthan
India Royal Rajasthan
Our Royal Rajasthan India tour exemplifies the splendor of the Rajput and Moghul age. Walk among rural villages, bazaars, historic forts and palaces, and narrow city streets of Jaipur, Josphur, and Udaipur to gain insight Indian daily life and how Rajasthan, "Land of Kings," is one the world's most romantic destinations. We explore Delhi, the Moghul architectural masterpieces of the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The castles and palaces of unequaled grandeur, echoes of the British Raj, and the corresponding historic boutique-style accommodations combine to produce an unforgettable India travel experience. Optional add-ons to Varanasi, tiger parks, the Himalayas, or to southern India are available if you have more time.
DAY 1 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi where you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. Once the capital of the Moghul Empire, today Delhi is a sprawling metropolis - a fascinating blend of past and the present- which is an apt introduction to the composite culture of the entire sub-continent. Overnight The Indravan Hotel.
DAY 2 : EXPLORE OLD & NEW DELHI
Our expert guide weaves us in and out of Old and New Delhi. We catch a rickshaw into the old walled city and walk through the bustling and crowded market of Chadni Chowk. Nearby we walk to the Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and then on to the Red Fort - once the most opulent fortified palace of the Moghul Empire. We drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and to see the famous Tomb of Humayun, the second Moghul Emperor. The evening is free to walk around the bustling shops and restaurants of Connaught Place near our hotel. Overnight at the Indravan Hotel. [BL]
DAY 3 : AGRA-RED FORT AND THE TAJ MAHAL
We take an early morning train to Agra. (Shatabdi Express departing at 6:15am, arriving at 8:12am) Visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with massive 70-foot high walls 1.5-miles long, encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings. After lunch we are guided through the Taj Mahal, a building that needs little introduction: The Taj is probably the most famous building on earth and unquestionably the most beautiful. It is an architectural wonder inspired by love - a white marble memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the great Shah Jahan, fifth Moghul Emperor and architect extraordinaire. Designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took 22 years to complete and features stunning balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever produced. Overnight ITC Mughal-Luxury Collection [BL]
DAY 4 : DAWN AT THE TAJ-DRIVE JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI
This morning we rise a dawn and make our way to the Taj Mahal for its opening to contemplate and photograph in the early light. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then depart for Jaipur (260k/5 hrs) en-route visiting the ancient site of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by Emperor Akbar the Great and was deserted a few years after construction due to a dearth of water - posteritys gain, as the entire city has thus been preserved. We continue our drive to the pink city of Jaipur where we check in to our boutique accommodation of Samode Havelli. Built over 175 years ago, Samode Havelli reflects the style and elegance of the royal family and the art and architecture of the times and culture. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening free in the pool, rest in the luxurious environs of the samode, or ride a rickshaw in the old city to explore and shop: Jaipur is famous for fabric, gems, jewelry and handicrafts. Overnight Samode Havelli. [BL]
DAY 5 : AMBER FORT, JAIPUR CITY, PALACE DINNER
Amber Fort is the classic image of the romantic Rajasthani palace. We arrive in the warm morning light at its forbidding exterior that belies a beautiful interior combining Mughal and Hindu architectural styles with exquisite filigree and lattice carving. We drive into Jaipur, the famed Pink City, painted pink to honor a British Viceregal visit in the late 19th century CE. The city palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture which sprawls over one-seventh of the walled city's area. We visit the museum, wander the palace to view the famed Peacock Gate, visit the Jantar Mantar - the largest and the best preserved of the five outdoor astronomy observatories. We leave the palace to view the Hawa Mahal and then return to the hotel before a grand dinner in the opulence of the maharaja's court at 1135 AD, a restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine inside the Amber Fort. Overnight Samode Havelli [BD]
DAY 6 : JODHPUR - MEHRANGARH FORT
Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur (330k /6hrs) founded in 1459. On the way into town we pass by the most opulent palace of all: the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Still one of the largest personal residences in the world, the 347 room palace was constructed as famine relief work over 15 years, and was designed by Lutchens, the same British architect who designed New Delhi. In the light of the afternoon sun we walk into Jodhpur's iconic Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the city skyline. Mehrangarh Fort hangs over the city perched on an almost vertical volcanic plug. Spread over 3 miles at a height of 300 feet, the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outside and houses some of the most intricately adorned palace buildings in Rajasthan with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. We pass by the Jaswant Thada monument, an architectural landmark of Jodhpur built of carved marble that casts a warm glow in the sun's rays. Overnight Hari Mahal Vivanta Hotel. [BL]
DAY 7 : BISHNOI COMMUNITY - PRIVATE LUNCH IN BLUE CITY
This morning we journey into the countryside among the Bishnois, villagers living outside of Jodhpur who dedicate themselves to conservation and living a life in harmony with nature. The teachings of their guru, Jambaji, are based on 29 (bish: twenty, noi: nine) principles that include karuna or compassion for all living beings. Bishnois do not cut or lop green trees; instead they use dried cow dung as fuel. Today we visit several families to learn more about their lifestyle, traditions and artistic talents in pottery and weaving. We return into town to walk the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, photographing and interacting with merchants and townsfolk. Enjoy traditional dishes at a local restaurant for lunch. The late afternoon and evening is free to relax, shop and explore. Overnight Hari Mahal Vivanta Hotel [BL]
DAY 8 : DRIVE UDAIPUR VIA RANAKPUR
Today we drive to Udaipur (260k/6h) stopping en route to visit the 12th century CE Jain Temple of Ranakpur, a cluster of temples made of intricately sculpted white marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which are similarly carved. We continue to Udaipur, "The Venice of the East". Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges situated on the edge of three lakes. In the lakes or by their edges are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each one rivaling the splendor of the next. Early evening boat ride on the lake reveals the serenity of the place with the lights of the city and our lake shore palace hotel illuminated before us. Overnight Shiv Niwas Palace. [BL]
DAY 9 : UDAIPUR AND LAKE PICHOLA
Depart on a full day sightseeing tour of Udaipur and vicinity visiting the city palace complex - the largest palace in Rajasthan - Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, and the Palace Museum. Our hotel is actually part of the palace complex, including the residence of the mahraja which is strictly off limits! We can walk out the back door right into the main street of Udaipur among the shops and cafes where you can order tailored clothing to pick up the next day. An afternoon walk among villages through the countryside of this beautiful region of lush agricultural landscape reveals the daily life of local people of the region. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. Overnight at Shiv Niwas Palace. [BD]
DAY 10 : UDAIPUR - DELHI
This morning is at leisure to wander the town. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for the return flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to a day room at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Evening transfer to Delhi airport for international departure. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 10 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2012 Price: From $3195 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size: | 2-3 | 4+ | Land Cost per person | $3595 | $3195 | Internal airfare: | $140 | $140 |
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| Single Supplement: $1175 (click for info) | | | | | 2012 Departure Dates | 2013 Departure Dates | | | Feb 10 - Feb 19, 2012
Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2012
Mar 9 - Mar 18, 2012
Mar 23 - Apr 1, 2012
Apr 6 - Apr 15, 2012
(Available upon request) | (Available upon request) |
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| | | Included: Airport transfers; accommodations as noted; private vehicle with English-speaking driver and guide in Delhi; local guides at each location; first class A/C train Delhi-Agra, all entrance fees to sites for touring as noted; meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; services of inbound local ground operators and pre-departure services of Wildland Adventures.
| | | Not Included: International flights; India visa fees; departure taxes; tips and gratuities; alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks; meals not indicated above; extra costs for optional excursions or services on own or to be paid direct; travel insurance; extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
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