Duration
: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi -
Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - (Ranakpur) - Udaipur -
Deogarh - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Agra
Introduction:
This tour invites both the first time visitors and those wanting to
explore this beautiful state more. Covering almost all the important sites
of Rajasthan the tour is rich in cultural and historical experience.
The hotels used are a mix of deluxe, first class and character properties
and are selected to enhance your total experience of the land and to provide
comfort. All have en suite facilities and many have swimming pools.
The road travel is in a mini coach or car with air-conditioning during the
warmer season from mid-March to mid-October. The international flights are
on direct scheduled non-stop services of British Airways from Heathrow. The
flying time to Delhi is around 9 hours.
Day 1:
Arrival Arrive Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
We arrive into Delhi at midday and transfer for the night to the Claridges,
an elegant five-star hotel. After a relaxed afternoon we enjoy a cultural
programme in the evening and a welcome dinner. An optional sightseeing tour
of Delhi can be arranged.
Day 3: Samode
We drive to the heart of Rajasthan today for overnight stay at the Samode
Palace/Samode Bagh. Richly decorated walls and ceilings, personalised
service from the staff of the "maharaja" and the beautiful
location of the palace on a hillock, and the "bagh" in the midst
of acres of greenery, offer an unforgettable experience.
Day 4: Mandawa A short drive brings us to Mandawa
where we stay at the interesting Desert Resort amidst sand dunes. In the
afternoon a visit to local mansions with their colourful murals and wall
paintings is arranged.
Day 5: Bikaner
Today we proceed to the fortified city of Bikaner and check into the Bhanwar
Niwas Palace, a beautiful royal mansion. We visit the local sights including
Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar's army.
Day 6: Jaisalmer This morning we leave for the
medieval town of Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert, for 2 nights at
the Gorbandh Palace, a well run modern hotel with a pool. We enjoy local
folk dances over dinner.
Day 7: Jaisalmer
The morning sightseeing of the town, known for its exquisite "havelis"
or mansions, includes the 12th century fort on Trikuta hill, the Jain
temples and Gadisar tank. In the evening we enjoy a camel ride across the
dunes to see the sunset in the Thar Desert.
Day
8: Jodhpur We drive to Jodhpur for overnight stay at the stately
Umaid Bhavan Palace, perhaps the grandest palace hotel of India where the
Maharaja of Jodhpur is still resident. The hotel has sprawling gardens and
an indoor swimming pool. The afternoon city sightseeing includes the Jaswant
Thada and the imposing Meherangarh Fort.
Day 9: Udaipur A scenic drive this morning brings us to Ranakpur,
where we visit the beautiful Jain Temple complex built in 1439. This marble
temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 ornately carved pillars, no two of
which are alike. After lunch in pleasant surroundings of the Maharani Bagh
orchards we drive to the romantic city of Udaipur. Our 2 nights' stay here
is at the Shikarbadi, the former royal hunting lodge of the Maharana of
Udaipur. The hotel has its own stables, a small swimming pool and a private
game reserve where we can usually see deer, nilgai, langur and peacocks. It
is possible to stay at the famous Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola
or in an opulent suite at the Shiv Niwas Palace, overlooking the lake. These
are on offer for a supplementary charge.
Day 10:
Udaipur The morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari, a
garden built for the Maids of Honour. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 11: Deogarh (or Pushkar) A short drive brings
us to Deogarh Mahal, a fortified palace in the heart of Deogarh village. The
afternoon is free to explore the colourful village and visit Gokal Vilas,
the residence of the local "rawat" or ruler. Set amidst elegant
gardens, the residence overlooks a private lake, rich in birdlife.
Day 12: Jaipur Today we drive to Jaipur for two
nights at the charming Samode Haveli, the city residence of the Samode royal
family.
Day 13: Jaipur In the morning
we enjoy an excursion to the hilltop Fort at Amber, ascended on elephant
back with a visit to a small block-printing factory. The afternoon city
sightseeing includes the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the
museum. We are invited to a local family home for a traditional meal this
evening.
Day 14: Agra (Jaipur) We
drive to the renowned Bharatpur sanctuary for bird watching. In the
afternoon we proceed to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Our stay for
the next 2 nights has been arranged at the Mughal Sheraton, a modern luxury
hotel.
Day 15: Agra Our morning city
sightseeing will include the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itamud-ud-daula and the
dreamlike Taj Mahal. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day
16: To Delhi The morning is again at leisure to relax by the pool
or explore Agra bazaars. In the afternoon we drive to Delhi airport to board
our return flight for London, departing just after midnight.
Day 17: Departure We fly back to Heathrow arriving
the same morning.
Cities
in Rajasthan
