Romantic Maharaja
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Romantic Maharaja
Rajasthan - A Royal Experience
Tour Ref.# HT008 BOOK NOW
Special Feature: Maharaja's Forts & Palaces Stay, Painted Havelis,
Miniature paintings and Theme Dinners.
Starting Price: 16 nights from US$ 1885 (per person)
Destination: Rajasthan
Transportation : Air-conditioned Car with an expert driver
ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you
will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit.
Arrival transfer to your hotel and assistance for check-in will be provided. After
check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi
After breakfast full day city tour visiting India gate (war
memorial, Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ) and Red
Fort. After that visit The National Museum is one of India's
most prestigious institutions. The galleries of the museum follow a historical and
chronological sequence. The Indus Valley Gallery displays many antiquities excavated from
Mohenjodaro and Harappa, like terracotta toys, images and pots, jewellery, seals, bronze
and copper implements and sculpture. Later on drive past
President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Later on visit Qutab
Minar. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi - Neemrana - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. We have arranged your lunch at
Neemrana fort which is India's oldest heritage resort. Sited on a majestic
plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year-old Aravalli ranges, the
property covers 25 acres/10 hectares. The stepped palaces of this architectural jewel is
cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares. Arrive Jaipur and check-in into
hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you
can explore the local markets for souvinir shopping the Jaipur is famous for- Jewellery,
precious stones, paintings, hand printed textiles etc. In the evening we have arranged
your dinner at Revolving Restaurant. View the Pink City from the 14th
storey of the revolving restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 04 - Jaipur
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance
of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most
well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid
system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's
foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an
epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This "Pink City," so called because its
buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and
pink with white borders and motifs.
First we take you to Amber Fort,
the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Ascend on elephant back to the hill, on which
the fort is situated. Afternoon half day city sightseeing tour visiting Maharaja's
City Palace & the Observatory. Later on drive past Hawa
Mahal or the Palace of Winds & through the pink rose
residential/business areas of Jaipur. In the evening we will arrange
a special THEME DINNER at an Ethnic Village Resort where you can savour the taste
of RAJASTHANI CUISINE with Folk Dances. Other attractions are CAMEL RIDES,PUPPET SHOW,
MAGICIAN, FORTUNE TELLER and VILLAGE CRAFTS. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 05 - Jaipur - Kuchaman
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kuchaman. On arrival check-in into hotel
Kuchaman Fort which is one of the most spectacular and luxurious Fort hotels of
Rajasthan. The Kuchaman Fort was established as a "chowki" [garrison] by the
Gurjar Pratiharas sometime between 450 to 750 A.D. Like a gigantic beast astride a
triangular cliff, crouching, waiting to pounce on enemies, real or imagined. Rest of
the day free to relax at your hotel.
You can explore Kuchaman Fort. The
Fort was built to control the ancient trade route from Central Asia. In 950 A.D. the
Chuhans of Ajmer drove out the Gurjar Pratiharas, to open a new chapter in the history of
Kuchaman Fort. In the following centuries, the Gaurs won and controlled the fort, until
they surrendered it to the might of the Rathores. Being Suryavanshi Kshatriyas who trace
their lineage back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, the Rathores brought to
the fort their long and glorious traditions. A new life came to the Fort, enriching its
colorful history. At the Kuchaman Fort you discover tales of courage and valor woven into
the very fabric of its formidable ramparts; with their 32 bastions that house cannon
points, their thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were once showered upon
attacking armies, and their strategic 10 gates, each with its own soulful story. Overnight
at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Kuchaman - Dundlod - Mandawa
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Dundlod. We have arranged your lunch
at Dundlod Fort which is an embodiment of cultural amalgamation
of Rajputana and Mughal School of Art and Architecture. Its motif of flowers and foliage,
minarets, mythological paintings, archaic furniture, wall hangings of arrows and shields
have remained unchanged since hoary past. Here commercialism of artificial world could not
slip in.
Later on continue to Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and
check-in into hotel Castle Mandawa. Mandawa castle, one of the finest castles of
Rajasthan is now a beautiful hotel. Caparisoned camels and horses saunter in,
carrying the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome. In the
Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah and relax over exotic refreshements.
In the afternoon a walking tour of the
painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the
country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the
visitors around. Enroute you can shop for the colorful art and crafts of Rajasthan: tied
and dyed textiles, metal handicrafts, carved wooden artefacts and more. You also get a
unique insight to life in the desert by visiting nearby villages on a camel safari.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 07 - Mandawa - Bikaner
After breakfast visit painted havelis & mansions. Also visit Mandawa
Town for capturing the rural life in your camera. Later on drive to Bikaner
- the camel city. On arrival check-in into hotel. In the afternoon visit Junagadh
Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long
wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhandeshwar Jain Temple - The 16century
Jain temple, is the most important of this temple complex. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 08 - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer. En-route visiting Gajner
Palace which is today a grand heritage palace of the HRH Group. The
Gajner Palace, often described as an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert 'built by
maharajah Ganga Singh of Bikaner stands on the banks of a lake. The palace was used by the
maharajah for his extravaganza sporting the architecture is truly out standing as
manifested in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokas and screens,
demonstrating a marvel of craftsmanship. Over the years, royalty, both Indian and
international, viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace.
The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary, providing
shelter to chinkara, blackbuck, neelgai and wildboar.
On arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day
free to relax at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for shopping. Shop for exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curios shop,
traditional rugs, hand-woven blankets and shawls in typical Rajasthani colours and weave
are also available. Mirror work, embroidered articles, silver jewellery, trinkets and
curious are other buys of Jaisalmer. The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazar, Sonaron ka Bas,
Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazar etc. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 09 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort
- The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta
Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of
modern Jaisalmer. The fort stands almost 30 meters over the city and houses an entire
living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot
Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples
dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Later on visit Manak Chowk and
Havelis - Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk,
which is the center of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where
the famous carved havelis are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built
mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelis of Jaisalmer is of a
very superior quality. Havelis - Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all
intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade. The
beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and
several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Also visit Patwon
ki Haveli - is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis.
It stands in a narrow lane and one of its apartments is painted with beautiful murals -
unfortunately, at present, the building is closed up and not lived in.
In the late afternoon we have arranged Sunset
camel ride to the Sam Sand Dunes. A trip to Jaisalmer is in
incomplete without this visit to most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is
unceasingly carving out scenic patterns on this desert sand. truly the essence of the
desert, the ripples of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the Sam Sand
Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into desert life from Jaisalmer itself! Camel
rides on the Sand Dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset. Overnight
at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Jaislamer - Jodhpur
After breakfast, drive through desert landscape with brief halts at Kheechan
(haven for migratory Demoiselle Cranes) and Osian village (ancient trading town famous for
its superbly carved temples). Arrive Jodhpur and check-in into
hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Jodhpur
After breakfast, half day jeep safari to Bishnoi villages to see the
sincere concerns shown by Bishnoi community for environmental conservation. Afternoon
drive back to Jodhpur. Later on visit Mehrangarh fort - unsurpassed in beauty &
grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort,
interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada - The
19th century royal cenotaph and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens. After that
a visit to Ummed Bhawan Palace. A portion of the Ummed Bhawan Palace has
been converted into a museum. The architectural splendors of these
remnants will enthrall you. Overnight
at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Ranakpur. Visit Ranakpur Jain Temples
complex, one of the biggest and the most important
cluster of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli range. The Chaumukha Temple, or
Four Faced Temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century.
Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of
which are alike. The two other Jain temples in the complex are Neminath and Parasnath
temple. We have arranged your lunch at Fateh Bagh.
Fateh Bagh Palace is recreated in Ranakpur by 65000 pieces of lovingly rebuilt stone by
stone out of 200 years old Rawla Koshilav Palace. This is probably India's first attempt
at transporting a palace, faithfully preserving the richness of Rajput architecture for
21st century visitors.
Later on continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival
check-in into hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore this city of lakes on your
own. Or you may enjoy our optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola, cruising
past the spectacular City Palace, Jag Mandir Island and the famous Jag Niwas Island, which
used to be the summer palace of the Royals of Mewar and is now the renowned Lake Palace
Hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 13 - Udaipur
After breakfast half day city tour visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple,
drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for her friends) and visit Bhartiya
Lok Kala Mandir (folk art museum). In the afternoon an excursion to
Eklingji & Nagda temples. Eklingji, It is famous for the beautifully
sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls built in 734 A.D.The
temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar ruler. The walled
complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or mandap under a large pyramidal roof and
has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Nagda, This ancient place in
Mewar was the capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificient torana exquisitely carvedwith
graceful apsaras. This ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for
the Sas-Bahu temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings.
Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 14 - Udaipur - Chittorgarh
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Chittorgarh. We
make short halts at Bijoliyan and Menal for ancient temples. Reach Chittoregarh by noon
and check in at hotel Bassi Fort which glorifies the history of Chundawat
clan was built in the 16th Century by Thakur Jaimal of Sisodia dynasty, cousin of Maharana
Pratap, the founder of Bassi principality. In the afternoon visit the famous Chittorgarh
fort & palaces and visit that very spot where Rani Padmini
committed Johar. Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 15 - Chittorgarh -
Ranthambhore
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambhore.
On arrival check-in into hotel. Later on take a jungle safari on canter to
see the rare Indian tigers in full glory at the Ranthambhore
National Park. In the late afternoon a visit to the Ranthambore Fort offers
marvelous views of the reserve forest. Dinner at Jungle Resort. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 16 - Ranthambhore - Bharatpur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra
After brealfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute
visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in
the world. The marshes here are home to over 360 species of birds including
the Siberian cranes that come to spend the winter here. Later on continue drive to Agra
via Fatehpur Sikri Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve
as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years
later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is
extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to
the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight
of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a
bridge. Pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for
eternity." On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 17 - Agra - Delhi (Departure)
Early morning visit Taj Mahal which is India’s most fascinating
and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river,
this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this
mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the
same mausoleum. The Taj is most enthralling in the quietness of early morning. With the
rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for
photography. Come back to hotel for breakfast.
Later on check-out from the hotel and visit Red
Fort - a visit to the fort in ‘Agra’ is a must since so many of the
events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here.
In the late afternoon continue drive to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and car and driver will be at your disposal until transfer to
International Airport to catch flight for onward destination. (Breakfast) |
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