Share:
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, and then transfer to the hotel. The capital city of independent India, Delhi, rewards the determined sightseers with more than a thousand monuments and two old capital complex buildings, including the present seat of the government, designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. The cosmopolitan hotels, shopping centers, and fine restaurants abound. Delhi also offers a glimpse into the real India: the labyrinthine street bazaars of Old Delhi, the temples, and the monuments of Indian’s chequered colonial past. In the deepest sense from the Old Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid Mosque to New Delhi’s chic art galleries and nightclubs, Delhi is profoundly Indian city. Turbaned shepherds still lead goats and sheeps through ravines in Delhi’s remaining open fields and near the airport. In Delhi’s golf courses, Mughal monuments share fairways with peacocks. Rajasthani women in bright coloured saris and men in dhoti (skirt like wrap) work with outdated tools in construction sites, while the executive work out in computerised equipment in health clubs. By day, you will see the temples are packed with devoutees, and by night, the hotel discos are packed with affluence. Delhi is a city on a move and a gateway to India.
Overnight stay at Hotel Imperial.
After breakfast, proceed for a city sightseeing tour of the Old Delhi. Visi Jama Masjid, The Red Fort, the narrow and winding streets of Chandni Chowk Bazaar by a cycle rickshaw. Later, visi New Delhi and its historical monuments New Delhi and its historical monuments like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, and India Gate. Drive past the Rajpath.
Overnight stay at Hotel Imperial or Similar.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Udaipur, the city of lakes and gardens which is also known as the “Venice of East”. Assistance upon arrival at Udaipur Airport. Drive 3-4 hrs to Dungarpur, a small town in the Royal State of Rajasthan. Dungarpur is about 120 kms from Udaipur and this natural beautiful city is located in the foothills of the Aravalli.
It is not only beautiful but rich in historical heritage and marvellous architecture. The Gaipsagar Lake is in the heart of the city. It adds charm and beauty to this place. Upon arrival, check into Udai Bilas Palace. The hotel is still run by the Royal Family. Spend the evening at leisure or interaction with the royal family over cocktails.
Overnight stay at Udai Bilas Palace.
Morning excursion to Baneshwar. In the afternoon, city sightseeing in Dungarpur visiting Juna Mahal, museum and other historic monuments. Juna Mahal with its intricate glasswork is worth a visit. It’s a lively document of seven hundred years old with breathtaking paintings, and splendid construction style. It is also known as “Bada Mahal” (Big Palace) or “Purana Mahal” (Old Palace).
Dinner and overnight at Udai Bilas Palace Hotel.
After breakfast, drive for 3-4 hrs to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check into Lake Palace or similar hotel.
Udaipur, the “City of Dreams” is perhaps the most beautiful of all Indian cities. A romantic collection of exotic gardens filled with blossoming trees and fantasy island palaces shimmering its reflections on the calm lakes—that’s Udaipur. The city was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh, who moved the Mewar capital here following the third and final sack of Chittor in 1567. Udai Singh was the ruler of the foremost Rajput Clan, the Sisodias, who claimed as the direct descent from the God of Sun. He was also a keen gardener, and he chose this site not only because of its excellent natural protection (from the rugged Aravalli Mountains that surround it), but because it had good water supply. Under his auspices, Udaipur quickly gained fame as a place of colourful, scented, landscaped gardens, islands parks, pavilions and fountains. In the evening, an exclusive sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, and later, explore the markets.
Overnight stay at Lake Palace Hotel.
After early breakfast, city sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the city palace and its museum, crystal gallery, and the Saheliyon-ki-Bari. The City Palace is the largest palace in Rajasthan, situated on Udaipur’s ridge, overlooking the azure waters of the tranquil lake. Its imperial indomitability is softened by the interplay of multi-hued mosaics and mirrors, the inlay of cool tile work and leafy roof gardens. But it is the island palace on the lake that takes one’s breath away, embellished with jewel-like apartments, courts, fountains and gardens. The Jag Niwas, now redesigned as the Lake Palace Hotel is almost lyrical in its beauty, and a bird’s eye rendering of this pavilion, forms the subject of many—an old miniature painting. Laxmi Vilas and Shiv Niwas are smaller examples of this idyll. Saheliyon- ki-Bari, or “Gardens for Companions” is a celebration of the art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Dinner can be organized at Jag Mandir Island or on the Rooftop restaurant at Fateh Prakash Palace.
Cooking demonstration and dinner at an Indian family home.
Overnight stay at Lake Palace.
After breakfast, drive for 3-4 hrs to Deogarh. Upon arrival, check into Deogarh Mahal for overnight stay. Deogarh town is nestled among the oldest mountain range in the world— the Aravalli Range. The surrounding rugged, rocky hills are dotted with a number of old, majestic forts, and over a hundred of lakes. Deogarh is also renowned for its miniature painting. Evening enjoy cocktails with the Royal Family, who also stays in one part of the hotel. Later, dinner with folk entertainment and dances.
Overnight stay at Deogarh Mahal. The guests can also opt to stay at Fort Seengh Sagar.
After breakfast, a walk into the village to explore the town on your own or enjoy the local train ride in the wooded section. One can also enjoy horse rides in the countryside. In the afternoon, drive for 3 hrs to Nimaj. Upon arrival, check into Chhatra Sagar Camp, run by the members of the erstwhile local ruling family. The camp is situated in the hunting preserve of the Nimaj estate. It is a truly peaceful place to relax after visiting the bustling Indian cities. Birdwatching, nature walks around the lake or the surrounding countryside, and jeep safaris into the countryside, or other activities to explore the enchanting landscape and experience the fascinating local culture. Chhatra Sagar consists of thirteen traditional Rajasthani tents sitting on a one hundred year old dam. Each tent is beautifully designed with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms and a sitting area, overlooking a breathtaking lake. They are not air-conditioned, but they have fans. Heaters are available in colder months and hot water is plentiful. Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, a powerful noble of the Marwar Region, decided to harvest the rainwater during the rainy season, which could be used during the dry season for farming. Therefore, he decided to build a dam to harvest the rainwater. Thus, the dam was named after him as Chhatra Sagar. In the evening, take a free time to relax at the camp and enjoy local folk entertainment with dinner.
Overnight stay at Chhatra Sagar.
After breakfast, jeep safari into the countryside visiting nearby villages and the tribal settlements of the region. Birdwatching and nature walk in the surrounding areas. In the evening, enjoy dinner with local folk entertainment. Overnight stay at Chhatra Sagar Camp.
After breakfast, drive for 4 hrs to Samode Village near Jaipur. Samode, an erstwhile royal principality located 40 kms from the historic city of Jaipur in the western Indian State of Rajasthan, amidst the hills of the Aravalli Range. The royal family has caringly restored 3 of their ancestral properties. These are now trend-setting exclusive hotels and resorts. The village continues to live its own life right outside the gates of Samode Palace around Samode Bagh, and all the way around the countryside to the other villages and fields of Samode. Samode Palace is a splendid example of regal Indo- Saracenic architecture, a combination of the best Indian and Mughal styles. The 475 years old palace is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode hotels—a magical hospitality and rare courtesy. Guests are known to love bougainvillea-covered courtyards connected by quaint narrow staircases, lounges adorned by charming arches, stunning mirror work, exquisitely painted walls and ceilings. In the afternoon, free to explore nearby places and villages. Alternately, you can can choose to visit Jaipur for a half-day sightseeing tour.
Overnight stay at Samode Palace.
Today, we will take a day excursion to Jaipur, the capital city of the Royal State of Rajasthan. We will first visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region and later visit the city palace, Jantar Mantar—the observatory and Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Wind”. During the sightseeing, you will see the gems cutting and polishing. We will also arrange a visit to a block printing unit for live demonstration. In the evening, return to Samode Palace for overnight stay.
Optional: Lunch in a local restaurant at Jaipur or at Rambagh Palace.
Optional: We can arrange a 2-hr elephant safari with cocktails and barbeque dinner on the outskirts of Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive for 5-6 hrs to Agra, the home to the famous Taj Mahal. En route visiting the stepwells at Abhaneri Village and Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival at Agra, assisted check into the hotel. Abhaneri is a small village located approximately midway between Agra and Jaipur. The village is famous for its temple and amazing stepwells or in the local dialect, known as “Baori”. It is one of the finest examples of rainwater harvesting. The village is in ruins and not very famous yet. The temple, considered to be a ‘temple of joy and happiness’ is worth visiting for its amazing architecture of the medieval times. Fatehpur Sikri lies 35 kms from Agra on Agra / Jaipur Road. It is Akbar’s famous ghost town or the “city of victory”—Fatehpur Sikri, which was the Emperor’s capital for a short span of 16 years.
In the tiny, original village hamlet of Sikri, a holy hermit named Shaikh Salim Chisti, prophesied that the Emperor would father three sons. When the prediction came true, Akbar was so persuaded of the Shaikh’s piety and Sikri’s sanctity, that he built his new capital there to commemorate this benediction. Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A mausoleum for Empress Mumtaz Mahal, built by her beloved husband Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is often described as a ‘dream in marble’. The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture, and power.
Overnight stay at Hotel Amarvilas.
The speciality of The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel is that one can view Taj Mahal from all the rooms.
The guests can opt to stay at ITC Mughal Hotel.
In the early morning, visit to Taj Mahal at sunrise. The Taj Mahal to the Poet Tagore, ‘it was whispers in the ear of eternity’, a building to echo the cry; ‘I have not forgotten you, my love—I have not forgotten you’. The Taj Mahal is an enduring monument of love with a continual fulfilling beauty.
Later, city sightseeing of Agra, visiting Agra Fort. During the tour, you will visit the stone cutting and polishing process. Agra Fort on the western bank of the River Yamuna, Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the centre of the city. The site was originally used by the son of Sher Shah, but the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls, the gates, and the first building inside. I’timād-ud-Daulah Tomb was built for Ghiyas Beg, a Persian who had obtained service in Akbar’s court, and his wife. On Jehangir’s succession in 1605, he became Wazir (Chief Minister) and received the title of I’timād-ud-Daulah (Pillar of Government). In the evening, visit Taj Mahal again, if interested.
Overnight stay at Hotel Amarvilas.
After breakfast, drive 4-5 hrs to Delhi Airport for your flight to onward destination.
End of Services.
![ZEST Travel - Logo [ CMYK ]_Originale](https://zestravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ZEST-Travel-Logo-CMYK-_Originale-1024x570.png){kind=logo}
