Rajasthan as its name suggests is the land
of Raja's (Kings). Post independence democratic India witnessed the merger
of the Princely states of Rajputana, abolition of 'Jagirs' and land reforms,
finally the withdrawal of the special privileges from the royal families a
few decades after 1947.
These noble families lost their traditional means of livelihood and even
the wealthy merchants left their homes for more lucrative pastures. Now,
some of the ancestral homes find sustenance in this new lease of life - as
heritage hotels. Families in residence for centuries now welcome you to
their home guests. And each ancestral home is different, uniquely so,
reflecting its own, exceptional history, tradition and period. While history
is always at hand, there have been changes too, so that the homes are
modernized to meet the needs of today's international traveller, with
adjoining bathrooms, running hot and cold water, modern plumbing, even
perhaps a swimming pool. Much of the charm of these heritage hotels are the
individual attention and personalization; the very meals, for example, that
were cooked for generations are still served at your table.
Day 01 : Delhi - Neemrana
Arrive Delhi, met upon arrival at airport and transfer to Neemrana Fort (122
kms-2.50 hrs). Built in 1464 Neemrana is one of the oldest and most
exclusive heritage hotels in the country which has been good quality
resorted to its lost glory.
Day 02 : Neemrana
Full day at leisure to explore the Fort and the countryside.
Day 03 : Neemrana - Mandawa
Afternoon drive to Mandawa (200 km-4.5 hrs). Check in at Castle Mandawa. It
is an ideal base to discover the legacy of 18th century frescoes that adorn
the 'Havelis' of this storybook town.
Day 04 : Mandawa
Full day to explore the Shekhawati region, also called the open air art
gallery of Rajasthan.
Day 05 : Mandawa - Kuchaman
Drive to Kuchaman (3.5 hrs). The fort is a rare masterpiece of royal
heritage. An erstwhile garrison built between 450 to 750 A.D. it rises
proudly atop a 1000 feet high rock hill and houses splendid palaces, temples
and palatial mansions.
Day 06 : Kuchaman
Full day at leisure to explore the fort and small village.
Day 07 : Kuchaman - Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar (3.5 hrs). Check in at hotel Pushkar Palace - built on the
bank of the Pushkar Lake in the 15th century. The palace commands a
magnificent view of the Aravali hills, sand dunes and 400 temples
surrounding the holiest Lake.
Day 08 : Pushkar - Ajmer - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur (66 kms-1 ½ hrs) enroute visiting Ajmer - a popular
pilgrimage centre for Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the
Dargah Sharif - tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Upon travel
at Jaipur check in at Samode Haveli.
Day 09 : Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort where Elephants take you atop the hill.
Afternoon city tour.
Day 10 : Jaipur - Samode
Drive to Samode (42 km), check-in at Samode Palace, built in stages spread
over 400 years. It is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture.
Afternoon visit to Samode Palace and Bagh Garden).
Day 11 : Samode - Peharsar
Drive to Peharsar (5 hrs). Check in at Chandra Mahal Haveli - built in
1850s to resemble the grand architecture of Fatephur Sikri. Rest of the
afternoon free.
Day 12 : Peharsar
Morning free to explore the favorite bird retreat of Keoladev Ghana Bird
Sanctuary. (Optional visits possible to Bharatpur City or the Deeg Fort and
Palaces).
Day 13 : Peharsar - Agra - Delhi
Morning drive to Agra (2 hrs) enroute visiting Fatephur Sikri - capital of
Mughal Empire during reign of great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Afternoon visit
Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Evening train to Delhi (2.5 hrs). Upon arrival,
transfer to hotel. The Imperial - built in 1931 and designed by Broomfield
-an associate of Sir Edward Lutyens. In Lutyens plan for New Delhi, it was
conceived as the most luxurious hotel in the city with a unique blend of
various coloured and informal art. ( Taj Mahal is closed on all fridays )
Day 14 : Delhi
In the morning visit Old Delhi - the fortified city built in style by Shah
Jehan who also built Taj Mahal for his wife at Agra. Afternoon visit the
Lutyens New Delhi and the remains of other cities of Delhi with 2 of its
world heritage monuments -the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb.
Day 15 : Delhi - Out
Transfer to airport for return flight.(Hotel Checkout 12:00 hrs)
