From the barren thar desert to the cool,
azure lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan presents a myriad of landscapes. Dominated
by the Rajput kings, this intriguing state bears witness to the power of
these great rulers. Patronized by the Mughals and British, the warrior kings
returned to their glorious past with pomp and ceremony during the days of
the Raj and now we have an opportunity to stay at some of their finest
palaces and savour the life of the maharanas. Their impact on Rajasthan was
immense and has made this diverse state all the more fascinating. From
imposing forts-Kumbhalgarh, Meherangarh, Nagaur - to colourful and richly
crafted palaces and havelis - Mandawa, Udaipur, Jaisalmer -Rajasthan has
lyrical names that will captivate the imagination.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Meet our representative and transfer to hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Full city tour of New Delhi whose colonial architecture evokes the bygone
days of Empire. We visit the Tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun, the fluted
tower of the Qutab Minar, and the Quwwat-ul-Islam, the oldest surviving
mosque in India, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, we travel by
rickshaw to the imposing, Red fort, where in the Palatial, throne room of
the Diwan-i-Am, we found ourselves at the heart of the Mughal empire.
Day 03 : Delhi - Mandawa
Drive to Mandawa in Rajasthan (268kms- 6 hrs) and checkin our hotel.
Explore Castle Mandawa and the surrounding area where the havils, or
traditional merchants houses, are decorated with colourful murals.
Day 04 : Mandawa - Khimsar
Morning drive to Khimsar (275 kms-5 ½ hrs) where we stay at the
excellent 15th century Khimsar Fort. Visit the hereby fort of Nagpur where
inside the ruined walls lie palaces decorated with fine wall paintings. In
the evening we are guests at a special dinner with traditional dancing on
the ramparts of the fort.
Day 05 : Khimsar - Jaisalmer
Depart after breakfast for the drive to Jaisalmer (302 kms-6 hrs) pausing
for lunch on route. In the late afternoon the honey coloured walls of the
fort emerge from the shimmering desert Jaisalmer is Rajasthan's most
enchanting destination, an oasis of colour, ancient palaces and delicately
sculpted houses. Afternoon free to relax.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
A day of discovery in the old citadel of Jaisalmer. In the winding streets
we wander between the havelis, with their beautifully carved fretwork and
jali screens, and the equally stunning Jain temples. We visit the old palace
of Maharawal painted in extravagant Rajput style. In the late afternoon we
relax at the oasis which led to the foundation of the city, Gadi Sagar, and
explore the Royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh before enjoying the desert sunset.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer - Osian
Drive to Osian (260 kms-6 hrs) an ancient town in the Thar Desert, where we
stay amongst the dunes at the Osian Camel Camp in fully equipped tents. In
the late afternoon we saddle up for a camel safari into the desert, arriving
at a small rural village to watch the local potter and weaver, before
heading back to our tents. Dinner is under a canopy of stars.
Day 08 : Osian - Jodhpur
From the tranquil sands of Osian we head south by road to Jodhpur (58 kms-1½
hrs) arriving in time for lunch at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan palace.
Later we explore the Meherangarh fort from whose ramparts we can enjoy
stunning view of the winding lanes and famous blue houses of the city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Jodhpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur
On our journey south to Udaipur (259 kms-6 hrs) we visit the remote
Kumbhalgarh fort whose impregnable walls dominate the surrounding
countryside. We lunch at the secluded Aoudhi Retreat. As we approach Udaipur
the landscape softens with tranquil lakes and green hills. Check into the
hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Visit the city palace before a relaxing afternoon with a boat ride on Lake
Pichola subject to waterlevel and a visit to the Island palace of Jag
Mandir. We return to the hotel.
Day 11 : Udaipur - Jaipur
A quite morning to explore Udaipur before our afternoon flight to Jaipur,
where 'pink' is the colour of welcome. The afternoon is free to relax or to
visit the local bazaar, famous for its textiles, Rajput miniatures, precious
stones and wide range of local handicrafts.
Day 12 : Jaipur
Travel out of Jaipur to Amber, home to a fabulous fort and palaces, where
we ascend to the battlements by elephant. From the maharaja's apartments we
can enjoy panoramas of the Rajasthani countryside. In the afternoon we
return to Jaipur to visit the sprawling city palace, the magnificent Hawa
Mahal and the 18th century observatory.
Day 13 : Jaipur - Agra
Drive to Agra (232 kms-5 hrs). After lunch continue to the deserted city of
Fatephur Sikri, abandoned four centuries ago but perfectly preserved. Check
into the hotel.
Day 14 : Agra - Delhi
Our morning starts at the formidable Agra Fort, with its impressive
imperial quarters and marbled apartments, before visiting the more intimate
tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. The climax of our visit to Agra is the enchanting
Taj Mahal.Drive back to Delhi and checkin to hotel ( 203 kms / 4 hrs).
Day 15 : Delhi - Onward destinations
Transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination
( hotel check - out 12 :00 hrs )
