Essence Of India…
Day 01 : Arrival / Delhi
On arrival, Traditional Welcome with garlands. Our representative would guide you to
your luxury car, and, during the ride to your 5* Deluxe hotel, would introduce India and
your tour to you. Whilst you are being checked in, a refreshing Welcome drink is served to
you ; Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of
God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you !
Overnight At Hotel Taj Mahal (5* Deluxe)
Day 02 : Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi
For more on the tourist attractions of Delhi click here: Delhi Tour
Overnight At Hotel Taj Mahal (5* Deluxe)
Day 03 : Delhi / Udaipur (9W 708 - 0545/0810Hrs)
A 4 AM wake up call with apologies !!
Transfer to airport to connect your flight to Udaipur, a royal capital of a divine
dynasty
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise ". Founded in 1567 by Maharana
Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun
God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict code of heroism
were happily united with a love of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of
romance in the warrior state of Rajasthan.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival check into the hotel Lake Palace, which is a palace
on an island girdled by hills. Built on a rocky island over lake Pichola over two and a
half centuries ago, once it was the summer palace of the rulers of Mewar. Today the
pleasure palace is a luxury hotel like no other in the world. To stay here is an un
missable privilege, affording as it does a glimpse of pleasure that once were the sole
preserve of princes. The Lake Palaces Hotel amazes and delights you at every turn. It is
pure white marble, every ancient inch of it - slender carved columns, fountains, filigreed
screens, marble from the pinnacles of its domed Chatris to the bottom of its swimming
pool, created for the private frolics of a princess.
Afternoon, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis
in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where
every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over
the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration
of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of
design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The
Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and
his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine
example of Indo-Aryan Art.
We would also have an opportunity to visit the bustling bazaars or simply enjoy your
charming heritage hotel overlooking the Lake city.
Overnight at Hotel Lake Palace
Day 04 : Udaipur / Narlai (120 Kms)
Following breakfast we ride to Narlai, stopping several times for photos and walks
through the countryside to interact with and witness the life styles of the natives.
Upon arrival check into Rawla Narlai. Situated in the Narlai village, Rawla Narlai, is
a 17th century fortress renovated over the years to have 15 exquisite double rooms. Rawla
Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village
bustling with activity and bursting with colours. But, inside the Rawla (fortress) there
is only serenity and stupendous view of a gigantic350 ft single rock of granite dotted
with caves and temples and crowned by a statue of a white elephant - proud guardian to the
open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other. Maharaja and Rani
Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with
aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses. Comfortable rooms and
modern bathrooms blend with the ancient way of Narlai, while offering a warm and homely
atmosphere. The charming rooms are all stylised from references from the past adding more
to your experience at Rawla Narlai. The chef prepares you a delicious meal, garnished with
care made from Secret Recipes handed down for generations to the Royal family. In the
evening bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening to hypnotic and chanting
rhythms by local musicians who will rekindle the sprit in you. The peace and calm of the
gentle rustling leaves, the sun bathed courtyards and the star lit nights adds an air of
romanticism to this wonderful fortress.
Afternoon, we would stroll through the small town, bustling with activity and bursting
with colour- perhaps pausing to see the rich handicrafts or even to design your own silver
Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm, both for women and men- worn around the neck, at the
silversmith.
Overnight at Rawla Narlai
Day 05 : Narlai / Rohet
Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual energy from
descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill overlooking your
room. You may hear whispers of the early morning chanting coming from the many temples and
mosques. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down
from the hills, as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman.
After breakfast, we ride out to Rohet. Upon arrival check into the Rohetgarh fort.
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of honour and of
chivalry, of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence.
Past centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century
fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan. Within the precincts of these time weathered
walls is our hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput traditions
bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani culture where one can, even today
experience the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality. Frescoes on the tall gateway,
brightly painted in the traditional style, using traditional motifs and colour schemes
herald your entry to this charmed world the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound
where a profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The portico is a warm and
informal place decorated with the artifacts and trophies of many years. Exquisitely carved
furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs decorate your
rooms, which though redolent with the romance of a bygone era, provide all the modern
amenities. Antique hunting riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original
paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The swimming pool here is in beautiful
settings and is an oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional and typical, handed
down the generations and jealously guarded to retain its pristine flavours. You savour
only the very best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty. The 16th century
descendants of the Rathore ruling family still live here and host the guests. The members
of the Royal family interact with the guests and interesting stories and anecdotes are
narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small feudal town, which
seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper road here - only one
main dust trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds -
colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors
etc.
As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the night is lit up by the
flickering flames of fire around which the rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes
shape in brilliant colours; truly an electrifying experience.
Overnight at Rohetgarh (Heritage Hotel)
Day 06 : Rohet/ Jodhpur (40 Kms)
Following breakfast, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages
where tradition centuries old still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium
ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on
their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud
floors of the village huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here. Later, we
drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival, check into the legendary Taj Hari Mahal Hotel, a 5* Deluxe Hotel. which
is beautifully set amidst well appointed gardens
Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In
olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down
making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating
history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium.
Following the tour, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is
one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.
Overnight at Taj Hari Mahal (5* Deluxe Hotel).
Day 07 : Jodhpur / Jaipur (365kms)
This morning, drive to one of India's most colorful and dynamic cities, Jaipur, a vast
open-air museum of bazaars, gardens, and fanciful pink architecture. Settle into your room
in a converted 200-year-old palace graced with fine art and antiques, and lavish grounds
where folkloric entertainment is often staged.
As evening approaches, set out with your guide on a walk through the city, where every
lane and byway pulsates with an endless procession of camels and elephants, brilliantly
attired people, and free-roaming cows. The city is best explored on foot and only the
inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel
the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue
pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed
fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature
painting.
Overnight at Hotel Jaimahal Palace (5* Deluxe Hotel)
Day 08 : Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to
be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of
Jaipur. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing
through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred
years.
For more on the tourist attractions of Jaipur, click here. Jaipur Tour
Overnight at Hotel Jaimahal Palace (5* Deluxe Hotel)
Day 09 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (240 kms)
Following breakfast we drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur
Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height
of the empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has
interesting well-sculpted buildings.
From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel Taj View, a
5* hotel of the exclusive Taj Group Of Hotels, where a Taj facing room is specially
reserved for you.
Afternoon, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an
interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor
Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the
story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the
skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Overnight at Taj View- Taj Facing Room (5* Hotel)
Day 10: Agra / Delhi/Departure
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world.
However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much
and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this
is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter
how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and
beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise, we visit the
Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in
every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in
pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable. After breathtaking visit of Taj Mahal, we
return to Hotel.
Afternoon we ride out to Delhi. The journey is along one of India's finest 4-lane dual
carriageway. Also, our travel in our luxury car would ensure the smoothest and the most
comfortable journeys. We would have opportunities to stop at well-appointed restaurants
for refreshments and washroom facilities.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: Upon arrival in Delhi we would visit an
Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel'
and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and
home made Indian food.
Following the dinner we will transfer you to the international airport for your onward
flight - Thank you very much for traveling with us !
END OF TOUR
We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to
customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience. |
