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Royal Rajasthan |
Day 1 :
Fly to New Delhi , the capital of India .
Transfer to the Hotel. Halt overnight in the
Hotel. |
Day 2 :
In Delhi - Following breakfast, we proceed on a
guided tour of New Delhi , Visiting such sights
as Bahai Temple , Humayun's Tomb (1586) , the
Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most
perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron
Pillar which has survived the vagaries of
weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a
drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place , the
heart and main shopping district of the capital.
We cross the city and into the walled gates of
the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India
between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi
seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New
Delhi . It draws one through congested roads and
lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts
relating to its chequered history. Our tour
includes visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and
drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk
(aptly translates to Moonlight Square ) where
the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the
oldest area of Delhi , on to the Red Fort
(1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of
the Taj Mahal in Agra ) to view the inlaid and
carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby
ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv
Gandhi were cremated. The highlight of this tour
would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these
are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a
small cushion in the front and two passengers on
the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way
to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as
well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling
wares of all description - including a laughing
set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied
by peals of laughter both from the passengers as
well as the onlookers. |
Day 3 :
Delhi / Udaipur - Transfer to airport to connect
your flight to Udaipur in the state of
Rajasthan. Udaipur is also popularly known as
the "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. You will be taken to the Hotel.
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. Halt overnight. |
Day 4 :
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. Halt
overnight. |
Day 5 :
Narlai / Rohet
After breakfast, we ride out to Rohet. In the
afternoon 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. Halt overnight. |
Day 6 :
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 . 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 Tara - the Royal Crematorium. Following
the tour, you can go to Clock Tower Bazaar. This
is one of India 's largest and most colourful
wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc Halt
overnight. |
Day 7 :
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, you can 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.
Halt overnight. |
Day 8 :
Jaipur
There are many interesting places in Jaipur that
will catch your attention. In the morning 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. Set on the dry wrinkled
Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified
battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued
tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake , and its
sprawling crenellated walls lattice the
surrounding hills. We shall also visit the Hawa
Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal
and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking
the main street of the old city. It was built in
1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down
unseen by the world through its 593 stone
screens. |
Day 9 :
Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (240 kms)
Following breakfast 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
splendor. The city divided into religious and
secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings. 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. And of course the Taj
Mahal cannot be missed. Halt overnight. |
Day 10 :
Agra / Delhi/Departure |
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