Mid morning arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents 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!
Afternoon is at leisure to recover from your long flight
Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner with an Indian Family: This evening, 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.
Overnight at Hotel Palace Heights (Deluxe Room)
Day 02: Delhi / Neemrana (122 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
After 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.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with 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. Visit 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.
Afternoon, ride out 122 kms to the obscure village of Neemrana which is dominated by the majestic Neemrana Fort, which is India's oldest heritage resort. Situated on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion-year-old Aravalli ranges, Neemrana fort Palace Heritage Hotel has 40 air-conditioned rooms. Each room has its own unique character and history. On the basis of theme the rooms have been named as the Malabar room, Barsat Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Mata Mahal, Surya Mahal, Gopi Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Overnight at Neemrana Fort (Heera Mahal)
Day 03: Neemrana / Kuchman (250 Kms - 05 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we visit the adjoining tribal villages where life has not changed for centuries. We explore the tribal country surrounding the imperial fort. The lifestyle here remains Later we will drive to Kuchman
Upon arrival check into Kuchaman Fort, now a heritage hotel.The Fort's formidable ramparts, innumerable terraces, balconies, and viewing points alongwith its rich and interesting history, makes it a great holiday destination with a difference !unchanged for centuries and untouched by modern times.
The views are spectacular since the hotel rises some 1000 feet from the entrance with several levels. The view at night of the lit-up city and the Aravalli hills and Sambar lake in the distance is enchanting.
The Kuchamani folk artists and crafts persons have stalls in the Meena Bazaar, within the fort complex, selling exquisitely made handicrafts. The fort also houses a museum of weapons and armour. A major part of the collection is in gold or silver with floral and geometrical motifs. The hall of the palace houses the beautiful miniature paintings, murals and gilded work
Overnight at Kuchman Fort
Day 04: Kuchman / Pachewar (120 Kms - 02 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast we will drive to Pachewar
Upon arrival check into Pachewargarh, a 300 years old picturesque fort replete with character and old world charm where modern comforts that discerning tourists seek is not overlooked. Here, one can witness great traditions of royal hospitality, as you are guests of the erstwhile royalty of the region. A well-preserved tranquil fort with its massive ramparts. The period furniture, traditional décor and just the ambience will take you centuries back in time.
Later we would have opportunities to step out and explore this region frozen in time. This should be the highlight of your tour where you would have opportunities to explore the tribal village beautifully preserved over time. The options here include a visit to royal cenotaphs, built on the banks of Pumpa Sagar Lake. These are in memory of the former royalty of the region. However, the village life is special as it brings to you opportunities to witness typical lifestyles as seen in the village schools, the local temples and the atmosphere outside these with pilgrims and religious artifact stalls. Also Pachewar is also a traditional craftsmen village where traditions are maintained and continued for generations. We witness village craftsmen and artisans creating delicate blue pottery, cosy carpets, colorful tie and dye, and terra-cotta. The Nomadic ' Gadia- Luhars (iron-smiths) temper the red-hot iron carry their entire household in a single bullock-craft are a unique legacy of the place. All in all, this is a living museum experience where modern living pauses as we take stock of life in very basic forms, but, very rich in colour, diversity, tradition, and, above all - hospitality. You could walk into the poorest of the poor household, but, they have time for you as they welcome you to their home and offer food or water when they are not sure where their next meal is to come from!
Overnight at Fort Pachewargarh (A/C Deluxe Room)
Day 05: Pachewar / Pushkar (100 Kms - 2 Hrs Drive)
Following a leisurely breakfast we drive to Pushkar
Upon arrival check in to Pushkar Palace. This palace was built about 400 years ago by the maharajah of kishangarh on the edge of the lake Pushkar. The palace offers a spectacular panorama of the 400 temples, banks, sand dunes and the Aravalli hills. The colorful religious ceremonies conducted on the Ghats of the lake, and other lively activities going on can be viewed from the palace. Well equipped to cater to all types of guests, it is an ideal place to stay.
Afternoon we walk through this amazingly fascinating religious town. According to legend, the origin of Pushkar dates back to the time when Lord Brahma was on his way in search of a tranquil land to perform a 'Yagna'. A lotus fell from the hand of the Lord into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot and was dedicated to him. A Brahma temple located here, which is supposed to be the only temple dedicated to this God, is a popular place of pilgrimage. It would be fascinating to walk along the maze of narrow lanes and streets.
Overnight at Pushkar Palace (Deluxe Room)
Day 06: Pushkar / Jaipur (150 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
Following
a leisurely breakfast we will drive to JaipurUpon arrival check in to hotel Narain Niwas Palace
Evening, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Overnight at Narain Niwas Palace (Standard Room)
Day 07: 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. 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 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. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal residents.
We shall 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.
After rest & relaxation, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Narain Niwas Palace (Standard Room)
Day 08: Jaipur / Bharatpur (200 Kms - 04 Hrs Drive)
Following breakfast we drive to Jaipur.
Our first stop will be at Laxmi Vilas Palace, the former home of the Maharaja of Bharatpur for lunch. Set amidst 40 acres of picturesquely landscaped environs, the palace was built in 1899 as residence for the Royal ladies. A lively fusion of traditional Rajasthani architecture and the prevalent Mughal style, this place with its regal ambience, sunny courtyards, and enchanting cupolas will mesmerize you. From here we drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri (ghost capital) for a tour of the magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect reservation.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace
Popularly known as Bharatpur, the 29-square kilometer Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the world's most famous and interesting wetland areas. A haven for winter migrants and an important rookery for summer breeders, the range of bird activity is stunning. Among the approximately 385 species found here are waterfowl, waders, birds of prey, owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, minivets, shrikes and babblers to name just a very few. The birdwatching can be done in boats, on cycle rickshaws, or by foot in the sanctuary.
Overnight at Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace (Standard Room)
Day 09: Bharatpur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (55 Kms - 01 Hr Drive)
This
morning 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 into your hotel Howard Park Plaza
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 sun set 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.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza (Superior Room)
Day 10: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive) Delhi / Departure
This morning we visit 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
Afternoon we drive to Delhi along one of the India's finest freeways
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to the International airport to board your flight back home
