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Heritage Hotels are primarily the palaces and havelis that have been converted into hotels. These establishments have enbled the average traveller to enter the world of India's rich and royal past. Palaces, forts, and havelis that were once the domain of only the royalty can now be a part of dream vacation. |
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HERITAGE HOTELS OF RAJASTHAN ( 18 nights / 19 days ) |
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
You will be met and assisted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. |
DAY 02 DELHI
After breakfast in the morning proceed for the full day city tour of Old & New Delhi . In Old city visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. In the afternoon visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India ; Humayun's Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra ; India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President's house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center. Overnight is at the hotel. |
DAY 03 TO NEEMRANA
Morning drive to Neemrana. It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi , situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi 's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.
Arrive Neemrana and check – in at Palace hotel. Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India 's oldest heritage resorts. Neemrana became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom. The property covers 25 acres/10 hectares and the stepped palaces of this architectural jewel cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares and rises to 10 levels commanding the most splendid views. DAY 04 TO MANDAWA
This morning we will drive to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan's open art gallery. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthani town, which is deep rooted with culture. Stay here in your heritage hotel, Castle Mandawa. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. The Mandawa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes.
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DAY 05 MANDAWA - JAIPUR (DRIVE 167 KMS) Drive to Jaipur this morning. The capital of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'pink city' as the buildings in its old, walled city are all constructed in pink-colored sandstone. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). He laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks by principles of town planning set out in an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In 1728 he constructed the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur's central attractions. It is worthwhile spending any leisure time wandering through the bazaars. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enamelled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts. |
DAY 06 JAIPUR
 This morning, you will drive 11 kms in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Visit the Kali temple, the hall of victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. You can have the unique experience of travelling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. In the afternoon visit the Observatory, the Palace of Winds and the City Palace and museum. The museum has an interesting textile section, which contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Late evening, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
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Day 07 TO ROOPANGARH
Drive 3 hours to Roopangarh Fort. Built in Ad 1648 and called after himself, the town and fort of Roopangarh was constructed by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh for defence purpose. Originally a nine turreted fort, it has been built over and Added on by several generations. The different styles in architecture can still be seen in the structure. Today, sensitively restored by the present Maharaja, the castle retains the sense of antiquity so delicately portrayed in the KISHANGARH miniatures. Its rooms still resound with the echoes of a call to arms, the firm bold step of the warrior, the softer footfall, the whisper of silks of romance and intrigue in the zenana
DAY 08 TO LUNI
Morning drive to Luni visiting Jodhpur - Gateway to the Thar desert en route. Visit the 5 km long majestic Mehrangarh Fort situated on a high hill, one of the most impressive and formidable structures; Jaswant Thada, a memorial built in pure white marble for the exclusive use of the royal family, as a crematorium; Umaid Bhawan in rose colored sandstone; Mandore Gardens, once the old capital of Marwar. Later continue your drive and arrive in FORT CHANWA , Luni and check in.
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Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate "Jharokas", it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days.
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DAY 09 TO DEOGARH
Today we continue to Deogarh, which is around 140kms away. The Deogarh Mahal, a castle of medieval Rajasthan was built in 1670 as a family residence. The Mahal offers a commanding view of the surrounding Aravalli hills. Renowned as a school of miniature painting, some of the Deogarh miniatures are still in the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. In Deogarh we undertake a village-safari tour known as ‘rural ramble' into the rugged countryside, in country-designed motor vehicles. We also have plenty of time free for relaxation or exploring. Deogarh Mahal stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. |
DAY 10 TO KUMBHALGARH
We continue our journey by road, to Kumbhalgarh. On the way, we visit Ranakpur – one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in India . The main temple is the ‘Chaumukha temple', or Four-Faced temple. Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars – of which no two are alike. We also visit Kumbhalgarh's impressive fort. It was here that the rulers of Mewar retreated in times of danger. The walls of the fort stretch some 36km and enclose many temples, palaces, gardens and water storage facilities.
DAY 11 TO UDAIPUR
Drive 2 hours today to Udaipur , the city of lakes, arrive and check – in at hotel. In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on LAKE PICHOLA . With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat. |
DAY 18 IN AGRA
Today proceed for a half day guided city tour of Taj Mahal. In particular, Agra has its magnificent fort and the building which many people have visited India solely to see - the Taj Mahal. This morning tours visit this white marble mausoleum, which was built in the middle of the 17 th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. On the banks of river Yamuna stands the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love is today the source of attraction for millions of tourists from all over the world. The Taj is made entirely of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work.
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DAY 12 IN UDAIPUR
Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is of course the modern face of Udaipur , that one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction. This is a place that will hold you in its thrall no matter who you are or where you come from. During a guided tour you will visit the CITY PALACE built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola . One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; JAGDISH TEMPLE built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble; FATEH SAGAR originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the rains destroyed the dam. The garden island in the middle of the lake is Nehru Park , which also has a cafe. SAHELIYON KI BARI is another small ornamental garden, which used to be the garden-of-maids for the royal family.
DAY 13 TO KOTA
A long drive of 285 kms and roughly 5 hours will bring us to Kota today. Arrive Kota and check – in at your heritage hotel. Kota happens to be an army headquarters and Rajasthan's premier industrial center, Kota is equally well known for its Kota doria saris and miniature paintings that often depict hunting scenes.
DAY 14 KOTA - SAWAI MADHOPUR
Continue your drive to Ranthambore and arrive in time for an afternoon safari in the park. With an area of 400 sq. km encompassing rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its name from the thousand year old fortress, which looms above the forest.
DAY 15 IN SAWAI MADHOPUR
Today you will enjoy an early morning safari as well as an afternoon safari in the park. Rest of the day is free to walk around the sleepy town of SAWAI MADHOPUR , which is a photographer's delight. It is a real Rajasthani village with endless opportunities to picture most colorful people in their colorful attire, which is as good as it gets. The PARK in Ranthambore is known for its tiger population and tigers can be easily encountered here in broad daylight, quiet unperturbed by the human presence. There may be a slide show on wildlife in India available at your resort or alternatively just listen to your naturalist telling you his harrowing experiences in the Jungle.
DAY 16 SAWAI MADHOPUR – KARAULI
Drive 104 kms- less than 3- hours to arrive at a remote ancient town, a devotional city, a wealth of history and a magnificent palace built in 1635. That is Karauli, your new destination in Rajasthan. A blend of warm royal hospitality, a serene rural environment and an opportunity to see historical monuments and magnificient temples, will make your visit to Karauli a memorable experience. The ruling family of Karauli are the descendants of Lord Krishna while the city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and other states.
DAY 17 KARAULI – AGRA
This morning, leave for Agra – 160 kms away stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri - often referred to as abandoned Moghul capital. This 16th century capital of Moghul emperor Akbar is a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built in sandstone. The city had to be deserted because of lack of water. The white marble Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar's spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot here. Drive on another 38 kms (45 minutes) to arrive at your hotel in Agra , where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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DAY 19 AGRA – DELHI
Drive back to Delhi today in the afternoon and arrive straight at the airport to connect your onward flight. Our representative will meet you at the airport and assist you with your connection for your onward flight.
End of our services. |
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