Duration : 21 Nights
/ 22 Days.
Places covered : Mumbai - Ahmedabad
- Dungarpur - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Rohet - Jaisalmer
- Sam - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
- Delhi - Goa - Mumbai Ddeparture
Highlights :
Visit Dungarpur-the city of Bheels, unspoilt hamlets,
go for bird watching at Udai Bhilas Palace, watch
Rohetgarh Fort, and be a part of unmistakable Rajasthani
Culture, savour best of cuisines, stay at Gorbandh
Palace, buy Kundan and antique jeweleries,set out
for Jaipur's City Palace and bid in Delhi's religious
fervour at Lotus Temple.
Day 1: Arrival / Mumbai
Late night 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!
Day 2: Mumbai / Ahmedabad
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your
flight to Ahmedabad Meeting & assistance upon arrival
and drive to Dungarpur Upon arrival check into the
Udai Bilas Palace The history of Udai Bilas Palace,
Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century,
when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of
art and architecture built a wing of bluish grey
local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake and the
" Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate sculptured
pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades,
bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings,
a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. The Udai
Bilas Palace was enlarged in 194 by Maharawal Laxman
Singhji, who built three new wings around the "
Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally one- pillared Palace)
and thus created the famous " courtyard of the palace.
The result is an architectural expression exquisitely
detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace
offers accommodation in the houseguest tradition
with seventeen spacious and lavishly appointed bedrooms.
No two rooms are alike; each room enchants with
its own personality, spaciousness and modern comforts
and offers a unique experience. The Furnishings
are mostly from the 2th century art-deco style,
marble bathrooms with English fixtures and running
hot and cold water. Meals are served either in the
banquet hall, which displays crystal chandeliers,
or in the more intimate family dining room. Continental
or Chinese dishes are also served.
Day 3: Dungarpur
The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe
whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli Range
is said to date back to 4 B.C. They are one of the
oldest and most primitive tribes of the world. This
morning we will visit some of these unspoiled Bheel
hamlets in and around the town. We will witness
and photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs
handed down over the centuries. You would have an
opportunity to meet villagers who have never seen
white people!! Say hello to people, allow them to
get used to you and then, you may go ahead with
your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied
piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!!!
We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the
destination at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year
paradise for bird watchers.
Day 4: Dungarpur / Udaipur
(12 Kms)
Following a leisurely breakfast drive to
Udaipur
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
Upon arrival check into your hotel Jagat Niwas,
a modern heritage hotel replete with character and
charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists
would seek.
Following rest and relaxation, 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.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and
beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the
Lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating.
The Palace provided inspirations and ideas to the
builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake
provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing
and the laundry that takes place here. Looking across
the lake, with the city and its great palace rising
up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare
beauty.
Day 5: Udaipur/ Ranakpur/
Rohet (24 Kms)
Following a leisurely breakfast we ride out to Rohet.
Enroute we visit Ranakpur.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign
of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in
the 15th century. The basement is of 48, sq. feet
area that covers the whole complex. There are four
subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and
eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which
are intricately carved with no two being alike.
The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute
in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet
are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there
are two big bells weighing 18 kg whose sound echoes
in the entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh
or four-face temple dedicated to Adinath. From here
we continue our ride to Rohet.
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 dusts 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.
Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the
heart of Rajasthan villages where traditions 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.
Day 6: Rohet / Jaisalmer
(325 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer.
Upon arrival check into hotel Gorbandh Palace. This
is a centrally air-conditioned hotel built for comfort
and leisure in the desert and is inspired by the
traditional Indian concept of housing - a central
courtyard with accommodation around it. The Palace
offers traditional cuisine in a well-appointed restaurant
and has all modern amenities and comforts to make
the discovery of the desert more pleasant. The hotel
is away from the noises of the city and yet only
two kms away from all the action. Enjoy the calm
and clear starry sky in the pleasant desert evenings.
The dances and folk music for which Rajasthan and
specially Jaisalmer is very famous can be enjoyed
by campfire in open air at night.
Rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest you walk
along the old city to explore traditional and typical
Jaisalmer. The havelis (mansions) in a beautiful
state of preservation are a fascinating sight.
Day 7: Jaisalmer / Sam (4
Kms)
After breakfast we visit the residential portions
of the Jaisalmer Fort., where one third of the population
of the old City still lives. The designs of the
houses here remain as they used to a couple of centuries
behind time, and so do the lifestyles of the people
inhabit them.
Later Afternoon we drive to Sam, a dessert outpost.
Enroute we visit a few typical dessert villages,
which have a sprinkling of huts. The rough terrain
here does not support cultivation; hence the entire
village works as casual labourers in road works
or community projects. Inspite of their poverty
and hard life the people are very friendly and seem
to be aware that they are proud owners of very expressive
and beautiful faces. We move on to Sam where we
explore the dessert on camel back
Day 8: Sam / Jodhpur (32
Kms)
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas,
exudes an aura distinctly its own - enhanced by
its rich and varied collection of paintings, treasure
troves and hunting trophies of yesteryear. Everything
is well preserved by the royal family, which still
uses a part of the building as its home. The magnificent
sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji,
the Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, tastefully blends
the lavish interiors and modern comforts. Present
day facilities are harmonized so as not to disturb
the antiquity of the royal abode.
Evening, 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
Day 9: 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 Thada - the Royal Crematorium.
This evening, 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.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire
streets and localities in the walled city devoted
to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani
and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery,
antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets
and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace
road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled
craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and
die-makers and probably the last of the tailors
of the classic Jodhpur breeches
Day 10: Jodhpur / Jaipur
Morning we drive to the Pink city of Jaipur. When
prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II
built the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727,
he did it in accordance with a treatise on town
planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, which
is timely even today.
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel. The Haveli lies
tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It
brings back to life the grandeur of the old days
and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for
the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates
the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and
a site to behold. The large elevated platform that
dominates the central area of the ground floor and
once used for get-togethers by the gents of the
house is now open to guests who can witness puppet
shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks
or drinks. The spacious lobby which opens into the
chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago used
by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests.
You will treasure this experience of staying in
an authentic Rajput home.
This 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.
Day 11: 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.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of 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.
Day 12: Jaipur / Fatehpur
Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)
Morning Jungle Excursion in open top vehicle
Following a leisurely breakfast drive to Agra, Enroute
we visit Fatehpur Sikri - Fatehpur Sikri is a city
that a emperor forgot. After just fourteen years
of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of victory
fell silent. Its echoing corridors still seen to
wait for the king to return. The hill top city lies
37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two distinct
complexes. The first comprises the royal enclosure
of the palace, the harem and official buildings
and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with a
mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel
back in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode
through the gateway after a triumpant campaign,
o be welcomed by his delighted subjects and the
royal courts. It reflects the many faceted character
of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire
builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and
as liberal enlightened man who took a passionate
instant in every aspect of life, be it religion,
literature or the painting of miniatures. From here
we continue our ride to Agra. Upon arrival check
into hotel.
Following rest and relaxation, 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.
Day 13: Agra / Delhi (25
Kms)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights
of one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before
departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee
and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold
this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled
Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused
by the reflections of the changing colours of the
rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi.
We would have opportunities to stop en route at
well-appointed restaurants for refreshments as well
as washroom facilities. Upon arrival check into
your Hotel.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: 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.
Day 14: 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 15 years. Continue with a drive
through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-193)
and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping
district of the capital.
Afternoon we cross the city and enter 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 (165) 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 15: Delhi / Goa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your
flight to Goa. Meeting and assistance upon arrival
and transfer to your hotel Laguna Anjuna. Designed
by Dean D'cruz of Nilaya fame, Laguna Anjuna combines
old world grace and space with designer interiors.
Surrounded with fully grown trees and a large lagoon
like pool in a tropical garden setting, people find
Laguna Anjuna absolutely enchanting. All the cottages
are a different size and shape and each has its
own unique features. Externally the place is appealing,
with thick laterite stonework and pillars and dome
like vaults. The roof is a fully continuous one
of wooden rafters and terracotta tiles, curving
and swooping to interconnect the various cottages.
Day 16 - 20 : Goa
Days are at leisure to enjoy spectacular beaches
of Goa. Overnight at Hotel Laguna Anjuna
Day 21: Goa / Mumbai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer
to your Hotel The Connaught.
Day 22: Mumbai / Ddeparture
Transfer to International airport for your onward
flight - Thank you very much for traveling with
us!
Heritage
Culture 
