Romantic Rajasthan

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ROOM CATEGORY INCLUDED

Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 5835 (per person)

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 9345 (per person)

Note : Above Tour Cost is not valid from 15th December 2008 to 10th January 2009.

Romantic Rajasthan
including a visit of beautiful Taj Mahal
Tour Ref.# HTI 0051/RV
( Itinerary Route ) ( Book Now ! )

	Tour Price: 10 nights US$ 9345 (per person) Destination: Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan Transportation : Air-conditioned Luxury Large Size Car with an expert driver Special Feature: Luxury Palaces, Historical Monuments, Royal Boat Ride etc.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel The Taj Mahal which is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the seat of government. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. The warm, pristine white lobby of The Taj includes design details reminiscent of Mughal architecture such as intricate motifs, golden inlay work, and niches from ‘Shahjahanabad’, the erstwhile mogul capital. The hotel is a veritable showcase of artifacts with the intricate design work of the lobby’s domes and panels perfectly complimenting the calm marble fountain streams. Assistance for check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Hotel : The Taj Mahal ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 02 - Delhi
After breakfast full day city tour of Delhi which is India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties as well as the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.

First of all visit India Gate which is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today, an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ). Later on visit Lotus Temple(Bahai Temple) which is the newest most extravagant architectural wonder of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. The temple in white is shaped like a half opened lotus flower. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the Lotus Temple is a marvel of 20th century architecture. The lotus shaped temple in a modern and contemporary form captivates into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion; divine in origin, all embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence. 

In the late afternoon visit Humayun's tomb which was built in 1565 A.D by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's widow). Visiting Humayun's tomb is a wonderful experience where you get to see the Mughal architecture and the history of Mughal India. Humayun's tomb is preceded by a tomb with blue dome. The dome has been made with Persian tiles which became very popular since Mughals came to India. Later on drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Taj Mahal ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 03 - Delhi - Agra
Early morning check-out and transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to catch SHATABDI EXPRESS train at 0615 Hrs to Agra. Arrive Agra and you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel The Oberoi Amarvilas which is the only hotel with direct, uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel lies just 600 metres from what is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Oberoi Armavilas opened in January 2001 and is breathtakingly luxurious hotel. There is only one way to truly experience the Taj Mahal.

In the afternoon visit Agra Red Fort which is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used by his son Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams.

In the late afternoon visit the Taj Mahal which is India’s most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river, this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. With the Sunset the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Oberoi Amarvilas ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.oberoiamarvilas.com

Day 04 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for eternity." 

Later on continue drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check-in into hotel Taj Rambagh Palace which is a magnificent building spread over 47 acres of gardens. Rambagh Palace is Jaipur’s foremost Royal Palace residence. Located close to the walled ‘Pink City’, spectacular forts, and all the unique shopping bazaars of Jaipur, the Palace unveils the rich culture and history of the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. Built in 1835 as a hunting lodge, converted to a palace in 1925 as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and finally converted as India’s first palace hotel in 1957. An architectural masterpiece, Rambagh presents a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Sensitively restored to its former glory with refurbished rooms overlooking courtyards with fountains or verdant gardens, airy verandahs, idyllic front lawns and a warm intimate lobby, guests relive the royal lifestyle at Rambagh. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Rambagh Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 05 - Jaipur
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs.

Morning visit Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthanfort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon coverning Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace which is blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of textiles, paintings, manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. In the evening we have arranged your dinner at Indiana Restaurant. Enjoy your hot & delicious dinner with the Rajasthani Folk Dance & Music. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Hotel : Taj Rambagh Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 06 - Jaipur - Pushkar - Khimsar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Khimsar. En-route visit Pushkar - the city of Brahma. Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle. Visit various temples and the sacred lake.

Later on continue drive to Khimsar - which is steeped in history. Founded 2500 years ago by the Jain Saint Mahaveer this is the starting point of the great Indian Desert. The founder of the castle which was built in mid 15th century was Prince Karamsi. On arrival check-in into Hotel Khimsar Fort. Perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. The battle-scarred walls and turrets remind one of the glorious past of this place.

In the late afternoon visit Khimsar village where you can see the traditional lifestyle of the local people and their colorful handicrafts and textiles. Enjoy shopping in the market at Khimsar. Rest of the evening free to relax at your hotel. You have an option to relax and pamper yourself with an Kerala aromatherapy massage by expert masseurs. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Khimsar Fort ( Heritage Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.khimsarfort.com

Day 07 - Khimsar - Jodhpur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and take a short drive to Jodhpur - The Desert enchantment. On arrival check-in into hotel Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace which has remained one of the top heritage hotels in India and the very best in Jodhpur. A splendid example of Indo-colonial & the art-deco style of the thirties, Umaid Bhawan is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world. It took three thousand artisans 14 years to create this magnificent edifice. Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world. The palace was built by 3000 artisans worked over 14 years. The palace consumed one million square feet of the finest marble.

Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for shopping. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, cancel skin, velvet and more color to the city.it was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers,-" Jodhpurs" ,took their name. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe  - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 08 - Jodhpur
After breakfast full day city sightseeing of Jodhpur city which is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. The city was the erstwhile capital of the Marwar state. A 10-km-long wall made of stone and built about a century after the city was founded, surrounds the old city. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements.

Covering Mehrangarh fort which is one of the largest forts in India. The fort has been a witness to the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpursplendour of a bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. To enter the Mehrangarh fort, seven gates have to be crossed. Also visit Jaswanthada - The 19th century royal cenotaph and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens.

In the afternoon a visit to Guda Bishnoi Village which is the place for you. It is approximately 25 kms from the main city of Jodhpur. The Guda Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deer. Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake. It is an artificial lake, perfect as a picnic spot. A person interested in exotic wild life & nature should definitely visit this village. The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land. In this world of exploitation everywhere, they make every effort to conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians.

Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. A part of Umaid Bhawan Palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe  - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 09 - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and driver to Ranakpur. Visit Ranakpur Jain Temples complex, one of the biggest and the most important cluster of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli range. The Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike. The two other Jain temples in the complex are Neminath and Parasnath temple.

Later on drive to Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar - The City of Dreams which is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes - it is bewitching in all its details. Narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola. Udaipur's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor.

On arrival take a boat ride to reach hotel Taj Lake Palace which is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble. The Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acers of rock. It was initially called Jaginwas after its founder Maharana Jagjit Singh . The Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Lake Palace  ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 10 - Udaipur
After breakfast visit City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. A part of the palace is converted into a museum. You will be impressed by the monuments as it showcased arms and armor, paintings and photographs, royal insignia, processional trappings and other objects, which reflect the heritage, and tradition of the Mewar and Sisodia Maharanas. Then, visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We’ll drive past Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the maids-of-Honor. Also visit Pratap Memorial, Atop the Moti Magri or prarl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana. Later on visit Ahar - The ancient capital of sisodias, 3 Km from udaipur, Ahar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.

In the evening we have arrange a boat ride on the Lake Pichola which is one of the prime attractions of Udaipur. The lake is known for the palace build amidst the lake. The lake was built by Maharana Udai Singh II. It was made basically for defence purpose. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two islands palaces- Jagniwas (Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. The lake is about 4 km long and 3 km wide, and not much deep- it often dries up in times of severe summers. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings can only be felt by seeing it, which increases many folds during sunrise and sunset. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Lake Palace  ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 11 - Udaipur - Delhi (Departure)
9W3318    Udaipur (UDR)    1350 Hrs    Delhi (DEL)     1520 Hrs
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Car with driver will be at your disposal until departure transfer to International airport to catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)