The Royal Palaces

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ROOM CATEGORY INCLUDED

Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 6135 (per person)

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 9995 (per person)

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

The Royal Palaces
stay at beautiful Royal King's Palaces
Tour Ref.# HTI 0052/RV
( Itinerary Route ) ( Book Now ! )

	Tour Price: 12 nights US$ 9995 (per person) Destination: Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra & Delhi Transportation : Air-conditioned Large Size Car with an expert driver Special Feature: Elephanta Caves, Royal Palace Hotels, Historical Monuments, Elephant/Boat Ride etc.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Mumbai
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 Palace & Towers which has created its own unique history. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host, supportive of their every need. Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway. Assistance for check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Hotel : The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com 

Day 02 - Mumbai
After breakfast you will be taken for a short trip to Elephanta Caves - 9kms by sea by Motor Boat. These 7th  century rock - cut temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. It has a very impressive size with a main body of 27 meters square supported by rows of six columns each. The main temple consists of a large pillared mandapa (hall) and a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and reliefs in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments in this cave with images from the Hindu mythology. They depict Lord Shiva as Andhakasuravadha, impaling the demon of darkness, as Kalyanasundara-the gentle loving god, as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and female, Nataraja-Shiva as the cosmic dancer and as Ravana anugraha -the destroyer of enemies. Take a Boat Ride to Elephanta Caves.

Later on half day city sightseeing of Mumbai, as it was formerly known - remains India's city of dreams. Built largely by the British around one of the best-protected natural harbors in the world, Mumbai is India's business center and one of the most important commercial hubs between Singapore and Europe. It generates more than a third of the country's GNP, and half of India's foreign trade moves through this busy seaport on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai also is home to the country's prolific Bollywood film industry, which cranks out more feature films than any place in the world. Covering The Gateway of India which is Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name.

Also visit Dhobi Ghat, A unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 03 - Mumbai - Udaipur
9W3405    Mumbai (B0M)    1710 Hrs     Udaipur (UDR)     1855 Hrs
After breakfast rest of the morning free to relax at your hotel. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and car with driver will be at your disposal until transfer to airport to catch flight to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to 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 04 - 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 05 - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive 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. We have arranged your lunch at Fateh Bagh. Fateh Bagh Palace is recreated in Ranakpur by 65000 pieces of lovingly rebuilt stone by stone out of 200 years old Rawla Koshilav Palace. This is probably India's first attempt at transporting a palace, faithfully preserving the richness of Rajput architecture for 21st century visitors.

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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)
Hotel : Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe  - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 06 - 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 07 - Jodhpur - Kuchaman
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kuchaman. On arrival check-in into hotel Kuchaman Fort which is one of the most spectacular and luxurious Fort hotels of Rajasthan. The Kuchaman Fort was established as a "chowki" [garrison] by the Gurjar Pratiharas sometime between 450 to 750 A.D. Like a gigantic beast astride a triangular cliff, crouching, waiting to pounce on enemies, real or imagined.  Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel.

You can explore Kuchaman Fort. The Fort was built to control the ancient trade route from Central Asia. In 950 A.D. the Chuhans of Ajmer drove out the Gurjar Pratiharas, to open a new chapter in the history of Kuchaman Fort. In the following centuries, the Gaurs won and controlled the fort, until they surrendered it to the might of the Rathores. Being Suryavanshi Kshatriyas who trace their lineage back to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, the Rathores brought to the fort their long and glorious traditions. A new life came to the Fort, enriching its colorful history.
At the Kuchaman Fort you discover tales of courage and valor woven into the very fabric of its formidable ramparts; with their 32 bastions that house cannon points, their thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were once showered upon attacking armies, and their strategic 10 gates, each with its own soulful story. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Kuchaman Fort ( Heritage Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.thekuchamanfort.com

Day 08 - Kuchaman - Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and 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. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Rambagh Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 09 - Jaipur
After breakfast half 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 10 - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. 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." 

Arrive Agra and check-in into 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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Oberoi Amarvilas ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.oberoiamarvilas.com

Day 11 - Agra - Delhi
Early morning 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. The Taj is most enthralling in the quietness of early morning. With the rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. 

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and 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.

Later on drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check-in into 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 12 - 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 13 - Delhi (Departure)
After breakfast rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and car with driver will be at your disposal until departure transfer to International airport to catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)