The Grand Palaces

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ROOM CATEGORY INCLUDED

Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 4765 (per person)

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 7990 (per person)

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

The Grand Palaces
stay at beautiful Luxury Maharaja Palace
Tour Ref.# HTI 0064/RV
( Itinerary Route ) ( Book Now ! )

	Tour Price: 8 nights US$ 7990 (per person) Destination: Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur & Jaipur Transportation : Air-conditioned Large Size Car with an expert driver Special Feature: Luxury Palaces, Historical Monuments, Elephant Ride etc.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Mumbai
Arriving Mumbai, 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 at the exit. 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. After that visit The Prince of Wales Museum - This museum stands not too far from the Gateway of India. It has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is worth visiting in Mumbai. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com 

Day 03 - Mumbai - Jodhpur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Jodhpur - The Desert enchantment. On arrival 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 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 04 - 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. You can explore Umaid Bhawan Palace. 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 05 - 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. 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.

Later on continue 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 check-in into hotel Devigarh Resort - Nestled in the aravali hills, the 18th century Devi Garh palace in the village of Delwara, forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devi Garh, is ready for visitors after years of restoration and rebuilding. The Fort palace was conceived as a place where the past meets the future.This all suite luxury hotel comprising of 39 suites with an emphasis on design and detail, using local marbles and semi-precious stones.The contemporary design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented by personalised and intimate service, creates a new image of India for the 21st century. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch)
Hotel : Devigarh Resort ( 5 Star Deluxe Heritage )
Hotel Website : http://www.deviresorts.com 

Day 06 - 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 : Devigarh Resort ( 5 Star Deluxe Heritage )
Hotel Website : http://www.deviresorts.com 

Day 07 - Udaipur - Jaipur
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Jaipur. When prince, soldier, and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink, harmonious city on Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, that is timely even today. With walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, this state capital is on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and ruined fortresses. To offset the stark and barren desert surrounding, the Rajasthanis show a distinct preference for color. This is reflected in their clothes, festivals and folk art. Noticeable within minutes of arrival, are the jewel colors of the women’s clothes and the men’s turbans. Rajasthan is an important producer of textiles in India, especially the printed and tie-dye varieties. Textile printing is practiced in many areas of the state, each with its own special color scheme, design and technique.

Arrive Jaipur and  you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to 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 08 - 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 09 - Jaipur - Mumbai (Departure)
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and departure transfer to International Airport to catch flight for onward destination. (Breakfast)