Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes Delhi today is a conglomerate of seven cities.
Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
Arrive at Delhi International airport.
On arrival and following your custom, immigration and baggage collection, you will be met by a representative waiting for you with a hand held signage bearing your name as you exit the arrivals terminal building. From here, you will be transferred to the hotel
On arrival, check-in at the hotel
Overnight in Delhi.
Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Old Delhi and Spice market.
Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjahanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire and it boasts the Diwan-i-Am, Hall of Public Audience, and the Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience. Opposite the Fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Your tour will include drive past Red Fort (Closed on Monday) & visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque. Walk through the back streets of Old Delhi to get a firsthand experience of the hustle and bustle of the traditional Old city. Also, visit the Spice Market in Khari Baoli and enjoy cycle rickshaw ride.
In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing of New Delhi.
When the British chose Delhi as their capital in 1911, they appointed two architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, to plan and build a new city to rival the fabled cities of the Mughals. New Delhi was thus built in true colonial style with tree-lined avenues, colonial bungalows, the Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch and the Viceregal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India. During your tour you will drive pass India Gate, the President’s Palace, visit the pre-Mughal monuments and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun’s tomb and Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India.
Overnight in Delhi.
Enjoy breakfast and soon after drive to Agra (04 hours approximately).
On arrival, check in to the hotel
The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. No tour to India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, the world’s most beloved monument. With its laidback lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable cities in the world.
Evening visit to the Taj Mahal by sunset.
Enjoy a visit to the great monument. Taj Mahal (remains closed on Fridays), one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Taj Mahal has always evoked varying emotions from wonder to ecstasy. Over the centuries, it has become the symbol of undying love and flawless beauty.
Overnight in Agra
In the morning, you will be driven to Karauli (Ramathra Fort) (06 hours drive approximately). En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honor of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favorite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas.
Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.
Enjoy a boat ride this evening in a rowboat in the Kalisil dam. It is peaceful & picturesque with breath-taking views of the sunset & rich with birdlife.
Overnight in Ramathra
Morning enjoy the Ramathra Village Trail
Ramathra Village Trail: A complete walking tour of Ramathra village, a small hamlet of farmers and cattle herders, takes about 3 hours. You see all kinds of work associated with tending crops and animals
Rest of the day at leisure for your independent activities. You may choose from the following complementary activities provided by the hotel:
Overnight in Ramathra
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning you will be driven to Jaipur (03 hours) with packed lunch from the hotel.
Built in 1727, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was the dream of the brilliant Rajput ruler, Jai Singh. Known as the ‘pink city’ due to the pink stucco walls, the city is remarkable for the modern-style width and regularity of its ancient streets. Within the city the main focus is the huge palace complex, still home to the Maharaja, which includes the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds’ façade, formal gardens, a fascinating museum of the Maharajas’ lavish possessions and Sawai Jai Singh’s Jantar Mantar observatory. Just outside Jaipur, on top of a hill, lies the magnificent fort palace of Amber. Jaipur is also a delight for those seeking traditional Indian crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.
Arrive Jaipur and check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Start your day by exploring the city of Amer.
Drive to the ancient capital of Amer (also known as Amber) to see the fabulous Amer Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city (uphill and downhill by non-air-conditioned jeep).
Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of this fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amer was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. Ascend the fort in jeeps arriving at the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. The town around Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe. Explore this atmospheric ancient town as you pass numerous historic temples, havelis, and water harvesting structures amidst the natural beauty of Aravali mountain range.
Later this afternoon, continue your exploration of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. Architectural marvels, majestic gardens, postcard-perfect landscapes, the vibrant hues of local life – they pass you by in a rainbow stream as you take the royal ride to the City Palace.
The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. End this day with a stop at Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.
Return to hotel
Overnight in Jaipur
Drive from Jaipur to Shahpura, a distance of 230 km and a journey time of approximately 6 hours including stops.
Situated midway between Jaipur and Udaipur, Shahpura’s idyllic and rural setting makes it a perfect base to explore rural Rajasthan and get off the main tourist routes.
Once the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura, Shahpura Bagh is comprised of two residences. Set among 45 acres of garden and surrounded by lakes, the estate is located in an unspoilt part of Rajasthan, between Jaipur and Udaipur.
The main house (Nahar Niwas) is where the Shahpura family reside and where meals are served; alternatively a private dining option is available. Umaid Niwas, the restored guest house, is where the rooms are located. Originally built to house visiting nobility, the rooms in the guest house are light and airy, with high ceilings and large windows. The rooms vary in size and shape, but they are all elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities such as electronic safes and air-conditioning. Excursions trace the history of the region through neighbouring forts and legends.
Proceed for half day village safari with a visit to a local farm.
Visit Nahar Sagar, the largest lake in and around Shahpura and a birder’s paradise with more than 100 species of birds. Explore delightful villages dotted around the region before reaching the 140-acre working farm that belongs to your hosts. This excursion offers visitors the opportunity to get a little bit more under the skin of rural Rajasthan, and relax and soak up the atmosphere that this rural town has to offer.
Overnight in Shahpura
Morning at leisure to enjoy the surroundings of Shahpura Bagh
Afternoon drive to Chhatrasagar, a distance of 140 Kilometres and journey time of approximately 03
hours 30 minutes.
In the late nineteenth century, Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, a powerful noble of the desert kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur), decided to dam a seasonal stream flowing through his estate. His vision was to create a water reservoir which would harvest the monsoon rains. It was an ambitious project and a great drain on his resources but Thakur Chhatra Singh remained true to his vision. The dam was completed in 1890 and changed the dry scrub into prime agricultural land. Farmers struggling for sustenance on parched lands were invited by Thakur Chhatra Singh to settle around the reservoir. The reservoir was named Chhatra Sagar in his memory.
Arrive at Chhatra Sagar and check in to your camps.
By early twentieth century Chhatra Sagar had developed into a lush green oasis. With its wide open spaces and enchanting views, it became the entertainment venue of choice. The famed “Camp Chhatra Sagar” has been recreated by the great grand children of Thakur Chhatra Singh.
Luxury tents have always been an important part of Rajput lifestyle. Constant campaigns in far flung lands meant long stays in tents under inhospitable conditions. Tents were the only luxury available and soon these “homes away from home” evolved into mobile, mini-palaces. Chhatra Sagar captures the essence of this romance.
#Please note that the tents are non-air-conditioned.
Rest of the day at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight in Chhatra Sagar
Enjoy village and farm tour or a Bird watching tour provided by the resort.
A visit guided by the members of the family to these settlements makes one understand the traditional, rural Rajasthani lifestyle, which lays stress on harmony, conservation and the full utilization of natural resources.
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Pristine wetlands, scrub forests, grasslands, and farms have made Chhatra Sagar a haven for birds. With a checklist of over 200 species, guests can enjoy birdlife from close quarters almost everywhere in the camp. For a more formal introduction, the camp organizes bird walks along trails that have been offered back to nature.
Rest of the day at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight in Chhatra Sagar
After breakfast at the camp, drive from Chhatrasagar to Mihirgarh, a distance of 150 Kilometres and journey time of approximately 03 hours.
You will have en-route sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
The exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur of Jodhpur. The traditional lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former Princely state form the most alluring part of the city. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, which has been described by Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants”. The forbidding ramparts of this fort are in sheer contrast to the richly decorated palaces within. The extensive museum within the fort displays paintings, thrones, banners and weapons. The royal apartments also form part of the outstanding museum.
Following your sightseeing tour, continue to Mihirgarh (approximately one and a half hours’ drive).
Arrive Mihirgarh and check in to the hotel.
The majestic fort seems to emerge from the desert and complements the rugged beauty of the land. The work-men (over a hundred of them) come from the region itself bringing in the local lilt. The soft, stylish furnishings have been bought from the Jodhpur region alone. The village women of Khandi and Haji have lovingly created the fireplaces using age old technique of cow dung and clay! From paintings to curtain holders, every little thing has been specially designed for Mihir Garh.
Overnight at Mihirgarh Fort
After breakfast, proceed for the village safari—the signature program of the property.
This cultural safari was pioneered by the house of Rohet twenty seven years ago. The ‘Village Safari enables you to experience life in our villages and offers an opportunity to interact with the local folk. The warmth of the people, the fantastic traditional costumes of the different communities with all the vibrant colors that Rajasthan is so famous for, the diversity amongst the different communities and the peace and harmony in diversity that is the essence of India, the aesthetics of their beautiful rustic architecture and the incredible levels of hygiene and most of all, the underlying spirituality that touches the core of the heart, makes ‘ The Village Safari’ the most memorable moment of the Indian experience for most.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Mihirgarh
This morning, drive to the charming hamlet of Deogarh (a journey of 128 Km/ 3 ½ hours’ drive approximately).
On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Your hotel in Deogarh, Rajasthan is situated on the edge of the Ragho Sagar lake with the Gokul Fort at the far end, perched on a hill. The sun rises over the Fort streaming through palm trees on the swimming pool. The large verandah overlooking the lawn stretches out to the water infusing a sense of calm. The lake plays host to a large variety of migratory birds in the winter- welcome visitors !!!
Proceed for a trip on the meter gauge train that still runs through beautiful countryside, especially after the rain as the waterfalls can be experienced. A magical experience to traverse down the Aravalli hill section in a small meter gauge train. The train traverses through the Aravalli scrub jungle and through tunnels and over bridges ; stopping en route at Goram Ghat Station in the forest, where monkeys arrive in hordes and the travelers usually carry bananas or biscuits to feed them. The journey continues and you disembark at Phulad station where your car is waiting to receive you.
Later, drive to Delwara with a stop en-route at Ranakpur Jain temples.
Ranakpur Complex which holds an exceptional beauty, and makes for a convenient stop between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Deep in the forest, tucked away in a remote and quiet valley of the Aravalli Range, some 90km from Udaipur is Ranakpur. It boasts of some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. The main shrine of Adinath, with its 1444 exquisitely carved columns is the largest and most complex Jain temple in the country. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy.
– No guiding allowed inside the temples – audio guides will be provided.
– Visitors going to Ranakpur temple should be modestly dressed. Admission will be denied or may be denied to anyone wearing short pants/skirts, sleeveless t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and mid-riffs are not permitted. Arms and legs to be covered properly.
Arrive Delwara and check in to the hotel.
Tucked away in the age-old Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century DeviGarh Fort Palace is surrounded by lush green fields and mountains on three sides; overlooks the village of Delwara and is close to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda. Sajja Singh, who hailed from the neighbouring state of Gujarat, was awarded this strategically significant principality, in recognition of his bravery and loyalty to Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar, at the battle of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction of the fort palace started only in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers who followed.
Overnight in Delwara
Following breakfast, your time is at leisure at the hotel
Afternoon head out on a half day tour of the city of lakes – Udaipur.
City tour which includes the City Palace, Crystal Gallery, Jagdish Temple and Miniature painting studio. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, comprising many buildings added at different times by various Maharajas. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal with its mirror inlay and the Chini Mahal with its iridescent tilework. Visit Jagdish Temple located at close proximity, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and where on display is an impressively carved image of this god.
In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola – the picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh and inspired him to build Udaipur. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments.
Return to Delwara.
Overnight in Delwara
Morning at leisure
Afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to connect flight for Mumbai or your next destination.