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A PRINCELY EXPERIENCE
16
Nights / 17 Days
Delhi - Neemrana -
Jaipur - Samode - Mandawa
- Khimsar - Rohet - Ranakpur
- Deogarh - Udaipur - Mumbai
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DAY
01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi
in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met &
assisted with your baggages at the airport by our executive
and transferred to Hotel Imperial - Heritage room.
The Imperial is an ode to India's independence
from the British Raj and was builit as a jewel in the
crown of the outgoing rulers. The Imperial boasts a rich
historical past with an awe inspiring heritage and a truly
international appeal. The Imperial was built was S.B.S.
Ranjit Singh, son of R.B.S. Narain Singh who was
honoured by the British Government for his commendable
work on 1911's coronation durbar where New
Delhi was declared the capital of India.
It was Lady Wellington who gave the the name "The Imperial"
to the hotel and conferred the Lion insignia upon the
hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old
Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844
and was not completed until 1658; Red Fort, which was
also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built
from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation
site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon, city tour of New
Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century
this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab
Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught
Place. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.
DAY 03 : DELHI
Day free.
Optional : Day return trip to Agra
by road or by train.
DAY 04 : DELHI - NEEMRANA (125 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, drive to Neemrana. Arrive Neemrana check
in at Neemrana Fort Palace
Neemrana Fort and Palace is situated on
a majestic plateau on the sylvan hills of Aravalli Ranges.
Built in 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is one of India's
oldest heritage resorts. Deriving its name from a brave
local chieftain Nimola Meo, this beautiful site was chosen
by Raja Rajdeo. Though Nimola Meo was defeated by the
Chauhans, his name was given to this site as a mark of
his chivalry and bravery.The entire palace complex covers
25 acres/10 hectares and the stepped palaces of this architectural
jewel cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2
hectares and rises to 10 levels imposing the most splendid
views. From 1986, the ruins of this Fort-Palace have been
sensitively restored and reconstructed. The rooms are
furnished with an eclectic mix of traditional Indian and
colonial furniture, antiques and objects.
Rest of the day, free to explore the area in an around
the fort.
DAY
05 : NEEMRANA - JAIPUR (130 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Jaipur
- The Pink City : Jaipur
needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished
guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability
to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled
the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s
compulsion famed Jaipur to Pinkcity. Since then the PINK
color is associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.
Arrive Jaipur
and check-in at Hotel Rambagh Palace.
Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur.
Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive
collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar
Mantar - the observatoyr built my Maharaja Jai Singh in
1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal
DAY 06 : JAIPUR
After breakfast,
excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills
of the Aravallis to the fort entrance.
Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur,
Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction
of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput
commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput
architecture.
Afternoon, free.
DAY 07 : JAIPUR-SAMODE (47
KMS, 01 HR DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Samode.
Arrive Samode and check in at Samode Palace.
Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was
a large and flourishing town. It was among the wealthiest
territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually
passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput
warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the
hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the
Raj. In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats
(the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with
the present family).
Samode Palace was transformed into one
the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a
perfect example of Rajput-Moghul architecture. The palace
is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression
of courtyards of increasing height. It is
one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers
a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered
India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern
hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities.
it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels. The Samode Palace
hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is
a touching reminder of the vision of its creators.
Rest of the day, free to explore the Palace and its surroundings.
DAY
08 : SAMODE-MANDAWA (160 KMS, 03-0 4 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Mandawa.
Arrive Mandawa and check-in at Castle Mandawa.
Afternoon, visit Mandawa
(Shekhawati region). This region came into prominence
in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved
into the area and the towns of this region developed into
important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating
from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous for painted
havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th
century. The major towns of interest are Mandawa,
Fatehpur, Nawalgarh.
Visit the havelis in Mandawa
and other villages of Shekhawati region.
DAY
09 : MANDAWA - KHIMSAR (275 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Khimsar.
On arrival, check in at Khimsar Fort.
Khimsar Fort : Perched on the edge
of the Great Thar desert in the rural India lies this
unique 16th century fort that offers experience after
exhilatating experience. The battle scarred walls and
turrets remid of the glorious past. Hundreds of
years of history unfolds as you glance at its battle-scarred
walls and stroll down its ramparts. You are not prepared
for the beauty. the grandeur, the layout or the magnificence
of this castle even as you approach it through sand dunes
and narrow countryside roads.
In the afternoon, jeep ride to the sand dunes. Enjoy a
cup of tea/coffee on the sand dunes while watching
a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes. Return to the
fort.
DAY 10 : KHIMSAR-ROHET
(140 KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
After
breakfast, free. Later, for Rohet. Enroute visit
Osian. Continue drive to Rohet. Arrive
Rohet and check in at Rohetgarh.
Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of
the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur
Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed
upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja Of Jodhpur,
as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle. Generations
of valiant noble-men have built this heritage home where,
notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic
values are respected. The visitor of today experiences
the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.
Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves
under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers
through the neem tree groves and bougainvilleas. Within
these time weathered walls lies an oasis of landscaped
gardens and flowers in bloom - your Oasis in the arid
land of Marwar. Rest of the day, free.
DAY 11 : ROHET
After breakfast, excursion in a jeep to
Bishnoi villages.
In the afteroon, excursion to Jodhpur.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic
Fort”, located at the very centre of the city. There
are ,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate
a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort.
It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins,
furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are
well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort
complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899,
in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits
of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada.
DAY 12 : ROHET-RANAKPUR-DEOGARGH
(210 KMS, 05-06 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, leave for Deogarh.
Enroute visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur.
Ranakpur The cluster of temples,
made of intricately sculpted white
marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture.
It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were
built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the
marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars
– none of which is similarly carved.
After the visit, continue drive to Deogarh.
Arrive Deogarh and check in at Deogarh Mahal.
Deogarh Mahal : is an imposing structure
built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers
a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the
numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.With its
greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge
gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below.
Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence,
it soon became the hub of village activity. The family
interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts
and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts.
Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the
gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies,
are now open to the guests. Deogarh lies on the borders
of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east
of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one
of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon
the Maharana of Udaipur,
the capital of Mewar such feudal estates, called 'thikanas'
were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either
due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery.
DAY 13 : DEOGARH - UDAIPUR (115
KMS, 02-03 HRS DRIVE)
Morning, free to explore the Palace & its surroundings
Afternoon, leave for Udaipur.
Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur
is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set
fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out
of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples,
gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with
stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of
the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination.
Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also
know as the Venice of East.
Arrive Udaipur
and check in at Devi Garh Fort Palace. (28 kms
from Udaipur)
Nestled in the Aravali
hills of Rajasthan,
the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village
of Delwara commands one the three main passes into the
valley of Udaipur. Sajja Singh, who hailed from the neighboring
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. The palace was absorbed into
the state of Rajasthan
in the 1960s, and was subsequently abandoned.
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 takes on the look of modern
India, 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 personalized and intimate service, creates a new image
for India for the 21st century.
Rest of the day, free.
DAY 14 : UDAIPUR
After breakfast, city tour of Udaipur.
Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex
in Rajasthan;
Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651;
Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, which
is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants
& lotus pool.
Later, boat ride on Lake Pichola. Return to Devi Garh
Fort Palace for overnight stay.
DAY 15 : UDAIPUR-MUMBAI
(FLIGHT, 9W 3401, 0840-1020 HRS)
Early morning, transfer to the airport to board
flight for Mumbai.
Arrive Mumbai
and transfer to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace - Heritage
wing.
Since it opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower,
Mumbai 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.
Over the past century, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower,
Mumbai
has amassed a diverse collection of paintings and works
of art and is a veritable showcase of artifacts and art
of the era. From Belgian chandeliers to Goan Christian
artifacts, the hotel incorporates a myriad of artistic
styles and tastes.
Afternoon, city tour of Mumbai.
DAY 16 : MUMBAI
After breakfast, excursion to Elephanta caves.
Afternoon, free.
DAY 17 : DEPART MUMBAI
Transfer to the airport to board flight back
home. |
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