Rajasthan Tour - 13 Days

Our Endeavour: These tours are operated with complete assistance, chauffeurs, guides and representatives being, at beck and call of the clients, who can leave their worries behind before stepping out on the tour.

• Express check-in, traditional welcome with aarti tikka, garlanding and welcome drink will await them at each hotel, with VIP courtesies, like fruit and flower basket, cookies etc in the room.
• All guides interacting with them are highly knowledgeable and professional, showing them India in great depth and give them a real insight into India's heritage and culture.
• We take them to some of the most exotic restaurants and dine in style, during the tour, giving them a taste of real India.
• Complete exclusivity is maintained while providing elephant ride, boat rides on lake, rickshaw ride etc.
• Some exclusive meetings with high profile historian and other personalities will be arranged to give a close feel of bygone era of Indian history and essence of Indian culture.
• Chauffeur driven deluxe car like Toyota Camry, Corolla, etc make their travel highly comfortable and creamy-smooth, Toyota Innova ( SUV ) being lowest in that order.
• Our polished and professional drivers exactly know how to go along with their temperament, and quickly sense their special needs, on the spot, leaving nothing to chances.

Note: Have reduced 1 night in Delhi, out of 4 nights, as 3 nights would be sufficient. Have removed Bharatpur from Day 06 as it would make the program hectic and also since it is enroute to Jaipur from Agra, it can be conveniently done on Day 07. Suggest to remove Chittorgarh from the program, as this would be very tiring for elderly people and would recommend visit to Eklinji and Nagda Temples ( 45 minutes drive one way ) and visit to Shilpgram ( 30 minutes drive ).

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Morning at leisure. Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi, visiting the Qutab Minar (A 70 meters high victory tower built about 800 years ago), the Nila Gumbad and Emperor Humayun's Tomb (This tomb has served as the base model for the other Mughal Monuments to follow - including the Taj Mahal). We also drive past to the India Gate (Built to pay tribute to the 30,000 Indian soldier, who lost their lives while fighting for the British during the First World War), the Houses of the Parliament and the Presidential Palace. This evening, dances at Parsi Anjuman Hall. Later have Wazwan Kashmiri Cusine dinner at Choir Bizzare Restaurant. B D

Day 03 : Delhi
After breakfast, city tour begins with visits to the Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial), the Jama Masjid (The Universal mosque which can accommodate 20000 people at a time for prayers), The Red Fort (Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan). Later we will visit the Chandni Chowk Bazaar (Silver street), enjoy the rickshaws ride (tricycles) through the narrow lanes of the silver and goldsmiths street and the spice market. Afternoon visit the National Museum - with some fine costumes of tribal and its collection dating back to the 3rd Century BC followed by a visit to Safdarjung Tomb. Later visit Sunder Nagar / Hauz Khas Village for antique shopping. B

Day 04 : Delhi - Sikandra - Agra (By road - 4 hours drive)
This morning, drive to Agra. En route stop at Sikandra 10 kms before Agra, to see the Mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This building has an excellent Muslim architecture, which is very evidently visible in the subsequent Mughal buildings, including the Taj Mahal. Continue drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at The Trident. After wash and change, visit the Agra Fort, reminiscent of the glorious and sorrowful Mughal reign. B

Day 05 : Agra
After breakfast, visit the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daula : The tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg (Father of the Empress Nur Jahan) - and an earlier example of the fine workmanship of the Taj Mahal. Also visit Mother Teresa Ashram of Orphanage. Late afternoon, visit a local home to interact with the family members and have tea. Late afternoon enjoy INDIA IN MOTION a 6 D film on Indian Culture and History. At sunset, visit the legendary Taj Mahal, poetry in marble and a symbol of eternal love. B

Day 06 : Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur - Jaipur (By road - 6 hours drive)
At sunrise, revisit the Taj Mahal. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal Emperor Akbar, built it entirely of red sandstone and now declared as a World Heritage Monument. Later visit Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. This bird Sanctuary has over 1000 species of birds and if we are lucky we might come across the Siberian Cranes, who migrate to this park every year from December to February. Continue to Jaipur. Stop at Abhaneri is a small village is known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata Temple. Abhaneri is believed to have been established by Raja Chand. Many believe that Raja Chand was in fact Raja Bhoja, a celebrated king who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the 9th century. Abhaneri was earlier known as Abha Nagri or the city of brightness. Today, this ancient village is in ruins. Tour the Chand Baori with a vast well with flights of steps on three sides is a 10th century monument. It is a fine example of the architectural excellence prevalent in the past. This impressive step-well is deep as a seven storeyed building. See the famous Harshat Mata Temple opposite the well. Historians believe there might have been a religious connection between the two. The step-well is 35 meters on each side with steps leading down from each side where water can be drawn from any level. After spending some time in Abhanerir drive to Jaipur, the beautiful pink city almost totally built in shimmering pink sandstone. On arrival, check in to hotel. B

Day 07 : Jaipur
After breakfast, visit the fairy tale like Amer Fort, where you ascend the hill like a Maharaja on the back of an elephant. After Amer, we have a (optional) visit to a carpet weaving unit making hand knotted carpets, using vegetable dyes, thereby making the colors of each piece unique. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, which includes visits to the City Palace of the Jaipur Maharaja, the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal, (also known as the Palace of Winds), from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside. Also visit the amazingly accurate Jantar Mantar stone Observatory. Evening, drive around 18 Kms to the Magnificent Fort Kanota, spread in 8 Acres of land and have nice Rajasthani DINNER with the royal family in the gardens/ lawn of the Fort. The food is cooked on the old local royal recipes, tried and tested for ages. BD

Day 08 : Jaipur - Jodhpur (By Ranthambore Express : 1705 hours / 2230 hours)
After breakfast visit the town of Sanganer is well known as one of the largest center of the handicrafts. manufactures the supreme quality of handmade papers and hand printed textiles by using units of block and screen printers. Traditional small floral prints form the specialty of Sanganer block printers. One can explore the Kagazi Mohalla of Sanganer, which is prominent for expert artisans. These artisans are known as 'Kagazis' and observing these artisans making lovely patterns on fabrics with block-prints, will definitely please the visitor. Afternoon, another optional trip to one of the famous jewelry showrooms of Jaipur. Late afternoon, the representative will assist for transfer to the railway station to board the train to Jodhpur with Packed Dinner. On arrival, a representative will assist for transfer to the hotel. B

Day 09 : Jodhpur
After breakfast, city tour of Jodhpur, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, which Kipling called one of the grandest sights in India. True to its name, the 15th century Mehrangarh (majestic) Fort towers 400 feet high and was never captured. From the courtyard we can see the fantastic `jali' (lattice) work that almost entirely covers the sandstone walls and balconies. We also see the beautifully decorated dancing hall, the royal bedroom, jewel studded robes, ornate baby cradles, solid silver elephants seats and palanquins. Later visit the royal cenotaphs at Jaswant Thada, the pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II. Afternoon, leave for a Jeep Safari to the Bishnoi Tribal Villages near Jodhpur. Besides the Bishnoi's, we also visit the Potter and Weaver villages. We end the Jeep Safari at the Rohetgarh Fort, where we are welcome by the local `Raja' and the villages elders. We then move into the gardens of the fort, where we have a village gathering and a traditional 'Opium Ceremony'. This is followed by desert Folk dances and Langa music. A bar-be-que and buffet dinner is laid out on the roof top. At the end of the evening, we drive back (01 hour) to our hotel in Jodhpur for the night. BD

Day 10: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (By road - 6 hours, including stops)
After breakfast you will be driven to Udaipur. En route we stop at Ranakpur for sightseeing of the fabulous 500 year old Jain Temples. The temples are superbly preserved in near perfect condition. The most distinctive feature are the 29 halls of the main temple, some octagonal and many more than one story high, are dissected by 1444 pillars, each sculpted with unique designs which no two are the exactly alike. Cravings on the walls while musicians and dancers have been modeled out of brackets between the pillars and the ceiling. Optional : lunch at the Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, the royal orchards of the Jodhpur Maharaja. Udaipur is also referred to as the Venice of the East, this lake city is perhaps the most romantic of all the Indian centers - fairytale collection of exotic gardens, mirror-calm lakes and fantasy island palaces. On arrival, check-in to hotel. Evening COCKTAIL DINNER at the hotel, over a session filled with exchanging of ideas, coming up with feedback of tour, talking on issues related to India and Indian culture, with the tour escort. BD

Day 11: Udaipur
After breakfast, city tour of Udaipur includes the City Palace, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden where women of the royal household would meet) and the Jagdish Temple (Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the most beautiful temple of Udaipur). Afternoon, enjoy boat trip around the Lake Pichola, including the Jagmandir, another island palace on the lake. B

Day 12: Udaipur
After breakfast visit Eklinji and Nagda. Nagda The ancient Capital of Mewar is located next to the Bagela Lake, dotted with scenic spots and in the lap of the Aravali, are a group of 108 temples. Situated at the foothills of Eklingji, is a place of great antiquity and was the first capital of Mewar rulers. Legend has it, that it was founded by Nagaditya, the Fourth Mewar king in the 6th. Century and soon became a stronghold of the Sisodia's. Eklinji is associated with Lord Shiva and a few of the temples date's back to the 10th Century Chiseled out of sandstone and marble, the main temple enshrines a four faced Shiva with an enormous double storied mandap, under a huge pyramidal roof. Afternoon, visit to Afternoon visit Shilpgram - an artisan village. We will arrange for meeting with miniature artist). B

Day 13: Udaipur - Mumbai Departure (By flight 9W 3401 - 0850 hours / 1035 hours)
Morning the representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Mumbai, the dynamic city of tycoons, skyscrapers, film studios and big business. On arrival, a representative will assist and transfer to the Taj President (Standard Room) OR Holiday Inn Hotel (Standard Room). Afternoon at leisure or boat tour of the Elephants Caves, located on a small island about an hour boat-ride from the Gateway to India. These caves built between the 6th and 8th Centuries have some beautiful Hindu sculpture. Evening dinner with live cultural dance performance at the Viva Paschim restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the International airport to board the flight for onward journey. BD

STANDARD INCLUSIONS FOR ALL PACKAGES:

• Two way transfer to local train station at Haridwar.
• Accommodation in a Deluxe Room.
• Morning Wake Up signature tea.
• Daily fresh fruit bowl.
• 3 Ananda Rejuvenation Spa Cuisine meals (breakfast/ lunch/ dinner), per night of stay, per person.
• Spa treatments as per the package program.
• Introductory Spa and Fitness orientation sessions with an Initial Spa consultation.
• Daily use of the Hydrotherapy facilities: Indoor and Outdoor Jacuzzi, Steam, Sauna, Chill Plunge Pool, Kneipp Hydrotherapy Foot Bath and Heated Lap Pool.
• Opportunity to participate in scheduled Spa Lifestyle and Wellness activities Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Fitness, Cooking demonstrations. Lectures and Workshops/ Excursions.
  

Our prices do not include the following: