Royal Rajasthan tour offers a unique and inspiring introduction to this fascinating country. With visits to Delhi, Deogarh, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Samode and Jaipur as well as the awe-inspiring home of the Taj Mahal, Agra. Take a rickshaw ride through the streets we inspiring home of the Taj Mahal, Agra. Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Delhi; enjoy a jeep safari through the traditional villages of Jodhpur, a boat trip on the Lake Pichola and an unforgettable ride up to the Amber Fort. Visit the Red Fort, the havelis of Jaipur, Junagarh Fort and the beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of Udaipur. Enjoy a Bollywood Movie show at the beautiful Raj Mandir theatre and stay in a Palace that many royals and celebrities have frequented over the years. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to come back again and again! That’s 15 days in a colourful, vibrant and, you’ll want to come back again and again! That’s Royal Rajasthan is a colourful, vibrant and spiritual land on an adv spiritual land on an adventure you won’t forget.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE DELHI
Welcome to Delhi! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and personalized welcome with Garlands and then transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax and unwind after the flight. DAY 2 – DELHI After breakfast we will venture out on our sightseeing tour of Delhi. This is a truly fascinating and intoxicating city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi, created by the British Raj, is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers an d then as creators. On our tour we will get to see the top sights, including Red Fort (from outside), Jama Masjid (the great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees), India Gate and Humayun Tomb. We also get to take a rickshaw ride (paddy cab) around Jama Masjid, and through the hectic narrow streets of Old Delhi. The humble cycle rickshaw is not only the common man’s beast of burden, but it also serves to generate considerable employment. Next, we get to enjoy lunch with a local Restaurant. After lunch day at leisure for local shopping. Return to hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 3 – DELHI – AGRA
After breakfast we will be transferred to Agra (205km/4½ hrs). On arrival, we will check-in to our hotel, before heading out to enjoy a sightseeing tour. Agra is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the
mausoleums, the fort and the palaces are a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra’s architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The Taj Mahal, or Crown of Palaces, is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as the jewel of Muslim art in India, and one of the most universally admired masterpieces. The Taj Mahal is phenomenal; not just in beauty alone but also in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This encha nting mausoleum started in 1631 AD and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20,000 workers. After sightseeing return to hotel for Buffet Lunch and then proceed for sightseeing of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666AD. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hides an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid—a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj—where Shahjahan died in 1666 AD Jahangir’s Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra fort is 2.5km long and is considered as the predecessor of Delhi’s Red Fort. Return to hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 4 – AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKIR – ABHANERI – JAIPUR
After breakfast we will transfer to Jaipur (255km/5 ½ hrs). On the way we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar. See the red sandstone buildings, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-E-Khas Hall and Jodha Bai Palace and the continue to Jaipur enroute visit the Abhaneri Step Well, which is a unique inv ention of the people of Abhaneri for harvesting rainwater. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its buildings. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will check-in at our hotel and relax. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 5: JAIPUR
After a relaxing breakfast we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, which will include the Hawa Mahal Palace.
The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is easily the most well-known landmark of Jaipur and is also its icon. This five-storeys building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry. Next, we visit the Amber Fort, which is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture and set in picturesque and rugged hills. The fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. In line with our Sustainability policy, you will be transported to the Fort by Jeep instead of elephant ride. Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the far sight edness of the founder of Jaipur: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built between 1727 and 1734. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved in India. We will return to the hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 6: JAIPUR – DEOGARH
After breakfast, drive to Deogarh (275km/6 hrs drive). Deogarh is a peaceful small village and will be a welcome break from the cities to experience village life in India. Deogarh is one of the most colourful villages of India, and no doubt we will enjoy experiencing the innocent faces of villagers, and the small-town markets. One of the main attractions of Deogarh is the ‘Deogarh Mahal.’ Originally built in the 17th century, it has now been converted into a heritage hotel offering an unforgettable experience and a very comfortable stay. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the surrounding mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 7: DEOGARH
After breakfast, we transfer to nearby Phulad station and board a local train. Together we’ll ride through the mountains with stunning views of surrounding jungle, rolling hills, 100-foot-high bridges and remote villages. Talking to the villagers and co-passengers will add another dimension to the journey. You’ll also witness hundreds of monkeys descend from the forest trees to feed on handouts given by the locals. We’ll then return to our hotel with time to relax before heading out again to walk around Deogarh and simply take in all the sights and sounds of day-to-day life in this community. We conclude the day with a visit to the local village market where we have the chance to purchase some hand-made goods. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 8: DEOGARH – UDAIPUR
This morning, we rise early and enjoy a nature walk from Deogarh Mahal to Fort Seengh Sagar (5km/about 15 Min.). This majestic fort was once the personal property of the well-known Deogarh family, who transformed it into a beautiful heritage retreat which sits in the middle of a lake. If you join the walk, you can enjoy breakfast at the Fort Seengh Sagar, before been driven back to Deogarh. If you choose to stay in Deogarh, you can have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Next, we will drive to Udaipur (130km/3 hrs). The City of Lakes has a rich cultural heritage and is full of aesthetic beauty. The surrounding lakes provide serenity and the hilly range of the Aravalis, lush green vegetation and pleasant gardens, present Udaipur as a very appealing destination. The magical beauty of Lake Pichola lures visitors from all over the world, and its historical monuments in the forms of Palaces, Havelis and temples surrounded by the hills and a pleasant climate ensure that Udaipur is always a favourite among tourists. Upon arrival in Udaipur, we will check-in at our accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is your own to enjoy at leisure. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 9: UDAIPUR
After a relaxing breakfast we set off on a sightseeing visit around Udaipur. First, we visit City Palace, which towers over the Pichola Lake. Balconies, cupolas and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake. Next, we will go to Sahelion ki Bari, which was built in the mid-18th century. The ‘garden of the maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains prot ected by a series of walls and shady trees. The fountains of the Sahelion ki Bari function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. We will head out for an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis, ghats and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic focus of Udaipur. The picturesque boat ride not only provides the best views of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 10: UDAIPUR – RANAKPUR – JODHPUR
After breakfast we drive to Ranakpur (94km/2 hrs). In a quiet and picturesque glen that runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills is a remarkable complex of Jain temples at Ranakpur, one of the five main holy palaces of the Jain sect. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near perfect condition. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of the temple, which contain 1,444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface of the wall pillars and ceiling is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. After sightseeing in Ranakpur we will continue our drive to Jodhpur (164km/3h rs). ‘The Blue City,’ as it is known, was founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 AD. Jodh pur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, and is encircled by a high 10km long wall. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city. Flanked on its western side by the Meharangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. The beauty and the imagination that have gone into the making of this monumental city proves the creative genius that appear in vast contrast with the harshness of this land and its climate. Upon arrival in to Jodhpur we transfer to our hotel and relax. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 11: JODHPUR
After breakfast we’ll enjoy a visit around Jodhpur, which will include the following sights: Mehrangarh Fort: approx. 5km from Jodhpur Town, the fort guards the city below. It overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely made from red sandstone. The apartments within have their own magic—the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Dau lat Khana with a rich varied collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, etc. Jasawant Thada: located adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph is also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura. Next, we will take an afternoon jeep safari to the Bishnoi Villages. The Bishnoi is a community with Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and their true love for nature and animals. A memorable outing in Jeeps will lead us to various traditional villages, where we will have the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts, witness shoe makers at their craft, see pottery wheels and hand weavers hard at work. Men will be wearing their traditional
attire and women are clad with ancestral silver jewellery. Hopefully we will also get the chance to see the local
wildlife, such as Indian antelope (black buck), Indian gazelle, peacock, etc. There will be time to freshen-up back
at the hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 12: JODHPUR – PUSHKAR
After breakfast we will drive to Pushkar (215km/4.5 hrs). The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other. Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the holy Pushkar Lake. Pushkar also has as many as 400 temples and 52 Ghats. We will enjoy a tour of Pushkar, which will include visiting Lord Brahma Temple and the Pushkar Lake. Lord Brahma Temple was constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors’ names engraved on each. Brahma, according to Hindu mythology is considered to be the Creator of the Universe, and it is believed he started his creation from Pus hkar. This significance makes Pushkar worth a visit. As we walk along the banks of Pushkar Lake we will hear folklore legends about how the lake is believed to have been created by the falling of a lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is said to be as old as the creation itself. The lake is considered as one of the most sacred spots. The devotees believe that one dip in the waters of the lake is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years. After our exploration of Pushkar, we will return to the hotel. Dinner & overnight.
DAY 13: PUSHKAR – SAMODE
After breakfast today we will drive to Samode (185km/4 hrs). The Samode Bagh. The history of Samode takes you back to around four and half centuries before when it was awarded to Gopal Singhji, one of the twelve sons of Prithviraj Singh of Amber. Samode is one of the important landmarks of Samode which is recognized for its architectural brilliance and is testimonial to the royal past. Upon arrival we will check in at the Samode Bagh. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the Palace and gardens at leisure. Tonight, the group will enjoy a Royal Buffet within the Palace restaurant. Overnight.
DAY 14: SAMODE – DELHI
After a leisurely breakfast at Samode Bagh and then we will be driven to Delhi (245km/2.5 hrs). Upon arrival in Delhi, we will check in at our hotel, before having the option to either relax or embark on some final sightseeing and shopping. This evening the group will meet for a final farewell feast of Indian dishes at restaurant. Overnight.
DAY 15: DELHI – DEPARTURE
After breakfast today and then departure transfer to Delhi airport.
ACCOMMODATION CHART
Cost:
COST INCLUDES:
-
- Personalized Welcome with Garlands on arrival at Airport.
- Meeting and assistance on arrival and departure by office representative.
- Transportation by Air-Conditioned Coach as per program with experienced Chauffer.
- Accommodation on Double sharing on Full Board Basis at hotels or similar.
- Buffet Lunch during sightseeing as per program.
- Services of English-Speaking Local Guides in sites during the sightseeing as per program.
- Entrances as per program.
- Rickshaw Ride in Delhi.
- Rickshaw Ride in Jaipur.
- Elephant Ride or Jeep for Amber Fort (to & fro).
- Train Ride in Deogarh (Min. 2 Persons).
- Boat Ride in Udaipur.
- Jeep Safari in Jodhpur to visit Bishnoi Village.
- Mineral Water Bottle Per Day.
- All Government Taxes are included.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDES:
- Airfare (International/Domestic).
- Single Supplement. (Quoted Separately).
- Visa.
- Expenses of personal nature viz. telephone calls, table drinks, laundry, tip, phone calls etc.
- Any other services/expenses not mentioned above.
OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS:
- Agra – Taj Mahal closed on Fridays.
- Jaipur – Elephant Ride is subject to availability.
PAYMENT TERMS:
- A deposit of 50% of the total price of the trip is to be paid by bank transfer at the time of booking.
- The balance payment 50% must be paid at least 45 days before arrival of the group.
- Bank charges related to the payment are the responsibility of the customers.
TERMS OF CANCELLATION:
- NZ$ 100 Per Person for cancellation made at least 60 days before departure.
- 25% of the total price for cancellations made between 35-60 days before departure.
- 50% of the total price for cancellations made between 25-34 days before departure.
- 75% of the total price for cancellations made between 16-24 days before departure.
- 100% of the total price for cancellations made less than 15 days before departure.
TIPS:
- Tips are not mandatory; this is depending on your own appreciation.
IMPORTANT:
- Check-in / check-out time at all hotels: 14h00/12h00.
- Rates are based on the hotels mentioned in this proposal, subject to availability upon booking.
- Rates are communicated subject to the rates known to date (subject to increase in government taxes and entry to monuments without notice).
- We are not responsible of any delay, change or other in the itinerary due to weather conditions, political or local strikes, and flight cancellation of unforeseen circumstances. Additional expenses will be levied.
