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FORTS AND PALACES OF RAJASTHAN
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with Virgin non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer by car to the Leela Palace Hotel where you will stay
for the next two nights.(N)
Day 3 Delhi
Today tour Old and New Delhi by car with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk by
rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin Lutyen’s
New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official
residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate.(B)
Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train
Early this morning transfer to New Delhi railway station in time to catch the
Shatabdi Express to Agra. The one time capital of the Mughals, Agra, which stands
on the right bank of the River Yamuna, is a city of contrasts. One of Uttar Pradesh’s
largest cities Agra is dominated by three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb
of Itmad–ud–Daula and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back to its glorious past.
Spend the day sightseeing with your local guide. Stay overnight at the Gateway Hotel
or up–grade to the Oberoi Amarvilas. (B)
Day 5 Agra to Jaipur – 230kms
This morning leave Agra for the drive to Jaipur stopping en-route at Fatehpur Sikri the
one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Afterwards continue onto Jaipur,
the state capital of Rajasthan, where you will stay for two nights at the Samode Haveli Hotel
or upgrade to the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a
highly distinctive and colourful planned city characterised by fine bazaars, intricately carved
palaces, havelis and powerful forts. (B)
Day 6 Jaipur
This morning drive through the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city to visit
Amber Fort a beautiful palace with ornate mosaics, coloured stone inlays, intricately
painted murals, palaces, temples and cooling courtyard watercourses. In the
afternoon take a guided walking tour through the old city to explore the colourful
markets and bazaars before continuing onto the City Palace complex that occupies
the centre of Jaipur. (B)
Day 7 Jaipur to Ramathra – 180kms
This morning drive to Ramathra and to the 350 year old Ramathra Fort originally
the stronghold of the Jadoan Rajputs. Today it belongs to their descendants who
have devotedly restored this unique fort which sits on a mound, surrounded by farmland,
wilderness, lakes, gorges, plateaus and hillocks. A stay at Ramathra offers a chance to
experience the great outdoors and ‘village India’ at its best combined with a
little fort lifestyle and Rajput hospitality. (B/D)
Day 8 Ramathra
Today at leisure to enjoy Ramathra Fort and the surrounding countryside. Places of
interest and things to do include a night game drive in the nearby Kailadevi National
Park and a visit to the village, a traditional small hamlet of farmers and herders and
numerous shrines. The area is also wonderful for walking and, should you prefer to stay
at the fort, it makes for fascinating exploration. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Ramathra to Ranthambore – 85kms
This morning drive south across country past rural villages to the Project Tiger Reserve
at Ranthambore. Set in a valley dotted with small pools and fruit trees and surrounded
by rocky hills Ranthambore provides a perfect wildlife environment. The reserve supports
a mixed range of birds, mammals and insects and although the major predator is the tiger,
leopards, jackal, hyena and other jungle cats are also present in areas on the park boundaries.
As with much of India the blend between nature and history is strong at Ranthambore and the
13th Century fort is the focal point of the park. Stay for two nights at Sher Bagh (B/L/D).
Day 10 Ranthambore
Visit the park at sunrise and sunset in the company of an expert naturalist.
Day 11 Ranthambore to Shahpura Bagh – 200kms
Today drive to the small market town of Shahpura and Shahpura Bagh where you will stay
for two nights. Set in 30 acres of garden and pasture land. Shahpura Bagh has a distinguished
400 year old history. Granted to the family by Shah Jehan for loyal military service the present
descendants still retain these original documents including one with the handprint of this
famous Mughal Emperor. Providing elegant accommodation with a mixture of Rajasthani and colonial
furnishings there are three bedrooms in the main home and a further six in the older detached
house in the grounds. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Shahpura Bagh
At leisure to enjoy and explore Shahpura Bagh at your own pace. Activies here include bicycle rides,
walks by the lake, visits to the local temples and town or the chance to explore a nearby 17th Century
Fort. (B/L/D).
Day 13 Shahpura Bagh to Chhatra Sagar – 125kms
After breakfast drive to Chhatra Sagar which comprises of 13 wonderfully designed tents pitched
on a dam overlooking a lake that is noted for its birdlife. The warm and welcoming Nimaj family
are all personally involved in looking after guests whilst the tents are amongst the best of their
kind with all of them attractive and comfortable as well as having good bathrooms and a small dressing
room. Each tent is pitched to ensure privacy and all directly face the enchanting lake with your
veranda affording exceptional, uninterrupted views and virtually no sign of habitation. (B/L/D).
Day 14 Chhatra Sagar
to
Day 15 Chhatra Sagar
Due to its location, surrounded by farmland and small villages, a stay here allows you to experience
rural Rajasthan in a way that few other properties allow you to. Accompanied by one of your hosts
you can wander out to explore the farm, local temples and meet the villagers. In the evening return
to a sunset on the hill and dinner under a canopy of stars. This is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful,
unique and friendly hideaways in Rajasthan. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Chhatra Sagar to Delwara (near Udaipur) – 180kms
Today drive south to the small village of Delwara, tucked away in the Aravalli Hills near to Udaipur.
Stay for three nights at Devi Garh – a stunning 200 year old hilltop fort–palace which has been
beautifully restored in a very different and contemporary style. Situated in the heart of the
countryside with superb views overlooking the surrounding hills, Devi Garh is a magical retreat. (B)
Day 17 Delwara
to
Day 18 Delwara
Two days at leisure to relax and enjoy Devi Garh allowing time to visit the enchanting city of Udaipur
which is just one hour away by car. (B)
Day 19 Udaipur to Delhi – by air
Fly from Udaipur back to Delhi and stay overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel centrally located in
New Delhi. (B)
Day 20 Delhi to London Heathrow
Depart Delhi on the Virgin non stop flight to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Sacred Varanasi, India’s holiest city is only a short flight from Delhi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is an assault on the senses and, at dawn, a sight to behold.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – FORTS AND PALACES OF RAJASTHAN
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £5,400. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.