Palace of Rural Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutub Minar. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will be transferred to the railway station to connect your train to Agra Depart: Delhi at: 0615 hours by: Shatabdi Expree Arrive: Agra at: 0810 hours You will be met upon arrival in Agra and proceed for sightseeing tour. Visit the famous Taj Mahal - This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child. The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday). Also visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Later drive to Bharatpur (56 kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - drive to the impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy an excursion to Deeg (32 Kms – one way). Deeg is in the district of Bharatpur. Approaching the town, one can see the battlements of the fort built by Surajmal. This was constructed in the form of a square, measuring about 274 m. The walls are about 20 metres high and rise impressively, although the outer coating of plaster has peeled off in many places and shrubs grow from the bottom of the ramparts. The entrance to the fort is from the north. An outer gateway leads to an L-shaped bridge. Inside the fort is a palace (haveli). This is now in ruins, but one can still see what was once its entrance, an ornate red sandstone construction with a pointed arch. The forecourt was added later and for many years served as a prison. One can see a couple of canons on nearby mounts and, at the top of the northwestern battlement, known as Larkha Burj, another canon lies on its side discarded. Once through it, one is at the edge of the gardens that are built in the char-bagh style, essentially four separate gardens around the same center. The style of both the gardens and buildings are from the Mughal period and yet with a distinctive flavour-a result of the Jats' own aesthetic vision that flourished at a time when the Mughal architecture started to deteriorate. The most striking feature is the fountains numbering about 500. One can see the bases of these sticking up all around the palace. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning board the cycle rickshaws to the famous Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, which is a wonder of the natural world and no less worth seeing than the marble mausoleum of the Taj. Here over 350 species of birds find refuge in the 29 sq. kms of shallow lakes & wood lands of the park. A third of them are migrants many of whom spend winter in Bharatpur before returning to their breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Central Asia. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the railway station to connect train to Kota Depart: Bharatpur at: 1545 hours by: Jan Shatabdi Arrive: Kota at: 1940 hours You will be met upon arrival in Kota and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Kota – An army headquarter and Rajasthan’s premier industrial centre, Kota is equally well known for its Kota doria sarees and minature paintings that often depict hunting scenes. Morning visit City Palace, Umed Bhawan (once a British Residency), Jagmandir, Chambal Garden a beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas and Government Museum, housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar, displaying a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and are representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Later drive to Shahpura (150 Kms), visiting Bundi en route. Bundi – is famous for its miniature paintings, the finest in Rajasthan. Bundi is fringed by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is surrounded by a massive wall with four gateways. The charming fort, perched on a hill has palaces and havelis with intricate carvings and murals of vegetable colour painting, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris (cenotaphs) with carved pillars. There is a picturesque lake in the heart of the town. Continue your drive to Shahpura. Upon arrival in Shahpura, check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning visit Ram Dwara, the revered ancient temple. The old city palace reveals the integration of Rajput & Mughal traditions in architecture while the geometrical symmetry of the baoli (stepwell) inspires a serenity that lingers. Explore the many goods on sale in the marketplace. Afternoon is at your leisure for activities that could include visiting an old thickly wooded family farm with trees over 200 years old, Bird Watching, or visiting Dhikola Fort. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Devigarh (180 kms). Upon arrival in Devigarh, check-in at your hotel. Devi garh - Tucked away in the age-old Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village of Delwara commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. 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 in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers who followed. Today, after years of restoration and reconstruction, DeviGarh has regained its past glory. An imposing and impressive structure, it is now a unique all-suite boutique hotel, with 23 suites and 6 tents. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Udaipur (45 kms). Udaipur is one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan standing on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. In contrast to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens. Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari”. Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. Return to Devigarh. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Deogarh (120 km) en route visiting Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Visit Ranakpur Temples the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Continue your drive to Deogarh. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D., the Mahal stands at a height of 2100 ft. above sea level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies offering a commanding view of the surrounding Aravalli mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy a rural ride on the meter gauge train, having wooden slipper, accompanying local villagers traveling to Marwar. The track passes through a breath taking scenery of Ravli sanctuary, with some 100 feet high bridges, two long tunnels, waterfalls, thick jungle, and above all an unchanged ambience of bygone era. One travels through a ghat section and descends from neighboring shrub Jungle to feed on articles given by the villagers. Coach awaits the guests at Phulad (19 kms), which brings you back to Deogarh. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jodhpur (135 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Khimsar (95 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Royal Castle built as a "Thikana" or fortified home of a local ruler. This was a remote 15th Rajput stronghold in the Thar desert and is excellent for an escape into medieval Rajasthan. The battle scarred walls & turrets are a reminder of the glorious past...... Enjoy the camel safari in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Gajner (95 kms), en route visit Bikaner Bikaner - this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Thereafter continue drive to Gajner and check into the hotel. Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. During winter even now, this palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered Antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras and other animals like the Wild Boar roam freely in this area which is now a preserved sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the surrounding areas of the Palace Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Samode (230 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Samode - the small principality of Samode lies 50 kms northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the 16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler added to the fort and the palace. Samode Palace - The comfortable palace is today full of architectural delights with stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflecting the skill of master craftsmen. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Neemrana (145 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Neemrana Fort - the beautifully restored 16th century Fort is an astounding piece of work in recent restoration. It is situated on a majestic plateau of the Aravalli ranges, and is Rajasthan's closest Palace to the capital city of Delhi. The property covers 25 acres of land and over¬looks the beautiful semi desertic plains. Neemrana provides an evocative experience extending beyond the physical structure. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon drive to Delhi (122 kms) and upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for flight back home.

Depart Delhi.