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ROYAL RAJPUTANA
Rajsthan,’Land of Kings’is steeped in romantic history,chivalry and valour.It boasts of some of the finest fortresses/palaces against the stark desert landscape with its richly colored costumes, handsome people, turbaned men and bejewelled women, havelis and villages, fairs and festivals. These tours take you back to an era long gone by.The ancient forts,palaces and private hunting lodges have now been converted into hotels.The tour gives you a taste of hospitality in exclusive properties in areas off the beaten track across Rajasthan and Gujarat.

ROYAL POTPOURRI - I

DELHI / AGRA / JAIPUR / SAMODE / MANDAWA / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / RAWLANARLAI / RANAKPUR / KUMBALGARH / UDAIPUR / CHITTORGARH / UDAIPUR / DELHI
DAY 1. DELHI/AGRA (2 hrs) :
Morning train to Agra. Transfer to hotel. After lunch sightseeing of Agra fort, Itmad-ud-daula tomb and the Taj Mahal. Overnight Agra.

DAY 2. AGRA /JAIPUR (6 hrs) :
Optional early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. After breakfast drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, arriving by lunch. Check into palace hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of the city palace, palace of winds and the observatory. Overnight Jaipur.

DAY 3. JAIPUR/SAMODE (1 hr):
Morning excursion to Amber fort on elephant back. Later explore the colourful bazaars of the pink city and then drive to Samode(40kms). Royal welcome at the Samode palace heritage hotel. Evening at leisure to enjoy villagers perform and sing in the palace courtyard. Overnight Samode palace.

DAY 4. SAMODE/MANDAWA (3 hrs)
over Morning camel ride through the vlllage and sand dunes upto The royal orchards. Depart Samode after breakfast (via Nawalgarh and Mukundgarh), arriving Mandawa by lunch. Check into palace hotel. Afternoon explore the painted havelies of Shekhawati. Overnight Mandawa.

DAY 5. MANDAWA/BIKANER (5 hrs) :
Morning drive to Bikaner arriving by lunch. Check into palace hotel. After lunch tour of Junagarh fort, where beyond the massive walls, rise picturesque pavilions, delicately ornamented balconies and wlndows in hundred different designs, murals and frescoes, mirror studded walls, blue and white chinese tiles, mosaic floors and the finest of carvings. Also visit the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum which has a good collection of terra-cotta potteries 5000 years old, and centuries old miniature paintings. Overnight Bikaner,

DAY 6.BIKANER /JAISALMER (5 hrs) :
Morning drive to Jaisalmer arriving by lunch. Check into your heritage hotel. Jaisalmer is in the heart of the Thar desert. Evening free to explore the fortress town, through narrow streets leading to Jam temples and havelies with most exquisite stone carvings in golden honey yellow stone.Overnight Jaisalmer

DAY 7. JAISALMER:
Day return tour of Sam sand dunes for camel rides and view the magnificent sunset over the Thar desert. Evening transfer to railway station to board overnight train to Jodhpur.Overnight train.

DAY 8. JODHPUR:
Arrive Jodhpur early morning.Transfer to palace hotel.Afternoon tour of Meherangarh fort and the grand Umaid Bhawan palace.OvernightJodhpur

DAY 9. JODHPUR /RAWLA NARLAI (4 hrs):
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Rawla Narlai,a delightful small fortress,dating back to the 17th century. Afternoon free to explore the typical Rajasthani village surrounding the fortress or climb the 350 ft high granite rock which is dotted with caves and temples and which offers spectacular views.Overnight Rawala Narlai.

DAY 10. RAWLA NARLAI / RANAKPUR / KUMBALGARH :
A morning drive brings you to the most celebrated Jain temples in India at Ranakpur. The main temple, built in 1439, boasts of 29 halls supported by 1 ,444 pillars and is quite exceptional. Later drive on to Kumbalgarh. Check into the Maharaja of Udaipur’s former hunting lodge -Aodhi. Afterlunch visit the spectacular and imposing fort. Explore the many palaces and temples That lie within the massive walls of the fort, situated on the edge of a wildlfe sanctuary. Evening view tribal dances (for groups only). Overnight Kumbalgarh.

DAY 11. KUMBALGARH/UDAIPUR:
Early morning (optional) horse/jeep safari into the wildlife sanctuary. Later drive to Udaipur (2 hrs).Check into hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of City Palace,Jagdish temple and the garden of maids. Evening sunset boat ride on lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.

DAY 12.UDAIPUR/CHITTORGARH/BIJAIPUR:
Morning drive to Chittorgarh, which is one of The oldest and the most stunning sforts in Rajasthan and was the former capital of Mewar. The romantic remains of temples, palaces and towers date from The 7th to The 15th centuries. Evening return to Udaipur or optionally overnight stay at Castle Bijaipur (45 minutes drive) situated in the Vindhyachal hills. Evening view local tribal folk songs and dances. Overnight Udaipur/Bijaipur.

DAY 13. UDAIPUR / DELHI:
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.

OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1. 2 to 3 day camel safari from Jaisalmer or horse safari from Kumbhalgarh.
2.Extension to Mt.Abu or Aurangabad (Ajanta /Ellora caves) fromUdaipur.
3.Visit to Bharatpur bird sanctuary (near Agra) Sariska or Ranthambhor tiger reserve.
4, Gala evening at Samode palace. Evening cocktails with the royalfamily and dinner in the Durbar hall.
5. Hot air ballooning in Agra or Samode.
6. Extra nights in Udaipur.
7. Sardar Sammand, fort Chunwa or Rohetgarn instead of Kumbholgarn.

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS:
1. DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / UDAIPUR / FORT KHEJARLA / JAIPUR / AGRA / DELHI (8 Days).
2. DELHI / PUSHKAR / ROOPANGARH / MUKUNDGARH / DELHI (7 Days).
3. DELHI / SAMODE / MANDAWA / NAWALGARH / ROOPANGARH / PUSHKAR / DELHI- (8 Days).

POSSIBLE INTERESTING VARIATION:
DELHI / NAWALGARH / BIKANER / JAISALMER / DASPAN / MT.ABU / DUNGARPUR / UDAIPUR / JODHPUR / PUSHKAR / JAIPUR / DELHI.

DAY 1. DELHI / NAWALGARH
Drive to Nawalgarh (5112hrs). Check into heritage Roopniwas Palace hotel. Roopniwas Palace is a charming mixture of European and Rajput style of architecture with lovely gardens and spacious lawns. Post lunch tour the numerous painted havelis and temples. Overnight Nawalgarh.

DAY 2. NAWALGARHIBIKANER

DAY 3. BIKANER / JAISALMER

DAY 4. Day
return camel rides near Sam. (Optional overnight camp).

DAY 5. JAISALMER / DASPAN (6hrs).
Drive to Daspan via Barmer, a major centre for wood carvings, embroidery and block printing. Check into the Casse Durjan Niwas hotel. Evening free to explore this virgin territory and its village. Overnight Daspan.

DAY 6. DASPAN / Mt. ABU:
Morning enjoy a bullock - cart ride through The village to see the way of lrf'e.Later drive to MtAbu(4 hrs). Check intoyour hotel. Evening free of The lakeside. Overnight Mt. Abu.

DAY 7. Mt. ABU
Dayfree to explore this hill resort and its famous DiIwara Jain tempbs and the Chaumakha temple.Overnight Mt. Abu.

DAY 8. Mt. ABU / DUNGARPUR (4 hr)
Drive to Dungarpur and check into The most beautiful Udai Bilas lake palace.Day free to enjoy The environs and expore the Gaib safar lake against the background green hills. Overnight Dungarpur.

DAY 9. DUNGARPUR:
Morning visit the older palace. now a museum and The ruins of an ancient fort.Later drive to Udaipur (2hrs).

DAY 10. UDAIPUR

DAY 11. UDAIPUR / JODHPUR VIA RANAKPUR

DAY 12. JODHPUR/ PUSHKAR:
Drive to Pushkar. Check into hotel. Evening visit Brahma temple and Pushkarloke. Overnight pushkar.

DAY 13. PUSHKAR / JAIPUR

DAY 14. JAIPUR

DAY 15. JAIPUR / AGRA

DAY 16. AGRA / DELHI

BEST TIME:
July to April.

ROYAL POTPOURRI - Il

The Offbeat Royal Trail

DELHI / UDAIPUR / DEOGARH / SARDAR SAMMAND / LUNI / JODHPUR / OSIAN / KHIMSAR / FORT KHEJERLA / ROOPANGARH / JAIPUR / DELHI

DAY 1. DELHI / UDAIPUR:
Depart Delhi by morning flight, for fairy tale city of lakes - Udaipur. Transfer to hotel. After lunch tour of the city palace, Garden of Maids, tribal folk art museum explore the colorful markets. In the evening sunset boat cruise on lake Pichola, visiting Jag Mandir and lake palace. Overnight Udaipur.

DAY 2 . UDAIPUR / DEOGARH (2 hrs):
Morning drive to Deogarh. Visit the Nagdo and Ekunji temples enroute. Check into Vilas palace, situated on a tranquil lake with the Gokul Garh in the backdrop.The lake aftracts numerous migratory birds.Deogarh is also famed for its miniature paintings.Examples of this style are depicted in the murals and frescoes which adorn the fort wall. View a collection of over 200 original paintings owned by the present Rawatsahib, who is himself a historian and a connoisseur of art. Overnight Deogarh.

DAY 3.DEOGARH / SARDAR SAMMAND (3 hrs):
Morning drive to Sardar Sammand palace, which boasts of one of the most spectacular view overlooking its large lake teaming with pelicans, flaming demoiselle and cyrus cranes, egrets and kingfishers. Beyond is the open horizons of the Thar desert interpersed with green irridiscent farmlands with gazelle, black buck and the nilgai /antelope. This was the former hunfing lodge of The Maharaja of Jodhpur. Overnight SardarSamand.

DAY 4.SARDAR SAMMAND / LUNI (2 hrs):
After a leisurely break drive to Luni . Check into fort Chunwa. It is an exceptional piece of elegance and symmetry in Indian archItecture. The enterance is carved out of the famous red sand stone. This heritage site has been recently opened and is personally supervised by the royal family. Evening at leisure, to explore the village of Luni, around the shadows of the fort walls. Visit local craftsman and or demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries. Overnight fort Chunwa.

DAY 5. LUNI / JODHPUR (1 hr)
Early morning you have the option of a short camel safari over the sand dunes of The Thar desert. Drive to Jodhpur. Full day city sightseeing. Visit Meherangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight Jodhpur

DAY 6. JODHPUR / OSIAN / KHIMSAR (4 hrs) :
Drive to Osian (63 km) from Jodhpur. It is an ancient city in the Thar desert containing the largest group of both 1st century Jain and Hindu Temples. Later drive to Khimsar. Check into Khimsar Castle, a remote Rajput moated castle 70 kms from Osian. Close to Khimsar is Nagaur, famous for its cattle fair held in the month of February. Overnight Khimsar Castle.

DAY 7. KHIMSAR / FORT KHEJARLA :
Drive to Khejarla.Check into the fort palace. Day at leisure to explore the massive fort with turrets and battlements or visit the local Raika and Bishnoi tribal villages. Overnight fort Khejarla.

DAY 8. KHEJARLA / ROOPANGARH (3 hrs) :
Drive to Roopangarh via Kishengarh,known for its school of miniature paintings. Check into one of most impressive forts in Rajasthan. The palace within has been beautifully restored by the present Maharaja. The view is splendid. On a clear day one can see Sambor,the only saltwater lake in India. Overnight Roopangarh fort palace.

DAY 9. ROOPANGARH / JAIPUR (3 hrs) :
Morning visit local market and meet traditional families. Camel rides can be organised on request. Drive to Jaipur via Pushkar. Check into palace hotel. After-noon for sightseeing of city palace, observatory and palace of Winds. Evening free for shopping. Overnight Jaipur.

DAY 10. JAIPUR / DELHI (5 hrs) :
Morning tour of Amber fort on elephant back. Arrive Delhi by evening train.

OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1 Day return jeep safari of the countryside from Jodhpur with ethnic village style lunch.

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS
1 DELHI / UDAIPUR / CHITTORGARH / KOTA / RANTHAMBHORE / BHARATPUR / DELHI (10 Days).
2.DELHI / JODHPUR / KHEJARLA / ROOPANGARH / JAIPUR / SAMODE / PATAUDI / DELHI (Days).3.DELHI / AGRA / JAIPUR / BUNDI / DEOGARH / UDAIPUR / AURANGABAD / BOMBAY / GOA

BEST TIME
July to April

ROYAL RAJPUTANA - III

Royal Kathiawar - Mewar Experience

DAY 1. ARRIVE AHMEDABAD :
Arrive Ahmedabad by morning flight from Bombay or Delhi .Transfer to Utelia,2 hours away. Check into the palace Utelia. The palace is architecturally very striking. The young prince is enterprising and enjoys entertaining visitors. Utelia village is small and sleepy and seems frozen in time. Post lunch visit the Nalsarovar bird sanctuary. Evening dances with bar-becue and bonfire will be specially arranged for groups. Overnight palace Utelia.

DAY 2.
Morning excursion to The village in a bullock cart. Later tour of Lothal to see the Indus valley civilization ruins or drive to Cambay sea coast. Overnight palace Utelia.

DAY 3. UTELIA / HINGOLGADH (2 1/2hrs) :
Depart after breakfast arriving Hingolgadh. Check in at the enchanting castle turned hotel perched on top of a hill. The Royal family here is very friendly and extremely hospitable. Evening visit the Jasdon palace, the residence of The former rulers 18 kms away and Vinchhiya on old and unspoilt village. Overnight Hingolgadh.

DAY 4. HINGOLGADH / GONDAL (1 1/2 hrs) :
Early morning drive to the sanctuarywhich abounds in Chinkaro and the blue bull. Later drive to Gondal. Check into The fascinating Riverside Palace by lunch. This is a 19th century palace. The personal involvement and hospitality of the present royal family makes this a special experience. Post lunch visit The Nowlakha palace with exquisite Jharokas and the Swaminarayan temple. Also see the famous vintage car and horse carriage collection of the Royal family. Evening free at the private grasslands belonging to the Royal family teeming with wildlife, with a lake running along side.Overnight Riverside palace, Gondal.

DAY 5. GONDAL / GIR / GONDAL :
Day return excursion to Gir lion sanctuary, the last home of the Asiatic lions or optionally visit Junagarh,The fortress and Mt.Girnartempies.Onspecial request evening entertainment and dinner can be arranged at the grasslands. Overnight Gondal.

DAY 6. GONDAL/ZAINABAD (5 hrs):
Morning departure for Zainabad arriving by lunch. Check into camp Zainabad. The Kooba camp consists of typically village style mud plastered huts with tile roofs. Evening village visit and bonfire dinner. Overnight camp Zainabad.

DAY 7. IN ZAINABAD:
Visit the little Rann of Kutch and the local tribes and the ruins of the Solanki rulers. The Rann is a stunning experience. It is a vast expanse of flat sea bed. The drive through the vast Rann offers many visual delights like the wild ass, blue bull, chinkara,jungle and desert cats and a large variety of birds including cranes. flamingoes and The Houbara Bustard. Also view the salt making process in the Rann. Sunsets are absolutely spectacular due to the flat uninterrupted landscape. Overnight camp Zainabad.

DAY 8. ZAINABAD / POSHINA (6 hrs):
Morning departure for Poshina. Check into Darbargarh Poshina by lunch. Poshina is situated in a hilly and wooded area bordering Rajasthan and inhabited by tribals. The Darbargarh parts of which are 500 years old has been well restored. Evening visit the nearby villages to observe the culture and handicraffs of the local tribes. Overnight Poshina.

DAY 9. POSHINA / DUNGARPUR (5 hrs):
Morning departure for Dungarpur arriving by lunch. Check into the fascinating Udai Bilas palace. This fairy tale palace which sets into the idylic Gaib Sagar lake as an ideal retreat for a peaceful and relaxed vacation. Dungarpur is exceptionally pretty with its rolling hills and hundreds of little lakes. The area abounds in bird life. The hospitable prince of Dungarpur who resides at the palace is a knowledgeable naturalist. The old palace 4 kms from Dungarpur with its fortification and its well preserved halls is rich with glass inlay work and ancient wall paintings. Evening visit Juna Mahal at the old palace. Overnight Dungarpur

DAY 10. DUNGARPUR / UDAIPUR (2 hrs):
Morning at leisure at this lakeside retreat. After lunch drive to Udaipur. Check into the fascinating Shivniwas / Fateh Prakash lake palace. Evening sunset boat cruise on lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.

DAY 11. UDAIPUR / DELHI :
Half day city tour of Udaipur to include The city palace and museum,The jagdish and the Gulab Niwas temple. Evening transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi / Bomay,Narayan temple. Dinner at the ethnic Vishala viliage restaurant. Overnight Anmedabad.

OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1. HORSE SAFARI
2. UDAIPUR - AURANGABAD - BOMBAY
3. UDAIPUR - JODHPUR - DELHI
4. EXTENSION TO BHUJ

BEST TIME :
September to April.

OPTION - 5
LIONS IN GUJARAT ( POSSIBLE INTERESTING VARIATION ) AHMEDABAD / GONDAL / JUNAGARH / GIR / DWARKA / SOMNATH / GIR / DIU

Ahmedabad, named after a Sultan who founded it in 1411 and known for its Indo-Sarcenic architeture is graced with splendid monuments associated with Mahatama Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non violence whose simple ashram on the banks of the river Sabarmati is now a site of national pilgrimage; renowned as a great textile and commercial centre and as the Manchester of India, Ahmedbaad is today the second largest prosperous and thriving city in western India.

DAY 1. DELHI/AHMEDABAD:
Board flight to Ahmedabad,transfer to hotel. Sightseeing Calico museum, Sabarmati Ashram, Swami

DAY 2. AHMEDABAD / GONDAL / JUNAGARH / GIR:
Early morning drive to Gondal,lunch at Palace.Post lunch drive to Junagarh (2112hrs), Visitzoo and fort. Junagarh is an ancient fortified city rich in myth qnd legend. It lies at the foot of Girnar hill and takes its name from the "Old Fort" which circles the medieval town. The Girnar hills stand from 2500 BC having a legend of its own. Arrive at Gir lodge in the evening. Evening Dandia dance and bonfire.

DAY 3. GIR:
Early morning jungle drive to Sasan Gir sanctuary. Gir sanctuary provdes refuge to that rare species - the Asiafic lion. The sanctuary covers an area of 500 square miles of dry, open scrubland where The lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles. Other wild life includes bear antelope, hyena, fox, the nilgai or black buck, chinkara, chousingha and other species of the deer family.

DAY 4. GIR / DWARKA / SOMNATH / GIR:
Half day tour of Dwarka and Somnath (3hrs). Dwarka- a sacred town, one of The main centres of Krishna legend, sits on the western most tip of the Gujarat peninsula, a sentinel overlooking the Arabian sea. The five storey temple is supported by sixty columns and is crowned by a soaring elaborately carved spire. Somnath is one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to legend. Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than Soma, the moon God himself. Somnath was destroyed seven times and seven times it was rebuilt. Mehmud of Ghazni having heard of its fabulous treasure raided lt in 1026 and carried away camel loads of jewels and gold. Return to Gir lodge.

DAY 5. GIR/ DIU:
Drive to Diu. Check into beach resort. Day at lesiure on the beach, at this laid back formerely Portuguese township. Overnight Diu.

DAY 6. DIU :
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi/Bombay.

BEST TIME:
October to June.

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