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.
.
India
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