Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Justa – The Residency, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 02: Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight at Hotel Justa – The Residency, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Neemrana (122 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will ride out 122 kms to the obscure village of Neemrana which is dominated by the majestic Neemrana Fort, which is India's oldest heritage resort. Situated on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion-year-old Aravalli ranges, Neemrana fort Palace Heritage Hotel has 40 air-conditioned rooms. Each room has its own unique character and history. On the basis of theme the rooms have been named as the Malabar room, Barsat Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Mata Mahal, Surya Mahal, Gopi Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
This evening, we embark upon a heritage walk through the pristine town of Neemrana. The walk brings to the visitor the ethnic heritage of the region preserved and sustained over centuries. We have opportunities to witness traditional homes, fields and places of worship. The local temple would be a fascinating venue. We observe pilgrims and devotees arrive to pay their respects in traditional dresses. We will also have opportunities of observing the traditional crafts of Neemrana. A special mention would be a visit to homes that make fascinating cotton runners (durries) using traditional hand looms. Interesting and intricate patterns in different colours are made here. The other local craft would be viewed when we reach the potters village. Hand made pottery of various shapes and utilities are made here. We get to see potters working on their wheels making shapes from clay mounds. We also could see the intricate painting and designing perform on these clay articles. Another fascinating exploration would be visit to the jeweler’s compound. Here, we see the smelting of silver and the making of fascinating silver jewelry. We do get a chance to interact with the natives through the interpretation of our guide. The simplicity and the hospitality with which, the local deals with you would leave an indelible mark upon your heart. The walk continues to the famous step well of Neemrana. This was used by the royal family in the past. About hundred steps lead to the well, and, the stepwell has a grand entrance with ancient steps that meandered nine stories below the ground. Historically, this was used as a caravanserai by tired travelers as also for simply storing water. We will also witness the residence of the Royal family on our journey.
Following the walk, we will return back to our hotel.
Overnight at Neemrana Fort (Moonga Mahal)
Day 04: Neemrana / Jaipur (160 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival, check in to Shahpura House.
After rest & relaxation, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 05: Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Later in the afternoon, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 06: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
Following breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra.
Upon arrival check into Hotel Radisson.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car & driver will be at disposal; for your local visits.
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 07: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday) Delhi / Departure
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one's lifetime - Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast..
After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.
Later, we will drive to Delhi along one of the India's finest freeways.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: Upon arrival in Delhi, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
After dinner, transfer to the International airport to board your onward flight.
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Tour Cost Based On 02 People Traveling Together Sharing 01 Room
• Cost valid for period till 30th September, 2014: - INR 32,350* Per Person
• Cost valid from 01st October till 31st March 2015: - INR 40,850* Per Person
Additional Cost For Suggested Upgrades To Hotels In Various Cities Per Room / Per Night
