India and the Himalayas
12 Day India's Legendary Rajasthan - From: $6,690
Trip Summary
Explore northern India's architectural splendor and ancient cultures and beautiful countryside in this 12 day adventure that showcases the reigon's great fortresses alongside its rural heritage. Your journey spans the ornate interiors of Mughal palaces to the tranquility of grasslands where you may glimpse flor and fauna that are vanishing elsewhere in India today.
Begin with Delhi's particular fusion of old and new India, followed by a memorable visit to the Taj Mahal. Then traverse cities and villages to capture remarkable Rajasthan from every angle. You'll be awed by magnificent palaces and impressive forts one day, ride astride an elephant on another, and sample cuisine seasoned with a dazzling array of flavors.
Spectacular accommodations have been selected to make sure your discoveries continue after the day ends and range from a room with a Taj Mahal view, a luxury tented camp set lakeside and a palace owned by Jodhpur's royal family.
For an Indian wildlife safari experience, consider adding a four day extension to Kanha Tiger Reserve to your trip.
Highlights
- View the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- Ride an elephant into the Amber Fort in Jaipur.
- Explore the countryside and take walks in search of Indian wildlife and birdlife.
- Stay at an exclusive 17th century property hosted by members of the Jodhpur Royal Family.
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| April - September | $6,690 |
| October - March | $8,320 |
Based on two guests traveling together.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Days 1 - 3
Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel. The next morning is at your leisure followed by an afternoon half day city sightseeing tour of New Delhi. New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner at hotel. The following day, spend a half day discovering Old Delhi. Old Delhi pulses with the energy and color, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride.
Lodging: The Oberoi
Day 4
Delhi and Agra
Early this morning, you will be met and transferred from your hotel for a train ride to Agra. In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of Agra city visiting Agra Fort and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D, is a masterpiece of design and construction. The Taj Mahal, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now a "Wonder of the World".
Lodging: Amar Vilas
Day 5
Agra and Samode
After breakfast, you will be driven to Samode, en route visiting the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moguls and was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces, which are still preserved in their original glory.
Lodging: Samode Palace
Day 6
Samode and Jaipur
Full day excursion to Jaipur, visiting Amber Fort, city palace and the other sights of Jaipur. Elephants still carry visitors in stately splendor to the main Palace, through unusually high gateways, obviously designed to accommodate this archaic mode of transport. Visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Jaipur is blessed with a wealth of wonders: the Jantar Mantar (the Observatory) and the Maharaja's City Palace. After lunch, you have the option of an excursion to Dera Amer for a private elephant safari through the hills or an elephant polo match (prices available on request).
Lodging: Samode Palace
Day 7
Samode and Nimaj
This morning you will be driven to Nimaj to experience rural Rajasthan. This idyllic haven comprises 11 tents pitched on a dam, overlooking a lake teeming with birds. The Nimaj family is personally involved in looking after guests and the tents are amongst the finest to be found in India. The food served here is some of the finest Rajasthani home cooking in the state and your hosts ensure you want for nothing.
Lodging: Chhatra Sagar
Day 8
Nimaj
Spend the day here walking round the lake, bird watching, exploring the surrounding lands, visiting the temple or chatting with the family. There will be evening sundowners on the hill overlooking the lake, prior to dinner on the dam.
Lodging: Chhatra Sagar
Day 9
Nimaj and Narlai
After a leisurely morning you will be driven to Narlai where the rest of the day will be free for independent activities. This lovely little hotel lies hidden away in a small village, deep in the heart of the Aravalli Hills. Surrounded by forested hills and rocky outcrops, it is reminiscent of a Rajasthan that few see today and is in one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property which was once a favorite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodhpur family who are young and energetic and play an active part in the running of the hotel, to ensure it remains a real gem of an experience.
Lodging: Rawla Narlai
Day 10
Narlai and Udaipur
After a leisurely morning you will be driven to Udaipur en route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples. Ranakpur lies in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The main temple is the Chaumukha temple, or Four Faced temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, beautifully crafted and well-kept marble temple is supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. Within the complex there are two other Jain temples, Neminath and Parasvanath.
Lodging: Fateh Prakash Place
Day 11
Udaipur
In the morning take a city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. The sightseeing tour takes you to City Palace, built in 1725, and has various palaces inside such as Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, the Palace of Krishna etc, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari - this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden, contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains, beautiful black marble kiosks on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures. Also visit Jagdish Temple.
Lunch at Shivniwas.
This evening walk through the markets and visit Bagor Haveli.
Lodging: Fateh Prakash Palace
Day 12
Depart
In the late afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for a commercial flight to Delhi. From Delhi you will connect to international flights home.