Legendary Rajasthan
India - By Air with Optional Corbett Private Air Safari Extension
Departure Dates:
- Nov 07, 2009 - Nov 17, 2009
Departure Dates
- November 07, 2009
Trip Summary
Explore northern India's exotic wildlife, architectural splendor and ancient cultures. Beginning in Delhi we'll traverse cities, villages and countryside to capture remarkable Rajasthan from every angle. You'll be awed by elegant palaces and impressive forts one day, and enjoy elephant polo in the hills another. Extend your visit with a private air safari to Corbett National Park and game drives in search of tigers and Asiatic elephants. Spectacular accomodations range from a private luxury tented camp to an exclusive palace owned by Jodhpur's royal family.
Highlights
- View the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- Delight at the brightly painted elephants at an elephant polo match.
- Discover a private, tented camp set lakeside in rural Rajasthan where you'll enjoy game drives and visit local villages.
- Stay at an exclusive 17th century property hosted by members of the Jodhpur Royal Family.
Itinerary: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Day 1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Delhi, India
Arrive Delhi tonight. Upon arrival you will be received and taken to your comfortable hotel for the remainder of the night.
Lodging:The Oberoi Delhi
Day 2
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Delhi, India
After a leisurely morning, you will be taken on a half day city tour of both Old and New 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. You will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride. 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 (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 238-foot high tower dating back to 13th century and Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal). In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Lodging:The Oberoi Delhi (B, L, D)
Day 3
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Delhi to Agra
This morning you will be taken to the airport for your commercial flight to Agra. On arrival in Agra, you will be taken to your hotel for check in, and later proceed for a tour of Agra city, visiting the Agra Fort and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Shah Jehan's son imprisoned him in the magnificent fort at Agra. Here you'll see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous. The Taj Mahal truly is one of the wonders of the world. It is a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For 22 years, 20,000 men laboured day and night to build this masterpiece that has held the world awe struck ever since. Your dinner tonight will be in the hotel's speciality Indian restaurant, Esphahan.
Lodging:The Oberoi Amarvilas (B, L, D)
Day 4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Agra to Jaipur
This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - a truly majestic sight. Later this morning there is also the option of visiting the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after fifteen years due to a scarcity of water. Here you will see the city's many graceful buildings, which include the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti and the Panch Mahal. Later today you will be taken to the airport to board your commercial flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur you will be received and driven to Samode Palace where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings, or walk to the rural villages nearby, followed by dinner at the Palace hotel. One of the first heritage palaces to open their doors to visitors, Samode Palace is located just outside Jaipur and is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. The owners (the existing royal family of Samode) still run the property, and the rooms are beautifully appointed with all the modern amenities you would expect.
Lodging:Samode Palace (B, L, D)
Day 5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Jaipur
This morning you will be taken to visit Jaipur's Amber Fort and City Palace. After lunch in Jaipur, you will return to Samode Palace. Later in the evening, you will be driven to Dera Amer (approximately 20 mins). Dera Amer is situated behind the hills of the famous Amber Fort. The Camp is located at the foothills of the Aravalli Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake. A local Rajput family who themselves reside in the area organize elephant polo and safaris in the jungle using their beautiful home and camp as a base. Here, you will enjoy an elephant polo match, followed by a special bush dinner at Dera Amer Camp.
Lodging:Samode Palace (B, L, D)
Day 6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Jaipur to Jodhpur to Chhatra Sagar
Travel by plane to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be taken for a short tour of Mehrangarh Fort followed by lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace. After lunch, you will be driven to Chhatra Sagar (two hours): your own private tented camp set in rural Rajasthan on a beautiful lake for a two-night stay. This afternoon enjoy camp activities, followed by authentic Rajasthan home-cooking and recipes passed down over generations.
Lodging:Chhatra Sagar Private Luxury Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Chhatra Sagar
Today explore rural Rahasthan and the surrounding grasslands in search of wildlife. A game drive will reveal herds of bluebull antelope and a myriad of birds. Also explore the countryside on foot, and visit Seervi and shepherd villages. Clay-pigeon shooting and archery are also available as options. In the evening take a camel ride into the desert and enjoy sundowners and a private dinner. With traditional musicians and dancers, the evening will be spent under the stars.
Lodging:Chhatra Sagar Private Luxury Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Nimaj to Narlai
This morning you will be driven through rural Rajasthan to Narlai (approximately 3 hours) and check in to Rawla Narlai, a beautiful boutique heritage hotel. After lunch we explore the village on foot. There are also optional activities available such jeep safaris or horse riding excursions. This evening enjoy the peaceful surroundings and gardens of Narlai, with dinner at the palace hotel. You will also have the opportunity of meeting the Jodhpur Royal family who own Narlai and previously used it as a hunting lodge before converting it to a hotel.
Lodging:Rawla Narlai Palace Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Narlai to Udaipur
This morning you will be driven to the outskirts of Udaipur (an approximately 2-hour drive), en-route visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temples, one of the largest temple complexes of the Jain religion. On arrival check in to Devigarh, an 18th century hilltop Rajput fort and palace. Offering luxurious spaces and magnificent views from the hill top, this Fort Palace Hotel offers only 39 suites and a contemporary design, with an emphasis on detail using local marbles and semi-precious stones. This afternoon is free to choose from a variety of options including bicycle trips away from the city, hiking in the scenic Aravalli hills, and an extensive array of spa and wellness therapies, massages, yoga, and meditation classes. In the early evening over cocktails, enjoy a special presentation on Indian history and culture. This evening you are free to choose your dinner venue, with dinner on your own.
Lodging:Devigarh – Palace Suite (B, L)
Day 10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Udaipur to Devigarh
Early this morning there will be an optional specialist yoga session. After breakfast, you will be driven to Udaipur for a city tour. 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, Palace of Krishna, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari - this 'Garden of the Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden, contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains, beautiful black marble on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures. Also visit Jagdish Temple. After returning to Devigarh, your evening features a special, private Kashmiri dinner, with traditional Indian seating arrangements in the opulent and contemporary Durbar Hall. Kashmiri Cuisine evolved in the Kashmir Valley over several centuries through a fusion of local food and delectable elements of the Mughal art of cooking. Curd plays an important part in this cuisine. The Kashmir cuisine also involves liberal use of aromatic spices, and avoidance of onion and garlic. Some of the most popular Kashmir dishes are: Roghan Josh, Tabak Maaz, Daniwal Korma and Aab Gosh.
Lodging:Devigarh – Palace Suite B, L, D)
Day 11
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Udaipur and international flights home
After breakfast you will be taken to Udaipur airport in time to board your flight home or proceed to your trip extension.
Post-Trip Extension: Private Air Safari to Corbett National Park
Price: $4490
Single Supplement: $1300
Day 11
Udaipur to Corbett
From Udaipur fly to Delhi and board a private charter flight to Pantnagar, from where you will be driven to Corbett National Park. Enjoy a short game drive through the park en route to your lodge located in the heart of the park, where you will enjoy comfortable safari tents.
Lodging:Hideaway River Lodge Tented Camp, Corbett (B, D)
Day 12
Corbett National Park
Today provides another opportunity to explore Corbett through morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced naturalists. Although open 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles offer one way to see the park, elephant safaris can take you in search of tigers and other wildlife undisturbed by the noise of a vehicle.
Lodging:Hideaway River Lodge Tented Camp, Corbett (B, L, D)
Day 13
Corbett National Park
If you haven't yet spotted a tiger in Corbett, today brings you another chance with morning and afternoon game drives and elephant-back safaris. Corbett's successful Tiger Conservation Project, started in 1974, has created a reserve where once-dwindling tiger populations have stabilized. The ideal tiger habitats may make them harder to find, but when you see one it is in a more natural setting.
Lodging:Hideaway River Lodge Tented Camp, Corbett (B, L, D)
Days 14 - 15
Corbett to Delhi
This morning take a game drive out of the park to the Pantnagar airstrip where a private charter flight will return you to Delhi. In Delhi you will stay at the five-star Oberoi Delhi hotel for the evening, before departing on international flights home.
Lodging:Oberoi Delhi (B)
Trip Prices
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 22 guests
Dates: November 7-17, 2009
Price per person: $13,885 double occupancy, $2,840 single supplement.
Airfare Economy Class: $690 Delhi-Agra / Agra-Jaipur / Jaipur-Jodhpur
Optional Post-Trip Extension Private Air Safari to Corbett National Park:
Price per person, $4,490 double occupancy; $1,300 single supplement
Cost Includes: all accommodations, meals (as indicated as B,L,D in itinerary); drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at most group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law. All laundry, where available, at two night stays or more, excluding the tented camps; all activities, tours and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks expedition leader; professional naturalists in each safari camp, and local tour guides; all gratuities; airport departure taxes in India; porterage of one soft-sided checked bag weighing no more than 30 lbs.; International Travel Insurance Medical Plan including medical evacuation insurance; trip bag and amenity kit.
Cost Does Not Include: International airfare; domestic India airfare; personal expenses such as mini bar and room service charges; drinks at Amarvilas; souvenirs and telephone/fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance, passport, visa and inoculation fees; extra tours, meals and activities not indicated in the itinerary.
Physical Requirements: You must be in good health and prepared for travel in places without medical facilities, be mobile, and able to climb into and out of aircraft and safari vehicles. You should be capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace and over rough terrain; be able to negotiate uneven steps without handrails; and be able to withstand hard riding four-wheel-drive vehicles on dirt roads or rough, bumpy ground. While India has a somewhat mild climate, weather can get hot and cold with average temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, you will most enjoy the opportunities these expeditions have to offer if you are willing to dispense with a few Western amenities and travel with flexibility and a spirit of adventure.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Deposit and Final Payment: A 20% deposit per person, is due upon confirming your reservation. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check or credit card.
Dates, schedules, program details and costs, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in April 2008, are subject to change.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.