India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
On arrival in Delhi: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you. Amongst them will be Travel Counsellors Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.
You will be transferred to your hotel and assisted with check in. (Standard check in time at hotel is 1400 hrs).
Rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: The Claridges
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, beginning with a heritage walk through Old Delhi followed by a visit through the UNESCO world heritage sites in New Delhi
Heritage Walk
This ancient history and influx of people from all over the world has given Delhi a culture and heritage matched by only a handful of places. Delhi is one of very few places where the ancient and modern co-exist side by side complementing each other perfectly. Our heritage walks of Delhi are a perfect way of exploring this amalgam of old traditions, modern development and the unique heritage which makes it so interesting. These heritage walks are a perfect way to explore some of the lesser visited places and gain a new insight about the history, people and sights of Delhi city.
Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Qutub Minar
Standing tall at 73-metres, the tower consists of 5 storeys with a flight of spiral stairs leading to its top. The walls are adorned with decorative motifs and Quranic inscriptions. At the foot of the tower lie other monuments of historical significance, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The Amazing race Australia used this site as a pitstop in the second series. Visitors can take advantage of stunning photo opportunities.
Humayun’s Tomb
The mausoleum complex of Humayun, India’s second Mughal Emperor, was commissioned by his widow in 1565 and was the first garden tomb to be built in India, taking seven years to complete. Humayun had travelled widely in Persia and Central Asia during his lifetime, and many of the architectural principles he brought back from these journeys were incorporated into the building at his wife’s instructions. With its double domes, decorative inlaid marble and vast garden with pools connected by channels, this 16th Century building set the stage for the style that culminated in the Taj Mahal almost 100 years later.
Day 03: Delhi – Churu
Breakfast at the hotel and later leave for Churu (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival in Churu, you will be transferred to Malji Ka Kamra.
Overnight: Malji Ka Kamra
Day 04: In Churu
After breakfast enjoy a Heritage walking tour.
Go back centuries and dream about camels, caravans, traders and their lifestyles in the desert. Go back to the British colonial times and think of banking channels, moneylenders, and baniyas. Or think of contemporary India and its family has driven business empires, enterprise and the quintessential, thrifty Marwari Seths in all corners of India – the Marwari community is at the heart of it. Churu is a 450-year-old town and is a homeland to Marwaris – India’s most successful business community since the time of Mughals. This guided tour offers the opportunity to explore town’s old quarter: majestic havelis, beautiful fresco paintings, knowing untold stories and people behind this entire legacy… Immerse yourself in immaculate works of art all around you. Get transported to another era in the treasure trove of havelis’ fading, crumbling glory in the maze of streets of this secret town.
Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 05: Churu – Jaipur
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur [approx.. 04 Hrs].
On arrival in Jaipur, check in to hotel.
Overnight: Alsisar Haveli Heritage Hotel
Day 06: In Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for a full day tour of Jaipur, visiting Amer Fort, City Palace and Astronomical Observatory Take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds.
Amer Fort
Amer Fort, officially known as the ‘Amer Palace’, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan attracting around 4000 to 5000 visitors a day during peak tourist season. The palace was named after the small town of Amer, where it is situated – only eleven kilometres from Jaipur. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.
Photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
One of Jaipur’s most recognised buildings, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is known for its iconic façade. Small windows, decorated with intricate latticework create a honeycomb-like appearance. The original intention of the lattice was to allow the royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. The cooling effect, provided by the breeze passing through the small windows, gave the palace its name. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the unique construction was originally designed to look like the crown of Krishna. A panoramic view of Jaipur can be had from the top of the building.
Jaipur City Palace
City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.
Jantar Mantar
Built by Jai Singh, the first Maharaja of Jaipur who founded the city in 1727, the observatory is one of a handful. Jai Singh, fulfilling a lifelong interest in mathematics and astronomy, built observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Benares. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these.
Day 07: Jaipur – Shahpura
After breakfast, you will be driven to Shahpura Bagh [approx.. 04 Hrs].
On arrival in Shahpura, check in to hotel.
Overnight: Shahpura Bagh.
Day 08: In Shahpura
Breakfast at hotel.
Enjoy activities/ tour offered at this unique home.
A trip into Shahpura reveals the town’s rich multi-cultural vibrancy and its fascinating arts and crafts tradition. Visit the organic farm, a local school, the village and the fort are some of the activities one can do here.
Day 09: Shahpura – Barli
Barli
The small rural village of Barli is conveniently set halfway between Jaipur and Jodhpur. The village boasts narrow winding streets lined with colourful market stalls. The surrounding landscape is characterised by verdant rolling hills peppered with sacred temples, ancient ruins, and an impressive fort. The undoubtable highlight of the village is Fort Barli, a beautifully restored and converted fort featuring eight elegant rooms. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic everyday life in this small Indian village, visit the nearby Lake Dev Sagar for excellent hiking and bird watching opportunities, and browse the locally-made handicrafts including jewellery, pottery, and woven carpets.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Barli [approx.. 02 Hrs].
On arrival in Barli, check in to hotel.
Afternoon explore the village and inter-act with the locals.
Overnight: Fort Barli
Day 10: Barli – Jodhpur
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jodhpur [approx.. 05 Hrs].
On arrival in Jodhpur, check in to hotel.
Overnight: Ajit Bhawan
Day 11: Jodhpur
After breakfast, explore the “Blue city” of Jodhpur visiting the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada – the royal cenotaphs and the interesting markets around the Clock-Tower.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort rises four hundred feet above the skyline of Jodhpur from its rock precipice on Bhaurcheeria hill. The foundation of Mehrangarh Fort was laid on May 12, 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler who wanted to shift the capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. In all its history, Mehrangarh Fort has never been taken in a siege. Mammoth and imposing from the outside, the interiors of the fort are light and detailed in contrast. Several palaces can be found inside the complex, boasting intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada, popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’, this architectural landmark was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State, in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. Built from intricately carved marble sheets and boasting some beautiful carved marble lattice work, the impeccable design and architecture is symbolic of the fine craftsmanship of a bygone era. Beautiful sculptures, carved gazebos and frescos characterise the cenotaph, with the tiered garden offering superb views across to the fort and over the city.
Day 12: Jodhpur – Chanoud Garh
After breakfast, you will be driven to Chanoud Garh [approx.. 03 Hrs].
On arrival in Chanoud, check in to hotel.
Afternoon enjoy the walk around the Fort to explore.
Overnight: Chanoud Garh
Day 13: In Chanoud Garh
This day will be at leisure OR take part the visits / other experiences offered at Chanoud Garh.
Other experiences are as follows
Royal Culinary Experience
Village Safari with school visit
Visit to local wilderness areas.
Day 14: Chanoud Garh – Jojawar
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jojawar [approx.. 03 Hrs].
On arrival in Jojawar, check in to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Optional : jeep safari through the village
It is said that the real India is its rural areas, the country around Jojawar boasts of very interesting landscapes, with the picturesque Aravalli Hills in the east, and broken rocky hills interspersed with farms and scrub forests all around. The Pre- Cambrian Aravalli Hills are one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, and a geologist’s paradise. The camel herding Rabaris are an ethnic group only to be found around Jojawar. All this makes our Jeep Safaris the most popular excursion.
Overnight: Rawla Jojawar
Day 15: Jojawar – Udaipur
After breakfast, enjoy a rural train ride
It’s an amazing one and a half hours spent on a meter gauge train which is the lifeline of locals here.The journey starts from Kamblighat. The ride ends at Phulad. This is also the highest track on the Western Railways.
The entire excursion is escorted by one of the hotels staff guides.
The complex rests on a lush mountain slope and encompasses a series of temples dating to the 15th century, all constructed from white marble and featuring exquisite decorative detail. The main temple, Chamukha, is a multi-tiered structure with no less than 80 domes and over 1400 pillars, all of which are intricately carved with unique designs – no two are alike.
Note : Leather items like Belts, purses or wallets etc. are not allowed inside Ranakpur Temple complex. Also local guides are not available in the temple, Only Audio guide will be provided.
Upon arrival in Udaipur, check in at the hotel.
Overnight: Amet Haveli
Day 16: In Udaipur
After breakfast enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Saheliyon ki bari, Jagdish temple and in the evening enjoy a Shared Boat Ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water level)
Udaipur City Palace
Situated above Lake Pichola, Udaipur City Palace has housed many royals over four centuries who have each added their own unique preferences to the establishment. The palace is a one of a kind in Rajasthan. The Palace was constructed entirely out of marble and granite which makes it highly luxurious. The inside is even more so with its inlays of coloured glass, engravings, towers, and balconies.
Saheliyon ki Bari
Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a garden for women, Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens is a popular tourist destination. Along with a small museum, it has several attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, kiosks and a lotus pool.
Jagdish Temple
Completed in 1651, Jagdish Temple is situated just outside the royal palace. The temple can be seen as soon as visitors enter the city. Puja’s and prayer time are the best time to visit when melodious chants from devotees float through the small interior. Visitors should make a point of climbing the temple’s many steps which invite them on a journey of discovery of the rich and vibrant history of Udaipur.
Shared Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Rajasthan. Located in the heart of Udaipur, Pichola is the oldest and one of the largest lakes in all of Udaipur. In 1362 AD Pichola Lake was built by Banjara. Later, Maharana Udai Singh, affected by the charm of this lake and extended the lake when he founded the city of Udaipur and also built a dam made of stone that is in the Badipol region on the shore of the lake. Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides.
Day 17: Udaipur – Delhi
After breakfast, you will be assisted & transferred to Udaipur airport to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, you will be assisted & transferred to hotel for check in.
Overnight: Hotel Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Day 18: Depart Delhi
At an appropriate timing, you will be assisted and transferred to airport to board flight to back home.
