India Forts & Palaces Tour

Day 01 Arrive Delhi - Sightseeing
Namaste! Welcome to India!
Arrive in India’s capital city early this morning, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel, where a room has been blocked for immediate occupancy.

Later this morning visit New Delhi, the modern city striving to move into the new era with the best of modern cities. We visit stop at the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. We are driven down the spectacular Rajpath passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and India gate. Visit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful temple we enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.

This afternoon your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. The great Red Fort, was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. We also visit the Raj Ghat-- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar.

This evening, a festive welcome dinner is held in your honor, with a presentation of Indian music and dance. Overnight is at the hotel. (B/D)

Day 02 Delhi / Agra
Drive to Agra this morning, stopping at Sikandra en route to visit the tomb of Akbar the Great, which shows an interesting fusion of Hindu and Mulsim art and architecture, reflecting the spirit of the emperor himself. Sikandra was the first Moghul building to use the four-minaret style made famous by the Taj Mahal.

In Agra, visit the Agra Fort, the huge red-sandstone construction built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and many noteworthy structures. Arrive at the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Maha, the monument made of white marble, is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunset. Overnight is at your hotel. (B)

Day 03 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After viewing the Taj by sunrise, visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The shortage of water at the site was one of the main reasons for it being deserted.

Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The city capital painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863. Interspersing the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings, the city has retained its glow since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built. Surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; with beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts, Jaipur simply exemplifies the lifestyles of an amazing people. Arrive Jaipur and check in at your hotel. (B)

Day 04 Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur City Tour
This morning's excursion will take us to Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caprisoned elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," Jaipur's central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without beeing seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah’s observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 05 Jaipur / Mandawa
This morning you will depart by road to Mandawa, often called the “open air art gallery of Rajasthan”. On arrival, check into THE CASTLE MANDAWA. Towering high above the town Mandawa, this rugged, handsome fort guides the tired and weary traveller to its portals. Mustachioed sword bearing guards stand at the immensely tall, spiked gate to welcome the travellers, Entering the gates, onto the sandy courtyard, you leave behind all traces of the present, becoming a part of a legend, a fantasy! War scarred turrets, lofty domes, heroic cannons that seem to look down at you, as silent retainers in green appear to whisk you away, the tails of their orange 'safas' flapping in the gentle breeze - mark your arrival to the fanciest destination in Shekhawati, Castle Mandawa. A two hundred and forty year old fortress that has been converted by the family into fine example of traditional hospitality. (B)

Day 07 Mandawa / Bikaner
Visit more enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region this morning. These ancient villages were built on ancient trading routes and the community used part of their profits to decorate their houses with beautiful paintings. Apart form the havelis, even temples, fortified residences, chattris (memorials) were embellished with frescoes painted by local artist. Themes of the paintings were generally sought from legends, religious epics, historical events, everyday life, floral decorations, inventions and western influences. They offer a fascinating insight in the skill and creative imagination of the artists.

Drive to Bikaner this afternoon. Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji, founded this desert town in the north of the state in 1488. Like many other Rajasthan cities it is surrounded by a high, battlemented wall and, like its smaller sister to the south, Jaisalmer, it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. The city has a superb large fort but it is also noted for the fine camels bred here. The Ganges Canal, built between 1925 and 1927, has irrigated a great area of previously arid land around Bikaner. Overnight is at the thotel. (B)

Day 08 Bikaner Sightseeing
We tour this city with its encircling seven km long wall, built in 18th-century. The fort and city palace, built of Bikaner’s same reddish-pink sandstone is within the city’s walls. Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar’s army. The palaces within the fort are at the southern side-- a picturesque ensemble of countryards, balconies, kiosks, towers and windows. Amongst the palaces of interest are: Chandra Mahal or Moon Palace with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels; Phool Mahal or Flower Palace featuring inset mirrors work; Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace decorated with glass and mirrors; the Karn Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Moghul Aurangzeb; Arup Mahal with its ornately lacquered red & gold walls and dazzling colored glass inlay panels set over the throne. The marble columns are covered with delicate paintwork, and the entire effect is simply breathtaking. An artist was commissioned to paint the fresco of rain clouds in Bada Mahal so the hildren of the royal household would not get frightened when a rare rainstorm came through. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 09 Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in awesome splendor elegantly decorated with local materials, colors and designs, ofers a breathtaking view of this ancient city. Overnight is at the hoel. (B)

Day 10 Jaisalmer Sightseeing
Tour this exotic and unusual city which time has left unchanged. The Fort with honey colored walls that rise and fall with the contours of the terrain and magnificent cenotaphs, was built in 1156, crowning Trikuta Hill. About a fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort walls. The houses are so splendidly carved that, elsewhere, they would have been declared national monuments, but here, people still reside in them amid the old city enclosed within its walls. We also find exquisitely carved temples and havelis built by the Jains, the influential financiers of the Rajput Kings. See Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade. Sam, 45 km away is known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. This afternoon we are treated to a unique experience. Ensconced on board our camel, the ship of the desert, we proceed majestically over the sand dunes, and observe with awe, as the setting sun bathes the distant Jaisalmer in a golden hue. Overnight is at your hotel. (B)

Day 12 Jaisalmer / Manvar
Drive to the enchanting Thar Desert oasis of Manvar, where you’ll enjoy a stay in a luxurious tented camp and experience a night in the desert. Tents include beds, ensuite facilities with hot and cold running water, and are decorated in vibrant Rajasthani colors and designs. Dine al fresco tonight under a canopy of stars, with entertainment including flod dancing and indigenous music. Overnight at the MANVAR DESERT CAMP. (B/L/D)

Day 13 Manvar / Jodhpur
Embark on an early-morning camel safari to witness the magnificent sunrise over the desert dunes. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage, surely a delight for any trigger-happy photographer or lover f nature. Later travel to Jodhpur - one of the most distinctive princely settlements in Rajasthan. This five hundred year old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs who were famous for their tales of daring. Located in the Thar desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions,and the many battles associated with the tumultuous history of the region. On arrival in Jodhpur, check in at your hotel.

Afternioon visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort, an impregnable fortress towering above a 10km wall with soaring archways leading into the center. Musician often serenade visitors, enhancing the atmosphere of this historical site. Rudyard Kipling describe as a mythical world of angels, fairies and giants. Inside the walls are several palaces including the Jaswant Thada, so constructed from thin marble that sunlight filters into its rooms. The museum displays an unsual collection of miniature paintings, glided palanquins and solid silver “howdah” presented by a Mughal emperor to the Maharaja. From the ramparts, we can see the city beyond; below is a sheer drop. (B)

Day 14 Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur this morning, stopping en route at Ranakpur. You will get a look at the Rajasthani countryside as you drive, travelling through scenic mountains. Set in a remote and peaceful valley, this is the site of the largest and most beautifully preserved Jain Temples in India. The main temple, dating back from 1439 is called the “Four-faced temple”. It is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which is similarly carved. The play of light and shade on the minutely carved figures leaves a tantalising effect. Continue to Udaipur, the “Venice of the East”.

Udaipur was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through eleven gates. Ruins of these ancient fortifications are still in evidence, and the more recent palaces can still be visited. Evening boat ride on lake Pichhola to enjoy the ambience of the world famous LAKE PALACE HOTEL, once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel seeming to float upon the waters of Lake Pichola. Sunset is an especially romantic hour, when, across the lake, City Palace glows with the golden tones of the ebbing day. (B)

Day 15 Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour the City Palace, the white and majestic royal palace standing on a hill, surrounded by crenellated walls and overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades; the main entrance leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilions, terraces corridors and hanging gardens-a harmonious profusion hard to describe. Visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, the “Gardens of the Maids” bring to mind the unique lifestyle of the ladies of court. Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art, displaying a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical Dinstruments and paintings. Watch a presentation of the world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition. Overnight is at the hotel. (B)

Day 16 Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay) / Onward Flight
A day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the ambience of this spectacular hotel. Perhaps explore the colorful locl market or do some last minute souvenir shopping. Later today, fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), and bid farewell to India to depart on your inernational flight. (B).