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ROYAL SPLENDOR |
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| Day 13 Udaipur - Mumbai
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After breakfast you will be met and transferred
to the airport, in time to board your flight to
Mumbai.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to
your hotel.
Mumbai,
until recently known as Bombay , derives its name
from the local deity Mumba Devi,
whose temple still exists. The name Bombay is
also believed to have come from the Portuguese
who preferred to think of the name as ‘Bom
Baim’ - the Good Bay . It is said that the
Portuguese presented Mumbai to King Charles II
of England as part of the dowry of Catherine of
Braganza. The British East India Company then
leased it from the Crown, and developed the small
fishing villages and natural harbors into Bombay
, the subcontinent’s busiest port and the
region’s centre for trade, finance and industry.
In the afternoon, you will be taken for a city
tour of Mumbai, visiting The Gateway of
India - built to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911;
The Prince of Wales Museum -
opened in 1923 and built to commemorate King George's
V visit; The Jehangir Art Gallery - which
displays paintings of modern Indian artists. Drive
past the Flora Fountain (Mumbai’s
nerve centre); the ever bustling Crawford
Market and along Marine Drive
, also called the ‘Queen’s Necklace’.
Your tour concludes at ‘Dhobi Ghats’
- the open air laundries where you will see row
upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with
its own flogging stone. Almost two hundred ‘dhobis’
(washer men) and their families work together
in what has always been a hereditary occupation.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Mumbai. |
| Day 12 Udaipur ::
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After a sumptuous breakfast enjoy a half-day sightseeing
tour of Udaipur.
Visit the City
Palace built in 1725
AD. A majestic architectural marvel towering over
the lake Pichola ,
the palace is a conglomeration of courtyards,
pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging
gardens. The main entrance is through a triple
arched gate where it is said that the Maharana
was once weighed and the equivalent amount in
gold distributed among the populace. The City
Palace Museum has a stunning collection
of objects collected by different Maharanas of
Udaipur over the centuries. You will also visit
Jagdish
Temple - a fine Indo-Aryan temple built
by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD, which enshrines
a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as
Jagannath, lord of the Universe.
Rest of the day is at leisure. You also have an
option to enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola
(at an additional cost, subject to water levels
at the Lake ).
Overnight stay at your hotel in Udaipur.
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| Day 11 Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur :: |
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In the morning drive from Jaisalmer
to Jodhpur (305 kms/6 hours),
en-route visiting the temples of Ranakpur.
L ocated 60 kilometers north of Udaipur ,
Ranakpur houses one the largest
and most important Jain temples of India . Tucked
away in a remote valley of the Aravalli hill
ranges, the main temple is the Chaumukha
Temple ( four-faced
temple, dedicated to Adinath.
Built in 1439 this huge superbly crafted and
well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported
by 1444 pillars, of which, no two are alike.
Arrive in Udaipur
and check-in at your hotel.
Udaipur
is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and
experiences. Founded in 1559 AD and named after
Maharana Udai Singh, the lake oriented city
has inspired poets, painters and writers. Udaipur
later became the capital of the Sisodia
dynasty whose earlier capital was Chittor
and according to legend, the Maharana while
on hunting, met a holy man meditating on a hill
overlooking the Lake Pichola . The hermit blessed
the Maharana and told him to build a palace
at that very spot, as it would be well protected.
The Maharana followed the holy man’s advice
and thus city of Udaipur came into being.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Udaipur. |
| Day 10 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
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In the morning drive from Jaisalmer
to Jodhpur (295 kms/5.5 hours).
On your arrival in Jodhpur ,
check-in at your hotel.
Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD,
amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of
Thar Desert . It largely prospered due to its
proximity to the silk route of the 16th century
and was host to many travelers. The landscape
is dominated by the massive Meherangarh
Fort and is surrounded by a 10 kilometer
long wall with eight gates serving as entrances.
The Maruthal (land of death) came into life when
the Rathor’s of Kanauj
moved in. As a testimony to the genius of its
sculptors and imperial grandeur, Jodhpur is dotted
with exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis.
One can easily get allured to the traditional
lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who
treasure this former princely state.
In the Afternoon you will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Jodhpur . Visit the Meherangarh
Fort - situated on a 125 meter high hill,
one of the most impressive and formidable structures
in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent
palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed
windows or ‘ Jharokas’ with evocative
names followed by a visit to the Jaswant
Thada - the 19th century royal
cenotaph, built in white marble in 1899
AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. You
will see rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur
displayed here. Finally visit the old city where
the clock tower is a prominent
landmark, but main attraction is the Sadar Market
which has kept alive the old haat bazaar
(flea market)culture.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jodhpur
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| Day 9 Jaisalmer ::
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After breakfast, the morning is at leisure.
In the afternoon, you will be taken for a half-day
tour to the dunes of Sam, a closest
point to witness the total sandy desert. Sam (pronounced
'sum') has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping
dunes, with little or no vegetation. While at
the dunes, you will enjoy a camel ride
on the dunes at the backdrop of magnificent sunset
in the vast desert.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaisalmer
(you can also choose an option of staying at the
tented camps in the desert at a little extra cost)
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| Day 8 Bikaner - Jaisalmer
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This morning after a sumptuous breakfast, drive
from Bikaner to Jaisalmer
(333 kms/5.5 hours).
Arrive in Jaisalmer and check-in
at your hotel.
Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert
, Jaisalmer offers the visitor an enchanting world
of fable, colour, and history. Founded in the
12th century as a staging post for camel trains
traveling between India and Central Asia , Jaisalmer
is a golden sandstone city with crenellated city
walls, a magnificent fortress and a number of
exquisitely carved stone and wooden havelis. The
opulence of the wood and stone carved mansions
display the love and interest Rajputs had for
the fine arts.
Afternoon you will be taken for a half day sightseeing
tour visiting Jaisalmer Fort - the
magnificent desert fortress is second oldest fort
in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and has an enchanting
cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely
havelis; appears straight out of an Arabian fairy
tale. The design is more reminiscent of medieval
Afghanistan than 20 th century India . Seen at
sunset from afar, it glows with the luminescence
of a mirage. You will visit the three beautifully
sculptured Jain
Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and
five interconnected palaces besides Patwon
ki Haveli - the grandest Haveli (mansion)
of Jaisalmer; and Gadi Sagar - which
once held the town’s water supply and is
surrounded by small temples and shrines.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaisalmer.
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| Day 7 Bagar - Bikaner ::
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After breakfast, drive from Bagar
to Bikaner
(185 kms/4.5 hours)
Arrive in Bikaner and check-in
at your hotel.
This royal walled city was founded in 1486 AD
by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji,
the source of it’s present name. It is said
that his father Rao Jodhaji,
asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own.
The challenge was accepted and Bikaji chose the
‘Jangaldesh’ (the wild countryside)
as his territory and thus came into existance
the city of Bikaner.
In the afternoon you will be taken for sightseeing
tour of Bikaner . Visit the Junagarh Fort
- built by Rai Singh between 1588 and
1593 AD. The fort has 986 meter long wall with
37 bastions and is one of the most imposing forts
of northern India which largely remained unconquered.
Also visit the Camel Research and Breeding
Farm where you can take a camel ride
or enjoy a cup of camel's milk.
If time permits, a visit to Deshnok
Temple can also be undertaken, famous
for its deity Karni Mata besides
the holy rodents who are revered as Kabas.
It is believed that one of the younger children
of the Goddess drowned to death. The deity then
ordered the God of death Yama
to bring him back to life. This was not possible
for Yama, but Karni Mata as the incarnate of Godess
Durga could do so herself. So she brought him
back to life as a rodent and ordered that no member
of the family would die but be reborn as Kaba.
It is considered highly fortunate if a Kaba runs
over your feet. With so many of them around it
is highly likely that you will be blessed.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Bikaner
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| Day 6 Jaipur - Bagar (Shekhawati)
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This morning after breakfast, drive from Jaipur
to Bagar situated in the Shekhawati
region (165 kms/4 hours).
On arrival in Bagar, check-in
at The Piramal Haveli
Shekhawati region
is referred as the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan
because of its painted frescoes and ‘
havelis’ (old mansions), most of which
date back to the 18th century. The region came
into prominence in the 14th century when a number
of Muslim clans moved into the area and the
towns of this region developed into important
trading posts on the caravan routes emanating
from the ports of Gujarat.
Later in the afternoon you will visit the ‘havelis’
in this friendly town and nearby villages.
Overnight stay at The Piramal Haveli,Bagar
- one such mansion, now converted into
a hotel. |
| Day 5 Jaipur ::
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After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Amber
Fort - a classic Rajasthani Palace located
on the hillock, with huge ramparts and watchtowers.
You will ride the Jeeps on ascend to the fort.
Amber was the seat of power before the city of
Jaipur came into existance in its surroundings.
You will visit the Marble
Palace , Temple
of Victory , Hall
of Mirrors, all of which are excellent
examples of ancient Rajput architecture.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a half day tour
of the city including visit to the City
Palace - the former Royal Residence,
part of which is now converted into a Museum;
Hawa Mahal - The Palace of the Winds,
a five storey building with semi octagonal and
delicately honey combed sandstone windows. Built
to allow the queens and the palace maids to watch
the royal processions passing through the roads
without being seen; and finally visit the Jantar
Mantar - built in the 18th century,
one of the largest stone and marble crafted astronomical
observatory in the world. Located near the gate
of the City Palace , the observatory has 17 large
instruments including an accurate 90 feet Sundial.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.
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| Day 4 Agra - Fatehpur Sikri
- Jaipur :: |
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This morning drive from Agra
to Jaipur (221 kms/5.5 hours)
en-route visiting the deserted township of
Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri was
built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 AD, and was the
old capital of the Mughal rulers. After 15 years
of it’s existance the citadel was abandoned
due to acute scarcity of water. This graceful
fortress with tall entrance houses buildings
including the Jama Masjid,
Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal
and other palaces, which are still preserved
in their original glory. Much of the credit
for the building’s excellent condition
goes to Lord Curzon.
On arrival in Jaipur, check-in at your hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur. |
| Day 3 Delhi - Agra::
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Early in the morning drive from Delhi
to Agra (203 kms/4.5 hours).
On arrival in Agra , check-in at your hotel.
Later in the day visit the Red Fort -
situated on the banks of river Yamuna.
This crescent-like fort was designed and built
by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD and is surrounded
by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful
Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces
including the Jahangiri Mahal,Khas
Mahal, Diwan-e-khas,
Diwan-e-aam, Machihi
Bhawan and Moti Masjid.
The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double-cemented
wall of red sand stone. Next, proceed to the world
famous - Taj Mahal built by Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan in 1560 AD in memory of his
beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal
remains after she died while giving birth to his
14 th child. This architectural marvel, which
took 17 years to complete, is a perfectly proportioned
masterpiece fashioned from raw white marble which
stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen
brought from Persia , Turkey , France and Italy
(this monument is closed on Fridays)
Overnight stay at your hotel in Agra
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| Day 2 Delhi:: |
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The
morning starts with a sumptuous breakfast after
which you will be taken for a tour of Old
Delhi .
Visit the old city of Shahjahanabad
where you will see the imposing Red Fort
- one of the most magnificent palaces in the world;
Jama Masjid - the largest mosque
in India is a stunning example of Mughal architecture.
Take a Rickshaw ride amidst the
traffic chaos, sounds and smells at famous Chandni
Chowk, which overflows with people from
all walks of life. Conclude the tour at the Memorial
of Mahatma Gandhi (father of the nation)
at Raj Ghat, situated on the
banks of the legendary Yamuna River , where his
mortal remains were laid to rest.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Delhi. |
| Day 1 U.K –
Delhi:: |
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Departure
from London . You will be met on arrival in Delhi
and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon, you will be taken for a tour of
New Delhi . In 1911, the British
asked Lutyens to re-design the city, resulting
in the creation of New Delhi with architectural
designs, sophistication of the buildings and wide
tree lined avenues that are reminiscent of many
European cities. You will visit Connaught
Place - the hub of the
city laid out as a traffic circle of architecturally
uniform buildings, mainly devoted to commercial
activities, shops and restaurants. Drive to The
Rajpath flanked by ornamental ponds and
lawns, with India Gate (war memorial)
at one end and Rashtrapati Bhawan
- the Presidents House at the other. This part
of the city most clearly reflects Lutyens European
influence. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb,
believed to have been designed by his widow upon
the Mughal emperor’s death shortly after
he re-conquered Delhi in 1555 AD. This tomb later
inspired Taj Mahal and many other Mughal buildings.
Also drive past the impressive Presidents
House and the Parliament House
- the seat of the Government concluding
the tour at towering Qutub Minar.
Built In 1199 AD either as a victory tower or
as a minaret to the adjacent mosque, it stands
tall at 72.5 meters. It is still the highest,
and the finest stone tower in India .
Overnight stay at your hotel in Delhi. |
| PRICE:: |
X |
Royal
Splendor (14 nights/15
days)
|
Delhi–Agra-Jaipur–Bagar–Bikaner–Jaisalmer–Jodhpur–Udaipur
-Mumbai |
Tour
Price |
| |
3
Star |
4 Star |
5
Star |
| 01 Oct – 31 Oct 06 |
GBP £ 1029 |
GBP £ 1239 |
GBP £ 1149 |
| 01 Nov– 30 Nov 06 |
GBP £ 1029 |
GBP £ 1239 |
GBP £ 1479 |
Accommodation
Details |
| Delhi |
Qutub Residency |
The Connaught |
The Park |
| Agra |
Howard Park Plaza |
Holiday Inn |
Jaypee Palace |
| Jaipur |
Alsisar Haveli |
Mansingh Tower |
Le Meridien |
| Bagar |
Lalgarh Palace |
Piramal Haveli |
Piramal Haveli |
| Bikaner |
Lalgarh Palace |
Karni Bhawan Palace |
Laxmi Niwas Palace |
| Jaisalmer |
Gorbandh Palace |
Rawalkot |
Fort Rajwada |
| Jodhpur |
Park Plaza |
Fort Ummed |
Taj Hari Mahal |
| Udaipur |
Shikarbadi |
Trident |
Fateh Prakash Palace |
| Mumbai |
Heritage |
Fariyas |
Taj President |
Price
Includes
- All prices are per person.
- International Flights and All Taxes.
- Domestic Flight from Udaipur - Mumbai.
- Featured hotels, on twin sharing room
with daily breakfast using base category
of rooms.
- All surface transfers, sightseeing
and excursions by an exclusive air-conditioned
car as per the itinerary.
- English speaking local guides and
monument fees for sightseeing as per
itinerary.
- Camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer.
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TOUR
PRICES |
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Day
1 London - Delhi
Depart from London. You will be met on arrival in Delhi
and
transferred to your hotel.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Delhi.
(More
Info…)
Day 2 Delhi
The morning starts with a sumptuous breakfast after which
you will be taken for a tour of Old Delhi.
Rest of the day is
at leisure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Delhi.
(More
Info…)
Day 3 Delhi - Agra
Early in the morning drive from Delhi
to Agra (203 kms/4.5 hours).
On arrival in Agra , check-in at your hotel. Later in
the day visit
the Red Fort and Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Agra
.
(More
Info…)
Day 4 Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
This morning drive from Agra to Jaipur
(221 kms/5.5 hours)
en-route visiting the deserted township of Fatehpur
Sikri.
On arrival in Jaipur, check-in at your hotel.
Rest of the day
is at leisure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.
(More
Info…)
Day 5 Jaipur
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Amber
Fort - a classic
Rajasthani Palace located on the hillock. Later in the
afternoon,
enjoy a half day tour of the city including visit to the
City Palace
.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.
(More
Info…)
Day 6 Jaipur - Bagar (Shekhawati)
This morning after breakfast, drive from Jaipur
to Bagar
situated in the Shekhawati region (165 kms/4
hours). On
arrival in Bagar, check-in at The Piramal
Haveli. Later in
the afternoon you will visit the ‘havelis’
in this friendly
town and nearby villages.
Overnight stay at The Piramal Haveli,Bagar
- one such
mansion, now converted into a hotel.
(More
Info…)
Day 7
Bagar - Bikaner
After breakfast, drive from Bagar to
Bikaner (185 kms/4.5
hours)
Arrive in Bikaner and check-in at your
hotel. Later in the
afternoon proceed for city tour.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Bikaner.
(More
Info…)
Day 8 Bikaner - Jaisalmer
This morning after a sumptuous breakfast, drive from
Bikaner to Jaisalmer
(333 kms/5.5 hours). Arrive in
Jaisalmer and check-in at your hotel.
Afternoon you will be
taken for a half day sightseeing tour visiting Jaisalmer
Fort.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaisalmer.
(More
Info…)
Day 9 Jaisalmer
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. In
the afternoon,
you will be taken for a half-day tour to the dunes
of Sam,
a closest point to witness the total sandy desert.
Enjoy a
camel ride on the dunes at the backdrop
of magnificent
sunset in the vast desert.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaisalmer
(you can also
choose an option of staying at the tented camps in the
desert at a little extra cost)
(More
Info…)
Day 10
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
In the morning drive from Jaisalmer to
Jodhpur
(295 kms/5.5 hours). On your arrival in
Jodhpur, check-in
at your hotel. In the Afternoon you will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Jodhpur.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Jodhpur.
(More
Info…)
Day 11 Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
In the morning drive from Jaisalmer to
Jodhpur
(305 kms/6 hours), en-route visiting the temples
of Ranakpur.
Arrive in Udaipur
and check-in at your hotel.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Udaipur .
(More
Info…)
Day 12 Udaipur
After a sumptuous breakfast enjoy a half-day sightseeing
tour of Udaipur. Rest
of the day is at leisure. You also have
an option to enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola (at an
additional cost, subject to water levels at the Lake ).
Overnight stay at your hotel in Udaipur .
(More
Info…)
Day 13 Udaipur - Mumbai (flight)
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the
airport,
in time to board your flight to Mumbai.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will be taken for a city tour of
Mumbai.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Mumbai.
(More
Info…)
Day 14 Mumbai
After breakfast, this day is at leisure to enjoy
leisure walks in the surroundings or choose an excursion
to Elephanta Caves by
motorized boat (at an extra cost).
Overnight stay at your hotel in Mumbai.
Day 15 Mumbai - Onwards Destination
Early in the morning, you will be met and transferred
to
international airport, in time to board flight for onward
destination. The tour ends with memories to cherish. |
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