Forts And Palaces Of India

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  Arrive Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred by our representative to the hotel. New Delhi, the capital city of India, is an unusual blend of Eastern and Western influences. The older part of the city, Old Delhi, is a medieval world of imperial Mughal forts, soaring mosques and bazaars. While New Delhi, with its broad avenues, stately homes and landscaped gardens, has more than a bit of British character to it. Together, these two cities fused into one have played a pivotal role in India's history in the last millennium. Overnight at the Claridges hotel in Delhi.

• Day 2: In Delhi

  In the morning start with a combined city tour of Old & New Delhi which includes following places of interest Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), Raj Ghat, Birla Mandir, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), Humayun Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight at the Claridges hotel in Delhi.

• Day 3: Delhi - Agra

  You will travel by road (220 km/4 hours) to Agra. Agra - Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, is home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries and its superb monuments date from this era. On arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Agra visiting the following places of interest : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort. Overnight at the ITC Mughal hotel in Agra.

• Day 4: Agra - Samode

  You will travel by road ( 250 km / 5 hours) to Samode en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 km outside Agra. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue drive to Samode and check-in at the Samode Palace. Samode Palace - Built in stages starting 400 years ago, the Palace was converted into a Heritage hotel by the Samode family, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. Nestled picturesquely amidst rugged hills, Samode Palace is now considered one of India's most charming Palace hotels. It offers a quiet elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Each room is exclusive and reflects an old world charm. The interior features a magnificent hand painted Darbar Hall and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal. Facilities here include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and a bar. The Samode Palace also offers facilities for Camel and horse riding. Overnight at the Samode Palace in Samode.

• Day 5: Samode - Jaipur

  You will travel by road (42 km / 1 hour) to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City" because of the pink - colored buildings in its old city. It is situated on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was careful to cultivate good favour with the ruling Mughals, he laid out the city with rectangular blocks according to ancient Hindu architecture. It is a wonderful city for shopping. On arrival in Jaipur, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.

• Day 6: In Jaipur

  Today you will proceed for full day city tour of Jaipur visiting the following places of interest : Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Amber Fort - the climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked elephants. Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.

• Day 7: Jaipur - Mandawa

  You will travel by road (168 km / 3 hours) to Mandawa. On arrival in Mandawa check in at the Castle Mandawa. Castle Mandawa - Set in the heart of the Shekhawati region(often called the largest open air art gallery in the world) of Rajasthan. Castle Mandawa is an ideal base to discover the legacy of 18th Century frescoes that adorn the Havelis of this storybook town. With canopied balconies and turreted battlements, the Castle Mandawa offers modern comforts with an old world charm. The highlight of your stay is a royal repast where guests dine under the stars entertained by a Rajasthani fire dancer. A two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality. From Castle Mandawa you can take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. You can also get a unique insight to life in the desert by visiting nearby villages on a camel safari. Overnight at the Castle Mandawa in Mandawa.

• Day 8: Mandawa - Bikaner

  You will travel by road (190 km / 3 ½ hours) to Bikaner. Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika, second son of the founder of Jodhpur. The city figured importantly on the great caravan trade routes. A long city wall encircles the old city while all important buildings, including the fort and the palaces are outside the city walls. The Ganga Canal, built between 1925 and 1927, brought prosperity to this otherwise arid desert region. On arrival in Bikaner check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed for half day city tour of Bikaner visiting the following places of interest: Junagarh Fort & Museum, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Camel Breeding Farm. Overnight at the Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bikaner.

• Day 9: Bikaner- Jaisalmer

  You will travel by road (330 km / 7 hours) to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer -- The golden city of Thar Desert was founded in 1156 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal, the head of Bhati clan of Rajputs. This citadel town blossoms with intricately carved Havelis & Temples. Placid cows chew cud as life continues at its own pace in this medieval fortified wonder of the Great Indian Desert. This town with population of 40,000 is definitely a city to go on a walking tour & will transport you back in time. This town was declared a national heritage city in 1974 & it is our endeavor to preserve & protect it for your pleasure. The environs of Jaisalmer are home to many endangered desert flora & fauna. The great Indian bustard is our prized resident. "Aakal" Fossil Park is testimony of the antiquity of this region. On arrival in Jaisalmer check in at the hotel. Overnight at the Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer.

• Day 10: In Jaisalmer

  In the morning proceed for city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the following places of interest, Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples, Laxminath Temple, Havelis, Gadi Sagar Tank. At sunset pay a visit to the Sam Sand Dunes including short Camel ride. Overnight at the Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer.

• Day 11: Jaisalmer - Khimsar

  You will travel by road (302 km / 6 ½ hours) to Khimsar. Khimsar - Away from the hustle and bustle of polluted, cramped cities, the time spent at Khimsar is sure to relax you and give a feel of the irresistible charm of rural India. It is one of the best introductions to the real hinterland of India and an opportunity to enjoy the best of true Rajput hospitality of the friendly royal family and the staff. The Khimsar Fort, is often regarded as one of the favourites among the many forts and palace of India. On arrival in Khimsar, check in at Hotel Khimsar Fort for overnight stay.

• Day 12: Khimsar - Jodhpur - Khimsar

  In the morning you will proceed for an excursion tour of Jodhpur (90 km / 1 ½ hours). Jodhpur is known as the 'blue city' because of its blue houses. The bustling desert city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is distinguished by a massive fort that tops a sheer rocky ridge rising in the middle of the town. The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall, built about a century after Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of a Rajput clan known as Rathores, Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom and was called Marwar. You will visit the following places of interest : Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada. An interesting walk around the colourful Sadar market and the Clock Tower is the best way of exploring the heart of the city. Return to Khimsar (90 km / 1 ½ hours) for overnight stay. Overnight at the Khimsar Fort in Khimsar.

• Day 13: Khimsar - Udaipur

  You will travel by road (350 km / 8 hours) to Udaipur. Udaipur - Royal Capital of a divine dynasty, languid lake city or 'city of sunrise', Udaipur, was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a descendant of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus - laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain - it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichola, add to the magic of Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur.

• Day 14: In Udaipur

  Today you will proceed for the city tour of Udaipur visiting the following places of interest City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari. In the evening enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur.

• Day 15: Udaipur - Mumbai

  You will be transferred to airport for your flight to Mumbai, the last stop of your forts and palaces tour. Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, the commercial capital of India. Known as the "city that never sleeps", Mumbai is a potpourri of cultures, customs and lifestyles. This is a city that thrives on commerce at every level during the day and lets its hair down unabashedly at night. Mumbai is also home to the largest film industry in the country. The city is dotted with a multitude of Victorian and Indian architectural landmarks that add to its charm. On arrival you will be met and transferred by our representative to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mumbai visiting the following places of interest The Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, Gateway of India , Marine Drive, Flora Fountain , Malabar Hill. Overnight in Mumbai.

• Day 16: Depart Mumbai

  Day at leisure in Mumbai until transfer to the Mumbai International airport in time to connect flight for onward destination (standard check out time from the hotel is 1200 hrs noon).

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