Royal Rajasthan

We welcome you in the capital city of India, for a journey across the fascinating history-markers of medieval north India. Wars were fought and rulers changed in Delhi but ordinary lives were lived in relative continuity. Glimpses of these can be seen even today as the character of the city underwent massive changes in the last decades. In the lands fabled to have seen seven cities, signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting an ever-fascinating panorama. We welcome you to its chaos and stability, into its steadfastness and its impatience and into a delightful rainbow of amalgamation, producing a world completely its own.

Overnight at the hotel.

Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre –British habitations and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India. However as we walk you through this city which has fascinated one and all for centuries, you will see that these demarcations are fluid with an intermixing of the old and new Delhi’s producing a supremely fascinating pulse to its city life.

After breakfast we visit old Delhi, the capital built by emperor Shahjahan. The narrow winding lanes best traversed by a cycle-rickshaw house some of the oldest inhabitants and also the oldest trading establishments of the city. Visit the historic Jama Masjid, drive past the Red Fort. On our way back contrast the swift architectural changes brought by the colonial rulers mirroring styles from across Europe and adapted to the Indian environment. Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and the secretariat buildings, the impressive Rajpath and the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate.

After lunch we will visit one of the oldest monuments of Delhi- next to the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in Mehrauli, standing tall with pride is the Qutub Minar. Learn about Delhi’s most curious antique here, the un-corroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD believed to be sitting on the head of a ferocious snake. But more interesting than the mythology is the metallurgical skills of the ironsmith who produced this puzzle cast in iron. 

Later in the evening catch flight to Udaipur.

Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing to a Maasai village followed by a morning game drive. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to millions of wild animals, including the fabled Big Five of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos as well as antelopes, gazelles and wildebeest among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and perhaps a siesta before setting off for an afternoon game drive, then returning to the lodge as the sun sets.

An optional early morning hot air balloon safari is available today. Pick-up is at about 04:30 hours and drop off is at about 10:00 hours. Flight time is approximately one hour and champagne breakfast and return transfers are included.

Overnight in Maasai Mara on a full board basis.

We drive through the hills of Rajasthan, now showing signs of renewed life towards Jodhpur. On the way lies the beautiful and majestic Jain temple of Ranakpur. Built completely in marble, it took a whole 65 years to complete the carvings that adorn the temple walls and pillars and ceilings. Admire the fine craftsmanship which produced these dreamy creations bursting with life. For a long time a local legend has persisted that no one can count the real number of pillars that hold up the temple. So don’t be surprised if someone challenges you to do just that.

Later we continue our drive to Jodhpur, lying at the very edge of the Thar dessert. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Amongst the many princely settlements of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. Countless tales of courage speak of a 500 year old history and a culture which take pride in its strength and valour. The Mehrangarh fort stands witness to many battles. Learn about the intensely captivating history as you wander through the city. In an area prone to droughts, the shades of blue give a sense of relief. Look down from the fort at the soothing colours in sight, shimmering like a lake, an oasis, stuff that make the dreams of a desert people.

After visiting Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph we will turn towards the local bazaar. Whether you try out your bargaining skills of bargaining or simply prefer the visual treat that men and women unfold in the bazaars with their exquisite craftsmanship, you will take back one of your most vivid memories of artful puppets of the region. In the afternoon we start our journey to the breath taking Pushkar.

After checking into Hotel we are free to explore, as the winds now cool, bring relief to the hot sands. The lights from the temples glistening in the lake waters transport us to a magical world.

Overnight at the hotel.

Spend morning walking through the narrow lanes of Pushkar village dotted with hundreds of temples before we start our journey to Jaipur.

In the evening we will ride the rickshaw in the lively and colorful bazaar of the ‘Pink City’.

Overnight at the hotel.

Compare the city of Old Delhi with the city of Jaipur, a city unique amongst its medieval contemporaries. The streets, palaces, temples, residences, shopping place are all in accordance to the ancient Hindu rules of Vastu Shastra. The pink wash was added in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert. Perched atop the hill looking down majestically is the Amber fort. We ride up into the palace astride elephants just like the Maharajas of yore. The plain and time worn exteriors belie the exquisite detail with which the interiors were crafted. Notice the gentle breeze which cools the interiors as it filters in through the jails, a special feature of building in Rajasthan. In the famed Sheesh Mahal look up and be prepared to feel a surge of color as the optical effect makes you a part of this royal past. Back in the city, we will drive past Hawa Mahal, where again notice the jails. The Maharaja’s City Palace, much of which has been converted into a museum covers almost one-seventh area of the city in a fortified unit. Here the Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Become one with the planetary bodies at Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world.

Jaipur is also an interesting place for those interested in jewellery, clothes, carpets and other handicrafts items. The city is a veritable paradise for those seeking souvenirs of the craftsmanship of Rajasthan.

Overnight at the hotel.

From the romance of the deserts we move towards the monument of a man’s love for his beloved, the city which treasures a lover’s dream. On our way we stop at Fatehpur sikri. In its imposing red sandstone structure lies the city envisioned by Emperor Akbar only to be abandoned a mere fourteen years later due to water scarcity. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

We get our first glimpse of the Taj in an early morning visit. Bathed in the morning sunlight is truly a labor of love, not only of the man who had it built but the over 20,000 men who labored for over 17 years. Look at the fine setting of stones into the marble, the craftsmanship that structured the towers, and the massive dome. Notice that the verses of the Quran appear engraved in the same size and the skill which went into it.

Learn the many stories, myths, and legends surrounding this structure, which for years stood deserted on the banks of the river surrounded by forests not too long ago.

We will visit the Agra fort, strolling through its various portions, built successively over generations. Visit the extravagant chamber where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. Ironically he was allowed the single pleasure of staring at the resting place of his beloved queen from a distance.

Take back a memory of the Taj, indulge yourself in the exquisite marble artifacts being produced by the artisans of Agra.

We then drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

We bid farewell to our guests in Delhi. As we journeyed through these romantic lands we hope that you fell in love just as much as we do with the beauty of our country.