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Land Of Palaces

Land Of Palaces


Over the centuries India has been known for its architectural splendor, tremendous wealth, grandeur and majesty. In fact prior to Independence 40% of the subcontinent was ruled by royalty. In all there were 562 princely states ruled by maharajas and raos, walis and Nizams who were known for their outrageous wealth and whimsical fancies. Today, five decades later, much of India's royalty is determined to restore their lost glory and lifestyle and they are doing so by opening up their homes and palaces much to the delight of the new age traveler. Many royal palaces, forts, hunting lodges, retreats and havelis (mansions) are now being turned into heritage hotels and offer travelers an experience of royal living and the grandeur that comes with it.

Iterneries

Days 01 : Arrive - Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel Overnight in Delhi.

Days 02 : Delhi - Samode (Drive 264 / 5 ½ Hrs)
Leave by surface for Samode. Afternoon: Arrive Samode and check-in at the Hotel. Sightseeing of this small village is nestled among rugged hills about 50 kms. North of Jaipur . The Rawal of Samode owned this building. The highlight of the building is the exquisite Diwan-i.-khas, which is covered with original paintings and mirror work.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 03 : Samode - Nawalgarh - Bikaner
Leave by surface for Bikaner en-route visiting Nawalgarh town. The main building in this town is the fort founded in 1737 but today largely disfigured by modern accretions. It houses banks and some government offices. Havelis of interest include the Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, built in 1920's, the Aath Havelis, the Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, the Bhagton ki Haveli and Khandelwal Bhawan, late evening arrive Bikaner and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.


Days 04 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Morning : City sightseeing of Bikaner . The old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and, like Jaisalmer, it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. The old city is encircled by a 7 km. Long city wall with five entrance gates, constructed in the 18th century. Leave for Jaisalmer (approx 325 Kms. – 7 hrs) Arrive Jaisalmer and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 05 : Jaisalmer
Morning : Halfday city sightseeing tour Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you're likely to visit in India. This Fort was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisal and reinforced by subsequent rulers, the fort crowns the 80m-high Trikuta Hill. Continue your sightseeing tour visiting Patwon Ki Haveli this most elaborate and magnificient of all Jaisalmer Havelis stands in a narrow lane. Gadi Sagar - this tank south of the city walls was once the water supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrine around it. After that a small visit to the Chhtries (Cinotaphs). Afternoon free at leisure. Late afternoon : Visit to Sam Sand Dunes where you can also enjoy the Camel Ride (on direct payment). Evening witness Sunset at the Dunes. Late evening : return to your Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Days 06 : Jaisalmer/Manwar
Transfer by surface for Manwar. Check-in at the Hotel. Afternoon : Jeep Excursion to Tribal areas to visit Bishnoi Villages.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 07 : Manwar - Jodhpur
Leave by surface for Jodhpur. Check-in at the Hotel. Afternoon : City sightseeing of Jodhpur : Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10 kms (6miles) in length, with seven gates. Within the walls are royal palaces of old, with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visit to Fort, Palaces, Armory and Jaswant Thada.

Days 08 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Deogarh
Leave by surface for Deogarh via Ranakpur. The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 kms. North of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. It is tucket away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range and is certainly worth seeing. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or 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, no two alike. After sightseeing leave for Deogarh - a remote village of Rajasthan where you will be accommodated at Deogarh Castle. Overnight at the Fort.

Days 09 : Deogarh - Udaipur
Morning : Visit The atmospheric little town of Deogarh (pronounced 'Dev-gar') is 135 kms. north of Udaipur and has a wonderful castle that has been converted into a hotel. It makes an ideal stopover between Udaipur and Jodhpur and is a great place to catch up on some serious relaxation. Visit Anjaneshwar Mahadev, an extraordinary cave temple believed to be around 2000 years old.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 10 : Udaipur
Full day city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations. Morning : City sightseeing visiting Saheliyon ki Bari, or Garden of the maids of Honor is in the north of the city. This small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. City Place : The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. This Fort Palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city's founder. The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Late afternoon : Boat ride on Lake Pichola (optional). During boat ride you will also visit Jagmandir Island. It is said that the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 11 : Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur
Leave by surface for Jaipur en-route visiting Ajmer and Pushkar. Southwest of Jaipur is Ajmer, a burgeoning town on the shore of the Ana Sagar, flanked by barren hills. Ajmer is a major center for Muslim pilgrims during the fast of Ramadan, and has some impressive Muslim architecture. The Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi Saint, Khawaja Muin-ud-din Chisti. Ajmer is also famous for Pushkar, which is still a bewitching little town. It is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms. From Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain. Pushkar is also best known for its Camel Fair, which takes place here each October/November. Evening: Arrive Jaipur and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.

Days 12 : Jaipur
AMBER : 12 kms (7 miles) from Jaipur, lies Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove. Built in the 17th century, the palace is a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. Take a joy ride on elephant back to Amber Fort. The City Palace which now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, painting and an armory; the Observatory - built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft. high; the Palace of Winds, a landmark of Jaipur made of pink sandstone and a unique design. Drive around the Pink City.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 13 : Jaipur - Sariska
SARISKA: Rajasthan's outstanding sanctuary rich in wildlife. Sariska possesses great scenic beauty and the wildlife consists of sambhar, four horned antelope, wild boar, spotted deer, chinkara, hyena, porcupine and rabbit. Tiger and leopard are common and can be conveniently seen from observation towers. For bird watchers, the sanctuary is even more interesting as partridge, quail, sand grouse, peacock and green pigeon move freely on the roads. Arrive Sariska : In the late afternoon Jeep Safari to witness Wildlife.
Overnight at Sariska Palace a former Hunting Lodge of the Maharaja of Alwar.

Days 14 : Sariska - Delhi
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning: Jeep Safari to witness Wildlife. Afternoon: Leave for Delhi. Evening: Arrive Delhi and transfer to International Airport to connect your flight for onward journey

Cost – Valid From October 2006 To April 15, 2007*

Price Per Person in USD*
Hotel Category 1 Person 2 Pax (Twin Sharing) 3 Pax (Twin Sharing) 4-5 Pax (Twin Sharing)
Budget 2447 1386 1278 1175
Standard 2880 1592 1485 1381
First Class 3376 1830 1722 1619
Deluxe 4737 2581 2473 2369
Luxury 5857 3145 3037 2933


Single Room Supplement in USD (Twin Sharing)
Budget Standard First Class Deluxe Luxury
539 766 1024 1632 2187

*All prices shown are subject to change without prior notice till the tour is booked.

Hotels Suggested
City Budget Standard First Class Deluxe Luxury
Delhi Hotel City Park Maidens Hotel Radisson Hotel Taj Palace Hotel The Oberoi
Samode  Samode Palace Samode Palace Samode Palace Samode Palace Samode Palace
Bikaner Heritage Resort Lallgarh Palace Gajner Palace Gajner Palace Gajner Palace
Jaisalmer Heritage Inn Rang Mahal Jaisalmer Gorbandh Palace Fort Rajwada Fort Rajwada
Manvar Manvar Resort Manvar Resort Manvar Resort Manvar Resort Manvar Resort
Jodhpur Ranbanka Hotel Park Plaza Jodhpur Taj Hari Mahal Taj Hari Mahal Umaid Bhawan Palace
Deogarh Deogarh Mahal Deogarh Mahal Deogarh Mahal Deogarh Mahal Deogarh Mahal
Udaipur Hilltop Palace Trident Hilton Fateh Prakash Palace Taj Lake Palace Udaivilas
Jaipur Alsisar Haveli Park Plaza Country Inn Suites Jai Mahal Palace RajVilas
Sariska Sariska Palace Sariska Palace Sariska Palace Sariska Palace Sariska Palace


Prices Include:
- Accommodation on twin?share basis in the mentioned hotels.
- Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Transport in air?conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only
- Services of local English speaking guide for the sight?seeing as per the itinerary at each city.
- Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
- All currently applicable taxes, including service tax @ 4.896%

Prices DO NOT Include:
- International / Domestic air?fare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
- Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
- Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
- Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'

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