A Maharajah’s life – Luxury Rajasthan

This morning you will explore Old Delhi with its maze of small alleyways, side streets and legendary bazaars. Take a rickshaw ride driving past the magnificent Red Fort – a marvel in red sandstone, and Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India (view from the outside), then walk through the old lanes and busy markets of Chandni Chowk, savouring the ambience of the oriental bazaar.

Next discover New Delhi, characterised by colonial buildings and boulevards. Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand carved for its entire height of 234ft, discover the mausoleum of emperor Humayun a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan temple, and visit Raj Ghat – the open-air memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight Delhi.

This morning transfer to the railway station for the superfast train to Agra. On arrival in Agra visit Itimad-ud-Duala, a breathtaking mausoleum situated on the Yamuna River and often referred to as the “Little Taj”. Continue to the Agra fort, built alongside the Yamuna river stretching almost 2.5 km. The fort’s colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. The magnificent towers, bastions and ramparts and majestic gateways symbolised the confidence and power of the third Mughal emperor. Transfer to your hotel for the night, the Oberoi Amarvilas, where you can relax in the lounge and take in the spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. Overnight Agra.

At sunrise, visit the Taj Mahal, a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Taj Mahal means “Crown Palace” and is in fact the most well-preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” It is a celebration of woman built in marble and that’s the way to appreciate it.

Later, drive to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akber in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendours of the Mughal empire at the height of its power. Continue to Jaipur for your two-night stay.

The “Pink City” was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colourful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash – a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.

Visit the City Palace which occupies the centre of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Jantar Mantar observatory built by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.

Later discover the Amber Fort. Situated 11 km north of Jaipur atop a hill, the resplendent Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the Rajputs from the 11th to the 18th century and is more of a palace than a fortress with its unique blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. Time at leisure to explore the colourful markets of Jaipur.

This evening attend an interactive cooking session followed by dinner (with local beer), Sari tying and Bollywood music with a local Indian family. Overnight Jaipur.

Today drive to the Chhatrasagar Luxury Camp in Nimaj, your home for the next two nights. This idyllic haven comprises 11 luxury and well-appointed tents pitched on a dam, overlooking a lake teeming with birds. You will be welcomed by the Rathore family, descendants of the Maharajah of Jodhpur, owners of this land for 17 generations. Overnight Nimaj.

A day to relax and savour the delicious home cooked food. You are free to join a farm and village visit or a bird watching tour by Jeep ride into the nearby village. Overnight Nimaj.

Morning drive to Jodhpur, at the edge of the Thar Desert, second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. This five-hundred-year-old settlement was the headquarters of The Rathore Rajputs’ celebrations for their tales of daring. Jodhpur is known for its impressive, fortified bastions, especially those of Mehrangarh which have been the witness of many battles and were associated closely with the history of the region. The years of peace that followed resulted in the building of palaces that were laid on open grounds and spread out in an elaborate European manner.

Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort built by Rao Jodha in 1459 on a sandstone hill. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses – the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Finish your tour with a vintage car ride in Jodhpur. Stay at either the Raas Jodhpur or Umaid Bhawan Palace (accordingly to the accommodation package chosen) – Umaid Bhawan Palace being one of the largest and most luxurious residences in the world. Overnight Jodhpur.

Leave Jodhpur for Udaipur. En route, visit the world-famous Jain temples of Ranakpur and their beautiful sculptures. Transfer to your hotel in Udaipur for the next two nights (according to your chosen accommodation package), either the Rass Devigarh or the Taj Lake Palace, a true marble fantasy floating magically on the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.  

Udaipur lies in the Girwa Valley amidst the Aravali hills of south Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces – an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jail screens, massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops.

Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, the Palace is today largely a museum run by the Maharana Mewar Foundation. It consists of four major and several minor palaces forming a single breathtaking facade overlooking the Pichola lake. Continue with a visit of the Jagdish Temple and of the local market. This evening take a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi where you will continue on with your own arrangements.

• 10 nights’ accommodation in chosen accommodation category (Luxury Hotels/Palaces and Luxury Camp)
• Meet and assist at airports/railway stations by English speaking local representative
• Private air-conditioned transport (Toyota Innova Crysta or similar) with English-speaking driver
• Train from Delhi to Agra in air-conditioned executive class chair car
• Economy airfare Udaipur to Delhi (max. 25kg check-in baggage allowance)
• Breakfast Daily
• Sightseeing as specified in itinerary with local English speaking guides
• Monument Entrance Fee (single visit) as per itinerary
• Rickshaw ride in Chandani Chowk during Old Delhi tour with local guide
• Interactive cooking session followed by dinner (with local beer), Sari tying and Bollywood music with a local Indian family in Jodhpur
• Jeep ride into the nearby village during stay in Nimaj (duration approx. 2-3 hrs)
• Vintage Car ride in Jodhpur during city tour (duration approx. 30mins)
• Boat ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Mineral water available in transport during inter-city transfers and city tours
• India government service tax
• 24/7 local operator support in India
• Assistance of local representatives
• India Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Meals othe than those specified
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above