Rajasthan Heritage

13 days, 12 nights

+- Overview

For the next 2 weeks, the Rajasthan is your home as you explore the regal legacies of this magnificent State in the North West of India.  Fabled for its Mughal architecture, this tour will take you to see the best that the Rajasthan has to offer: great fortresses, exquisite palaces, soaring temples and much more.

Route Details

Delhi (1) Agra (1) Jaipur (2) Mandawa (1) Bikaner (1) Jaisalmer (2) Jodhpur (1) Kumbhalgarh (2) Udaipur (2) Delhi

After seeing the sights in both Old and New Delhi where you get a hint of what is in store for you, head to Agra to see one of man’s greatest masterpieces, the Taj Mahal.  En route to Jaipur, stop at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. In Jaipur ride an elephant up to the Amber Palace before getting off-the-beaten-path in Mandawa to see its brightly decorated houses.  The desert cities of Bikaner and Jaisalmer are next.  Here massive fortresses rise out of the sands, and you will have the opportunity to take a camel safari.

Jodhpur with its huge fortifications, Rankapur famed for its Jain Temples and Kumbhalgarh, one of India’s best preserved Mughal strongholds are stops along the way before arriving in Udaipur.  One of the most photographed cities in the Rajasthan, Udaipur is a fitting final stop where you will enjoy close-up views of its lake palaces during a sunset cruise.

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Delhi
Arrival

Upon arrival in Delhi and after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Grand peepal – Moderate
Royal Plaza Delhi – First Class
The Taj Palace

+ - Day 2 Delhi Agra

Following breakfast, take a city tour of both Old & New Delhi. In Old Delhi, the ancient walled city, you will drive past Red Fort, the most opulent fortress and palace of the Mughal Empire. Then visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, a bustling and colorful market.  In New Delhi, the tour includes visits to the Qutab Minar, a 72-meter high tower, and the 1500-year old Iron Pillar.  Continue with a drive through Embassy area, and past the Government buildings (1921-1930) before driving to Agra.  Check in later today at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight Accommodations

Yamuna View – Moderate
Clarks Shiraz – First Class
Gateway by Taj

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 3 Agra Jaipur

After breakfast, spend the morning taking in the highlights of this medieval city. The Taj Mahal, Agra’s most splendid of all buildings, is often considered the most perfect architectural monument in the world. Built in the memory of the beloved wife of one of the greatest of the Mughal kings, Shah Jehan, you’ll have time to wander through its beautiful gardens. Next visit the impressive Mughal Red Fort.  This 16th Century, red sandstone fort was built by Akbar, and is replete with gateways, pillared halls, mosques, marble trellises and geometric gardens. This afternoon set off for Jaipur and en-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri.  Known as the ‘ghost capital’, these magnificent and world heritage buildings are still in a state of perfect preservation.  See its white marble mosque as well as many breathtaking sculptures.  Afterwards, arrive in Jaipur and check in for a 2-night stay. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Hotel Glitz – Moderate
Four Points by Sheraton – First Class
Jai Mahal Palace

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 4 Jaipur

Today, enjoy a full day touring in this jewel of the Rajasthan.  First visit the Amber Fort, set on the dry Aravali Hills just outside Jaipur.  Ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate. Surrounded by fortified battlements, your guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.  In the afternoon, visit Jaipur itself.  Marvel at the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with its delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. Next stop is the City Palace, a blend of stunning Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.  Then it’s on to the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions to this day. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Hotel Glitz – Moderate
Four Points by Sheraton – First Class
Jai Mahal Palace

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 5 Jaipur Mandawa

Following breakfast, drive through the countryside to Mandawa, and upon arrival, check in to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of this small town in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan with a unique medieval charm.  Bustling with activity, the streets are lined with richly painted houses. Each home and little castle is covered with Shekhawati paintings known for their uniqueness and rich colors.  The evening is at leisure. 

Overnight Accommodations

Udai Vilas – Moderate
Castle Mandawa – First Class
Castle Mandawa

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 6 Mandawa Bikaner

Set off this morning travelling northwest through the Rajasthan to Bikaner. After checking in at your hotel, there will be an afternoon tour of this fortified desert city that lies on the ancient caravan routes from Africa and West Asia.  Visit the Junagarh Fort, founded by Raja Rai Singh, which is distinguished by its 37 pavilions, and long line of balconies. Its windows also vary in design lending it a graceful dignity. Enter through an enormous archway leading to the Jormal Temple set in a spacious courtyard. Also visit Tar Mandir, the royal chapel where Royal weddings and births were once solemnized.

Overnight Accommodations

Heritage Resort – Moderate
Laxmi Niwas Palace – First Class
Laxmi Niwas Palace

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 7 Bikaner Jaisalmer

Today, drive deep into the desert to Jaisalmer and upon arrival; check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay. The balance of the day is free to explore this fabulous city on your own.

Overnight Accommodations

Himmatgarh Palace – Moderate
Gorbandh Palace – First Class
Fort Rajwada

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 8 Jaisalmer

Spend the morning touring Jaisalmer. This citadel city built in the 12th century is an architectural dream in yellow sandstone lying in the lonely silence of the Thar Desert. The forts and palaces and several superbly carved Jain temples in and around Jaisalmer are all reminiscent of a gloriously history.  Balconies jut out from either side of narrow lanes, almost touching overhead.  Visit Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmalji ki Haveli, two notable mansions.  In the afternoon, travel 40kms into the Sam Desert where the silver and gold sand dunes blazing like fire in the setting sun.  Enjoy a camel ride and afterwards listen to Rajasthani musicians play haunting tunes before returning to your hotel in Jaisalmer.

Overnight Accommodations

Himmatgarh Palace – Moderate
Gorbandh Palace – First Class
Fort Rajwada

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 9 Jaisalmer Jodhpur

A morning’s drive brings you to Jodhpur for an overnight stay. Your tour inside the fortified city with its towering, 10km long, stone walls offers spectacular of the surrounding plains.  Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named) and admire the long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red Sandstone.  Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century.

Overnight Accommodations

Karni Bhawan – Moderate
Park Plaza – First Class
Vivanta Taj Hari Mahal

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 10 Jodhpur Kumbhalgarh

Following breakfast, drive to Kumbhalgarh with a stop en-route at Ranakpur, famous for the quadruple Jain temple dedicated, like the temples at Mount Abu to Adinath.  The whole structure has 80 domes and is of 400 pillars.  Arrive in Kumbhalgarh where the balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Aodhi Hotel – Moderate
Aodhi Hotel – First Class
Aodhi Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 11 Kumbhalgarh Udaipur

Visit Kumbalgarh, one of the most majestic and beautifully preserved forts of India. Thirteen mountain peaks surround the fortress whose seven towering gateways pierce the massive walls, and where even Emperor Akbar was defeated by its impregnable bulk. There will be time to explore the feudal village of Kumbhalgarh. The people here are extremely friendly and hospitable and you will see how their ethnic tribal lifestyle is unchanged for generations. Arrive later in the day in Udaipur for a 2-night stay. This evening, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis, ghats and temples, the lake with the floating palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, is the scenic focus of Udaipur.

Overnight Accommodations

Paras Mahal – Moderate
Ram Partap Palace – First Class
The Lalit Laxmi

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 12 Udaipur

This morning drive 14 miles northeast of Udaipur to the village of Kailashpuri, home to the Sri Eklingji temple complex.  Surrounded by a high, fortified wall, inside you will find 108 temples associated with Lord Shiva since ancient times. Next visit nearby Nagda to see several temples dating back to the 4th century A.D.  Return to Udaipur for an afternoon city tour.  Visit the City Palace Museum, a splendid edifice of sparkling filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers. Next visit the Jagdish Temple with its entrance flanked by gigantic stone elephants.  Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari, a spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies.

Overnight Accommodations

Paras Mahal – Moderate
Ram Partap Palace – First Class
The Lalit Laxmi

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 13 Udaipur

The morning is at leisure before being transferred to Udaipur International airport (flight not included) in the afternoon.

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by your selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

+-Moderate
+ - Grand peepal
+ - Yamuna View
+ - Hotel Glitz
+ - Udai Vilas
+ - Heritage Resort
+ - Himmatgarh Palace
+ - Karni Bhawan
+ - Aodhi Hotel
+ - Paras Mahal
+-First Class
+ - Royal Plaza Delhi

LOCATION – In the heart of the business and commercial hub of New Delhi, providing access to most of the Corporate and Financial centers, Ministries, Diplomatic missions and the International Trade Fair grounds. 

This New Delhi hotel offers 419 Luxury Guest Rooms, Suites and Service Apartments catering to varying needs, which combine warmth, exceptional service and state of the art technology, in an inviting ambience for a comfortable accommodation in Delhi.  The lobby boasts of a French fresco, very tastefully done by Italian artists.  An exclusive inlay work of precious and semi precious stones, 24 carat gold art work in the lobby, Onyx and marble layouts which add to the beauty of the lobby, giving a royal look and reminiscent of the 18th century bygone era.  The hotel features an Italian and Chinese Restaurant to satisfy your palate.  Visit the bar, discotheque, beauty salon, Gymnasium, Spa and Swimming pool for a unique and memorable experience.

+ - Clarks Shiraz

LOCATION – Located 2 km. from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of Agra, and yet free from its din and bustle, The Clarks Shiraz is just 7 km. from the Airport and 3 km. from the Railway Station.

Hotel Clarks Shiraz in Agra features 237 lavishly appointed and centrally air-conditioned rooms and suites including 80 Deluxe Rooms (23 TAJ FACING) , 155 Superior Rooms and 2 Suites.  Take a dive in the cool pool while the bartender serves you a Clarks’ special.  Savour the flavour of the Shehnaz Dining Hall, Bansuri Coffee Shop, Mughal Room - Roof Top Restaurant over-looking the Taj Mahal, Khayyam Bar, Mughal Bar, Pool-side, Barbeque, Cakes & Bakes and Lobby Lounge.  Transform yourself inside out, whether it is a well sculpted body you’re after or simply toning up those unexercised muscles, at the Health Club.  Enjoy the Entertainment Centre, fully equipped with Pool Table, Table Tennis and Air Hockey.

+ - Four Points by Sheraton
+ - Castle Mandawa

LOCATION – Castle Mandawa is located in the semi desert portion of Mandawa. The nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is about 168 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mukundgarh, which is about 14 km away.

The large and airy rooms of the Castle have been converted into charming, well appointed accommodation, retaining the old flavour using period furniture and local furnishings. No two rooms are alike (there are 70 of them—Royal Suites, Luxury Suites, Deluxe Rooms, Standard Rooms) and yet each of them display the grandeur and the taste of the rulers of the past. A rare blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings!  There is a verandah bar, conference facilities and an ayurvedic centre. The hotel also organizes camel and horse rides, jeep safaris, gala dinners, puppet shows and folk dances, traditional welcome with tilak and garlands, theme weddings, turret dinners and a heritage walk of Mandawa. One of the highlights of the stay at Castle Mandawa is the royal repast. A candle lit dinner on the lawns, or around a bonfire in the rear courtyard, is climaxed by the performance of a fire dancer who sways to the hypnotic beat of traditional drums.

+ - Laxmi Niwas Palace

LOCATION – Located on Karni Singhji Road, Laxmi Niwas Palace is within walking distance of the local train station, main bus stand and city centre.

Built of pink sandstone, brought from the stone quarries of Dulmera, some 45 kms. north of Bikaner city the 20 well appointed guest rooms are set amidst acres of landscaped gardens dotted with lily pools and fountains, this monumental palace in all its grandeur and beauty was the principal residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner, exclusively for the use of Royal family and their guests.  The Laxmi Niwas Palace opened its doors as a luxury heritage hotel at the turn of the Twenty first century has 42 palatial rooms fitted with all modern amenities.  The Palace offers a quite a few games and entertainment. An illuminated Lawn Tennis court, Badminton Court, Croquet, Practicing Net, Putting Green, 3 Greens, Table Tennis, Billiard and board games are a few to mention.  At 10 kms from the Palace, in a rustic camping set up a theme dinner is organized in the sand dunes. The venue is lit up with mashals and oil lamps. Desert singers and dance troops liven up the evening with their enchanting performance. Evenings in the desert and in the sand dunes open to the sky, a beautiful experience.

+ - Gorbandh Palace
+ - Park Plaza
+ - Aodhi Hotel
+ - Ram Partap Palace
+-Deluxe
+ - The Taj Palace
+ - Gateway by Taj
+ - Jai Mahal Palace
+ - Castle Mandawa

LOCATION – Castle Mandawa is located in the semi desert portion of Mandawa. The nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is about 168 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mukundgarh, which is about 14 km away.

The large and airy rooms of the Castle have been converted into charming, well appointed accommodation, retaining the old flavour using period furniture and local furnishings. No two rooms are alike (there are 70 of them—Royal Suites, Luxury Suites, Deluxe Rooms, Standard Rooms) and yet each of them display the grandeur and the taste of the rulers of the past. A rare blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings!  There is a verandah bar, conference facilities and an ayurvedic centre. The hotel also organizes camel and horse rides, jeep safaris, gala dinners, puppet shows and folk dances, traditional welcome with tilak and garlands, theme weddings, turret dinners and a heritage walk of Mandawa. One of the highlights of the stay at Castle Mandawa is the royal repast. A candle lit dinner on the lawns, or around a bonfire in the rear courtyard, is climaxed by the performance of a fire dancer who sways to the hypnotic beat of traditional drums.

+ - Laxmi Niwas Palace

LOCATION – Located on Karni Singhji Road, Laxmi Niwas Palace is within walking distance of the local train station, main bus stand and city centre.

Built of pink sandstone, brought from the stone quarries of Dulmera, some 45 kms. north of Bikaner city the 20 well appointed guest rooms are set amidst acres of landscaped gardens dotted with lily pools and fountains, this monumental palace in all its grandeur and beauty was the principal residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner, exclusively for the use of Royal family and their guests.  The Laxmi Niwas Palace opened its doors as a luxury heritage hotel at the turn of the Twenty first century has 42 palatial rooms fitted with all modern amenities.  The Palace offers a quite a few games and entertainment. An illuminated Lawn Tennis court, Badminton Court, Croquet, Practicing Net, Putting Green, 3 Greens, Table Tennis, Billiard and board games are a few to mention.  At 10 kms from the Palace, in a rustic camping set up a theme dinner is organized in the sand dunes. The venue is lit up with mashals and oil lamps. Desert singers and dance troops liven up the evening with their enchanting performance. Evenings in the desert and in the sand dunes open to the sky, a beautiful experience.

+ - Fort Rajwada

LOCATION – Located in the peaceful countryside on the outskirts of the golden city is this oasis of serenity & comfort.

Built in 6 acres of land, this princely home has breathtaking interiors done in the traditional style. Centrally air-conditioned with 91 Deluxe rooms and 4 Suites elegantly & thoughtfully furnished to make your stay memorable and nostalgic. The exquisite intricately carved ‘Jharokhas’ (windows), reminiscent of a real palace would verbalize their glorious past. All rooms feature a spacious attached bathroom, satellite television, telephone and 5 star facilities in all rooms.  For those with an energetic disposition there is an excellent swimming pool for the exclusive use of guests. Relaxing in the crystal clear waters of the pool and the lovely surroundings will surely make your stay enjoyable.  The two restaurants & bar have an unmatched view of the victorious “Sonar Fort” from its large windows.

+ - Vivanta Taj Hari Mahal
+ - Aodhi Hotel
+ - The Lalit Laxmi
+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • Airport Meet & Greet

    We'll meet you at Delhi airport upon your arrival. Driver gratuity is awarded at your discretion.

  • Airport & Hotel Transfers

    We'll provide reliable transportation to and from the airport to your hotel in Delhi. We'll ensure you depart on time, and arrive safely and comfortably from one destination to the next.

  • 12 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations for 12 nights with private en-suite facilities, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with the meals as described in the daily itinerary. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Daily Transfers

    We cover your transportation from the door of your hotel to the next destination each day on an air-conditioned mini bus.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

  • Air conditioning

    Included in your rooms and transportation. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended.

Not Included

  • International & Domestic Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our price includes land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare.

  • Meals not described on the itinerary

    Food and beverages not described in the itinerary may be purchased as needed.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary. Hotel or room services enjoyed during your stay that are not described in the itinerary are added to your total.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as telephone/Internet usage, laundry, gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

+- Booking

Domestic Flights

Inter-India airfare Udaipur - Delhi is additional. 
Special Rates are $180CAD per person, rates are subject to availablity.  Please contact us for details

Hotel Information

The hotels listed in the itinerary are subject to change.  Other hotels in similar category may be offered as alternatives.

Black-out Dates

Between November 4, 2011 - January 9, 2012 is peak season, please contact us for pricing.

Dates & Pricing

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

Display prices in Hide this box

+-Moderate

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-First Class

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Deluxe

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.

Booking Details

Departures

Join daily in Delhi, excluding Wednesday’s. (minimum of 2 passengers)

Christmas & New Year’s

Christmas & New Year’s supplements apply, please contact us for rates.