Gems of Rajasthan
10 nights / 11 days
SKETCH ITNERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
DAY 02: DELHI
DAY 03: DELHI – SAMODE BY: SURFACE
DAY 04: SAMODE
DAY 05: SAMODE – NIMAJ BY: SURFACE
DAY 06: NIMAJ – ROHET BY: SURFACE
DAY 07: ROHET – DEVIGARH BY: SURFACE
DAY 08: DEVIGARH
DAY 09: DEVIGARH – MUMBAI BY: DOMESTIC FLIGHT
DAY 10: MUMBAI
DAY 11: DEPART MUMBAI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
DETAILED ITINERARY
Delhi * Samode * Nimaj * Rohet * Devi Garh * Udaipur * Mumbai
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI [International Flight]
Today early morning you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building and transfer you to your hotel.
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Overnight in hotel.
DAY 02: IN DELHI
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a half-day combined sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. It was started in 1199 AD by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Qutab Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Overnight in hotel.
DAY 03: DELHI – SAMODE [Surface – 280 Kms / 06 hrs drive]
Today morning you will be driven from Delhi to Samode. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel.
Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.
Evening is at leisure. Overnight in hotel Samode Palace or Bagh
DAY 04: IN SAMODE (EXCURSION TO JAIPUR)
In the morning you will be driven to Jaipur to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
An elephant ride will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (subject to availability of elephants / alternatively it will be done by jeeps). Once you reach on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Jaipur. Among the highlights will be the `Palace of Winds’, also known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. The City Palace Museum which houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. In the evening return to Samode.
Overnight in hotel Samode Palace at Samode or Bagh
DAY 05: SAMODE – NIMAJ [Surface – 265 Kms / 06 hrs drive]
After buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Samode to Chhatrasagar (Nimaj).
In the late nineteenth century, Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, a powerful noble of the desert kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur), decided to dam a seasonal stream flowing through his estate.
His vision was to create a water reservoir which would harvest the monsoon rains. It was an ambitious project and a great drain on his resources but Thakur Chhatra Singh remained true to his vision.
The dam was completed in 1890 and changed the dry scrub into prime agricultural land. Farmers struggling for sustenance on parched lands were invited by Thakur Chhatra Singh to settle around the reservoir. The reservoir was named Chhatra Sagar in his memory. By early twentieth century Chhatra Sagar had developed into a lush green oasis. With its wide open spaces and enchanting views, it became the entertainment venue of choice. To capture the outdoor “big sky” feel of the place, permanent construction was deliberately kept to a minimum. A fresh luxury tented camp was created for each party. For many dignitaries visiting Nimaj, “Camp Chhatra Sagar” was the highlight. Legendary sporting parties with high tea and exotic dinners became a regular feature. The famed “Camp Chhatra Sagar” has been recreated by the great grand children of Thakur Chhatra Singh.
Upon arrival proceed for check-in at the Camp following which the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight in Chhatrasagar camp at Nimaj
DAY 06: NIMAJ – ROHET [Surface – 155 Kms / 04½ hrs drive]
In the morning drive to Rohet, enroute stop at Jodhpur for sightseeing of Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10 kms long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city limits and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers – ‘jodhpurs’ took their name from this locale. The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathore’s, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Mehrangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chattris at Mandore.
After sightseeing continue to Rohet. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at the Resort.
ROHETHGARH: The home of the royal Champawat family, Rohet Garh, Pali is one of the ancient palatial Mansion is a Rajput architectural marvel. Located a few kilometers from Jodhpur it is an age old Haveli that recalls the glory and grandeur of yesteryears. Granted to Thakur Dalpat Singh I of Rohet from the Maharaja of Jodhpur in the year 1622, Rohet Garh, Pali is a beautiful heritage hotel today.
Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Rohetgarh at Rohet
DAY 07: ROHETGARH - DEVIGARH [Surface – 220 Kms / 05 hrs drive]
After an early breakfast, proceed for a Jeep safari to the neighboring Bishnoi Villages.
In the afternoon drive to Devigarh.
Nestled in the Aravali Hills, the 18th century Devi Garh Palace in the village of Delwara, forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devi Garh, is ready for visitors after years of restoration and rebuilding. The Fort palace was conceived as a place where the past meets the future. This all suite luxury hotel comprising of 39 suites with an emphasis on design and detail, using local marbles and semi-precious stones. The contemporary design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented by personalized and intimate service, creates a new image of India for the 21st century.
Overnight in RAAS Devigarh Palace at Devigarh
DAY 08: DEVIGARH (Udaipur Excursion) [Surface – 28 Kms oneway / 01 hr drive]
In the morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise. First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace and Saheliyon-ki-Badi.
In the afternoon, experience the hustle bustle of the old market at Udaipur. Walk past the spice shops, jewellery shops, utensil shops, jaggery shops, silver market, local meat and food shop. You shall walk through the areas where The Octopussy – James Bond film was shot. Later you will be taken on a boat-ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola visiting the bathing ghats where you will have the opportunity to witness evening ritual ceremonies, the City Palace and the Jag Mandir.
Return to Devigarh after sightseeing.
Overnight in Devigarh Palace at Devigarh
DAY 09: DEVIGARH - UDAIPUR – MUMBAI BY: DOMESTIC FLIGHT
Today you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport (28 kms from Devigarh) to board your flight for Mumbai.
Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10: IN MUMBAI
After breakfast you will be driven to the Gateway of India. At Gateway of India you will board the motor launch, which will take you to the famous Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays and subject to weather conditions). The beautifully sculpted rock-cut temples on Elephant Island are 9 nautical miles from Bombay and are reached by taking a motor launch from Gateway of India. These temples are believed to have been created between 450 and 750 AD, when the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta because of a large stone Elephant near the shore. The caves are reached by climbing 100 steps to the top of the hill. After your visit you will again board the motor launch to Gateway of India.
In the afternoon you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Mumbai.
The tour starts from the Gateway of India Gateway of India is the landmark of Bombay, which, was before the advent of air travel, the only gateway to India. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You will be then driven along Marine Drive, the sea - Front Boulevard. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace as in the evening, the breeze from the Arabian Sea comes over Marine Drive and as the streetlights on this U-shaped road light up, the view from south Bombay’s skyscrapers or from the exclusive residential area, is that of a Queen’s Necklace.
Overnight at The Trident Hotel, Mumbai
DAY 11: DEPART MUMBAI
After breakfast you are at leisure for independent activities during the day. In time transfer to the International Airport to board flight for onward journey.
***END OF THE TOUR***