India Tours: The Best Marigold Rajasthan Tour

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Deogarh – Udaipur
12 nights – 13 days

This fascinating tour is inspired by the experiences featured in the latest release, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel". Discover the real Rajasthan and follow in the footsteps of the film's main characters with a tuk - tuk ride through the buzzing markets, a tour through the lively and colorful flower market in Jaipur, a visit to the movie’s colonial style Viceroy Club filmed in Kanota Castle and an off the beaten path day trip to Rawla Kumpar, the famous hotel from the movie, and the surrounding area. Accompanied by expert guides, guests will immerse themselves in Indian culture and society as depicted in the film. For fans of the movie, this vacation will leave you with a deep appreciation and understanding of the culture and scenery of Rajasthan.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport late this evening. After clearing immigration and customs, you will be met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport. Depart for your hotel where you will check in for your stay. 

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors that have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Day 2: Delhi

After a hearty breakfast this morning, proceed for a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi had been the capital of Mughal India between the 12th and 19th centuries. Visit the 17th century Jama Masjid mosque and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of colorful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You have the option of taking a rickshaw ride through these bazaars. Drive past the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort, and visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

Further proceed for a tour of New Delhi that includes a ride by the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; India Gate, a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament house and secretarial buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, the 12th century tower of victory, built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Also visit the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Evening walk through the Nizamuddin basti (colony) that is a medieval settlement that has the tomb of a famous 13th century Muslim Sufi Saint, Nizamuddin Auliya. The walk is conducted by an underprivileged youth trained by a local NGO.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you start for your drive to Agra.  On arrival in Agra you will be transferred to your hotel.

Agra, best known as the city of the world’s most famous monument of love, is situated along the banks of the River Yamuna and attracts thousands of visitors every day from all over the world.  The Taj Mahal, a seventh wonder of the world was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

In the afternoon visit Agra Fort, a high red stone monument overlooking the Taj Mahal.  It is one of the finest and best kept Mughal forts in India. Many Mughal emperors lived and governed the country from here. At the end of Shah Jahan’s life, his son, Aurangzeb, imprisoned him in the fort.  The fort was also the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857.

Day 4: Agra

Catch the magic of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) at sunrise this morning.  The sun comes up from the side of the Taj and the morning light that casts on the marble literally lights it up. During this time, the  Taj Mahal changes from various hues of pink to light yellow to bright white.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit Mother Teresa’s Home, an orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity.

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), India in 1950. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first through India and then to other countries. At the time of her death, they were operating 610 missions in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchen, children and family counselling programs, orphanages and schools.

Mother Teresa’s home in Agra has about 50 children who are orphaned or come from poor families who can no longer provide for them; as well as about 150 infirmed adults who can no longer care for themselves. The mission is solely reliant on private donations to support their cause.

In the late afternoon walk through Kachhpura village to Mehtab bagh, a Mughal era garden that is being restored, just behind the Taj Mahal across the River Yamuna.  The walk is conducted by volunteers of an NGO supported by USAID and includes some less known Mughal era monuments along the way. The initiatives of the NGO include developing a livelihood support program and improving sanitation conditions in the village.  You will have a great view of the Taj Mahal!

Day 5: Agra - Jaipur

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel and later drive to Jaipur. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in pristine condition.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province, is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Its old town is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

In the evening visit the local market that has dedicated streets for flowers, vegetables, jewelry, handicrafts and clothes. Move along several streets with a ride on a tuk – tuk. Witness the people buying vegetables, spices and utensils and learn their techniques of bargaining.

Day 6: Jaipur

Today morning visit Amber Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride ascending the fort with lovely views of the topography and monuments along the way.
Amber was originally built by the Meenas to consecrate to the Mother Goddess, Amba. The palace complex that stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Amber was altered by over the next 150 years until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur.
On the way back from Amber Fort you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise 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. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.

Continue the tour of Jaipur city that includes the City Palace of Jaipur and Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. City Palace is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings.

This evening, enjoy a home-hosted dinner and learn about daily life inside the old city from your local hosts.

Day 7: Jaipur

Today morning go for an excursion to Kanota Fort, about 20 kms outside the Jaipur city. The Fort is located 20 kms from Jaipur. Established in the year 1872, the Royal Castle of Kanota was built by Thakur Zorawar Singhji.  The Royal Castle Kanota recalls the grandeur and glory of the bygone eras of Rajput royalty. Enjoy lunch at Kanota Castle before returning to Jaipur.
Afternoon will be at leisure.

Day 8: Jaipur-Deogarh

In the morning have your breakfast and continue your journey to the next destination Deogarh via Kishengarh, also known as the marble city of India.  It is only place in the world with a temple of nine planets. En-route enjoy lunch at Phool Mahal.

Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes strewn across the countryside. With its graying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than the surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. The gates that always remained closed to ward off enemies are now open to the guests.
 
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the wonderful facilities offered by the hotel.

Day 9: Deogarh

After breakfast go on a train experience for 2 to 3 hrs. This train is a meter gauge train and the journey starts at 10 am from Karhalihhat Station and ends at Phulad Station at 12:30 Hrs.  (The total journey is 21 kms).  A guide accompanies the guests to help them board the train and sometimes if the guests are lucky they might get a chance to sit in the driver's cabin and see the mind - blowing landscapes just a feet away.

Rest of the day is free for independent activities.

Day 10: Deogarh – Udaipur

Have a lovely breakfast before moving on to Udaipur. En-route you will stop to see amazing Ranakpur Jain temples beautifully carved out of marble. Ranakpur is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and none of them are similar.

One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola, the city was named Udaipur after him.

On arrival in Udaipur, you afternoon will be at leisure to relax.  

Day 11: Udaipur

Your tour of Udaipur includes Ravla Khempur, situated around 50 kms from Udaipur. The Ravla Khempur has a passionate history of true Mewari valor that dates back to 1628 AD.  The title ‘Ravla’ in Rajasthan refers to the home of a “village chieftain”. In earlier days, the Ravla was the focal point of the entire village. Functions such as village welfare, collection of taxes, administration of law and order, and the initiation of festivals took place in the Ravla. Enjoy a lunch at Ravla Khempur.

Day 12: Udaipur

Today morning go for the city tour of Udaipur, starting at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

In the afternoon set out for a wonderful boat-ride this evening on Lake Pichola and enjoy beautiful views of the city Palace and the old town that it offers.
 

Day 13: Udaipur – Delhi – Fly out

Today you will be transferred to airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect to the international airport to board your homebound flight.
TOUR ENDS

Tour Quote:
Valid from October 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013. Cost based on minimum 2 pax.
**Rates not valid for Pushkar period (Oct. 20 – 31, 2012) and Christmas and New Year period (Dec. 21, 2012 – Jan. 10, 2013)

 

4* ACCOMODATIONS – From $2230/person including below flight.

City	Hotel
DELHI	The Royal Plaza – Deluxe room
AGRA	Howard Park Plaza – Superior room
JAIPUR	Dera Mandawa – Suite
DEOGARH	Deogarh Mahal – Deluxe room
UDAIPUR	Jagat Niwas Palace – Lake view room

 

5* ACCOMODATIONS – From $2835/person including below flight.

City	Hotel
DELHI	The Claridges – Deluxe room
AGRA	ITC Mughal – Chamber of Empress
JAIPUR	Samode Haveli – Deluxe room
DEOGARH	Deogarh Mahal – Deluxe room
UDAIPUR	Fatehgarh – Renaissance room

 

Airfare supplement: (Subject to change)

Flight sector	Airfare
Udaipur/Delhi	US$ 185 per person

 

Cost Includes

Cost does not includes