India Tours: Luxury Adventure and Cultural India Itinerary

Delhi – Agra – Ranthmbore – Jaipur – Nimaj
Jaisalmer – Johdpur – Rohet – Udaipur – Delhi

India Tour Length: 17 nights

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

• Arrive at Delhi’s international airport
• Transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India!
Our representative will meet you in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. 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, which has 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.
Hotel: Imperial, Heritage Room

Day 2: Delhi

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning visit the Old Delhi
• Afternoon visit the main sites in New Delhi
• Evening Nizzamuddin Basti Walk 

In the morning your guide will meet you for a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New 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 or Friday Mosque, walk down the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk to reach the mosque. It is the largest mosque in India, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers at one time. Designed by Shah Jahan, this grand red sandstone and white marble mosque was built by approximately 5,000 artisans from 1644 to 1656.

Further proceed to New Delhi for visits that include a drive past 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 the Qutub Minar; the five-storied tower with a 14.4 metre base that tapers up to two and a half metres at the top is visible for a long distance around. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected, the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was also built by him. 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.

Late afternoon, walk through Nizzamuddin basti (colony), a medieval settlement where the tomb of the famous 13th century Muslim Sufi Saint Nizzamuddin Auliya is located. An underprivileged young adult trained by a local NGO will conduct this tour.
Hotel: Imperial, Heritage Room (B)

Day 3: Delhi - Agra

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hi Tea with Local Family  
• Evening Kachpura Heritage Walk
• Overnight stay in Agra

Today depart by surface for Agra (approx. 4 hours 30 minutes) and on arrival check into the hotel.

Late afternoon enjoy Hi Tea with a local family and proceed for a walk in Kacchpura Village. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk through Kachpura starts with explaining the paintings (sanji art) on the walls done by community girls under the youth program.

Humayun’s Mosque is another monument that is situated inside the village. This is a strange peculiar kind of mosque ever built by Mughals. It has one deep narrow, great central ricer or compartment entered by a high arch and domed in the center with one recess in its weak wall. At each side of this central compartment the building is lower and broken up into the smaller chambers. After regular meetings with government authorities, they have now been renovated as well.

The central courtyard of the village is a major attraction of Kuchhpura. The courtyard was redesigned under the project that offers a view of activities taking place in and around the information center: street theater and henna tatto making. One can also visit the village school situated near the courtyard. Walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset. 
Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas, Premier Room (B)

Day 4: Agra

• Visit Taj Mahal at Sunrise

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit Agra Fort and Discover Old Agra city
• Witness the Taj Mohabbat Show   
• Overnight stay in Agra 

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.

The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb was carved out of single block of marble. The Mughals believed that flowers were the symbols of the divine realm, thus in the Taj, pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture. The monument changes with light and presents different times of the day.  

Post breakfast visit the massive Agra Fort which was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience).  Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It’s a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Very few travelers ever visit the older part of Agra what was once an important trading center of the Imperial capital of the Mughals known for its abundant consumption of commodities and giving gifts on a large scale.

After your tour of the Agra Fort, take a Rickshaw or Tonga ride to Old Agra to explore hidden alleys.  As you enter the lanes of Old Agra you will get to peep inside shops, temples and lives of people to relive the life and times of a city that has an enduring history that predates and goes beyond the glorious era of the Taj Mahal, where it was a prosperous mercantile town during late-Mughal and days of the British Raj.

In the evening watch the Mohabbat The Taj at Kalakriti that is a series of plays depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal, his beautiful wife, the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era and the hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.
Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas (B)

Day 5: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur - Ranthambore

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the Bharatpur Train station
• En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri
• Lunch at Bharatpur
• Arrive Sawai Madhopur Station, met and transfer to the lodge
• Dinner & overnight stay in Ranthambore  

Post breakfast, depart by surface for Bharatpur (approx. 1 hour) and en-route first visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri, located 37 Kms southwest of Agra is a magnificent fortified ghost city which was   constructed by Akbar in the 16 century to honor the Chishti Saint, Sheikh Salim, who foretold the birth of Akbar's son, Jahangir. The city is a combination of Hindu and Persian architecture, and is in a remarkable state of preservation.  The city was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry, and it remains much in the same condition as it was over 300 years ago.

Larger than any of the modern cities when it was originally constructed, it is complete with palaces and mosques. It’s near perfect buildings make it an extra ordinary place to walk around in.

Post sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to Laxmi Vilas Palace for lunch.

Afterwards, you ill be assisted for your departure transfer to Bharatpur station in time to board the train for Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) Kota Jan Shatabdi Express: 1540/1810 hours.

Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks.  Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing amongst a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture. Ranthambore is perhaps most famous for being one of the original ‘Project Tiger’ reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a tiger.  With the recent escalation in poaching right across the sub-continent, there has been a worrying decline in both numbers and sightings of this magnificent animal. Today tiger sightings in the park are on the increase and even though the animal itself is still under serious threat, you have a good chance of finding one.

On arrival at Sawai Madhopur station, you will be net and transferred to the lodge;
Hotel: Oberoi Vanyavilas, Luxury Room (B, D)

Day 6: Ranthambore

• Early morning jeep safari
• Breakfast & lunch at the hotel
• Afternoon jeep safari
• Dinner and overnight stay in Ranthambore

Whether or not you see a tiger on this holiday, you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety and number of other mammals and birds that make the park their home. Common langurs are abundant, as are both Spotted (Chital) and Sambar deer; the latter often feed so far out into the lakes that only their heads show above the water. Nilgai (the largest of India's antelopes) are also fairly common and Barking deer do occur, although are somewhat harder to find.

For the very fortunate there is also a chance of tracking down a Sloth bear or perhaps a Chinkara antelope. Mugger Crocodiles are common in the lakes and Monitor lizards are frequently seen around their shores.  In addition to the mammals and reptiles, we will also see a wonderful diversity of birds.  Flocks of Peafowl are on almost constant show, whilst on the lakes Cotton Pygmy geese, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas are common.

The surrounding woodland and grasslands hold such species as Black-rumped Flameback woodpeckers, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Finch lark (an Indian endemic), Painted Spurfowl, Jungle Bush quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed Kingfisher. 

In addition there is also the opportunity to find up to five species of owls including Brown Fish owl, Dusky Eagle owl and Collared Scops owl. On each of our game drives we will be accompanied by local guides, whose expert knowledge of the park is invaluable when tracking down some of the more elusive species.

From the lodge we will be able to take morning and afternoon drives into the reserve in search of its many mammals and birds.  In between these there is plenty of opportunity for walking and bird watching around the lodge. The surrounding deciduous woodland holds a variety of birds including Rufous Treepie and the Yellow-fronted Pied woodpecker. You may also choose to take time to visit the spectacular ruins of Ranthambore fort, whose massive battlements dominate the reserve and provide outstanding views over the region.
Hotel: Oberoi Vanyavilas, Luxury Room (B, L, D)

Day 7: Ranthambore - Jaipur

• Early morning jeep safari
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart by surface for Jaipur
• Evening cooking demo / dinner at the hotel
• Dinner at Dera Mandaw

In the early morning, enjoy another jeep safari to explore the park and look for tigers and other animals and birds.

Post breakfast depart by surface for Jaipur (approx. 4 hours). On arrival, you will check into your hotel.

Evening is reserved for special cooking lesson/dinner with Thakur Durga Singh, the current owner of Dera Mandawa who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, current affairs, and is a bank of knowledge so vast that he has a point of view on anything under the sun. He is what one could call a modern traditionalist, actively seeking the use of modern technology and methods to support the principles of traditional living. The inquisitive can have endless conversations with him on a number of his projects like rain - water harvesting, biogas plant, solar heating and, even, healthy cooking. He would be more than delighted to share his experiences with you.
Hotel: Taj Rambagh Palace, Palace Room (B, D)

Day 8: Jaipur

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning visit the Amber Fort
• Enjoy lunch at Elephant Safari at Dera Amber
• Afternoon visit the City Palace and Royal Observatory
• Evening guided walk in the old part of the city
• Overnight stay in Jaipur

Morning start your tour by visiting the magnificent Amber Fort. It was once the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you can climb up to the Fort in approximately 10 minutes, but a jeep ride or elephant ride will spare you the trouble of walking up to the fortress. Once at the fort, you will stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls with your guide. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. 

Post sightseeing tour drive to Dera Amber Camp which is located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake. Here enjoy an exclusive elephant safari and lunch. 

Post lunch drive back to the city for visiting the City Palace and Royal Observatory.

Visit the City Palace which houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings and an armory. Then continue on to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar), built in the 17th century by Jai Singh, a famous astronomer. The observatory has a 900-foot-high sundial. The Central Museum, founded in 1876, has a large collection of antiques.

Later drive past the Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Hawa Mahal, built in a unique design, is the landmark of Jaipur, and was used by the ladies of the court to watch the daily goings-on in the street below. The pink sandstone carvings are extremely intricate, and it is a great place to take pictures.

From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronised the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and as a result modern day Jaipur is considered by many as the craft capital of India.

Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji.

On this fascinating evening walk mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the regions culinary delights: try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the Winds is the meeting - point at which this two and a half hour walk begins.

Optional: The cost of hot air ballooning in Jaipur will cost $200 per person (this is an estimated price for 2013). This can be done in the early morning during one of the days in Jaipur and the sightseeing tour in Jaipur will need to be adjusted slightly.
Hotel: Taj Rambagh Palace, Luxury Room (B, L)

Day 9: Jaipur – Nimaj

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart by surface for Nimaj  
• Evening enjoy a birding walk
• Dinner and Overnight stay in Nimaj 

Morning depart by surface for Nimaj (approx. 4 hours) and on arrival check-in at Chhatra Sagar (Luxury Tented Camp).

Today Chhatra Sagar had developed into a lush green oasis. With its wide - open spaces and enchanting views, it became the entertainment venue of choice.  Luxury tents have always been an important part of Rajput lifestyle. Constant campaigns in far flung lands meant long stays in tents under inhospitable conditions. Tents were the only luxury available and soon these evolved into mobile, mini-palaces. Chhatra Sagar captures the essence of this romance.

The descendants of the people invited here by Thakur Chhatra Singh still live in settlements around Chhatra Sagar. Predominantly farmers and shepherds, they live a self-contained life which has changed little in the last century. Chhatra Sagar continues to recharge their wells and provide water for their livestock.

Here you will love the silence, the bird watching, the isolation, the bats who fly over the dinner tables at dusk, the fresh pomegranate juice on the terrace and the tangible humanity of this singular place.
Hotel: Chhatra Sagar, Tent (B, L, D)

Day 10: Nimaj

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning take a village walk
• Lunch is at the Camp site
• Dinner and Overnight stay in Nimaj

The Rathore family love the land, and view water-harvesting as an ancestral responsibility. Stewards and guardians of a unique place, their personal involvement and constant presence reinforce the commitment. Following their conservation effort, over 200 varieties of wildlife have returned, egret, heron, kingfishers, antelope, wild boar and small jungle cats, all easily observed from the ramparts of the dam or on nature walks into the habitat. The sustainability quotient is optimal—the camp serves all locally sourced food, has intense community involvement, and is furnished by indigenous craft. The property employs 30 local families from the nearby village of Kheda Deogarh, sponsors teachers, provides medicine, classroom furniture and brings specialized educators who address subjects ranging from family planning to recycling to soil conservation. They bring to the equation a natural grace and elegance, making the experience an altogether authentic one.

Today explore the small town of Nimaj with your host by foot and by jeep safari.

Evening is at leisure.
Hotel: Chhatra Sagar, Tent, (B, L, D)

Day 11: Nimaj - Jaisalmer

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning explore the area
• Depart by surface for Jaisalmer
• Overnight stay in Jaisalmer

  
Later depart by surface for Jaisalmer, (approx. 6 – 7 hours) and on arrival check into The Serai.

Upon your arrival, the striking and exotic landscape of the luxury nomadic camp will amaze you. You’ll be enchanted by the interior decorations, camel leather armchairs in the library and dark wood furniture adorned with gilts in the 21 tents.

When you stay at The Serai, the Thar desert becomes a real paradise. Here, the air-conditioned suites have verandas and are set in the heart of a 100 acres oasis. Inspired by the traditional Indian baths scattered throughout this region, the pool is the central feature, and a real luxury in the desert, boasting breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the Sujjan Spa proposes its treatments in an enclosed garden. This site is a haven of peace and its Rajasthani cuisine can be enjoyed in the restaurant or indeed anywhere else you choose in the property.

The dining tent serves sumptuous local delicacies as well as delicious western repasts using much home grown organic produce. Guests can choose something from our wide range of wine and spirits, while slipping into one of the comfortable leather club chairs in the library bar, with a book and a Cuban cigar. Alternatively, guests may drink or dine al-fresco anywhere on the estate.

They believe we should give back to the community and at The Serai they organized veterinary camps that treated about 600 cattle head, as well as health camps and eye check ups free of cost for their neighboring villages. They constantly endeavor to work with the villages around them by donating blackboards to schools or books, and other teaching apparatus.

They have a state-of-the-art filtration system for their swimming pool that allows them to recycle, and therefore conserve precious ground water. At the resort, they predominantly employ locals, whom they train for each of the departments. They also practice organic gardening and encourage neighboring farmers to do the same.
Hotel: The Serai, Luxury Tent (B)

Day 12: Jaisalmer

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning sightseeing tour of the city
• Evening visit Sand dunes for short Camel ride
• Overnight stay in Jaisalmer

After breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of the city.

Our fist stop will be the Jaisalmer Fort also known as Sonar Qila (the Golden Fort), Jaisalmer fort shimmers like a mirage amidst the desolate beauty of the hot barren deserts of Rajasthan. Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisala and reinforced by subsequent rulers, the fort situated on the Trikuta Hill had been the scene of many battles. Standing at a height of 100 meters over the city, the fort houses a citadel within its huge ramparts. The world's only living fort, about a quarter of city’s population lives within the fort's walls. Jaisalmer Fort is sheer magic. Built entirely of yellow sandstone; it turns to a magical honey-gold as the sunsets. Several entrances like the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal.

The main attractions inside the fort are the Jain temples that were built between 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to Rikhabdev and Sambhavanth. The city of Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed Havelis, built by wealthy merchants. These beautiful sandstone buildings are still in very good conditions even today.

Evening is reserved for an exclusive camel ride / jeep safari on the sand dunes.
Hotel: The Serai , Luxury Tent (B)

Day 13: Jaislamer – Johdpur - Rohet

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart by surface for Rohet en-route visit Jodhpur
• Arrive Rohet, transfer to the exclusive Mihirgarh
• Dinner and Overnight stay at Mihirgarh

Today morning depart by surface for Rohet (approx. 7 hours) en-route visit the famous Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur.
The Mehrangarh Fort is the most impressive fortress in Rajasthan. The 5 km long ramparts of the fort, perched on a 125 metre - high rocky cliff in the middle of the city, has four gates that can be approached by a winding road. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the fort, one can see magnificent palaces adorned with intricately carved panels and latticed windows. The palaces have evocative names, like Moti-Mahal, Phool-Mahal, Sheesh-Mahal, Sileh-Khana and Daulat-Khan that match their character. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty: palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, music instruments, costumes and furniture.
Later drive to Rohet, on your arrival you will be assisted for your further transfer to the exclusive Mihirgarh.

This extraordinary small fort is perched on a sand mound, surrounded by scrub desert, just south of Jodhpur. “Mihir Garh” aptly means ‘Sun Fortress' as it stands majestically, basking in the desert sun with 360° views.

Mihir Garh provides a haven of great comfort, with 9 large suites, each with adjoining sitting rooms and all stunningly decorated in soft, earthy colors and with a Moroccan / African / Rajasthani air. Each has its own courtyard and glorious terrace facing out to the surrounding countryside and with either a plunge pool or a Jacuzzi.

It's light and open with inner courtyards and spacious roof terraces for peaceful yoga sessions or romantic dinners under the stars. A gorgeous infinity pool, shady sitting areas and a barbeque area all fan out from the dining room that is wonderfully airy in summer and warm and cozy in winter. The idea at Mihir Garh is to give people an authentic ‘desert or equine experience' whilst being luxurious and different.

The brains and inspiration behind this magical, small hotel, built of mud, wattle and wood, are the Rohet Family who are exceedingly keen horsemen and who boast some of the country's finest horses.  

The owners of Mihir Garh have been very successful in employing local people by making them their partners in tourism through local activities, hence making it mutually beneficial all around. The simple rural folk that they work with are also employed in all their hotels.
Hotel: Mihirgarh, Black Buck Suite (B, L, D)

Day 14: Rohet  

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning is at leisure
• Lunch is at the hotel
• Afternoon enjoy jeep safari
• Dinner and Overnight stay in Rohet 

Generations of noblemen have graced and cherished this home that over time has come to be revered. It has been a silent witness to the progress of the royal family for four centuries.

Post breakfast proceed for Village Safari to visit a Bishnoi village by jeep that showcases the best of the land. It is a complete cultural experience, which encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies and the abundant wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people's homes and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life that takes them closer to their roots.  Here you meet the 'Premier ecologists of the world', the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India's most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people. 

Afternoon is at leisure or one can opt for doing horse riding. But one has to have the minimum experience of 8 – 10 years in horse riding and this will be on direct payment basis.
Hotel: Mihirgarh (B, L, D)

Day 15: Rohet – Ranakpur - Udaipur

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart by surface for Udaipur
• En-route visit White Marble Jain Temple Complex at Ranakpur
• Lunch at Ranakpur
• Overnight stay in Udaipur

The drive today takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life.

Among the sights you see are colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. Your destination is one of the architectural gems of the area, The White Marble Temples at Ranakpur that is surrounded by   tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard.

Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, is fascinating.

Post lunch at Fatehbagh Palace. Then continue driving to Udaipur and on arrival check into the hotel.   
Hotel: Taj Lake Palace, Palace Lake View, (B, L)

Day 16: Udaipur

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Half day sightseeing tour
• Private Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Late evening Discuss art with contemporary artist 
• Overnight stay in Udaipur

Today you have the full day to explore the various sightseeing and experience the city has to offer.

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, (part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal 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 are just two of Udaipur's main attractions.

Later proceed for “Walk for the Tongawallahs”. The Walk for the Tongawallahs has been designed to help revive this once popular and eco-friendly mode of transport in Udaipur. Tongas were once the favorite mode of transport for the ladies of the royal house in Udaipur.

Today these Tongas are becoming increasingly marginalized in favour of auto-rickshaws and other pollution belching motorized vehicles. There are only 10 Tongas left in Udaipur today. This has forced the Tongawallahs into doing freight work such as carrying heavy loads. You will visit Bagore-Ki-Haveli and Sahelio-ki-bari with Tongawallahs.

In the afternoon, take a boat-cruise on Lake Pichola, covering the City Palace and Jag Mandir - a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to discuss art with a contemporary artist in Udaipur. Our one-to-one discussion with a contemporary artist of Udaipur over a glass of beer/wine allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of the contemporary art scene of Udaipur. Visit the studio and get to know what elevates and inspires the artist.  Listen to stories of the struggle whilst he searched for meaning and the awe-inspiring variety of materials, techniques, methods, style and theme in his quest for the universal that transcends all man made boundaries.
Hotel: Taj Lake Palace, Lake View (B)

Day 17: Udaipur - Delhi

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning is at leisure
• Transfer to the airport
• Arrive Delhi, met and transfer to the hotel
• Overnight stay in Delhi (Gurgaon)

Morning is at leisure (check-out is at 12 noon) 

Afternoon assisted departure transfer to the airport in time to board your flight for Delhi. (9W 708 - 1305/1420 hours)

On arrival at Delhi, you will be met and transferred to the exclusive Oberoi Gurgaon for final night.

Day 18:  Delhi – Departure Home

Transfer to the International airport

Today assisted departure transfer to the International airport in time to board flight for home.

Tour Quote:

Dates: January 6, 2013 – March 31, 2013

From:  $9,125 per person based on 2 people

Dates: October 1, 2013 – December 22, 2013

From: $9690 per person based on 2 people

The above rates include airfare from Udaipur – Delhi (subject to change until booked)

 

 TERMS & CONDITIONS

Quote Includes:

• Breakfast on all days.
• Lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace / Bharatpur
• Stay is on full board basis at Ranthambore.   
• Stay is on full board basis at Nimaj and Rohet 
• Buffet lunch at Fatehbagh Palace / Ranakpur (en-route Rohet – Udaipur)
• Transfers and meeting services right through the program at each destination provided by our office staff in Major Cities only
• All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be in very comfortable air-conditioned AC Innova  
• Entrance fees at all monuments listed in the itinerary for one visit only, road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, and porterage during all airport transfers
• All sightseeing and visits to places of interest, and sites as given in the itinerary, conducted by well qualified, good English speaking local guides
• 3 game drives at Ranthambore National Park in shared jeep including all park entrances, services of a naturalist.
• Train Journey in Air-conditioned Chair car from Bharatpur to Ranthambore / Failing drive
• Rickshaw ride in old part of city in Delhi
• Nizzamuddin Basti Walk
• Tonga (horse carriage) ride in Agra
• Kachhpura walk in Agra
• Hi Tea in Agra with local family
• Elephant ride to ascend the Amber Fort in Jaipur.
• Elephant Safari + Lunch at Dera Amber
• Evening Heritage Walk In Jaipur
• Cooking demonstration at Dera Manadawa, Jaipur.
• Camel ride at Jaisalmer / visit to Sand dunes.
• Jeep Safari at Rohet.
• Exclusive boat ride in Udaipur on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels)
• Discuss art with contemporary artist over a glass of wine.
• All taxes, tolls, parking fees and service tax

Quote Does Not Include:

• International airfare, Airport Tax, Passport and Visa fees for India
• Any meals.
• Any Insurance.
• Any Peak period supplements that might be levied by the hotels in future.
• Rates available on request for period of 01 Jan to 05 Jan 2013 and after 22 December 2013.
• All personal expenses such as gratuities, meals, medical expenses, laundry, drinks, telephone and fax services, video or camera fee at the monuments and all other services not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

Special Notes:

• The airfare quoted is on current basis, and will be revalidated when tickets are issued. This is subject to fluctuations at the time of ticketing
• Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
• Geringer Global Travel reserves the right to modify itineraries and/or substitute hotels of a reasonably similar quality, when available, should circumstances beyond our control deem it necessary
• Deposits imposed by OUR suppliers (e.g. hotels, motor coach companies etc.) will be charged when they occur. Full payment of deposits is due as per deposit invoice. Non-compliance with the deposit requirements can result in change or loss of services. All deposits are non-transferable.
• Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.