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Lal Mahal, Jaipur with Beauty of India Tours

Romantic Palaces & Forts

See the fabulous forts and palaces of India and sleep in our select heritage properties on this romantic tour through Rajasthan! 

Fully escorted private tour by

air conditioned car and private driver.

  from 
  $3499

ROMANTIC PALACES & FORTS OF NORTH INDIA

"There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won't go. For me, India is such a place.

It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India,

experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor." - Keith Bellows (Editor-in-chief, National Geographic Society)

Romantic Palaces & Forts of North India
15 days  |  14 nights  |  from  $3499 USD
TOUR OVERVIEW

THE EXPERIENCE: 

Your private tour explores amazing Rajasthan.

You'll stay in luxury desert resorts, historical palaces and beautiful havelis - Indian mansions still owned by royalty today. 15 days of incredible discovery, fabulous food and ..... fun!

During this tour you will marvel at the immense forts and palaces of Rajasthan, built with the incredible wealth of the Rajput rulers. Wander through Old Delhi and immerse yourself in the scent of spices during a street food crawl. Feel the romance of the Taj Mahal as you discover the hidden secrets behind Shah Jahan’s tragic monument.

Be on hand during a block-printing demonstration in Jaipur and pick out your favourite cotton for a tailor-made Indian salwar. Cruise beautiful Lake Pichola in Udaipur and stop at the fabulous Jag Mandir Island for lunch on the scenic terrace. Take a walking tour through the alleyways in the blue city of Jodhpur. Sleep blissfully under the stars in a Swiss tent in the vast Thar desert, surrounded by endless dunes. 

This comprehensive tour explores the beautiful palaces and historic forts in Rajasthan in depth and is incredible value for new or returning visitors to India.

THE ROUTE:

We'll be travelling from Delhi through Rajasthan via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer before we return to Delhi by air.

Private vehicle with driver, escort and local City Guides.

 

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:

• Relax with a massage/Ayurvedic treatment in Delhi 

• Join in a street food crawl in Old Delhi through Chandni Chowk 

• View the Sound & Light show at Purana Qila followed by dinner in Delhi 

• Dine on Rajasthani Thali at a rooftop cafe with stunning views of Jaipur

• Have a custom tailored tunic made in Jaipur and block-printing       

  demonstration of the cotton cloth

• Soar over Jaipur in an amazing, sunrise balloon ride

• Experience a Bollywood cinema evening in Jaipur

• Zip over the Mehrangarh Fort for a thrilling aerial adventure 

THE ITINERARY:

Day 1 Delhi

Pick up at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Begin your city tour (time permitting) or relax with an optional Ayurvedic massage/spa. Welcome refreshments with your guide and driver in the evening. Overnight Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi

Breakfast and then start your city tour including Jama Masjid, Qtub Minar, Red Fort and Humayan's Tomb.

Tea break and lunch at your leisure.

Afternoon free time browsing the bazaars. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Delhi.

Optional evening program of Lodi Gardens walk and Food Crawl through Chandi Chowk or Purana Qila Sound and Light Show and Indian dinner.

DAY 3 Agra

Leave Delhi after breakfast and travel to Agra - approx. 3.5 hours. 

On the outskirts of Agra, is Sikandra and the Tomb of Akbar the Great.

Also called Akbar's Mausoleum, this masterpiece of architecture was constructed in the 1600's. It's noteworthy for the beautiful sandstone buildings inlaid with marble and slate and the surrounding grounds. One of the greatest Mughal rulers, Akbar's tomb is a fitting monument to his life and accomplishments. Covering over 119 acres, it hosts a wildlife park, expansive gardens and several tall minarets.

Break for lunch and tea before we travel to the lesser known, but still impressive, tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, called the “Baby Taj”. The buildings are smaller but wonderfully decorated with inlaid, painted and raised plaster designs. Check-in to your hotel. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Agra.

Optional evening program of the Mohabbat The Taj show - a song, dance and musical depiction of the romantic love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Held in the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center and followed by Indian dinner.

DAY 4 Agra

In the early morning we'll watch the sunrise across the Jumana River illuminate the beautiful Taj Mahal. We'll take in the view from the Moon Garden or Mehtab Bagh at the riverfront. Then back to your hotel for breakfast before we see more of Agra.

The next famous monument we’ll see today is the Agra Fort. This was built as the summer palace of Shan Jahan and from the high terrace you can view the Taj Mahal in the distance. Built of intricately embellished red sandstone it provides a distinct contrast to the marble palaces within.

We return to Taj Mahal by midday - the stunning monument to Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. Designed and built over 22 years by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it stands forever as a testament to the heart-broken Shah’s undying love. 

 

Late afternoon at your leisure. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Agra.

Optional evening program: Local dinner, cooking lesson and Mehndi application at our Agra apartment.

DAY 5 Agra to Jaipur

Today we leave early for Jaipur - approx. 4.5 hours from Agra. 

On our way, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the city Akbar built in 1570 and abandoned 10 years later. This Unesco site has been well preserved with the palaces, gates and sandstone exteriors lying undisturbed over the centuries. 

 

Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is next. The former duck hunting preserve of the Maharajas is an important overwintering area for thousands of migrating water birds as well as home to over 300 endemic species.

Quiet trails surround man-made lakes and wetlands interrupted by grassy savannah and dry tropical forests. This Unesco World Heritage site spreads over 29 square kms and we will enjoy a naturalist guided hike and rickshaw ride for approx. 1.5 hrs.

 

Later we'll pass by the small town of Abhaneri, famous for Chand Baori.

This is the deepest stepwell in the world at 100 feet deep.

Check-in to your Jaipur hotel and dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

DAY 6 Jaipur

The grand Amer or Amber Fort, built by Raja Man Singh in the 1600’s, awaits our morning arrival. Walk the scenic route to the Sun Gate overlooking Maota lake.

Optional Balloon Safari  (I hour) at sunrise followed by Amber Fort.

 

The huge enclosure holds the stunning Palace of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal),

Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-e-Aam), the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-e-Khas) and the innovative Sukh Niwas. This enclosure created early air conditioning using the wind that blew over water soaked reeds within the palace!

Nearby is the Tiger, or Nahargarh Fort, standing on the edge of the Aravalli 

Hills overlooking sprawlingJaipur 

below. Although smaller, the palace has wonderful views and impressive frescoes throughout.

Tea stop and light lunch enroute to "The Pink City" where we will stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

 

On our way we can view the Jal Mahal - the lovely Water Palace set it Man Sagar Lake. Now abandoned, it floats like a mirage surrounded by the lake and mountains. 

Our afternoon finishes with a walk through the beautiful palace and gardens of Sisodia Rani ka Bagh a romantic 18th-century palace with formal gardens, fountains, temples & pavilions.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

Optional evening program:  See a hand-block printing technique demonstration and have a custom tailored Kurta made from your favourite cotton print.

Rooftop Indian dinner following with a scenic view over Jaipur.

DAY  7 Jaipur

Today we explore the City Palace built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732. The complex includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces as well as a colourful bazaar.

There is a wonderful museum and opulent palace rooms decorated with antique carpets and furniture. Parts are still inhabited by the royal family members today!

Free time to explore the bazaars and shops before we travel to the Galtaji Monkey Temple in mid-afternoon.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

Optional evening program:  

Bollywood movie at the classic Raj Mandir cinema - an Art Deco dream built by a leading jewellery dynasty in Jaipur. Dinner following.

DAY  7 Jaipur

Today we explore the City Palace built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732. The complex includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces as well as a colourful bazaar.

There is a wonderful museum and opulent palace rooms decorated with antique carpets and furniture. Parts are still inhabited by the royal family members today!

Free time to explore the bazaars and shops before we travel to the Galtaji Monkey Temple in mid-afternoon.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaipur.

Optional evening program:  

Bollywood movie at the classic Raj Mandir cinema - an Art Deco dream built by a leading jewellery dynasty in Jaipur. Dinner following.

DAY 8 Udaipur

Romantic Udaipur, with it’s interconnected lakes, has a wealth of lavish palaces and scenic views. We'll make a visit to the Monsoon Palace to view the sunset before heading to dinner at a rooftop cafe overlooking the lake. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 9 Udaipur

Today we tour the dazzling City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola. The complex contains 11 palaces and museums filled with fabulous art – including the stunning restored Peacock Courtyard. We’ll have a panoramic view of the Palace and ghats from our tour boat as we visit another royal mansion – the smaller, but elegant palace on Jagmandir Island. 

Spend the balance of the afternoon at your leisure - we'll meet up for a early dinner and Dharohar Folk Dancing evening at Bagore Ki Haveli for 7:00 pm. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 10 Jodhpur via Ranakpur

Ranakpur, home of India’s biggest and most artistic Jain temple, sits in the Pali district among the green, wooded valleys of the Aravalli Hills. Constructed over 50 years in the 15th century, the white marble temple is exquisitely carved and exudes a sense of calm within the 29 halls. 1,444 individually engraved pillars set under a complex of 80 domes make this Unesco temple a must see.
 
Upon arrival in Jodhpur we will have a walking tour around the medieval old city and wander the pretty streets and bazaars – everything is for sale from incense to handicrafts. Nearby the Sardar Market is Ghanta Ghar – the old Clock Tower. Built a century ago, it still dominates the city centre.  Dinner in the old city. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 11 Jodhpur

Your first stop today is the Mehrangarh Fort, an important historical landmark and a popular Jodhpur attraction. You will find numerous beautiful palaces, galleries, ancient temples, and a museum inside the complex.

Optional Zip-Lining:

The Flying Fox (I - 2 hours) over the rocky desert and the fort. 6 different zips - all thrilling!

 

Next we'll tour Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century royal cenotaph. In addition to the monument, it also features spectacular desert gardens on the edge of a small lake.

 

We'll break for lunch before another popular landmark in Jodhpur - Umaid Bhawan Palace. The elegant palace was built during the 20th century in order to provide employment for 3,000 famine stricken residents of Jodhpur. 

Optional: Mandore Gardens 

Mandore is an abandoned city housing 

ancient temples, memorials and magnificent high-rock terraces along with the stunning gardens. 

Late afternoon free to wander the city. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 12 Jaisalmer

Leave early morning for Jaisalmer - a former medieval trading center. A princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the "Golden City," being distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.

Free time to explore on your own. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaisalmer.

 

DAY 13 Jaisalmer

Our first stop today will be Gadi Sagar Lake, an artificial waterbody built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer.

Next we explore the Unesco Jaisalmer Fort. Locally known as Sonar Qila, it is one of the largest forts in the world. Inside there are Jain temples, a maze of streets and the opulent palace. It is still occupied by 4,000 descendants of the original peoples from 1156.

A stop for lunch and then we'll continue our walk on foot to the Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, the previous residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The most interesting fact about it is that all its artifacts are done by a jeweller and not a stone carver. Later we will visit Patwon-Ki-Haveli. The haveli consists of a complex of five different buildings and is also known as the "mansion of brocade merchants", for the fact that the haveli was built by a wealthy jewellery and brocade trader.

 

Afternoon free time. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Jaisalmer. 

Day 14 Desert Camp 

Free time in the morning after breakfast. We'll start mid-morning with a visit to Bada Bagh on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. Bada Bagh, literally meaning big garden, features a series of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of Jaisalmer Maharajas, including that of Jai Singh II (Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh).

 

We'll stop for lunch at the luxury desert resort Surygarh before heading to our camp for the evening.

Dinner, local music and dance evening entertainment. Jeep ride to see the sunset. 

Overnight luxury desert camp.

Day 15 Jaisalmer to Delhi

After breakfast we will finish our tour in Jaisalmer and catch our flight to Delhi early afternoon.

-- End of program --

 

Accommodation is available on request for this night in Delhi.

 

Please do not book any onward travel until the next day (Day 16).

 

We will help arrange transfers to the airport/train.

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Jama Masjid, Delhi, India
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Guided tour of Humayun's Tomb,

Red Fort and Qutub Minar in Delhi

Guided tour of Agra Fort, Baby Taj

and Taj Mahal in Agra

Visit to the abandoned city

of Fatehpur Sikri

Stop at Abhaneri Stepwell

 

View the Palace of the Winds

and Jal Mahal in Jaipur

 

Guided tour of City Palace,

Tiger Fort and Amber Fort in Jaipur

 

Guided tour of Mehrangarh Fort,

Jaswant Thada and

Amber Fort in Jodhpur

Guided tour of Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples and Havelis in Jaislmer

Overnight desert camp stay with

sunset view point and entertainment

in Thar desert

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Romantic Palaces & Forts of North India
15 days | 14 nights 

 

TOUR DATES 2018/2019                                                                                                                                PRICING

                                                                                                

November 4, 2018 - 6 places left     (Join us for a Diwali Celebration)                                                        3899 USD PAX

 

November 21, 2018 - 6 places left                                                                                                                    3499 USD PAX

January 8, 2019 - 8 places left    (Join us for Bikaner Camel Festival)                                                        3820 USD PAX

 

February 14, 2019 - 6 places left   (Join us for the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer)                                        3899 USD PAX

March 18, 2019 - 6 places left    (Colour Tour - Join us for Holi Festival)                                                   3899 USD PAX

WHAT'S INCLUDED

4 Star accommodations

in our select Havelis and Palaces

 

Daily breakfast

 

Private air-conditioned vehicle

 

Expert guide

and professional driver

 

Flexible leisure time

and optional activities

Internal flights and airport transfers

for arrival and departure

Top Forts & Palaces

in North India

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