 INDIA FORTS AND PALACES TOUR
Upscale cultural tour of India
India is a history of many different eras with each era being very different and unique to the others. One of the most interesting eras in terms of architecture, art and culture was the time of the Rajas and the Maharajas. This is the era preceding and continuing through and even after the Great Moguls builders of the Taj Mahal and many majestic palaces, gardens and forts. These palaces, gardens and forts are revered, even today, as a heritage of one of the golden eras of India. India’s Forts and Palaces is embodied in our India Forts & Palaces tour that capture the culture of that time by actually staying in the palaces and going through the journey the Maharaja way. A deluxe tour with all its comforts, conveniences, pampering and even using the same palaces as places of abode as did the maharajas. This is a treat to yourself to feel like a maharaja in a manner that you will believe you are one – and why not?
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Tour
Summary
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Map
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Day
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Place
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01-03
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Arrival Delhi |
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04
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Delhi / Agra |
| 05 |
Agra |
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06
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Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur |
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07
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Jaipur |
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08
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Jaipur / Jodhpur |
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09
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Jodhpur |
| 10 |
Jodhpur / Jaisalmer |
| 11 |
Jaisalmer |
| 12 |
Jaisalmer / Mihirgarh |
| 13 |
Mihirgarh |
| 14 |
Mihirgarh / Ranakpur / Kumbhalgarh / Devigarh |
| 15 |
Devigarh / Udaipur |
| 16 |
Udaipur / Mumbai |
| 17 |
Mumbai |
| 18 |
Mumbai / Home |
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Incredible !ndia |
Day 01, Arrive Delhi
Namaste! A rose garland awaits you, as you are welcomed to India with folded hands. A private chauffeur driven car with your guide drives you to the majestic Taj Mahal hotel where you are warmly received with rooms and rest time awaiting you. The Taj Mahal Hotel is an elegant 5 star deluxe hotel winning the status as the best in Delhi and a member of the Leading Hotels of the world.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (3 Nights)
 Day 02, Delhi
The Capital of India has been known to be continuously inhabited since 6th Century BC. It is believed that Delhi has its roots in the Indraprashtha, the legendary Capital of Pandavas of Marabharata. Delhi became a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain during the rise of the Sultanates.
In 1639 Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built a walled city of Delhi, which served as Capital of the Mughal Empire till 1857. In 1911 the British also transferred the Capital from Calcutta to Delhi. Since then Delhi has remained Capital of India. A very cultural city with two world Heritage sights, numerous museums, monuments, and art galleries.
We start tour of Delhi with concentrate on New Delhi tour with a visit to Birla House - the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. He spent his later years here prior to his assassination by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. From here we proceed to the famous India Gate and see Houses of Parliament from the outside, the famous Connaught Place, and the majestic Humayun's Tomb – a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS). Next is another WHS the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 72.5 meters into the sky with 379 stairs inside the tower. Afternoon is free. In the evening we have our welcome dinner at the Great Kebab Factory. (B, D)
Note: Birla House is closed on Monday.
Day 03, Delhi
Today we concentrate on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chowk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. We also enjoy a ride on the traditional rickshaws. Afternoon is free. In the evening, we are treated to Sound and Light Show at Red Fort, spectacular showcasing the history of Delhi and that of the fort. (B)
Note: Red Fort is closed on Monday.
Day 04, Delhi / Agra: (Drive: 220 Km/4 ½ Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra on the way visiting Sikandra. Here lies the remains of Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great. A very simple mausoleum for a person of his stature Upon arrival at Agra check in to the Amar Vilas. This is one of the most luxurious hotels and is rated amongst the leading resorts hotels of the world. All rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge at the Amar Villas offer breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal! Our visit of Agra has been timed with the full moon - what better way to enjoy and appreciate the most photographed building in the world. A special visit is organized in the evening to observe Taj under the full moon.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (2 Nights) (B)
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday
 Day 05, Agra
The early morning rays on Taj reflect a different and serene view as such at dawn we visit the incredible Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum of love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj has been built of white marble with beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. We return to hotel for breakfast and then proceed to Agra Fort. In later years of his life, Shah Jehan was imprisoned here by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Both the Taj and the Agra Fort are WHS. We also visit some of the famous local factories of inlay work on marbles to witness the complex art inlaying of precious and semiprecious stones from the mines of Makrana. Afternoon is free to enjoy Agra. Evening, we enjoy Mohabbat (Love) a traditional Indian dance show based on the story of the Taj Mahal. This show takes place at the Kalakriti Theater. (B)
Day 06, Agra –Fatehpur Sikri –Jaipur: (Drive: 235 Km/ 5 Hrs)
A short drive gets us to Fatehpur Sikri, a city built by Emperor Akbar; on the site where the birth of his son, Jahangir, was predicted by the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti (1480-1572). For 10 years only Fatehpursikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisti, the complex of monuments, temples and Mosque, all in a uniform architectural style, bear exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality construction. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning. The city was later abandoned for lack of water.
We then proceed to Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink city due to usage of Pink stones in construction of its building. We check into one of the most famous hotels in the world The Rambagh Palace, built by Maharaja Sawal Man Singh II.The stately beauty of this Palace captures the grandeur and romance, set amidst elegant gardens. Every room and suite reflects a world of royalty with its exquisite antiques, rich tapestry and paintings.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (2 Nights) (B)
Day 07, Jaipur:
Royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture with panoramic view. From here we proceed to the astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses rare collection of Indian art. Then we proceed to beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade. We end our tour with a visit to the colorful bazaars of Jaipur. (B)
Day 08, Jaipur / Jodhpur (Drive 335 KMS 6.1/2 Hours)
After a royal breakfast we depart for Jodhpur enroute stop for lunch at another royalty abode the Nimaj Palace. Driving through the beautiful rural Rajasthani scenery we arrive at Jodhpur. Our 2 nights stay at the Umed Bhawan Palace is an experience in itself. This Palace is a classic example of indo-colonial art deco style of the 1930’s. The only palace to be constructed in the 20th century, it took 3000 artisans 14 years to create this heritage wonder. A unique feature of this palace is how the hand-chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in an interlocking pattern without any mortar binding. The Palace is divided into three functional parts, the residence still occupied by the royal family, a Museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur royal family and a Taj luxury Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Jodhpur (2 Nights) (B, L)
 Day 09, Jodhpur:
Our experience of Jodhpur starts with a visit to the 1459 AD Mehrangarh Fort. It rises steeply from a rocky scrap winds up to the massive gateway with immense portals. Enter through the Gate of victory – Jai Pole and Loha Pole marked with palm prints of ‘Sati’ (Rajput ladies immolated themselves on funeral fire of their husbands). Inside the fort, there are series of courtyards and palaces with a deep terracotta latticed network. It also houses a museum, with a splendid collection of
the trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings, the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada this milky white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes. We also visit the beautifully landscaped Mandore Gardens. (B)
Day 10, Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (Drive: 280 Km/ 6 Hrs)
After enjoying Ummed Bhawan’s princely breakfast we proceed on our journey. We stop for lunch at Lal Niwas Phalodi. During lunch break we visit the small museum housed here. From here we proceed to Jaisalmer. Another different treat awaits as we check into to the Fort Rajwada, a princely home built on 6 acres, with breathtaking interiors done in the traditional style. Located in the peaceful countryside on the outskirts of the golden city, it is the oasis of serenity and comfort. Evening, the rays of setting sun turns Jaisalmer into golden brown, a beautiful spectacular sight to see and cherish.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaisalmer (2 Nights) (B, L)
Day 11, Jaisalmer:
We start the day with a visit of the fort built by Maharawal (Maharaja) Jaisal in 1156 AD. Situated on a triangular mound 76 meters above ground level, like a giant sandcastle, the golden fort thrusts skywards out of the surrounding barren landscape. The life within the citadel conjures images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels, straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights.
We also visit the Jain temple of the 11th century BC, Gadisar Tank -a scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. Next is a visit of the Folk Museum and Patwan ki Haveli - the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis with exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Late afternoon we enjoy a desert safari on camel backs and are treated to a beautiful sunset with dinner and a cultural show. (B, D)
Day 12, Jaisalmer / Mihirgarh (Drive: 335 Km /6 ½ Hrs)
We drive through the rural Rajasthani scenery to Manvar Resort we stop for lunch here. After lunch we live for Mihirgarh a spectacular mud fort perched dramatically on a sand mound at the edge of the desert. Mihirgarh is, blending luxury with a rustic and sumptuous earthy elegance converted into a luxurious boutique hotel. The fort offers unparalleled insight into Rajasthan's vivid and colourful rural heritage. It is made of wattle, mud and wood, and comprises of only nine suites set over two floors. The spacious rooms face either sunset or sunrise. Each suite has terraces to enjoy the unspoilt and enchanting desert. We check in at this Sand Coloured Fort Hotel. Evening, we go on a sunset ride on the finest breed of Marwari horses. The equestrian program at Mihir Garh is among the finest in the country.
Overnight: Hotel in MihirGarh (2 Nights) (B, L, D)
 Day 13, Mihirgarh
Mornings at Mihir Garh are divine. The choir of birds, the splendid sun rise, the golden brown sands beckon you to come and experience a new day, Camels, camel carts, horses are ready to take us to a secluded spot in the wilderness where a lavish al fresco breakfast amidst nature awaits us. The breads are fresh and warm, straight from bakery. The Mihirgarh takes pride in this experience with highly trained staff taking you through the unique experience of culinary demonstrations and workshops. The recipes come from Late Thakurani Sahbia Jayenda Kumari’s books on traditional Rajasthani food. We get to experiment our own recipes until we are confident that we can re-create the same taste at our homes or just stand by and observe the fine art of cooking – and later enjoy the delicacies at a special dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 14, Mihirgarh/Ranakpur /Kumbhalgarh /Devigarh: (Drive: 200 Km/ 5 Hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Devigarh visiting enroute the famous Ranakpur Jain temples, constructed in the AD 1439.The temple have an enormous 48,000 sq. feet basement. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns here are 1,444 all of them intricately carved. With artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 Kilograms. From here we proceed to Kumbhalgarh for lunch. After visiting the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort, we drive to Devigarh. Nestled in the Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devigarh Fort Palace commands one the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Evening free at leisure with dinner at the Fort.
Overnight: Hotel in Devigarh (1 Night) (B, L, D)
Day 15, Devigarh / Udaipur (Drive: 40 Km/ 1 Hrs)
Today’s attraction is Udaipur. No city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. Misty ochre-shadowed hills and pale, intricate buildings encircle the mirror glass of Lake Pichola. If Jaipur is a study in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold. The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir. We start tour of Udaipur with the City Palace, which has several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics andthe Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. Next we visit the most memorable part of Udaipur lake palace, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Later we visit Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of Maids. We end our tour of Udaipur with a boat ride at Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. Our stay is at the most well known Lake Palace Hotel. Evening is free to enjoy the ambience of the Lake Palace.
Overnight: Hotel in Udaipur (1 Night) (B)
 Day 16, Udaipur / Mumbai (Flight)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai we are transferred to majestic Taj Mahal Palace & Towers Hotel. Built in 1903, the beautiful building is a combination of Moorish, Oriental & Florentine styles offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. Perfect hosts to various heads of States, Maharajas, Princes and other important personalities, the hotel will be our host for our closing nights in our Indian Journey. Evening we enjoy dinner at Indigo restaurant
Overnight: Hotel in Mumbai (2 Nights) (B, D)
Day 17, Mumbai In the morning we take a short boat excursion to Elephanta Caves. Here the 7th century rock cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva come out alive. An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. The pillars and reliefs in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shivaite iconography. We tour the caves before returning to the main land and continue our tour of this elegant city. Our first stop is at the Prince of Wales Museum & Victoria Terminus (WHS). This exuberant Gothic building looks more like a lavishly decorated palace or cathedral than a train station. From here we go to Mani Bhawan, now converted to a museum, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the freedom struggle of India. Then we visit the Jain Temple, the Hanging Gardens, Tower Of Silence and the bustling Crawford Market. We also drive past 800 years old tomb of Haji Ali - a wealthy Muslim merchant, who renounced his worldly belongings prior to embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. We end our tour at the Dhobi Ghats – the world’s largest outdoor laundry. (B)
Note: Prince of Wales Museum is closed on Monday.
Day 18, Mumbai / Home
After an incredible luxurious journey with your personal guide-escort, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
Departure
Dates |
| 2012
English Speaking Departures
Feb 05, Mar 04, Apr 04, Jul 29, Aug 29, Oct 26, Nov 23 & Dec 26 |
Inclusions |
Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include |
| Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. |
International airfares or airport departure taxes |
Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary
(B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) |
Insurances & Visa Fees |
| All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned Vehicle. |
Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only |
|
| Road tax, Toll Charges, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages |
|
Airfare in Economy Class from Udaipur to Mumbai |
|
| Services of an English-speaking escort cum guide from Delhi to Udaipur and Local guide in Mumbai approved by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India. |
|
All entrances to Monuments of visit as per the itinerary, excluding camera / Video Camera Charges |
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| Sound & Light show at Red Fort -Delhi |
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| Two visits to Taj Mahal under full moon & next day in the morning |
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| Mohabbat- The Taj Show- Agra |
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| Elephant Ride at Amber Fort |
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| Camel Safari and Dinner & Culture show at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer |
|
| Boat Ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur |
|
| All presently applicable taxes. |
|
|
Tour
Price |
|
| We
accept payment in US $ (US Dollars),
CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent
EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway
Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection.
Once full payment has been received, and no
modification has been made to the tour itinerary,
we will honour that rate.
For
complete payment procedures, please download
 Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe
Acrobat. |
HIGH SEASON VALID FROM January - April 15, 2012
| Category |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| Option 1 |
US
$ 10795 |
US $ 5650 |
| Option 2 |
US
$ 7950 |
US $ 3250 |
| Option 3 |
US
$ 6750 |
US $ 2590 |
VALUE SEASON VALID FROM April 16 - September 15, 2012
| Category |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| Option 1 |
US
$ 8450 |
US $ 3950 |
| Option 2 |
US
$ 6750 |
US $ 2275 |
| Option 3 |
US
$ 5850 |
US $ 1950 |
All prices are subject to any revision of tax and tariff structure
Please note the tour can also be done at other dates however, viewing of Taj in the moonlight depends on the dates of full moon.
Hotels
| City |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Delhi
(3 Nights) |
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Maidens Hotel
Superior Room
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Agra
(2 Nights) |
|
ITC Mughal
Chamber of Emperor |
Jaypee palace
Standard Room
|
Jaipur
(2 Nights) |
Rambagh Palace
Palace Room
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Jai Mahal palace
Luxury Room
|
Alsissar Haveli
Standard Room |
Jodhpur
(2 Nights) |
|
|
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Jaisalmar
(2 Nights) |
Suryagarh Palace Room |
The Gateway Hotel Rawal Kot
Standard Room
|
Mandir Palace
Deluxe Room
|
Mihigarh
(2 Nights) |
|
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Devigarh
(1 Night) |
|
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Udaipur
(1 Night) |
|
Shiv Niwas Palace
Palace Room
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Fateh Prakash Palace
Dovecote Room
|
Mumbai
(2 Nights) |
|
|
Trident Nariman Point
Superior City view Room |
|
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour |
| Canada
- West Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
USA
- West Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Canada
- East Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
USA
- East Coast |
US
$ 1000 |
|
Participants |
| This
tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum
of 10 participants. |
Notes
|
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates
other than the above ones or with a customised
itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy
to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French,
German,
Italian and Spanish
speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com
or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of
U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
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