1 Taj Mahal, Palaces, Forts and the Sufi Festival February, 2014 Friday, 14th : (Arrive Delhi) Arrive into Delhi late evening. After completing immigration and customs formalities our representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel Imperial. Considered one of Asia’s finest hotels, The Imperial is a New Delhi landmark and was designed by Bromfield, as the most luxurious hotel in the city. Overnight in Delhi. Saturday, 15th : (In Delhi) Delhi, the capital of India, has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. This morning, we trishaw through the historical part, also known as Old Delhi to see the bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques. The tour concludes with a visit to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Return to the hotel for lunch at their delightful `1911’ restaurant. This afternoon, drive around New Delhi with its majestic boulevards and grand government buildings. India Gate, Delhi's triumphal arch, the residence of India's President, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a complex of buildings that mix Mughal and Western architectural styles. We visit the Tomb of Humayun, beautifully restored, this monument is an early example of Mughal architecture. Overnight at the Imperial hotel. Sunday, 16th : (Delhi – Agra) 2 After breakfast, drive to Agra (approx. 3 ½ hours). (Presently, there are no flights connecting Delhi and Agra). In Agra, we stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. The rooms & public areas afford uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Lunch is at the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to see the Taj Mahal – The ivory gate through which all dreams pass. A lacy white grandeur, perhaps the most perfect architectural monument accomplished. To the poet Tagore, a `tear on the face of eternity’. Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Monday, 17th : (Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri) This morning, an option to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when there are less crowds and the light is delightful. Post breakfast, check-out and drive an hour to the Indian countryside to see Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone former capital of the Mughal Empire. After the visit, we continue our journey driving around 3 hours to Jaipur arriving in time for a late lunch. Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters - from painters and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. We live a part of Jaipur’s history staying at the Rambagh Palace, set on 47 acres of lush gardens. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful gardens of the Rambagh Palace or indulge at the spa. Transport is available should you wish to explore the shopping options. Overnight at the Rambagh Palace. Tuesday, 18th : (Jaipur) Post an early breakfast, trace Jaipur’s history at the Amber fort; the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated in a jeep, wander around the beautiful palaces. If you have not experienced riding elephants before, here is an opportunity! - Proceed to Dera Amer, the estate of Udaijit Singh. Udaijit’s vast estate is in the forested Kukas valley behind the historic Amber Fort, once the big hunting ground of the Royal family. A fortified medieval monument and a 3 traditional `chatri’ are remnants of an era gone by. We embark on a short safari on elephant back through the Rajasthani countryside interspersed with small hamlets, old temples and the serenity of rural India. The safari concludes at the pavilion where a delicious home style lunch is served. This afternoon, we have an option to further explore the markets of Jaipur with transport and guide available. Shopping in Jaipur is quite exhilarating. It is famous for gems and jewelry and the specialty of the traditional hand block printed fabric, antique textiles and handicrafts. Overnight in Jaipur. Wednesday, 19th :(Jaipur) This morning, drive into old Jaipur stopping by the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, a stunning example of Rajput artistry. Onward to the open air royal observatory, the “Jantar Mantar” built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the creator of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur, covers one seventh of its area and is surrounded by a high wall. It differs from conventional Rajput fort palaces in its separation of the palace from its fortifications, perhaps modeled on the Mughal architectural style with its main building scattered in “a fortified campus”. The Royal family occupies a portion of this Palace. Return to the Palace for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure with options to continue with shopping, or enjoy the spa and pool. Overnight in Jaipur. Thursday, 20th : (Jaipur – Nimaj) After breakfast, check-out and drive 4 hours into the interesting Rajasthani countryside to the principality of Nimaj. The stay is in a custom designed Rajasthani tent with an attached bathroom and a private sit out overlooking the lake. The tented accommodation is built on an old reservoir strategically located over the Chhatra Sagar Lake. Our hosts, the ruling family of this principality welcome us at lunch. The place is renowned for its delicious cuisine, prepared in the family kitchen with farm fresh vegetables grown organically; for those inclined, a good time to savor and participate in traditional Indian cooking. 4 The rest of the day is at leisure however, there is an option to take a nature walk with an opportunity to spot some rare birds of this region. Dinner and overnight at Chhatra Sagar. Friday, 21st : (Nimaj – Jodhpur) This morning, there is an opportunity to see the rural environs as 60% of the Indian population still earns their livelihood from agriculture. Accompanied by one of the family members, explore the area walking or by jeep to the villages that provide an insight in to the interesting lifestyles of people and farms where they grow cotton, anise, cumin, henna, chillies and a range of pulses. Post lunch, check-out and drive around 2 hours to Jodhpur where we stay at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace built by the late Maharaja Umaid Singh. This Palace is one of the world’s largest and grandest royal residences and Maharaja Gaj Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh resides here with his family. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan ‘Rathores' and boasts one of the country's most spectacular fortress and palace complexes. It was from here that those baggie tight horse riding trousers `jodhpurs' took their name. This evening enjoy the Sufi Festival at the Fort. • 6.30 p.m. Moti Mahal - Darbar Concert II `Duduk – Azerbaijan’. • 7.30 p.m. Sringar Chowk Dances of the mountains – Powerful dance, all males performing in a warlike trance – amazing. • Morocco Overnight at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Saturday 22nd : (Jodhpur) This morning, drive up to the Meherangarh Fort and its Museum section which has a well documented collection of the Maharajas private art and miniature paintings. The ‘impregnable’ fort remained the royal residence until the Umaid Bhawan was completed in 1943. We then ride a tuk tuk into the city center and enjoy a heritage walk through the old city. A fascinating experience as you walk through and perhaps visit a few local homes, pass through the bazaar laden with spices, grains, utensils and other daily use items. In the market square sits the towns hairstylist and barber, a `local’ dentist. 5 Return to the Palace for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the Palace or shop for some wonderful textiles of Rajasthan. This evening enjoy the Sufi Festival at the Fort. • 6.30 p.m. Moti Mahal - Durbar concert II The dumbra Lute - Kazakhstan • 7.30 p.m. Sringar Chowk Balinese dance and gamelan - Bali Overnight at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Sunday, 23rd : (Jodhpur – Jawai) This morning check out and drive 3 hours to Jawai Leopard Camp which lies at the heart of untrammeled wilderness. The Camp lies minutes upstream of Jawai Bandh, one of western Rajasthan’s largest water reservoir and a sparkling attraction for an array of migratory birds, including flamingos, geese and cranes. Rambles in the country around, sundowners and private dining at a host of inspiring spots or a relaxing sojourn in the embracing atmosphere of the Camp itself are just some of the experiences visitors to JAWAI Leopard Camp can spoil themselves with. Leopards are Jawai’s predominant attraction and a thriving population of the felines has always ranged across this region. Guests can track these normally elusive Big Cats with our trackers and drivers riding in customised 4x4 safari jeeps. The camp is virtually enclosed by leopard country. The areas main inhabitants are the Rabari herdsmen who signify the organic and continuing link between culture and wildlife. This is the perfect habitat to see all the Indian wolf, sloth bear and antelope. Overnight in Sujan. Monday, 24th : (Jawai – Udaipur via Ranakpur) Check-out and drive around 2 hours to visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur, situated in the remote and peaceful Aravalli valley. Among the five holy Jain sites, this is one of the best temple complexes in the country. Lunch is arranged at the Mountbatten Lodge after which we continue our drive through some dramatic country side. 6 The city of Udaipur or the city of `sunrise’ that combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue lake Pichola and is regarded as the most romantic spot in India.