T H E M ETROPOLITAN M U S E U M O F A RT u P A L A C E S , P R I N C E S & P EACOCKS u Rajasthan in Depth u With Olivier Bernier u February 9 to 27, 2014 T H E M ETROPOLITAN M U S E U M O F A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Palaces and camels, temples and fortresses: Rajasthan, in North India, has much to offer. We are pleased that Olivier Bernier, noted art historian and author, will lead us through these marvelous sights. Mr. Bernier has often lectured on India, one of his favorite destinations, to sold-out audiences at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rajasthan was once a place of many kingdoms, and its rulers understood how to impress their rivals—not just by building spectacular fortifications, but also by making their courts a byword of splendor. Today, the palace museums unite impressive architecture with dazzling collections of costumes and objects so that the maharaja’s glamorous lifestyle is brought back to vivid life. Because each of these states developed its own Mughal-inspired school of paintings, great artistic treasures are on exhibit in Udaipur, Jaipur, and elsewhere. From the dramatic mountains of Mount Abu to the desert near Bikaner, the landscapes, too, provide an ever-changing spectacle. We will visit many strategically built forts as well as beautifully painted villages. The spectacular and unspoiled countryside, complete with wild peacocks and antelopes, will provide entertainment as we drive from city to city. CHINA PAKISTAN This, indeed, is a chance to see one of Delhi the most fascinating parts of India in depth. NEPAL We will stay at extraordinary hotels, some of Bikaner Agra Jodhpur which were once palaces. Everywhere the rich Jaipur and diverse history of the country will be with Mount Abu us. Shopping opportunities will abound, and Udaipur the magic of India will cast its glow over all our activities. INDIA The weather will be most comfortable for travel in Rajasthan. As space on this program is very limited, we suggest reserving Bay of at your earliest convenience. Arabian Bengal Sea Sincerely, Emily K. Rafferty President T H E M ETROPOLITAN M U S E U M O F A R T u 1 0 0 0 F I F T H A V E N U E u N E W Y O R K , N E W Y O R K 1 0 0 2 8 u P A L A C E S , P R I N C E S & P EACOCKS u Rajasthan in Depth February 9 to 27, 2014 ________________________ u ________________________ UDAIPUR Thursday, February 13 Today our focus is Chittorgarh, medieval capital of the Mewar Dynasty. Situated on a massive three-mile-long rock, it is one of the most imposing fortresses in India. Boxed lunches will be provided. Return to Udaipur, where the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is at the hotel. UDAIPUR u MOUNT ABU Friday, February 14 Begin the day with a drive through the countryside, where we will stop for a picnic lunch en route to Mount Abu. In Photo courtesy of Ober oi Hotels & Resorts Photo courtesy of Ober the late afternoon arrive in the hill station of Mount Abu and the Palace Hotel, the former summer residence of the Udaivilas Hotel on Lake Pichola, Udaipur. royal family of Bikaner. Dinner is at the hotel. NEW YORK Sunday, February 9 MOUNT ABU Saturday, February 15 Depart New York on an overnight flight to Delhi. The morning is at leisure. Following lunch, visit the Dilwara DELHI Temples, Jain marble monuments known for their extraor- Monday, February 10 dinarily intricate carvings. Dinner is at the hotel. Arrive in Delhi in the evening and transfer to the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel, located near the airport. MOUNT ABU u JODHPUR Sunday, February 16 DELHI u UDAIPUR Tuesday, February 11 Today we visit Ranakpur, arriving in time for lunch at the Maharani Bagh Orchard. Then see the most beautiful Jain Transfer to the airport for a mid-morning flight to Udaipur. temple in India, built in the 15th century of white marble, Upon arrival, continue to the elegant Udaivilas Hotel on the with 1,444 pillars, of which no two are alike. Drive past shores of Lake Pichola, arriving in time for lunch and striking landscapes to Jodhpur, the ancient capital of the check-in. In the late afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the lake. Mewar kingdom. Arrive at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, Gather for a welcome reception with introductory remarks a former royal residence, where we will stay for two nights. by Olivier Bernier, followed by dinner. Dinner is at the hotel. UDAIPUR Wednesday, February 12 JODHPUR Monday, February 17 A short drive brings us to the 11th-century temples at Nagda and the nearby Shri Eklingji temple complex. Spend the morning at the Mehrangarh Fort, once the Continue to the splendid fortress hotel Devi Garh for lunch residence of the maharajas, and today a museum of paintings, overlooking the scenic countryside. Return to Udaipur and weapons, and howdahs (seats used for riding elephants). tour City Palace—actually eleven connected palaces—which The afternoon is at leisure for individual pursuits, or you includes a superb painting gallery. The balance of the day is may wish to join a visit to Jodhpur’s spectacular city market. at leisure; shopping suggestions will be provided. Dinner is at the hotel. u P A L A C E S , P R I N C E S &PEACOCKS u uuu JODHPUR u BIKANER countryside. Built in the 17th century to rival the Mughal Tuesday, February 18 Palaces, its mirror-incrusted halls and private gardens show just how refined these Mughal-inspired palaces could be. Walk Drive north today, through vast and beautiful landscapes of through the glittering halls and marvel at the extraordinary the Rajasthan desert and stop for lunch at the 16th-century views over the surrounding hills. In nearby Dera Amer, we Khimsar Fort. In the late afternoon, visit a camel breeding will have the opportunity to ride elephants prior to a private farm on the outskirts of Bikaner. Conclude the day with champagne lunch. The balance of the day is at leisure. dinner and overnight accommodations at the Laxmi Niwas JAIPUR Palace, built of red sandstone in the early 20th century in an Indo-Saracenic style. Saturday, February 22 Spend the morning at the City Palace of the Maharajas of Jaipur, where we explore the extensive collection of art and heirlooms. Later tour the intriguing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. In the afternoon, visit the textile and jewelry shops for which Jaipur is famous. Dinner is at the hotel. JAIPUR u AGRA Sunday, February 23 Depart on an early morning train to Bharatpur, where we Photo © traveler1116 disembark to visit Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s glorious and deserted 16th-century city of red sandstone. Continue by Wall fresco, City Palace, Jaipur. motorcoach to Agra, whose majestic red sandstone and marble monuments reflect the power of the mighty Mughal BIKANER u MANDAWA Dynasty. Arrive in time for a late lunch at the Oberoi Wednesday, February 19 Amarvilas Hotel, with views of the nearby Taj Mahal. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of this Begin the morning with a visit to the walled city of Bikaner deluxe resort. and the Junagarh Fort, the “great jewel of Bikaner,” built between 1589 and 1594. Beautifully decorated with Rajput AGRA u DELHI paintings, mirror inlay, and lacquer-work, the fort is one of Monday, February 24 the few in Rajasthan constructed on a plain instead of a hilltop. Then drive through the colorful Rajasthan countryside, Perhaps the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal is a where traditional tribal life endures. Following lunch in masterpiece of elegance and grace. Built between 1632 and Ratangarh, continue to Mandawa and the Castle Mandawa, 1648, it was created by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in a fortress now converted into a luxurious Heritage Hotel. memory of his wife. We will visit the Taj Mahal at dawn, to Dinner is at the hotel. experience the magnificent views at sunrise. Following breakfast, see the jewel-like tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, MANDAWA u JAIPUR begun in 1622 for the Emperor Jahangir’s father-in-law. Thursday, February 20 Return to the hotel for lunch. Then drive to Delhi, arriving at the Leela Palace Hotel in the early evening. This morning visit Mandawa’s richly painted havelis, or mansions, built by the city’s prosperous inhabitants. After DELHI lunch, continue to Jaipur, arriving in the late afternoon at the Tuesday, February 25 famed Rambagh Palace Hotel, where we will stay for three nights. Dinner is at the hotel. Over the last thousand years, Delhi has been the capital of seven empires, and there are traces of its Hindu, Muslim, and JAIPUR British builders throughout the city. Today, Delhi Friday, February 21 consists of the 17th- to 19th-century Old Delhi and the newer sections constructed from 1913 to 1931 under the supervision Jaipur was founded in the 18th century by the great ruler and of British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Begin astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The delicate hue of its at the National Museum, housing an excellent collection of buildings has given it the name, “Pink City.” We begin at the Indian art. After lunch, see Humayun’s Tomb, the first of the Palace of the Winds where the morning sunlight is superb for great Mughal imperial tombs, and then continue to the 13th- photographs.