ROMANTIC RAJASTHAN Romance in the time of the Maharajahs Indulge in the romance of Rajasthan, the quintessential land of maharajas, medieval forts, and a multitude of colours. Discover the majestic Mughal heritage of the metropolis of Delhi. Marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal, monument to love. Explore the powerful forts of the Rajputs including Jaipur’s Amber Fort of honey-coloured sandstone and Jodhpur’s imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the opulent interiors of carved marble and stone. Catch the bright colours of Rajasthan’s many festivals and, if you’re lucky, the orange stripe of a leopard in the wilderness. There is romance in every day of this trip; stay in a beautifully restored palace, wander quiet gardens, take an early morning boat trip… we’ve included special moments of celebration just for you. Romantic Rajasthan | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Delhi Delhi’s bohemian character 03 Agra The Taj Mahal at dawn 04-05 Jaipur Jewels and Palaces in the pink city 06 Nimaj Beauty in Nature 07-08 Jodhpur Heritage walks in the blue city 09 Jawai Dramatic wilderness setting 10-11 Udaipur Lakeside strolls and vintage explorations 12 Udaipur Departure www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01-02 Romance in the city Delhi You are welcomed at the airport on arrival and escorted to your hotel. Next day explore the lanes of Hauz Khas Village, filled with boutiques, cafés, and galleries. Stroll the beautiful ruins of Lodhi Gardens Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Qutab Minar complex. Enjoy a classic High Tea, India style. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 4 Day 03 Feel the love Agra Meditate at the Bahai Temple before setting out to Agra. Explore Emperor Abkar’s Agra Fort, a grand monument with colossal double walls rising over 60 feet. Inside, explore the splendid mosques and palaces of red sandstone and white marble. Marvel at the mesmerizing views of the Taj Mahal at sunset – the marble monument to love reflecting rose and gold tints. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 5 Day 04-05 Pretty in Pink Jaipur On the drive to Jaipur, see the abandoned World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, a peaceful 16th C walled city filled with courts and palaces. In the pink city, visit the magnificent Amber Fort with its exquisite decorations, see the elegant Rajput City Palace. Pick out unique gifts in the colourful bazaars and window shop at the extravagant jewellery shops. Visit stunning Samode Palace for a cocktail in the terrace gardens. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 6 Day 06 Recapture bygone days Nimaj Experience Rajasthan’s natural beauty. Take a slow and scenic cycle or take a yoga lesson. Explore the tranquil countryside and feel the authentic rural Rajasthan. Seek out a candlelit terrace table to watch the sunset. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 7 Day 07-08 Rhapsody in Blue Jodhpur A colourful drive through Rajasthani villages – there’s always lots to look at on the road from decorated vehicles to meandering cows. Take an evening walk with a heritage guide in the seductive old city. Marvel at the view of the blue city from the towering Meherangarh Fort, the inspiration for Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Dive into the Sadar Market for fabrics, bangles, spices, and crafts. Stroll the peaceful Mandore Gardens with its abandoned temples and rock terraces. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 8 Day 09 Luxury in the wild Jawai Celebrate the great outdoors with panache in a dramatic wilderness setting. Track leopards and other wildlife and wander with charismatic Rabari herdsmen. Enjoy extraordinary dining around the campfire or at a secluded location with inspiring views. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 9 Day 10-11 City of Lakes Udaipur On the road to Udaipur, marvel at the 1444 carved marble pillars at the Ranakpur Jain Temple set in the forest and welcome and traditional blessing. Visit Udaipur’s magnificent City Palace, a massive complex of buildings overlooking the lakes and explore the picturesque lanes of Udaipur lined with colourful palaces and bustling bazaars. Lounge in a traditional shikara boat on an early morning on Lake Pichola. Tour the city by private vintage car. Meals: Breakfast Day 12 International Departure Udaipur Or Extend your Trip to visit Varanasi www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 10 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 11 nights • Breakfast daily • Lunch or dinner daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Delhi: Full day tour o Agra: Tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal o Nimaj: Hotel activities o Jodhpur: Evening heritage walk o Jodhpur: Full day tour o Jawai: Resort activities o Udaipur: Visit of Ranakpur o Udaipur: Full day tour o Udaipur: Private vintage car excursion • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 11 ACCOMMODATIONS City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate Delhi 2 N The Leela Trident Taj Mahal Agra 1 N Amar Vilas ITC Mughal Trident / Taj convention Jaipur 2 N Rambagh Palace Jai Mahal Palace / Royal Heritage Haveli ITC Rajputana / Trident Nimaj 1 N Raas Chatrasagarh Camp Raas Chatrasagar Raas Chatrasagar Jodhpur 2 N Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Rohit House Ajit Bhawan Jawai 1 N Sujan Jawai Camp Jawai Sagar Bera Safari Lodge Udaipur 2 N Taj Lake Palace Devi Garh Trident / Fateh Garh www.alaya-travels.com Romantic Rajasthan | 12.