Classic Rajasthan

Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. As guests exit, you will be met and transferred from airport to hotel.                                                

  “I asked my soul what is Delhi?   It replied the world is the body; Delhi is its soul….. is how a 19th century poet described this city that has ever been so many things to so many different people. To the weary travelers on the ancient silk route it was the first plain after having crossed the Himalayan Mountains with the promise of shelter, food and business opportunities. To the Afghan, Turk, Greek, Arab and Roman kings it was a vast and inexhaustible source of treasures of all kinds ­ to the Chinese travelers it was the land of knowledge and wisdom. Its ageless face saw the advent of Islam. ­It saw empires being built and destroyed or even merely dismantled to make way for the new ­ and Delhi lived on….   The British created their own Delhi ­ with large well planned avenues and planted 10000 trees with a 112 kms of hedges that it would be green round the year ­ abundant with flowers ­ a botanical paradise. The seat of the British Empire ­ Delhi of 1911 was planned to resemble ‘an Englishman dressed for the climate’. Its planners and main architects decided that it would be neither Hindu, nor Muslim, nor Buddhist, nor English nor Roman but IMPERIAL a house for the Viceroy that resembled ‘a giant Indian bungalow, embattled Rajput fortress and Mughal tomb ­ with shades of Buckingham Palace ­ with English country house comforts. Delhi is perhaps the only city in the world that fuses its past present and evokes its future without losing an iota of its identity. ­ 1300 monuments speak of her antiquity ­ of the ambitions of men who thought they could hold on to her ­but history proved otherwise. A popular superstition is that it is also known as the ‘graveyard of dynasties’ with every one of its cities built there heralding the death the dynasty that built it.    Thus, Delhi is a Melting Pot of cultures, politics and religions of India’s colorful past in its monuments, its palaces, and in the faces of its people that they narrate the story of their glorious past.

Delhi Car

India Temple

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The Oberoi, New Delhi

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Start your day with Old Delhi Walks. Founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1639, Old Delhi is a happy marriage between historic structures and present-day socio-cultural traditions. Our experience gives you a rare glimpse of serenity in the labyrinthine alleys of the Walled City, which are at their most accommodating during this time of the day. Gaze at spectacular Havelis and discover the latent charm of Shahjahanabad right before the bustle sets in. Visit Jama Masjid the largest practicing mosque in India. During the walk, guests will cover the main streets of Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar, Paranthe Wali Gali [Lane of stuffed bread] & Ballimaran, Khari Baoli [Spice Market]. Visit the mighty Red Fort (Closed on Monday) followed by “cycle rickshaws” through the lanes of “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue. after that head towards Humayun’s Tomb, the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble – one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Delhi Gate

Fort Deli

India monument

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The Oberoi, New Delhi

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Check out from the hotel & drive to Agra, Check into your hotel in Agra and then visit to the Agra Fort. The Agra Fort’s construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565 when he was just 23 years of age. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings – the Pearl Mosque built of marble, the Hall of Public Audiences, the Hall of Private Audiences where the famous "peacock throne" was kept, the Octagonal Tower, the Jehangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir and the Khas Mahal, a beautiful white marble structure used as a private palace and then go for a guided walking tour of Agra this tour will showcase not just heritage monuments but also the city's culture, cuisine, craft, and life of the local people. The journey winds its way through the narrow lanes of Agra, where people can see the grand old haveli’s, the oriental markets of Kinari Bazaar, Lohar Gali, and spice's street of Rawat Para. You get to see Dara Shikoh's library, Mirza Ghalib's birthplace, the headquarters of the Radhasoami faith, the ancient Manka Meshwar temple, the Jama Masjid, and churches of different Christian sects, and the Akbar Church. On the way, the only street of Ayurvedic doctors, the paan and the pethamandi, and the food street of Seth Gali.

India Street

Indian Temple

Indian Building

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The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

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Check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur, en route to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - this exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons.   It is a visual experience of an ancient city abandoned by its ruler and yet well preserved to this day. One can visualize the splendour and glory of a bygone era. Fatehpur Sikri radiates a true sense of faith and belief in oneself and God. Even today, people visit a shrine within the complex to pray for a better life.

Jaipur was one of the first examples in the world of city planning. The 250-year-old city is a startling blend of forts and palaces, teeming markets, shops and transport of every kind, from cars to camels! Jaipur today, is the capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 ½ million people. Jaipur is called the “Pink City”, for by law all the buildings in the old city must be painted a deep saffron pink. It is especially known for its arts and crafts: jewellery, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinarily colourful place. On its streets, you see women in their brilliant red and orange head coverings and sweeping skirts, and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned moustaches. Jaipur is also a city of polo which is played on horseback, elephants and at times on bicycles!

jaipur temple

jaipur

jaipur temple

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The Leela Palace Jaipur

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Proceed to the highly ornamented Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds built in 1799 which has no less than 953 little windows and balconies. It is a stunning example of Rajput artistry and was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life in the streets below through the delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.    Later visit the imposing City Palace now a museum this was the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which now houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs. Also, visit the ancient Observatory & drive past the picturesque bazaars of the walled city. We also have the option to embark on an adventure of discovery of the city of Jaipur as we take bi-cycle rickshaws to the narrow and winding lanes of the city markets experiencing the various interesting sights and sounds, thereafter walking tour through the bustling bazaars. Free time for souvenir shopping -Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones, and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh’s patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the ‘bandhanas’, the ‘cheepas’ and the ‘meenakari’ workers.

jaipur

jaipur

jaipur temple

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The Leela Palace Jaipur

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Private transfer to the Airport, and then you'll board a domestic direct flight from Jaipur to Udaipur. and then you'll have a Private transfer from Udaipur airport to your Hotel, After checking in enjoy a Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola visiting the Jagmandir Island – situated in the middle of this romantic lake. It commands a magnificent view of the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Sajjangarh Fort, on its own island, and it is where Prince Khurram was given refuge in the 17th century.

Udaipur, often called the "Venice of the East" is the most romantic city in the state of Rajasthan. Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by green hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake Pichola. The city is a kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.

India

India

boat

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The Leela Palace Udaipur

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Proceed for a city tour of Udaipur. The guide will meet you in the hotel and lead the walk to the City Palace complex (approx. 10 min waking) The city is a kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Visit the City Palace within which are several architectural and artistic highlights known for its stunning peacock mosaics and a series of wall paintings. The City Palace was once the home of the Mewar rulers. Most of the Palace is converted into a museum and a luxurious hotel. Wander through the markets and bazaars to get a feel of the city situated close behind the City Palace. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 ornamented with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda.  A short visit to the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh).  Built by Maharaja Sajjan Singh in the year 1884, Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) in Udaipur is built along the Fateh Sagar Lake. The palace is built at a height of about 1100 ft and gives an astounding view of the landscape around.

India Building

boats harbour

India Palace

India Building

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The Leela Palace Udaipur

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