Rajasthan Palaces Tour
Duration : 21 Nights / 22 Days
Destinations Covered : New delhi - Neemrana - Samode - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Rohet - Udaipur - Dungarpur - Deogarh - Jaipur -Fatehpur Sikri -Agra - New Delhi
Day 01: New Delhi - Neemrana
Welcome to India. You will be received at New Delhi International airport, assisted and transferred straight to Neemrana. Stay in the fascinating Neemrana Fort.
Day 02: Neemrana
The Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on a majestic plateau concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges, considered the oldest fold mountains in the world. The beginnings of this rugged architectural jewel which rises to nine levels, date back to 1464 AD, making it India's oldest heritage resort. Conveniently located just off the Delhi Jaipur highway, Neemrana is Rajasthan's closest palace to India's capital.
Day free to explore around the village. Besides the fort, a step well is also worth exploring.
Day 03: Samode
Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamindars (landlords) of Samode the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamindari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj.
In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats (the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with the present family).
For the 1st half of it's existence Samode Palace was a little more than a fortified stronghold in the rugged Rajput tradition. Only in the early 19th century under Rawal Berisal did the castle begin to take on the lavish aspects it is now known for. He was an eminent statesman who reached distinction as the principal signatory (on behalf of the Jaipur Maharaja) of the historic 1818 treaty making Jaipur a protectorate of British East India Company. He later became Chief Minister of Jaipur and wielded absolute power.
Samode Palace quite clearly began expanding at the time of his reign and continued under his descendant Rawal Sheo Singh who was the Prime Minister of Jaipur state for several years during the middle of the 19th century. He is credited with the Palace's most fabulous addition - the extravagantly florid had painted Darbar Hall and the overlooking gallery which forms the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal or the hall of mirrors.
Drive to Samode village and check in at Samode Palace. The fairytale palace perfectly recreates the nostalgia of its princely past when every aspect of it evoked a unique style!
Day04: Nawalgarh
A heritage resort atop the Shivalik Hills mere seven hours away from Delhi and one and a half hours from Chandigarh, Nalagarh Fort is a must visit must stay hotel. Built in 1421 by the royal family of Nalagarh, the hotel has all the modern facilities. The erstwhile royal family is still residing inside the palace that marks the regal continuity that this structure has maintained.
Reaching the Shekhawati heartland, take a walking guided tour of the colorful town which has some of the best preserved frescoed "havelis" (mansions).
Day05: Nawalgarh
The day's activity includes a traditional Rajasthani lunch and an excursion to nearby towns of Lachhmangarh and Fatehpur for the better appreciation of the Shekhawati region popularly known as 'the largest open air art gallery of the world'!
Day 06: Bikaner
Reach the 'Camel City' Bikaner and check in. After a brief leisure, visit the well-preserved Junagarh fort. In the evening visit the unique camel-breeding farm.
Day 07: Jaisalmer
Drive through the Thar Desert and finally reach Jaisalmer (the Golden City) and check in at your hotel. In the evening walk in the still inhabited fort of Jaisalmer abuzz with a distinct and vibrant lifestyle.
Day 08: Jaisalmer:
The year was 1970 when Maharaja Mahendra Singh Ji Pioneered the Hospitality business in Jaisalmer by starting the Jaisal Castle Hotel at 12 room Hotel in Jaisalmer Fort which was built in 1165 A.D. It was from here that began the new world famous concept of the "Golden Thar Experience.
Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid the foundation of this city in 1156 A.D.. Trikuta was the
hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established this new capital. The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on the forced levy on the caravans that crossed their territory en-route Delhi. These caravans, laden with precious cargoes of spices and silk brought great wealth to this town. Because of its remote location, Jaisalmer for years remained untouched by outside influences and during the British raj, the rulers of Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of agreement with the British.
This included apart from traditional royal hospitality and entertainment, camel safaris and desert camps. As word of our excellence spread across the world the need arose to expand and this, in 1980 resulted in the restoration of a 130 year old ancestral Place belonging to Maharaja Shivdan Singh Ji in to Jaisalmer's first deluxe heritage Hotel Narayan Niwas Palace, named after Maharaja Narayan Singh Ji, father of Maharaja Mahendra Singh Ji. This today is the flagship of not only the company but the entire hospitality industry of Jaisalmer..
Today we operate with excellence, the Narayan Niwas Palace, The Jaisal Castle, Jaisal Tours and the Narayan Bagh Resort, geared towards providing the ultimate Thar experience.
Day 09: Rohet: Rohet Garh is 40 km short of Jodhpur on Udaipur-Jodhpur route.
Past centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of Champawat clan.
Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the traditional style herald the entry into the portico decorated with the artifacts and trophies of many years. An interesting village safari is one of the highlights to visit Rohet Garh
Transfer to Rohetgarh. Take a less popular route and reach Kheechan village for the rare sight of thousands of migratory birds in the desert. Drive further and visit the ancient town of Osiyan on the way. Finally reach Rohet Garh Palace (a charming heritage hotel) and check in. Day completely free to move around the village of Bishnoi community.
Day 10: Rohet:
In the morning take an excursion to Jodhpur and visit Mehrangarh fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Sardar Market and Old Town. Back at Rohet evening free on your own.
Day 11: Udaipur
The hotel is in fact a white marble palace that seems to float miraculously on the still waters of Lake Pichola. Probably the most romantic hotel in the world, this 250-year old palace offers guests a unique blend of serenity and opulence. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the Lake city of Udaipur is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'.
Drive through forested and tribal areas of Aravalli ranges and visit superb Ranakpur Jain temples on the way. At Udaipur check in your hotel. Remaining day at leisure.
Day 12: Udaipur:
After breakfast move out for a half day sightseeing trip of City Palace and Saheliyon ki Bari. Rest of the time free to explore the interesting labyrinths around Jagdish temple on your own. Take a boat ride sightseeing tour of Lake Pichhola at sunset.
Day 13: Dungarpur:
Unlike the more recent Udai Bilas, the Old Palace or Juna Mahal as it is locally known, is no longer occupied. It is still owned by the family and can be visited only on invitation. Almost as old as the town itself, the construction of the palace was started sometime in the turbulent 13th century amongst the superb natural defenses of a rocky peak some 1500 ft. from the sea level Kuchaman Fort now a heritage hotel resort is easily accessible from Delhi and Jaipur. It is of a special significance, as it remained unconquered by either the Marathas or the Mughals.
The Fort's formidable ramparts, innumerable terraces, balconies, and viewing points along with its rich and interesting history, makes it a great holiday destination with a difference !
Transfer to Dungarpur. Arrive and check in Udai Bilas Palace- a beautiful lonely palace. Later visit Juna Mahal having stunning interiors with a series of colorfully painted chambers.
Day 14: Dungarpur:
The whole day free to relax in the serenity of Udai Bilas Palace.
Day 15: Deogarh
After a leisurely breakfast, drive towards Deogarh visiting Eklingji and Nagda on the way before finally checking in. Stay in Deogarh Mahal - a palace of great character and ambience.
Day 16: Deogarh
The whole day on your discretion. Suggested visit to Molela village (famous for terracotta crafts) or Kumbhalgarh Fort. Option of taking a unique safari on horses to the villages in this region of rugged terrain.
Day 17: Jaipur: Transfer to the Pink City - Jaipur.
On arrival check in the hotel. Evening free to walk in interesting old bazaars.
Day 18: Jaipur:
After breakfast move out for a sightseeing tour of the City Palace Complex, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort. Evening at discretion to try one among several options - shopping, visit a farmhouse for local Rajasthani dinner or taking a walk through the streets lined with great heritage buildings. o/v night stay in the hotel.
Day 19: Fateh Pur Sikri / Agra:
Early morning to drive to fatehpursikri to see fatehpursikri fort and drive to agra .O/v night stay in the hotel.
Day 20: Agra :
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra which includes the most beautiful monument of love - The Taj, Agra Fort and few other attractions. Later checkout from the hotel and transfer to New Delhi. Arrive and check in. Remaining day free for shopping at Hauz Khas Village or at leisure.
Day 21: New Delhi:
After a leisurely breakfast move out for a daylong sightseeing of Old Delhi (Shahajahanbad) which includes the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk & Jama Masjid along with other attractions. Drive past the impressive boulevards and buildings such as President's Residence and others in Lutyen's Delhi (New Delhi). Evening free to move around the busy Connaught Place.
Day 22: Departure
At appropriate time checkout from the hotel and transfer to International airport to board the flight back to your country.
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