Dungarpur
- Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra - New Delhi - Day = 21This
is a tour that is full of fun and adventure. It promises to cover
incredible old forts and palaces, which are still very much part of the
daily life of the people of Rajasthan. They are still involved in the
joys, celebrations, colors and customs of the people, clearly refusing
to be mere monuments! The tour provides ample opportunity to not be a
mere spectator but a participant in this living heritage of Rajasthan.
However, here is a word of caution! After 22 days of this tour, it
becomes difficult for the travelers to come to terms with the reality of
the modern World. The World outside seems so colorless then.
Day 01: 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 (Tour Ends).
