Amongst the Maharajas

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Amongst the Maharajas

Experience the romance of the Maharajas

This fascinating journey visits major highlights such as Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur but it also includes some off the beaten track places which gives you the chance to see how life continues in India's villages. Your nights are spent at a number of exquisite heritage hotels which vary from elegant Maharajas' palaces and lavish tented camps to more simple but equally atmospheric old buildings.



Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Barli
Early morning express train to Ajmer. Continue by road to the small village of Barli where you stay in a beautifully renovated old fort. Fort Barli is an intimate heritage hotel with a small number of beautiful rooms and suites where you can relive the days of the Maharajas.

Day 3 - Barli
The small and picturesque village of Barli offers a good opportunity to enjoy peaceful rural life. Here you see genuine smiles from people who are happy to welcome you in their village. You take a ride by bullock cart through the village.

Day 4 - Bundi
Today you drive from Barli to Bundi. Bundi is situated in a beautiful narrow valley, dominated by the awesome 14th century Taragarh Fort, one of the most spectacular monuments of Rajasthan. The climb up to the Fort through the colourful and friendly bazaar offers spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside.

Day 5 - Chittaurgarh
Drive to the colossal hilltop fort of Chittaurgarh where you stay in a delightful family run homestay which occupies an old haveli within the walls of Chittaurgarh Fort. Bicycles are available to explore the village and the Fort.

Day 6 - Udaipur
Continue to the enchanting `White City' of Udaipur, surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city with its white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, attractive gardens and green hills.

Day 7 - Udaipur
In the morning you enjoy a tour of Udaipur which includes a visit to the huge City Palace. You round off your tour with a boat trip on Lake Pichola. The afternoon is free to wander through the maze of alleys and interesting bazaars.

Day 8 - Deogarh
Nearby is the pleasant and little-frequented town of Deogarh. The narrow bazaar road, filled with textiles and silver jewellery shops, winds its way up to the top of the hill where you find the beautifully renovated 17th century Deogarh Mahal Palace. In the afternoon you take an excursion to the surrounding countryside in one of the vintage trucks owned by the family.

Day 9 - Narlai
Drive via the formidable Kumbhalgarh fort to Narlai, a small town overlooking a giant 90m single rock of granite, dotted with caves and temples.

Day 10 - Jodhpur
Morning optional walk to historic temples in and around Narlai, followed by a visit to the superb Jain temples of Ranakpur. Afternoon drive to the `Blue City' of Jodhpur.

Day 11 - Jodhpur
Perched on a hilltop dominating the city, Meherangarh Fort is the most visually spectacular in Rajasthan. An excellent audio tour is included in the entrance fee, and this leads you through the museum within the Fort. Afterwards it is well worth exploring the ramparts of the fort, with their superb views.

Day 12 - Chandelao
Drive to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Here, with no other tourists around, you can interact with the local community and learn about the art, culture and heritage of Rajasthan. Afternoon jeep safari to the surrounding villages.

Day 13 - Osian
Travel to Osian, an ancient town in the Thar desert. You spend the night in a beautiful tented camp in the sand dunes. Evening camel ride in the desert.

Day 14 - Bikaner
Drive via Nagaur and the unique Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok to Bikaner. The old city of Bikaner retains a medieval air with its maze of narrow lanes and some beautifully carved havelis in red sandstone, while outside the walls, many palaces and mansions survive.

Day 15 - Bikaner
Today enjoy a guided morning tour of Junagadh Fort. Founded in the 16th century, but expanded by subsequent rulers, the huge Junagarh Fort is one of Rajasthan's best preserved and most impressive. It contains many stone carved palace buildings filled with memorabilia offering an insight into Rajput palace life.

Day 16 - Mandawa
Continue to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan, famous for its havelis with colourful frescoes and murals. You follow a guided afternoon walk of Mandawa to enjoy the painted havelis.

Day 17 - Jaipur
Drive to the `Pink City' of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. On Jaipur's streets, camel carts, scooters, cycle rickshaws, modern cars and bullock carts all jostle for space - a total riot of colour. There are incredible palaces, fascinating observatories, parks and bazaars. Jaipur never fails to thrill.

Day 18 - Jaipur
In the morning you visit the magnificent Amber Fort, a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. In the afternoon you tour the stunning `Pink City' of Jaipur and have time to browse in the colourful bazaars.

Day 19 - Agra
Drive via the deserted Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri to Agra, city of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Day 20 - Delhi
Visit the Agra Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In the afternoon you return to Delhi.

Day 21 - Delhi
Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Delhi airport to connect with your onward travel.

Tweakable Holidays

This is just one of our holiday suggestions for you. If it's perfect as it is, great! If not, let us tweak it for you, or we could tailor-make your ideal trip including:

  • Where you would like to stay
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  • Experiences or activities that you fancy
  • As long as you want in each place

Just get in touch and we will start advising and planning with you.

Email us at info@travellers-palm.com or use our online form to get in touch.

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Price Guide

  • From EUR 1,960 per person based on two people sharing.

Inclusions

    • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotels.
    • Stay on bed & breakfast basis; full board at Osian.
    • Day train by air-conditioned `chair car' from Delhi to Jaipur.
    • Transport by private chauffeur-driven airconditioned car.
    • English-speaking local guide for tour of Delhi, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mandawa, Jaipur & Amber Fort, and Agra.
    • Bullock cart ride at Barli.
    • (Shared) boat ride on Lake Pichola.
    • Jeep ride at Deogarh.
    • Jeep safari at Chandelao.
    • Camel safari at Osian.
    • All transfers as per the itinerary.

    Tour price excludes

    • Tips and gratuities.
    • Services, Meals and Drinks other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
    • Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.
    • Entrance fees (unless specifically mentioned in the inclusions) and extra charges for camera and video.
Make an enquiry

Tweakable Holidays

This is just one of our holiday suggestions for you. If it's perfect as it is, great! If not, let us tweak it for you, or we could tailor-make your ideal trip including:

  • Where you would like to stay
  • Dates that best suit you
  • Experiences or activities that you fancy
  • As long as you want in each place

Just get in touch and we will start advising and planning with you.

Email us at info@travellers-palm.com or use our online form to get in touch.

Get in Touch

Delhi The capital of India is full of historical landmarks

The chief attraction of Old Delhi is the Red Fort that contains within it opulent palaces and impressive public buildings. Nearby is the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In New Delhi you can also find the India Gate -- a war memorial arch, the impressive Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Towards the South can be found the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, both World Heritage Sites.

Barli A beautifully restored fort south of Ajmer

The small and picturesque village of Barli, south of Ajmer, offers a good opportunity to enjoy peaceful rural life. Here you see genuine smiles from people who are happy to welcome you in their village. You can stay in the Barli Fort which dates back to 1675. It has been under its present ownership for sixteen generations and has recently been renovated as a charming heritage hotel by the family who owns it.

Bundi An old walled town relatively untouched by modern developments

Bundi is situated in a beautiful narrow valley, dominated by the awesome 14th century Taragarh Fort, one of the most spectacular monuments of Rajasthan. The climb up to the Fort through the colourful and friendly bazaar offers spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside. It's well worth the effort to climb up just to see the Chitrashala, the picture gallery with Bundi's famous miniature paintings and delicate murals.

Chittaurgarh Chittaurgarh Fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan.

The colossal hilltop fort of Chittaurgarh, or Chittaur, was the ancient capital of Mewar State, ruled by the Sisodia Rajputs. Three times in its long history, Chittaurgarh was sacked by a stronger enemy and on each occasion the men rode out from the fort to certain death, while the women committed johar by throwing themselves and their children onto a huge funeral pyre. The immense stretch of Chittaurgarh's walls and ruined palaces relate therefore the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism.

Udaipur Rajasthan's most romantic city

Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. High whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys lend it an almost medieval charm. The huge City Palace, still the residence of the Maharana, is carved out of yellow sandstone and stands on the banks of the Lake Pichola, from where you have fabulous views over the lake and the famous Lake Palace Hotel.

Deogarh A pleasant town with a beautiful palace hotel

Deogarh is a pleasant, little frequented town midway Pushkar and Udaipur. The village market is dotted with shops selling silver jewellery, clothes, fabrics, food stuffs and just about everything one needs in a Rajasthani household. The road winds its way up to the top of the hill up to the beautifully renovated Deogarh Mahal Palace.

Narlai A convenient base for visiting nearby Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh

Narlai is a small village midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, overlooking a gigantic 350-foot single rock of granite, dotted with caves and temples. The village has a beautifully restored 17th century hunting lodge. The small haveli lies cozily within fortress-like walls and the white-washed terraces offer views of the hill with its dramatic huge granite boulder.

Jodhpur The Blue City

Standing at the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort. The fort houses an excellent museum and affords captivating views of the blue Brahmin houses of the old city. The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. Narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars for textiles, silver and handicrafts. It's a fascinating jumble of winding streets of great interest to wander around.

Chandelao A great chance to see village life

Just an hour's drive away from the bustling city of Jodhpur is the small village of Chandelao with its 300-year-old fort. Here you can interact with the local community and learn about the art, culture and heritage of Rajasthan, and this is one of the best places to witness traditional village life - an unforgettable experience which invariably proves to be a highlight of a visit to India.

Osian Explore the Thar desert on camel back

This ancient town northwest of Jodhpur in the Thar Desert contains the largest group of 8th to 10th-century Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. The temples are grouped in several sites around the town and the oldest exhibit extensive carvings. Not too far away from the temples are some of the most impressive sand dunes of Rajasthan, stretching mile after smooth mile all the way to the horizon. The landscape is a perfect place to go on a camel safari.

Bikaner A trading center on the old caravan route

Bikaner grew up around the fabulous Junagarh Fort, a large 5-storeyed structure, the surrounding wall of which is more than one kilometer in length! Its sumptuously decorated interiors are much better preserved than any other fort in Rajasthan. The old city of Bikaner retains a medieval air with its maze of narrow lanes and some beautifully carved havelis in red sandstone, while outside the walls, many palaces and mansions survive.

Mandawa An amazing `open-air art gallery' of paintings

Mandawa is a small town situated in the heart of Rajasthan's Shekhavati area, famous for its painted havelis (mansions). They were built in the 19th century by Marwari merchants who took over as patrons of the arts. They built havelis lavishly decorated with frescoes which became the symbol of the status of the Marwaris and a home for their extended family, providing security and comfort in style.

Jaipur The Pink City

Jaipur is one of the most interesting cities in India with exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces and an exotic street life. Just outside town is the impressive Amber Fort. It is worthwhile spending any leisure time wandering through the bazaars. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enameled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts.

Agra City of the Taj Mahal

Agra is home to possibly the most famous and beautiful building in the world: the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb and memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Along the river Yamuna is the impressive Red Fort from where there are fantastic views of the Taj. The Red Fort was the capital of the Moghul Empire and thus of India during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Delhi The capital of India is full of historical landmarks

The chief attraction of Old Delhi is the Red Fort that contains within it opulent palaces and impressive public buildings. Nearby is the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In New Delhi you can also find the India Gate -- a war memorial arch, the impressive Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Towards the South can be found the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, both World Heritage Sites.

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Tweakable Holidays

This is just one of our holiday suggestions for you. If it's perfect as it is, great! If not, let us tweak it for you, or we could tailor-make your ideal trip including:

  • Where you would like to stay
  • Dates that best suit you
  • Experiences or activities that you fancy
  • As long as you want in each place

Just get in touch and we will start advising and planning with you.

Email us at info@travellers-palm.com or use our online form to get in touch.

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