FAM trip for discerning explorers

After breakfast, meeting at lobby at 9.00AM, we then go on a guided tour into the walled gates of Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It draws you through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour includes a visit to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and a drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square).
A highlight of this tour is a ride on a cycle rickshaw, a 3-wheel cycle with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a fun way to explore and photograph the vitality and colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people, and the pavement shops selling wares of every description.

We will visit couple of hotel properties in Delhi.

This evening get to know your fellow travelers. Welcome buffet dinner (1900-2200hrs)

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Kindly book Air India AI 475, departure Delhi @1255hrs, arrival Jodhpur @1415hrs

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we will be received and transferred to the hotel and check-in.Brief rest and we go for hotel inspection & see couple of heritage properties.Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

We meet at 9.00AM, and go on a guided visit to one of the largest forts in India, the Mehrangarh fort is the pride of Jodhpur. Situated on a 150 m high hill, has seven gates, some of which still stand as a witness to the battles fought by the armies of Jodhpur. The fort houses a number of palaces inside, with extensive patios. The main palaces are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. A museum also finds a place inside the fort, displaying a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, etc.

Later visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. The museum has exhibits of stuffed leopards, a very large symbolic flag gifted to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877, an impressive “quirky” collection of clocks in windmill and light house shapes, and photographs of the elegant art-deco interior of the palace. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display in the garden in front of the museum. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are also part of the exhibits. The Darbar Hall, which is part of the museum, has elegant murals and also substantial number of miniature paintings, armour and an unusual collection of household paraphernalia that was in vogue in the 1930s, which were costly and then not found in India.

Also visit Jaswant Thada; a royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A white marble memorial, the cenotaph is adorned with exquisite carvings. It houses the portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur. Built like a temple, the Thada is a perfect example of skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.

Later visit the clock tower and stroll around the market.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast, we start our day at 9.00Am and drive to Udaipur.

En-route visit Rawla Narlai, a fascinating base to enjoy the attractions of countryside. Hidden away in the heart of Aravalli Hills, at the foot of a mammoth granite rock, surrounded by forested hills and rocky outcrops, Rawla Narlai is a beautifully maintained heritage resort, which was one of the Jagir Villages of Jodhpur’s Royal family. Still owned by members of the Jodhpur family, the resort is now transformed from a mere hunting lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel albeit with all its original character and structure retained. Check out this stunning property, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and continue our journey to Ranakpur Jain temple, built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, in the AD 1439.

Later continue to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, guided sightseeing of the huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine views of the lake and the city from the upper terraces.

The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle – a mighty bird called Garuda – in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Visit couple of stunning hotels for site inspection and return to the hotel for brief rest.

Late afternoon, common boat ride on Lake Pichola, stopover at Jag Mandir.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Breakfast and we start journey at 9.00AM to Pushkar. Pushkar has a religious significance and is home to legend temple of Brahma the only Brahma temple in India.

Our guide will join us and we will visit the temple of Lord Brahma (creator of the world) surrounded by Pushkar lake. Witness the devotees taking the dip into the holy waters and offering prayers on the banks of the lake. Take a walk through to see beautiful Pushkar lake and colorful market of Pushkar.

Later continue to our hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast)

Breakfast and we drive to Jaipur at 9.00AM. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Take a brief rest and enjoy the hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure/own activities.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

This morning we start at 8.00AM, we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of royal Jaipur. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.

We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years / or take a jeep ride in case you don’t want to ride an elephant. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.

We shall photo stop by the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city.

Visit the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles which surrounded the wall at that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory – an astronomical treasure house. We then visit the Palace Of Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone that features semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city.

We will visit couple of hotels in between our sightseeing. In case time does not permit, we shall cut down the sightseeing.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast around 8.00AM, drive to Agra enroute visiting Abhaneri – The first visual effect on setting sight of the stunning architecture is that of jaw dropping awe- an Egyptian pyramid turned upside down! Famous for its Chand Baoli is a stepped well built by Raja Chand in the 8th / 9th century AD for harvesting rainwater. Built on a square plan, the stepped well comprises an incredible 3,500 plus symmetrically laid out steps going all the way down to the pit. The steps surround the well on three sides, having 13 storey’s while the fourth side has a set of pavilions built one on top of another. It is a 100 feet deep. Water was drawn by means of a Persian wheel rotated by an ox from within a pavilion.

Later continue to drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.

Brief rest and later visit Mehtab Bagh for our first glimpse of the stunning Taj Mahal at sunset from backside to witness this spectacular monument built for love. (Closed on Fridays)

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Early morning we visit the Taj Mahal, when it’s less crowded and a perfect opportunity for beautiful shots with lovely lighting from the rising sun. Come back to hotel for breakfast. (Closed on Fridays)

Following breakfast, we visit to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects. Followed by visit to Itmad-ud-Daula and Sikandra.

We will visit couple of hotels in between our sightseeing.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast, around 9.30AM we drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.Rest of the day is at leisure / own activities.

This evening we get-together to bit farewell over dinner (1900-2200hrs) and carry back wonderful memories.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Around 9AM, we go on a guided sightseeing of Delhi. Visit Gandhi Smriti / Birla House, the place where Gandhiji was assassinated. Agrasen ki Baoli – a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical stepwell. It is believed that it was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen, and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen. ISCKON temple, a well-known Vaishnav temple of Lord Krishna and Radharani in the form of Radha Parthasarathi. Visit Humayun’s Tomb.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Kindly advise your flight details. Standard check-out time is 12.00 NoonToday we transfer you to the airport to board your onward flight.