Jewels of India
© 2019 Copyright Soul of Africa Safari Company
Trip Duration - 11 days
The Experience
India is not so much a country that you come to 'see' but a country that you come to feel and to experience.
A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. With a history that goes back many centuries, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. Dotted with monuments there is much to discover here. The seat of many powerful empires in the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs.
Rajasthan, the Land of Kings is synonymous with heroism, royalty and honour. Historic tales of battles fought and romance of the riches adorn the walls of the state. We visit all the famous iconic sites, immerse ourselves in small rural towns, & explore ancient forts, all in comfort and style. Visit the mesmerizing Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the first rays of sun reflects off the glistening white marble of the monument. This breathtaking historical monument of Emperor Shah Jahan’s ethereal memorial to his beloved wife never fails to astonish.
Trip highlights
Heritage sites
Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
Jeep Safari in rural village
Dinner in a 6 th Century Step Well
Special Heritage Walking tour in Jodhpur
Rajasthani dance and music performance
Henna Tattoo session
Special Heritage Walking tour in Jaipur
Fine dining atop Amber Fort in Jaipur
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 01 / ARRIVE DELHI
On your arrival at the international airport in Delhi our representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. Stay overnight at Delhi. Hotel- The Claridges. (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 02 / DELHI
After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing of the walled city called Old Delhi and the cosmopolitan New Delhi. Old Delhi pulses with energy and color, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars, laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian subcontinent. You will visit Juma Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes. In Old Delhi you will also enjoy a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon you will enjoy a tour of New Delhi. It is a city of wide boulevards which offer ever changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 m high tower dating back to 13th century and Humanyun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal). Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple and participate with volunteers in preparing meals for 10,000 people who are fed there daily. The shrine includes the temple, a large pond (sarovar), a community kitchen, an art gallery, a 24 hour dining hall (langar) and a school.
Your Welcome dinner will be at specialty restaurant Dhabba. Stay overnight at Delhi (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 03 / DELHI – JODHPUR (FLIGHT)
After breakfast transfer to airport & board flight to Jodhpur. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to hotel in Jodhpur. Check in at your hotel, Vivanta By Taj Hari Mahal. Jodhpur (known as the “Sun City” for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys year-round) was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is the second largest city in Rajasthan, and is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a ten kilometre long wall surrounding it, with eight gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Jodhpur has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace: Believed to be one of the largest personal residences of the world, the palace was constructed as a famine relief work and was in the making for 15 years. An amazing feature is the underground swimming pool. One of the domes rises to a height of 190 feet. Large parts have been converted into a hotel while some parts continue to serve as the personal residence of the Maharaja. Among the collections on display are royal memorabilia and a fascinating collection of clocks. Stay overnight at Jodhpur (B). Hotel - Vivanta By Taj Hari Mahal.(Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 04 / JODHPUR
After breakfast proceed for a special walking tour of The Blue City. On this special walking experience dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of the enchanting city, learn about the interesting legends of the past, meet & interact with local people, wander through narrow alley ways dotted with Indigo colored houses. Followed by visit to Mehrangarh Fort: Spread over 5 km on a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 Mts, the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outside and houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singh built this monument known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura. Afternoon Bishnoi Village and markets visit. Overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 04 / JODHPUR - NARLAI (145 KMS; 03 HRS)
Proceed to Narlai, a tiny and special village to experience a unique taste of Rajasthani rural life. Check-in at your hotel, Rawla Narlai which is a beautifully maintained 17 th Century heritage resort, originally an old hunting lodge of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Late afternoon walk to the nearby village where you can see the different craftsmen working their trade, famous temples whose beautiful architecture should be seen and visit to a traditional working farm. Followed by Countryside Safari, the rugged countryside of Godwad region can also be explored by taking a guided safari in our jeeps. Enjoy a magical candle-lit dinner at a 6 th Century Step-well. Overnight stay at Hotel - Rawla Narlai. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 05 / NARLAI – UDAIPUR (125 KMS ; 3 HRS )
Embark on an early morning jeep safari in search of leopards. The rugged Godwad countryside around Narlai suits the leopards and over a period the number has increased. Experience the thrill of customized ride on our jeeps for a sighting of this beautiful and graceful cat. These cats can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on the rocks or resting under the shade of a tree. Unlike lions, leopards do not stay in a pride and are solitary by nature and have large territories that they roam in. But sometimes they can be spotted in pairs. It is a very exciting activity that Rawla Narlai offers. Back to hotel and after breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit the famous Jain temples at Ranakpur: The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, is a marvelous feat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which is similarly carved. Continue drive to Udaipur, on arrival check in at your hotel – Taj Lake palace. Udaipur: "The Venice of the East", Udaipur is an enchanting city. From lakes in the midst of sandy terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds, the surprises are endless. Afternoon sightseeing tour - visit Jag Mandir, a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. It is also called the "Lake Garden Palace". Its construction is credited to three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom. Construction of the palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace for holding parties. Visit Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Udaipur City Palace is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Evening: visit Bagor Ki Haveli, an ancient building that stands on the platform of Gangori Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake. The splendid architecture of the mansion boasts of delicate carved work and excellent glass work. Bagore Ki Haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night. The haveli now stages delightful evening's entertainment; the pleasurable performance of Rajasthani traditional dance and music in the moody surroundings of the haveli, whilst enjoying the view of Lake Pichola. Stay overnight at Hotel - Taj Lake palace. (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 06 / UDAIPUR - JAIPUR (Flight)
After breakfast check in at airport for flight to Jaipur also known as the "Pink City". On arrival check in at your hotel Jai Mahal Palace. The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls. Besides cultural sightseeing Jaipur is also known for shopping and is famous for fabric, gems jewellery and handicrafts. Proceed for a Heritage walking tour of Jaipur. It will also include a visit to Jantar Mantar; an open air astronomical observatory. Then you will stop at the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds’ facade for photo stop behind which the ladies of the court could watch the busy activities in the street below without being seen. Jaipur’s main focus is the huge City Palace complex, home to the Maharaja, where you’ll see the numerous rooms, formal gardens and the fascinating Maharaja’s Museum containing his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. You will enjoy a Henna Tattoo session which will be followed by some shopping time to explore the local market near Hawa Mahal. Experience: Later in the evening enjoy a home hosted meal with a noble family in their heritage house. Stay overnight at Jaipur. Hotel - Jaimahal Palace. (Breakfast & Dinner).
DAY 7 / JAIPUR
After breakfast we leave for the outskirts of Jaipur to walk through the grounds and structures of the Amber Fort. Amber Fort was originally constructed by a tribe called the Meenas and dedicated to “Amba” or the “Mother Goddess.” Built over the remains of an earlier structure, the present palace complex was commenced in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh, commander of Akbar’s army and a member of the emperor’s inner circle of nine courtiers. The Amber Fort was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Maharaj a (a great or high king) Jai Singh II. The short steep ascent provides views of Jaipur, Maotha Lake, and the original city walls. One of the fort’s most striking features is the Hall of Mirrors. When the palace was occupied by royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single candle reflected in thousands of tiny, intricate mirrors. Optional time for shopping. Stay overnight at, Jaipur. (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 8/ JAIPUR - SAMODE
After breakfast transfer to Samode. Check-in hotel Samode Palace. Exclusive and discreet, Samode Palace has been host to royalty, celebrities, artists, and the discerning traveller. A splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The 475-year-old palace is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode. Evening local village walks and market visits. Overnight stay at Hotel - Samode Palace. (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 9/ SAMODE - AGRA
After your breakfast, check-out and drive to Agra. On arrival check-in at hotel. This city is situated on banks of river Yamuna and is also popularly called Akbarabad which was at its peak in the Mughal era. Your next destination is Agra Fort. This fort is famous for its architectural style from the reign of Mughals in about 16th century A.D and also encompasses numerous mythological fortresses and palaces such as Khas Mahal, Jahangir Palace, etc. Return back to your hotel for your dinner and overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 10/ AGRA -DELHI
Next morning, you will visit the mesmerizing Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the first rays of sun is reflecting off the glistening white marble of the monument. Emperor Shah Jahan’s ethereal memorial to his beloved wife, never fails to astonish. This breathtaking historical monument of love and romance is one of finest examples of Mughal architectural style with some elements of Islamic, Ottoman, Turkish and Persian style of architecture. Return to the Hotel, and after breakfast, transfer to Delhi. Optional shopping. Check-in hotel near airport. Dinner & Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 11/ DELHI DEPARTURE
Transfer to Delhi airport, connect flight back home.
TOUR ENDS.
Hotel Envisaged as below /Similar
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Accommodation is on Twin Sharing basis
A/C Vehicle for the Whole tour
Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
Rooms inclusive of breakfast basis plus 5 dinners included
Welcome Dinner at Delhi
Special candle lit dinner in a 6 th Century Step-well.
Dawn leopard safari in Narlai
Special Walking tour in Jodhpur
Special walking tour in Jaipur
Dance Show in Bagor ki Haveli , Udaipur
Henna Session in Jaipur
Jeep ride in Jaipur
Help of our Representative
Monument entry tickets
All taxes
Above costs do not include：
Any personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, etc.
Any Camera Fees
Guide & Driver Tipping
Any other thing which we have not mentioned above