This tour takes you to a glittering desert land studded with Forts and Palaces, all delicately chiselled and lavishly adorned with carved archways, spacious courtyards, intricate glasswork, inlay work on red sandstone, intricate carvings on yellow sandstone and more. You will discover common features in most of the Havelis and Palaces that intrigue and enchant you and at the same time introduce you to the main aspects of ‘Rajputana’ architecture. Several Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan have a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ - a hall with walls covered with polished mica bits and mirrors set in traditional patterns. They may also have a massive central courtyard with the rooms constructed around it. Screen windows, along with filigree work on marble and sculpted pillars are some other architectural aspects that seem to be common in the Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan.
Day 01: Delhi to Neemrana (130 Km/2hrs 40 min)
Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Neemrana Fort Palace.
Neemrana Fort Palace
Built in 1464 Neemrana is the oldest property being run as a heritage resort. Situated on a hillside, it is Rajasthan’s closest Palace from Delhi. The rooms are tastefully furnished with an eclectic blend of traditional Indian and colonial furniture.
Day 02: Neemrana to Jaipur (128 Km/2 ½ hrs)
Morning drive from Neemrana to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the Rajmahal Palace hotel for a 2 night stay.
Afternoon sightseeing tour, visiting the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the City Palace & Museum.
Raj Palace Hotel The Raj Palace is located on the main Amber Road. All the Major sightseeing places and shopping are very near to the palace. The Raj Palace was Built in 1727 to be the Jaipur’s first palace it is an unrivalled specimen of the “Pink City’s character, charm and grandeur. Princess Jayendra Kumari descended owner of the palace converted it into an exquisite luxury hotel in 1996. Museum suites have been created giving the Raj Palace the honor of being the first palace hotel with such accommodations in India.
Day 03: Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, located on the rugged hills that surround Jaipur. Approach the entrance on the back of a gaily-decorated elephant. Inside the Palace you will find the Jagmandir hall of victory, the Jaimahal and the Temple of Kali.
Day 04: Jaipur to Samode (42 Km/1 hr)
After breakfast, depart by road to Samode Palace.
Samode Palace Samode Palace is one of India’s most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Each of the 43 spacious rooms and suites are exclusive and decorated in the warm colours and textures of local Rajasthani hand block print textiles and adorned with traditional artefacts. Samode Palace features the extravagantly hand painted Darbar Hall and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal.
Day 05: Samode to Manadawa (120 Km/2 hrs)
Drive to Mandawa, an ideal base to explore the legacy of the 18 th century frescos that adorn the ‘Havelis’ of this storybook town. Upon arrival check-in at Castle Mandawa.
Castle Mandawa Castle Mandawa is a curious mixture of the old and the new. Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in an old world style. One of the highlights of your stay at Castle Mandawa is the royal repast. A candle lit dinner on the lawns, or around a bonfire in the rear courtyard, is climaxed by the performance of a traditional Rajasthani fire dancer.
Day 06: Mandawa Full day sightseeing tour of the towns of Shekhawati. The Shekhawati region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) which you will visit, most of which date back from the 18th century. The major towns of interest are Mandawa, Fatehpur and Nawalgarh.
Day 07: Manadawa to Gajner (220 Km/5 hrs)
Morning transfer by road from Mandawa to Gajner. Upon arrival check- in to Gajner Palace.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The architecture of the palace is fascinating. Although a Hindu king built the Palace, it has a flavour of both Rajput and Mughal architecture, with every area having a distinct feel of the Raj. Situated on the embankment of a lake, Gajner Palace is spread over 6000 acres. The Palace was used as a hunting resort by the former Maharajas during the days of the Raj. Day 08: Bikaner
Full day sightseeing tour of Bikaner including visits to the 16th century Junagarh Fort, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and the nearby Camel Breeding Farm. Return back to Gajner Palace for overnight stay.
Day 09: Gajner to Jaisalmer (280 Km/5 hrs)
Morning drive to the 12th century remote outpost in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer. With settings that seem straight out of an Arabian Nights fable, this desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in the Thar Desert. The hostile terrain not withstanding the warmth and colour of the local people is simply overwhelming. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, the Jaiin Temples, the havelis of Patwon, Salim Singh and Nathmalji, Gadisagar Tank and Manak Chowk.
Gorbandh Palace
The very name of this hotel is inspired by the influence of the desert. Gorbandh is a harness, which the desert women decorate for their husband’s camel with any material they can find: cowry shells, beads, sequins, coloured threads and even buttons. The hotel offers 64 deluxe rooms and 4 suites, all with modern amenities and thoughtful comforts in an authentic Rajasthani ambience. Abundant greenery within the hotel, its fountain and blue waters of the swimming pool create a comfortably cool environment that defies the heat and sand of this golden desert city.
Day 10: Jaisalmer Morning sightseeing of Jaisalmer, dominated by a commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone. Visit the Jaisalmer Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples, Laxminath Temple, Havelis, and Gadi Sagar Tank. Late afternoon depart on a sand dunes excursion to view the sunset and ride a camel on shifting sand dunes.
Day 11: Jaisalmer to Khimsar, 300 Km/6 hrs Morning drive to Khimsar Fort, en-route visiting the outstanding Jain and Hindu temples at Osian.
Khimsar Fort Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India lies this unique 16th century fort that offers an exhilarating experience. Hundreds of years of history unfold as you glance at the Fort’s battle-scarred walls and stroll down its ramparts. As you sip tea on the terraces you realise the beauty of being surrounded by acres of lush green gardens. A true rarity of any desert in the World!!! Peacocks, parrots, pigeonsand as many as 46 varieties of birds greet you to add to the charm and splendour of this ancient fort. Today, Khimsar Fort has been awarded the ‘GRAND HERITAGE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE’ (this being the highest recognition conferred upon any heritage property by the Department of Tourism, Government of India).
Day 12: Nagaur
Full day sightseeing tour visiting the historic fort at Nagaur, which encompasses the Palace, the harbour and including mosques. Overnight at Khimsar Fort.
Day 13: Khimsar to Deogarh (300 Km/6 hrs)
Morning drive to Deogarh, en-route visiting the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Day at leisure to explore the colourful village and Gokal Vilas, the residence of the local “Rawat” or Ruler. Upon arrival at Deogarh, check-in at Deogarh Mahal.
Deogarh Mahal
This is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.
Day 14: Deogarh
Day at leisure to explore the Palace & its surroundings. Overnight stay.
Day 15: Deogarh to Udaipur (140 Km/3 hrs
Morning departure by road to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at Fateh Prakash Palace. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Udaipur, with its many palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes. Udaipur, known as the most romantic city of Rajasthan, has long been an inspiration for poets, painters & writers.
Fateh Prakash Palace
Built on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, in an exclusive part of the City Palace Complex, Fateh Prakash Palace has recreated the historic splendour of the past with the opulent Durbar Hall and Crystal Gallery. The seven historic suites of Fateh Prakash Palace are decorated with original Mewar paintings and antique furniture. The secluded and elegant Dovecote wing overlooks Lake Pichola.
Day 16 Depart Udaipur
Transfer to the airport for onward destination.