INDIA The Land of Diversity Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Delhi 10 Nights / 11 Days
The journey of a lifetime, every time|
India: The Land of Diversity Brief Overview What better way, than to travel to the sub-continent for the ultimate vacation. There is perhaps no other place on earth, with such a gamut of variety and specially a long history of civilization. As you go through the pages of our history books it will unveil different stories on culture and romance with tales of Kings and Queens, warriors and princesses etc. that has lived through the ages. Get set for an exciting interlude in India; discover the delights across exotic & incredible India. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece, the warm hospitality of Indian people, be spellbound at kaleidoscope of colours and not to forget mesmerize yourself with the soul stirring finger licking cuisine of the land. At Asian Vistas, we understand the value of your vacation with our seamless handling, by our Concierge, who remains at your beck & call 24x7 for the entire duration of the trip. Savour the finer nuances of life of the maharaja's, exquisite settings of your carefully chosen Hotels. Right from the time you arrive into Delhi, the capital of India, you will be treated as a royal.
Itinerary & Routing Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07
Arrive in Delhi
In Delhi
Delhi – Agra by Surface
In Agra
Agra – Jaipur by Surface
In Jaipur
Jaipur – Udaipur by Flight
Day 08
Day 09
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
In Udaipur
Udaipur – Jodhpur by Surface
In Jodhpur
Jodhpur – Delhi by Flight
Leave Delhi
DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi International airport. After immigration and customs formalities as you step into the ‘Meet & Greet Hall’, you will meet our airport representative or concierge waiting for you who will give you war welcome with fresh flower garlands. You will then be escorted to your chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel. At the hotel, our concierge will assist you with the necessary check-in formalities. Delhi remains one of the oldest surviving cities in the world today. It is, in fact, an amalgam of eight cities, each site being built in a different era by a new dynasty/ruler. through its 1000year-old history has evolved into a culturally secular city – absorbing different religions, diverse cultures, both foreign and indigenous, and yet functioning as one organic entity. Overnight at hotel Taj Mahal / Le Meridien DAY 2 : IN DELHI After a leisure breakfast embark on a very interesting sightseeing of historical city Delhi starting with a stop at Qutub Minar- a UNESCO world heritage site one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India by Qutab-ud-Din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal followed by drive to India Gate – a memorial raised in the honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. Drive past the tree-lined area of the plush Lutyens Delhi and explore the government buildings, and photo stop at the President’s House and Parliament House
Lunch at an INDIAN HOME with Cooking Demonstration After lunch visit the Akshardham one of the biggest and most intricate religious places of worship ever constructed. A visit to this monument is a journey though the gateway to the essence of ancient India and the best of Hindu culture and Vedic civilization. The monument is a fusion of pink stone and pure white marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti in eternal bloom and white marble that of absolute purity and eternal peace. Return back to your hotel for dinner & overnight stay DAY 3 : DELHI-AGRA. After buffet breakfast check out from the hotel and drive a little over 3 hours to arrive at the city of Taj Mahal- Agra. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shah Jahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. On arrival check in at hotel Gateway Taj View / ITC Mughal Lunch at ITC Mughal-Peshwari serving Mughali Cuisine
Post lunch visit the Mehtab Bagh The place is an ideal spot for it provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal. The name Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mahtab Bagh. The place has a history of its own. It is believed that the great emperor Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal for his queen wanted an identical one for himself at Mehtab Bagh. However the archaeological findings have proved the existence of garden complex. Whatever the popular beliefs be, the place is worth a visit as it provides bewitching image of Taj Mahal.
Celebrating Real Heroes – Sheroes Hangout-Agra Visit a unique café in the city of Taj Mahal – a café run by 5 acid attack survivors or should we say fighters? This is the first time in India that survivors of such attacks have come forward, breaking society’s stereotypes which have tried to force them to live their lives in a closet. Sheroes Hangout is located on the road leading to Taj Mahal and includes a café which serves some lip smacking snacks, a library that has been set up with contributions, a section for handicrafts and a boutique where one of these survivors will stitch her dreams. The café has been set up entirely through crowd funding as the campaign behind this initiative believe in the power of humanity. This café is a centre for activism for various types of campaigns related to sale of acid or creating awareness for issues concerning acid attacks and other kind of discussions based on feminism, women empowerment, personality development, skill enhancement, and different kind of youth oriented and cultural events are organised here. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4 : IN AGRA Visit Taj Mahal at SUNRISE when Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflects the sun its colour changes from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white, This play of light is an important decorative device, symbolically implying the presence of Allah who is never represented in anthropomorphic form. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner. Lunch at local restaurant Bon Bar-Be-Que serving unlimited Kebabs menu Evening watch Watch ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ – a series of play depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era; immaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship ‘Mohabbat-theTaj’ at ‘Kalakriti is exceptionally inviting. The effort to hold up the cultural and historical legacy of India is worth a glance. So, be with us to witness the Indian heritage come alive. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5 AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-ABHANERI-JAIPUR After a leisure breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute stopping at Fatehpur Sikriwhich was the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign from 1571 till 1585 and regarded as the crowning glory of his architectural legacy. Continue your drive to Abhaneri-the wonder of Wells-.The first visual effect on setting sight of the stunning architecture is that of jaw dropping awe- an Egyptian pyramid turned upside down! 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 stories while the fourth side has 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. A relic from our glorious past, Abhaneri is truly a destination worth a visit. Lunch at Abhaneri Village Safari Camp. Time permitting explore the village and sight of rural India where life still continues at the pace with which it has been for thousands of years. On arrival in Jaipur you will be met by our representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel Rambagh Palace / Taj Jai Mahal Palace
DAY 6 IN JAIPUR After breakfast at the hotel we head to visit the Amber Fort. This is one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts comprising the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautiful gardens, all of which give a glimpse into the majesty of days gone by. The fort can be reached by riding on an Elephant’s back or by Jeep.. On your way back to the city stop by at Jal Mahal for a photography opportunity followed by Lunch at a local restaurant. Post lunch visit to the City Palace to visit its many palatial structures. Also, drive past the Hawa Mahal. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life, and royal processions of the city. Lastly visit the Jantar Mantar - the Observatory that incorporates multiple buildings of unique geometrical forms, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. Later visit NGO LAADLI-This organization works for the less privileged. It has separate centers and hostels for boys and girls. It also runs street-point education programs for the slum children at 15 odd points, where it imparts informal education to slum children for 2-3 hrs each day and provides a midday meal (Annapurna) thereafter. The girls undertake vocational training and make various jewelry and bead products, cards and other small curios. Every girl is paid for the work she does per month. Besides the above emoluments the children are given meals and uniform. Enjoy Dinner with a local family with Cooking demonstration of LAAL MAAS (Red Meat) a very famous dish in Rajasthani cuisine
DAY 7 JAIPUR-UDAIPUR After an early breakfast at the hotel check out from the hotel and drive to airport to board flight for Udaipur. Departure Jaipur at 0820hrs // Arrival Udaipur at 0920hrs On arrival drive to Eklingi temple which houses 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marble dedicated to Lord Eklingi (a form of Lord Shiva). At Nadga visit the ruins of the Vishnu, Shiva, Jain temples that reflect the great architecture of the past days. Lunch at Devigarh Palace an 18th century Palace now turned into a luxury Heritage hotel Later drive to Udaipur city The most romantic city of Rajasthan, Udaipur’s beauty lies in its rolling hills, serene lakes and palatial splendor. Udaipur with its marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes seems almost like a mirage in the desert. The city hailed as the 'Venice of the East
On arrival you will be met by our representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy your beautiful hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel Taj Lake Palace / Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace
DAY 08 IN UDAIPUR Morning participate in the YOGA session at your resort (optional). After breakfast, proceed on a city tour visiting City Palace which is the largest in Rajasthan. In size and outline the City Palace and its subsidiary palaces bear a resemblance to the Windsor castle in England. This is followed by private tour of Crystal Gallery-probably the largest single private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. Continue with a visit to the medieval Jagdish Temple with its meticulously detailed carvings and take the blessings of Lord Vishnu (deemed as the preserver of the Universe by Hindus).Time permitting visit the contemporary Art Gallery Bougainvillea Enjoy sunset cruise on Lake Pichola- The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island palaces. The 17th century Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest and most grandiose palace that is legendary as place of refuge to Prince Khurram . The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II. It is said that he constructed the palace in response to his father's statement that 'if he wanted to stay in an island palace like Jagmandir Dinner at Udaivilas or Leela Palace Open Air restaurant overlooking the Lake and Heritage monuments
DAY 09 UDAIPUR-JODHPUR After a leisure breakfast proceed by surface to Jodhpur involves a drive of approx. 6hrs. Enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples. Considered an architectural gem of the area the intricacies of the carvings belie the austerity practice by the religion, The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, built in 1439. Lunch at Mountbatten Lodge-an exclusive 4 suite property in a stunning location. Enjoy lunch al fresco under the old sprawling Banyan Tree with a wonderful setting. Arrive Jodhpur. On arrival you will be met by our representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel
Jodhpur was founded in 1459, where every building in Old town is painted the same light blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname "blue city". Towering above are the impenetrable walls of the Mehrangarh Fort. From its ramparts, enjoy postcard views of the ancient blue city below and the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence of the current Maharaja and a magnificent heritage hotel OPTIONAL : Participate in an excusive guide tour of magnificent Palace with a glass of champagne Overnight at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace / Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal
DAY 10 JODHPUR-OSIAN-JODHPUR After a leisure breakfast at the hotel, begin the sightseeing with a visit of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Later visit the Jaswant Thada. This milky - white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, The royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby, built in 1899 Afternoon you will be taken to The Osian (approx.1.5hrs drive from Jodhpur). Osian was an ancient town in the Thar Desert. It was a great trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by the Jains. Osian has a wealth of lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have withstood the ravages of time. Osian is a great location for camel safaris, sunset dune cocktails, photography, etc. Mount camels and head off for a short ride into the dunes and surrounding villages. Later enjoy sun downers at the dunes. After sunset return to the camel camp and get ready for a farewell dinner with folk entertainment, cocktails and BBQ dinner. Return back to your hotel in Jodhpur for overnight stay
DAY 11 JOHDPUR-DELHI After a leisure breakfast, spend rest of the morning at your beautiful resort and enjoy its facilities. In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. On arrival, collect your luggage and take an elevator to arrive at the departure terminal T3 to connect flight for onward destination.
Highlights of the Tour -
Indian Traditional Welcome with flower garlanding in Delhi Visit to Abhaneri stepwells with lunch on the way to Jaipur Welcome Dinner in Delhi Elephant ride in Jaipur Dinner with Cooking demos with Indian families in Delhi & Jaipur Visit to an NGO in Jaipur Yoga session in Udaipur Lunch at Devigarh – Udaipur Contemporary Art Gallery visit in Udaipur Lunch at Mountbatten Lodge in Ranakpur Farewell Dinner with cocktail at Osian Unlimited Mineral water, wet wipes
EXPERIENCES AT EXTRA COST Rub your shoulders with the Socialites-Delhi The Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club located in the middle of an elite residential area was established in year 1913 and is primarily a sporting club. A place where the city’s rich & famous people congregate to dine well, to dip into an outstanding cocktails at the bars, and to linger over laughter and conversation.
VIP Meet & Greet Service at the Delhi International Airport Clients are met at the Aerobridge with ISRAM Signage, golf cart ride to the Immigration, porter service at the conveyer belt and escorted up to the arrival Hall.
Shopping Experience at Kohinoor-Agra The Kohinoor family, with their love for exquisite jewels and task and tasteful designs became jewellers of great repute. Their design, craftsmanship and techniques earned them the honour of becoming the jewellers to the Mughal’s themselves for generations. Today, they are listed as one of the exquisite shopping experiences in India by Conde Nast Traveler. The store loans its work to museums in New York and London and its craftsmen are regularly awarded with national honours.
Dress like a Maharajah-Jaipur To dress and feel like a maharaja is a long cherished wish for many clients. We help make this wish a reality in Jaipur, the city of the royals. Enjoy being a Maharaja for a day, starting with a visit from the royal tailor. Over a glass of champagne, get measured and fitted in the comfort of your hotel room, select the finest fabrics from an array of choices each more stunning than the next Later in the evening, get dressed in your royal outfits and enjoy a private and exclusive thaali dinner organized for you at the City Palace, or in your suite.
Date with an Elephant at Dera Amer-Jaipur The elephant safari is conducted in the original Aravali forests surrounding the camp and follow a route passing by hutments, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments, the birdlife in the thick forests is thriving and though panthers do inhabit the jungles it is very rare to see them however occasionally the hyena and the wolf has been sighted by guests, antelopes, jackals are in abundance. The sunset elephant treks are magical experience-medieval temple lit by flame torches, champagne on elephant back, private fire buckets to keep the guests warm, live barbecue!
Private Tour of City Palace (residential part) of the Royal Family-Jaipur A private tour of City Palace where you will have an opportunity to see some of the most interesting residential rooms of the Palace, including the grand drawing room which has been the venue for many parties and visitors including other royalty. where you have the option of either tea or a glass of Indian champagne. If you are lucky you may stand a chance to meet with the Royalties (subject to their availability).
Up and Away in the Sky – Hot Air Ballooning Jaipur Balloon Safari not only offers you an opportunity to see India and its spectacular forts, hidden palaces, breath taking terrain and traditional local villages from a very unique perspective but also a chance to meet friendly people that make country such a vibrant, energetic and diverse place. Your Balloon safari will take you where no tour itinerary will and every flight is a totally new adventure. After being expertly guided into your balloon basket, a through safety briefing will be conducted by your pilot. With the rising of the sun and a few short blasts you are ready to take off and gently released from your ties to earth to calmly float in the Indian skies.
Learn Secret Cooking Recipes with Gourmands who serve the RoyalsUdaipur The Bedla family has had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of independent India. The present scion of the Bedla clan, Vijay Singh was persuaded to share the rich culinary heritage of Mewar. With the help of his wife, Sugan Kumari, they have been conducting food fests at prestigious hotels nationally and internationally, for many years. Clients who wish to learn about royal cuisines have this opportunity to get a comprehensive set of cooking lessons followed by with a delicious meal with the family.
Private Shopping Experience of Antiques & Textiles– Udaipur If you are an antique collector then no looking back. Come straight to Mayur Arts that specializes in antique marble and other ethnic. As you walk into the store, you cannot but stop and admire the lovely creations in brass, bronze and marble including Antique furniture, handicrafts Chandeliers, dining tables with inlaid work, camel bone artifacts, wooden wall carvings, huge mirrors with silver frames and antique clocks. Then move on to Andraab - specializes in the finest textiles and hand embroideries. Embroidery is the technique of working designs in threads of silk, cotton, gilt silver and gold wire on a woven cloth with a needle. All products are hand woven and hand embroidered with great attention paid to workmanship and quality. Fabric bases, including cashmere, silk and blends of fabrics to produce one-of-a kind Bed Spreads, Wall Hangings, Throws, Shawls, Stoles, Scarves and Jackets.
Art of Painting on Water – Udaipur A unique art form where the canvas is not cloth or paper, but sheer water. Jal Sanjhi -- paintings that float on water -- are made as a tribute to Lord Krishna during this festive season. Over 200 years old, this rare art and has been kept alive by just one family in Udaipur, who have been practicing it for generations. Water placed in a flat vessel is sprinkled with black charcoal powder and some secret ingredients to create a floating base. Colours are then filled into paper stencils, which are skilfully lifted without disturbing the surface of the water.
Dinner at RAAS overlooking the Mehrangarh Fort-Jodhpur A short TUK-TUK ride brings you to this beautiful boutique hotel located in the busy old town of Jodhpur city. Enjoy dinner at their Terrace restaurant DARIKHANA boasts magnificent views of the Mehrangarh Fort, which glows pink in the day and is gloriously illuminated at night, providing the perfect place for a romantic meal. Enjoy dishes specially prepared from the spices selected from a 200 year old shop, while seasonal vegetables, salads and herbs are home grown in Raas own organic garden.
Exclusive Champagne Tour of The Museum at Mehrangarh Fort with the Curator-Jodhpur As twilight descends on the historic fort of Jodhpur, the rugged impregnable walls and the delicate palaces come alive with a walk with the museum curator. Join Mehrangarh Museum curator as he takes you on a tour of the collection and shares his expertise and insights. Listen to the tales of sacrifice, of extraordinary events of adventure and sheer joy of discussing a painting or talking about the fort architecture.
Zip Lining at Mehrangarh Fort - Experience Adrenalin Rush – Jodhpur Adventure lovers can't pass up the unique opportunity to go zip-lining with Mehrangarh Fort as the backdrop. Glide over the myriad landscapes of one of the largest forts in Rajasthan- the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Over the course of our zip line tour in Jodhpur, what you get is a sensational new perspective on the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Fly high over the outer battlements of Rajasthan's most majestic fortress, glide serenely over two desert lakes, trek through the Rao Jodha eco-park and enjoy the best view of Mehrangarh and the Blue City of Jodhpur.The circuit has six zip lines and takes around 1.5 hours to complete all.
INCLUSIONS Accommodation On twin sharing basis for a total 10 nights stay at hotels mentioned in the program on bed & breakfast basis Meals 10 Lunches + 10 Dinners (few meals at local restaurants, local homes & at hotels of stay) Transport By air-conditioned private coach (Indian make). Meeting and assistance on arrival / departure at the airports. All sightseeing tours / excursions as per program mentioned above. Guide Services using English speaking local guides in each city Supplement for services of accompanying guide is quoted separately. Please advise if required. Entrances Rates include entrance fee to all the paid monuments and places of visits (one time visit) as mentioned in the program Porterage Included at the airports & hotels All prevailing taxes including GST.
EXCLUSIONS Rates do not include any airfare, any item not mentioned above, any items of personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone bills, video camera fees, tips to guides/escort, drivers, bell boys, etc.
Any Travel Insurances. Any other expenses of personal nature.
