DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International flight.
New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion
of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic
Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture
and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens
and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts,
the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.
Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine
streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will
also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts
of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic
ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture
of British Raj.
It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious
streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall
and imposing government buildings.
You will be met on your arrival by the representative of Exotique Expeditions
with fresh flower garlands. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
OVERNIGHT AT THE OBEROI
DAY
02 : Delhi Sightseing Trip
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning you will be given the city tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi. Visit the former centre of
Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and
bustling bazaars. Drive past the vast Red Fort,
built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed
in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat,
the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. A unique experience of taking
'rickshaw ride' from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk"
or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy
avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk - literally means "moonlit
crossroads" and an area which best represents the "super-Oriental"
- the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded
bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange aromas, the pungent
odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and "rickshaw-walas"
and the clatter and whirr of furious industry.
New Delhi - drive past the stately government
buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India
Gate & the Presidential Palace.
Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb
of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End
the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03 : DELHI - AGRA (202 KMS/126 MILES)
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning leave Delhi for Agra by air conditioned car.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the
numerous historical monuments in and around the city.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty,
numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city.
Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate)
in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed
for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled
gardens here.
Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal
Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the
Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
On arrival at Agra, check in at THE OBEROI AMARVILAS
Afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04 : Agra Taj Mahal Trip India
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning you will be given the city tour of Agra.
Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river
Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel
over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing
gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Taj
Mahal Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to
Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his
beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed
and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from
it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted
particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some
of the best inlay work ever seen.
Rest of the day free for other activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05 : AGRA – SAWAI MADHOPUR(294 KMS/184
MILES)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning leave Agra for Sawai Madhopur by road in an air conditioned
car. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone
fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and
only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings
in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival
in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red Fort, which
was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest
architectural style
Upon arrival at Sawai Madhopur , check in at THE OBEROI VANYAVILAS.
About 180 kms. to north-east of Jaipur, along the rolling hills of Vindhyas
and Aravali ranges lies the town of Sawai Madhopur. The town founded
in 1765 AD was named after its founder Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur.Today
Sawai Madhopur is known for Ranthambhor, a Wildlife reserve and a place
of historical importance.
The Muslim conquest brought about major changes in the political map
of northern India. In Rajasthan, the Chauhan kingdoms of sapadalaksa
and Nodal dis-appeared, Govinda the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan established
himself at Ranthambhore and ruled as feudatory of the Sultan of Delhi.
Following disturbances after the death of Iltutmish, Vagbhatta besieged
the fort of Ranthambhor. He then ruled from here for 12 Years waging
continuous battles against the Sultanate. Rao Hamir was yet another
figure who carved a niche for himself. In the annals, it is only now
and then do we come across men of such heroism.
Rana Kumbha captured the Ranthambhor Fort the middle of the 15th century.
After the death of Aurangzeb, the fort was taken over by the rulers
of Jaipur.
Upon arrival at Ranthambore, check in at THE OBEROI VANYAVILAS.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06 : IN SAWAI MADHOPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning trip to Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary - Rajasthan's most renowned wildlife
sanctuary, it is 400 sq kms of dry deciduous forest, perfect natural
habitat for tigers, and is set in the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, dotted
with pavillions and dominated by a hilltop fort. Ranthambore was one
of the hunting preserves of the former rulers of Jaipur and because
of this the Maharajas ensured the environment was preserved and the
forest and their inhabitants well protected. It has a good population
of tiger and their prey species, and has been declared a "Project
Tiger" reserve. Wildlife includes blue bull, black buck, spotted
deer or cheetal, wild boar, a large variety of bird species and, if
very lucky, the rarely seen leopard.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07 : Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur Heritage Tours(157 kms/98 miles)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning leave Sawai Madhopur for Jaipur by road in an air conditioned
car.
Jaipur, the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II,
a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. Initially his capital
was Amber, which lies at a distance of 11kms from Jaipur. He felt the
need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and
growing scarcity of water. Jaipur is the first planned city of India
and the King took great interest while designing this city of victory.
He consulted several books on architecture and architects before making
the lay out of Jaipur
In 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, the whole city was painted
in Pink color to welcome him. Still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues,
painted in pink provide a magical charm to the city. Jaipur is rich
in its cultural and architectural beauty, which can be traced in the
various historical and aesthetic places that reside in the city. This
city of victory really wins the hearts of the people with its splendid
charisma.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at THE OBEROI RAJVILAS
DAY 08 : IN JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning you will be given excursion to Amber
Fort followed by city tour of Jaipur.
Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside
Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned
elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your
entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early
18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted,
offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling
families.
Tour of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City Palace,
still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open
to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family
are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit
the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar
Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a
stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 09 : JAIPUR - UDAIPUR(BY AIR)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to board the flight
for Udaipur.
Udaipur, once known as Mewar, is the land that produced a galaxy of
patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the name
of Rajasthan in every corner of the world. The Mewar dynasty traces
its roots to the Sun God. Its history has been a continuous struggle
for freedom of religion, thought and land against other Rajput groups
as well as the overbearing Mughals and Muslims of bygone eras. Its act
of patriotism, heroism, magnanimous behaviour and love for independence
can never find any match in the annals of any country.
Udaipur remained untouched from Mughal religious and aesthetics influences
and remained so till the coming of the Europeans. Maharana Fateh Singh
of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar
for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned
them the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of
Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. Udaipur retained
its romantic quality and Rosita Forbes, who passed this land of bravery
during the decline of the British Raj, described it as "like no
other place on earth.
Upon arrival at the airport, you wil be transferred to THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10: IN UDAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning you will be given the city tour followed by boat ride.
City tour of Udaipur - The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace,
the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other
nearby lakes.
Later Enjoy a cruise by private boat on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching
along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running
down to the waterside
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 11: UDAIPUR - MUMBAI(BY AIR)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to board the flight
for Mumbai.
Bombay was originally a cluster of seven Koli islands inhabited by fishermen.
These islands were a part of Gujarat. When the Muslim ruler Sultan Muhamed
Begada captured the islands, Bombay was till then inhabited by the Hindus.
Vasco da Gama a Portuguese was the first man to discover the sea route
to Bombay
After repeated attacks, the Sultan of Gujarat handed over the islands
to the Portuguese in 1534
The Portuguese could not find any use for them and in1661 the island
of Bombay was given to Charles 11 of England as part of the dowry when
he got married to Catherine of Braganza., sister of the Portuguese king
A few years later Charles 11 took possession of the remaining islands.
In 1668,the East India Company a trading company based in Surat (Gujarat),
took over on lease the island of Bombay due to its strategic location
and port advantage, Bombay soon became an important trading port. Development
and reclamation started and the then Governor Gerald Aungier (1672-1677)
encouraged business men from all over to come and settle. Historians
have given him the title of "Father of Bombay" because it
was in this period Bombay boomed. to become a prime commercial centre
Arrive Mumbai you will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions
and transferred to hotel THE OBEROI.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 12 : IN MUMBAI
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning excursion to the Elephanta Island - one hour boat ride across
Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here,
visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta
Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive
columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to
the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator,
Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the
beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various
manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.
Afternoon city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian
Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern.
The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking
the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway'
- the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and
colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely
'Hanging Gardens' and the
Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of
Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan,
a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and
the bustling Crawford Market..
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 13 : LEAVE MUMBAI
You will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions at the
hotel and transferred to the airport, in time to connect your onward
flight.
RATE
Net per person rate subject to 02 persons traveling
together.
Validity of rates 1 Oct 2009 till 15 Apr 2010
| |
EVT-08-04 |
| Subject to 02 pax |
USD 4779 PER PERSON |
| Single room supplement |
USD 3868 PER SINGLE ROOM |
The above rates include the following:
