A slice of EXOTIC and ROYAL RAJASTHAN 12 nights / 13 days (with OPTIONAL EXTENSION to SHIMLA)

Embrace the rich culture and history of India as you look closely through the mysterious windows of its palaces, bask in the grandeur of its larger than life forts and embrace a love for life at its abundant deserts. Gear up for a unique visit right from Delhi, which offers a close rendezvous of the Mughal era monuments as well as colonial remnants and greet the adorable sight of Taj Mahal, that spells LOVE like no-one else. The tour takes you to the mesmerising royal cities of Rajasthan like Churu, Jaipur, Nimaj, Bundi and Sapotra. It also gives you unique opportunities to interact with the locals, witness the handicraft making, stay in Heritage Havelis and to experience some light adventure when you stay at Sapotra. Optionally, you can extend the tour to experience the colonial charm of the ‘Queen of Hills’ - Shimla and enjoy the UNESCO-acclaimed Toy Train ride.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR:

Explore the magical charm of old and new Delhi
Witness the lifestyle and culture of the heritage cities of Churu, Jaipur, Nimaj and Bundi
Enjoy luxury camping while overlooking a reservoir at Chhatra Sagar
Stay in heritage Havelis and experience the life of royals at Churu and Sapotra
Watch the Taj by sun-rise.
SHIMLA extension: Explore the history and hills of Shimla along with a fun trek and a Toy Train ride

All touring will be on a private basis with your own driver / guide. All ranges of accommodation would be available from 3* hotels upwards and to include deluxe 5* hotels and palaces as well as boutique-style / heritage properties. Just indicate your preference and budget and leave the rest to us and our expert ground handlers in India!

Programme:

DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI by FLIGHT

You will be greeted by our local representaives and will be guided further. You stay at ease for the rest of this day while you soak in the Indian breeze.

A closer look at Delhi

Delhi, being the national capital of India, is the lifeline of the country. A place where the past greets the future and lives calmly: it is worth a detailed visit. Whether it’s the inviting markets of Connaught Place or the crowds of foodies at world-famous Chandni Chowk, Delhi has food to satiate your taste buds and lovable locales to entertain your senses. It is a place where all-important national offices reside and it has a mixture of multi-lingual populations coming to work and earning their living. Ancient Mughal era remnants like Humayun ka Makbara and magnificent Qutub Minar spell the historical importance of this ancient soil. Delhi has old-world charm as well as modern lifestyle necessities to cherish at its every nook and corner. The magnificence of the Red Fort and the mystery of Jantar Mantar is really enchanting. The banks of the River Yamuna serve as a rich platform for the flourishing culture.

Day 2: Delhi city walk and exploration

Delhi offers an amalgamation of old and new. This morning you start your tour with an experience like no other. A guided city walk with the children of Salaam Baalak Trust - a non-profit organisation where former street children guide you to explore the areas around Delhi Railway Station and Paharganj, while sharing their fascinating stories of survival. This walk not only enlightens the guests, sensitising them about the lives of people living on the streets but it is also good for the young guides for whom this is an opportunity to improve their marketing and communication skills. This is truly an inspiring thought to start the trip with, as this walk is not aimed at making any monetary profits.

Further sight-seeing through the day

The next sight-seeing plan takes you to the bustling area of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, which boasts of various moods and unknown characteristics. Jama Masjid is the final architectural built-up by Emperor Shah Jahan with a huge courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Then, you hop on a rickshaw ride to explore the local bazaar of Chandni Chowk, where you will feel all your senses come alive: the captivating sights, sounds and aromas have an attraction like nowhere else. The tiny lanes and moonlit shops offer spices, jewellery and other novelty pieces.

You can soak in the views of the magnificent 17^th Century Red Fort as you drive through to reach Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi, before you touch the newer part of Delhi. You get closer to the Indian legacy and witness the journey of India from a ruled country to a free democracy by taking a look at places such as India Gate, the President’s Palace, secretariat buildings and Indian Parliament House. You will also visit the unque Sikh temple - Bangla Sahib that features a huge community kitchen and serves food daily to thousands of devotees.

After an insightful day, you rest in your hotel.

Day 3: Leave for Churu by road (275 kms / approx.. 7 hours)

CHURU - A desert city and gateway to Rajasthan

If you enjoyed the culture in Delhi, Churu will be your introduction to the desert state of Rajasthan. Contain your delight as you witness the grand havelis with old-style royal fresco paintings and hundreds of small windows, beautiful temples and a 400 year-old fort that gives you a glimpse of the opulence that marked this town in its heyday. Feel the religious aura in the air as you see the life-size marble statue, a religious seat of the Nath sect of Sadhus and Dharam stupa, portraying religious equality.

You will relish staying at a heritage Haveli turned hotel - Malji Ka Kamra.

Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant states of India and every corner spells its colours. This afternoon, you will meet and indulge with locals: firstly a craftsmen family and you will get awed at the mesmerising work they do on tiny pieces of sandalwood, which has earned them national awards and mentions in spaces like National Geographic: these make for great souvenirs. Next, you make a visit to local potters and witness the art of making pottery and vessels in various shapes, which are widely used in India during summer months to keep the temperatures down. Another interesting showcase will be the process of making lacquer bangles and dyeing of fabric in one of the oldest methods of ‘tie and dye’. These dyed fabrics are very vibrant and attractive and available in local shops in a variety of patterns like lehriya, bandhej and bandhani.

You arrive at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day, relaxing with memories of the day and preparing for the next day of this tour.

Day 4: A Heritage exploration walk of Churu.

You relish a healthy local breakfast and begin the day with a heritage walk of this desert city to see the old and grand havelis. Immerse in the history of beautiful facades, painted walls and bright doors that speak their stories with giant locks. Enjoy the colour blocking in the architecture, which looks just picture perfect. The delight is in every detail from doors to windows and floors to knobs and frames. Every inch of the space displays the lifestyle of the bygone era and its rulers. The frescoes and wall accessories feature murals of camels and elephants and elements of their daily life.

You end the day with a stroll in a local vegetable and spice market and later rest in your room at the hotel.

Day 5: Drive from Churu to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur (205 kms/ approx. 4 hours)

You bid good-bye to Churu after breakfast and head off for the culture-rich city of Jaipur by road. You check-in to your hotel on arrival.

The evening calls for a soothing spiritual experience at the Birla Temple, so you must dress-up in modest clothing to enjoy the Aarti ceremony done with lamps and with devotees chanting religious hymns at the temple. The temple is made of white marble and is perched high on a small hillock offering stunning views of the cityscape.

A look At the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur

Famous for its pink-coloured walls and grand historical buildings, Jaipur is certainly one great city to lay your feet on. Here, the crowds, love for life and colourful culture all combine together to give a unique travelling experience. The modern city and the old one are making an effort to stay together. The City Palace of Jaipur, where royalty comes to a unique form, has an impressive collection of antiques and goods from ancient times. The family of royals still reside in one part of the fort whereas the remaining portions have now been converted into a palace museum for travellers. Hawa Mahal is a unique creation in itself because of its art work. The walls are decorated with mirror work and sitting at windows of this palace feels just awesome. Amber Fort lies on the quiet sloping side of the city, unfolding tales of its rulers and their lives.

Day 6: A sight-seeing experience of Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast and head out to explore the vibrant city of Jaipur. You ride on an elephant to the majestic palace of Amber, where morning sunrays welcome you inside the protected walls of the palace. Miniature paintings on the walls are remarkable. The Hall of Victory is inside the fort campus, which is also known by the name of Jag Mandir. Sheesh Mahal inside Jag Mandir is a great example of the art and mirror work imported a few centuries back into India from Belgium. You can try your hands at photography in the picturesque Hawa Mahal. The next attraction is the City Palace, which occupies almost one-seventh part of the total city of Jaipur. Converted into a museum, this palace is still home to the royal family. A great collection of armoury, daggers, rifles, swords and guns can be seen here. You will also witness the remarkable observatory made exclusively from stone and marble, called Jantar Mantar. You can see around 17 instruments here.

You have a comfortable stay overnight in your hotel.

Day 7: Drive to Nimaj, a city with medieval rustic charm

Nimaj is a small town which is a popular stop over en route to Jodhpur. The city is popular for the royal Nimaj Palace, now a heritage hotel. The city also features Chhatra Sagar, a gorgeous reservoir set amidst two hillocks surrounded by lush green landscape. The lake now also features a beautiful camp-site, overlooking the Chhatra Sagar dam and reservoir, where you will be staying overnight.

Enjoy the scenic beauty and natural extravagance at your leisure and where all the meals are served with perfection.

Day 8: Explore Nimaj

Morning comes with new delights. You start with a farm and village tour and enjoy the rustic charm, traditions, culture and warm lifestyle of rural Rajasthan. You will witness how the locals utilise the natural resources without putting pressure on nature and its offerings. The process of cooking on Chulha (an earthen stove) can be quite interesting.

Refuel yourself with a local-flavoured lunch at the campsite and rest well to gear up in the evening for a bird-watching session. Natural abundance in the area around Chhatra Sagar with forests, wetlands, farms and grasslands make it a favourite spot for bird-watchers too.

You have all meals during your stay at Chhatra Sagar.

Day 9: Drive from Nimaj to Bundi - the city of royals (250 kms / approx. 5 hours)

You begin the day with breakfast followed by a scenic drive to Bundi.

BUNDI - a surreal town known for its palaces and step-wells

It is impossible to ignore the charisma of this small but captivating town of Rajasthan. Every corner of the city features striking blue houses, hills, bazaars, lakes, temples and more. You can explore the city to feel the aura of royal living.

Day 10: Exotic city of Bundi

Sight-seeing experience:

Bundi is one of the few places which chose to retain the magical atmosphere of the past eras and offers a lot to explore for its visitors, from the Rajputana-style Garh Palace to the Taragarh Fort built in the 14^th Century. The fort offers a stunning view of Lake Jait Sagar, which blooms with lotus flowers every monsoon and winter. You will also visit the 2-storied palace where Rudyard Kipling wrote his best-selling novel ‘Kim’, the Sukh Mahal, Pani ki Baoli (or Queen’s Step Well) – built in the 17^th Century and the 84-pillared beautifully-carved Cenotaph, which was a tribute to the beloved wet nurse of the Maharaja of Bundi.

You rest overnight at your hotel.

Day 11: Drive from Bundi to another royal destination of Sapotra (180 kms / approx. 5.5 hours)

You enjoy your last breakfast at Bundi and then head off to yet another exquisite destination – Sapotra, which features the iconic fort-turned-hotel Ramathra Fort. You call this your home for the next 2 days.

Ramathra Fort, Sapotra - a dreamy, royal and unspoilt fort, turned into a Heritage Hotel.

The 350 year-old Ramathra Fort was originally built in the 17th Century by the Rajputs and today it belongs to their descendants, who are your highly affable, energetic and involved hosts. The fort sits on a small hill surrounded by farmland, wilderness, lakes, gorges, plateaux and hillocks. The place has been restored beautifully, keeping intact its royal old-world charm and warmth to give you a feeling of being a part of royal Rajasthani lifestyle but with all modern comforts. The fort offers a variety of accomodation based on your choice, from luxe suites to luxury tents on their lawns. There is a plethora of activities to keep you engaged like culinary workshops, nature-walks, mild trekking, temple-trails, bird-watching, boating and village safaris.

Once you have enjoyed exploring the fort, you could head out on a village walk for an opportunity to meet the locals and to get an insight into the rural lifestyle.

Day 12: A day to explore Sapotra

After a lot of excitement over the last few days, you can enjoy this day at leisure at Ramathra Fort and indulge in the many activities they offer. You can then call it a night at your ease.

Day 13: Exit Rajasthan for the Taj Mahal, Agra (205 kms. / approx. 4.5 hours)

Having had a generous dose of Rajasthani culture and lifestyle, after breakfast you drive off to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal.

Agra – The land of love

Known for its World-Heritage site and memoir of everlasting love, the Taj Mahal stands right inside the heart of Agra. Silently standing on the ever-flowing waters of the River Yamuna, Taj reminds everyone of the glory, charisma and the love for life that were carved strongly in the heart of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. The architectural importance of all monuments like Taj, Agra Fort and other tombs is so great that travellers keep coming over here again and again. In addition to the architectural wonders, this city is famous for its crowded markets and roadside stalls, where one can find local chicken clothing, small replicas of Taj Mahal and other notable stuff. This city rejuvenates the value of love in front of modern couples, so that they come here to celebrate togetherness and the feeling of love. A close look at Mughal cuisine and architecture is possible only in Agra.

The afternoon takes you to the historical Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts of India and a remarkable building carved at the time of Akbar. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in. You will find out the interesting history behind the architecture, like the walls being hollow and filled with running water to cool the rooms in summer. The balconies of the fort offer a stunning view of Taj Mahal with the River Yamuna flowing alongside.

For a more inspiring and insightful experience, you could visit the Sheroes Hangout Café - an intitiative for and by the women who have struggled to regain their life after being acid-attack victims. This Hangout is where empowerment of women materialises in the form of a readers' cafe, an activism workshop, a community radio and an exhibit space where works crafted by Sheroes will be on display.

You relax overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Mesmerising Taj and drive back to Delhi (205 kms / 4.5 hours)

Whether you are a morning person or not, it is worth witnessing the mesmerising Taj Mahal at sunrise: it is waiting for you to embrace its history, its story and the reason for its very existence. Silently standing, this wonderful monument reminds us of the soft corner in the heart of King Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The sight of this glorious place in the full moon at night is awesome. The River Yamuna flowing at the back of this monument is more than perfect for boating and some calm moments with yourself and your loved ones. (Taj is closed on Fridays)

With Taj views in your eyes and camera, you head to your hotel for breakfast before then being driven back to Delhi.

Delhi has still a lot to offer and we have chosen the magnificent Akshardham Temple to provide a treat during the afternoon on this day. Its grandeur and architecture is sure to make a space in your memories. The impressive ‘light and sound show’ that happens everyday is quite a treat to watch too. You start with an exhibition followed by a documentary and boat ride. You end the day by witnessing the hypnotic water show.

You have a final overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 15: Leave Delhi for back home / your onward destination or head to the mountains (SHIMLA EXTENSION)

Today you are transferred to the airport for your return flight back home. Alternatively, you leave for Shimla - the ‘Queen of Hills’.

SHIMLA EXTENSION – 4 nights / 5 days

You travel to the colonial charm of the ‘Queen of Hills’ - Shimla.

Enjoy the majestic views of snow-clad mountains, stunning rich greenery, beautiful lakes and culture-rich countryside. Also you enjoy the amazing ride on the UNESCO-acclaimed Toy Train.

Tour highlights:

SHIMLA extension: Explore the history and hills of Shimla
A heritage walk through the colonial architecture and Mall Road
A fun trek and a nature walk
A Toy Train ride through the swirling mountains and valleys of Shimla

Day 1: Leave the culture and life of metro city (Delhi) for the mountains (Shimla): Delhi – Kalka by train / Kalka – Shimla by road (75 kms. / approx./ 4 hours)

You board the train from Delhi Railway Station bound for Kalka and then enjoy the scenic drive from Kalka to Shimla. You stay at leisure at your hotel.

SHIMLA- The land with the colonial charm of the British Era

The charming hill station of Shimla is known for being the summer capital of British India and retains the charm with its colonial architecture. Built along a 12 kilometre ridge overlooking the deep valley and forest hillscapes, Shimla boasts of happiness in its air. The majestic snow clad mountains, stunningly rich greenery and the beautiful lakes in the land of Shimla greet you to enjoy their timeless beauty. The most frequented and popular Mall Road, dotted with cute cafes, eateries and shops, is best explored on foot as you stop by the uniqueness it offers. The tiny alleys down south head towards a bustling local bazaar, selling everything from woollen shawls to dry fruits, local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 2: Heritage walk of Shimla

Shimla is a lot beyond being just a hill station: its history and culture is truly engulfing. You will begin your walk from State Museum and Library of Vice Regal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Studies), which was built in 1888 for Lord Dufferien in Elizabethan-style, and will include the 19^th Century Christ Church (a landmark on the open area of the ridge), Gaiety Theatre (which opened in 1887), Vidhan Sabha (the legislative assembly) and the Scandal Point. You will end the walk around the vibrant Mall Road. You will spend some time at The Mall before being driven back to your hotel.

Your hotel awaits you for an overnight stay.

Day 3: A mild trek / nature walk in the mountains around Shimla

After the culture trip, it is time for some adventure and what better than a trek when you are in the mountains? You start your trek at Potters Hill and descend to the Chadwick Falls, a waterfall over a cliff, through the lush oak and rhododendron groves. You will take an easy-levelled walk to the village of Samog, from where begins a sharp descent to the tiny picturesque hamlet of Chamoh, an ancient village situated amidst picturesque terraced fields leading to the glen rivulet. You will then trace this upstream through some enchanting forests, leading to a picture-perfect spot for a quick picnic and where you can relish the well-deserved treats, accompanied by some delightful bird watching. You take rest for a while and head back to the hotel for a delightful sleep.

Day 4: Leave Shimla on the Toy Train

Time to get back but this time, you will enjoy the World Heritage Site-acclaimed Toy Train ride to Kalka before you then catch the train back to Delhi for an overnight stay until you start your journey back home.

TOY TRAIN RIDE

The Kalka - Shimla Toy Train journey is a UNESCO site and is worth a visit for anyone who takes a trip to this wonderful hill station. Started in 1903, the ride takes you through lush green mountains with scenic, misty views as it twists its way to the Shivalik hills and passes through many tunnels and bridges along the way.