Luxury North India – Forts, Palaces & Wildlife

Arrive in Delhi.

Warm welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

“Charming, capricious, imperial” (as John Foster Fraser wrote), Delhi, India’s historic capital is one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities, a juxtaposition of old and new amidst a panorama of seven cities spanning over a millennia. From the crowded cauldron of Old Delhi’s bazaars set around the giant Jama Masjid mosque to the imperial grandeur of British Delhi radiating from its landmark buildings, the capital is a compelling medley of chaos and good order.

Start your exploration of New Delhi  by visiting two monuments of Delhi's past—Humayuns Tomb and Qutub Minar—both of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

First, you will visit the Humayuns Tomb which was constructed in the 16th century and the first large-scale structure to be built using sandstone. The entire complex is magnificent, from the geometric patterns that decorate the exterior walls to the impressive floor plan of the interior chambers. Stone latticework covers the slightly recessed upper windows. There are 124 vaulted chambers throughout the grounds.

Post lunch, continue towards Qutab Minar which is a victory minar and one of the first example of Islamic monument in India. The complex also houses a mosque, named Quaat Ul Islam which is known as India’s first mosque.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and rest of the day is at leisure for independent exploration. 

This morning, proceed to visit Old Delhi, steeped in history and tradition. Experience a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk.  Next visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. 

Old Delhi is also a foodie’s paradise and arguably the street food capital of India. Discover diverse culinary traditions and delectable flavours at every bend of the road as your guide takes you on a special food walk through the Walled City. 

Continue to the Sikh temple, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, second most important Sikh shrine in India and learn about the history of this religion.

Post lunch drive through the picturesque Lutyens' Delhi to spend time at the National Gallery of Modern Art. Alternatively, explore the Meherchand Market, home to an eclectic set of young entrepreneurs.

Post breakfast transfer to Agra by surface. Arrive and check-in for your stay (121 kms / 3.5 hours drive).

In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. . Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.

Rise early for a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory. Mughal emperor, Shahjahan built this architectural wonder to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal.  Note: Timing subject to change based on the local sunrise.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Check-out and be transferred to Jaipur stopping enroute to visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital.  Wandering through its palaces and mosques is like stepping back in time.

After the visit, continue drive towards Jaipur (3.5 hour's drive).

Jaipur - also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. 

Start your day with the imposing Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.

After the visit of the Fort, you will be transferred to Dera Amer for a unique experience. 

Rhythm with Elephant followed by private lunch - Elephant bathing, (weather permitting), feeding and walking with elephants in the wilderness accompanied by in-house naturalists. You will be greeted by the Elephants and upon arrival make your first contact by way of feeding bananas. Later, you can bathe your own elephants (weather permitting) with the help of the camp staff and mahout. Walk with the elephants will come to an end at the camp where you will be served lunch consisting of inhouse farm fresh vegetables and fresh meat from the local market.

On the way back to the city, visit Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. The museum displays a varied selection of printed textiles along with the tools used in this traditional form of Rajasthani art. While at Anokhi, you will have the option to interact  with the artisans, learn the art of block printing & block carving and try your hand at the craft. Create your own souvenir to take this back home as your memory from India. 

Rest of the day at leisure.

The bazaars of Jaipur are legendary. In 1729, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II sent letters to famous merchant houses all over India, inviting them to settle in Jaipur. They were given prime locations, free land grants, and concessions on taxes. Located on important trade routes, Jaipur soon became a major center for trade and commerce, housing a large number of artisans, craftsmen and merchants. The city’s bazaars, specializing in jewelry, textiles and crafts, became famous throughout India.

Wake up early to experience a  Hot Air Balloon Safari which offers the opportunity to experience India and its traditional local villages, spectacular forts, breathtaking landscapes and hidden palaces from a very exclusive perspective. Tea, coffee, juice and light refreshments are served at the launch site. A First Flight certificate to be presented as a memento after the flight.

Afternoon embark on a guided tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Observatory).

In the evening, experience a joy ride in a classic vintage car for approx. 1 hour. The drive takes you through some of the notable landmarks of modern day Jaipur whilst cutting across the wide roads, avenues and roundabouts.  

Today, drive to Chhatra Sagar (230 kms / 4 hours drive), which is an utterly peaceful retreat midway between the princely cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur.

The camp sits on the edge of a man-made lake created more than a century ago. Situated on a large and beautiful 100 year old reservoir in remote Nimaj between Jodhpur and Jaipur. It is much like an oasis in an otherwise arid landscape and is surrounded by lush green spaces and stunning views. A stay here is perfect for those with an interest in wildlife or those wanting to explore rural Rajasthan.

Upon arrival proceed for check-in at the Camp following which the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

This leisurely campsite on the dam is a perfect place to venture into bird watching. Chhatrasagar has a very diverse bird life around, comprising of over 200 species. From inquisitive green bee-eaters and iridescent blue kingfishers to flocks of shoveler ducks. Simply put, the camp site is a magic place for birding enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, you have an option to walk around the farm land to get a glimpse of local life or enjoy a leisurely time at the pool side.
 

This morning, drive on to Jodhpur (110 kms / 2 to 2.5 hours drive).

The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10 kms long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city limits and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around.

Continue your exploration to the majestic, Mehrangarh Fort which is sprawled across a 125-meter high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. 

In the afternoon, continue towards your destination, Mihirgarh which is a small village in the outskirts of Jodhpur.

This day is for you to explore the rural part of India which is yet untouched by mass tourism. Your accommodation perfectly blends with this local set up giving you ample opportunities to relax out of the chaotic cities.

This afternoon, embark on a village Safari which enables you to feel the pulse of rural Rajasthan. The little mud houses, the turban clad men, the shy, beautiful women, dressed in their traditional costumes and the market with its rich display of wares will certainly bewitch you. To make this experience, even more intimate, you could visit the homes of the village folks and share a slice of their life.

Tonight, enjoy an outdoor dinner in Mihirgarh to enjoy the serenity of the nature

After a leisurely morning, drive to Jawai (129 Kms / 3 hours drive).The rugged terrain of Jawai is an ideal place for you to break journey and see an India which is fast disappearing. The area is renowned for exceptional leopard sightings and bird watching.

Leopards are Jawai’s predominant attraction and you can track these normally elusive big cats with the camp’s trackers and drivers in their customized 4x4 safari jeeps. It offers an exclusive wildlife experience, uninhibited by restrictions as the surrounding countryside is not a part of a National Park but a vast sprawling wilderness of craggy hills, scrub, grasslands & winding sand riverbeds.

In the afternoon, proceed for a leopard safari at Jawai Leopard Conservation Zone in 4 x 4 Jeeps. It is here, that you can experience the close encounter with this beautiful animal from the cat family.

Proceed for an early morning safari to spot the leopard. There are very good chances of sighting in the morning hours as the leopards like to be out and roam around near water bodies.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax in the beautiful property. You may even choose to go for an excursion to Kumbhalgarh fort. Considered only second to the Great Wall of China, Kumbhalgarh’s forgotten fortress is looked upon as one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan.  It is said that there are over 360 temples, 300 ancient Jain and the rest Hindu, within the fort walls.
 

This morning continue your journey towards Udaipur stopping enroute at Ranakpur to visit the beautiful Jain temples. Ranakpur, a quaint town, is one of the five most important pilgrimage places of Jainism. This serene place is renowned for amazingly carved Jain temples constructed in 15th century.

Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. Ranakpur is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The temples are noted for the grandiose scale of architecture,  highly decorated ceilings, walls and 1444 different pillars. The priests of the temples did all the temple designing and their generations are still continuing the work - Note: Temples open only at 1100hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs and black clothing are not allowed.

Arrive in Udaipur by afternoon and check-in at hotel.

Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal

Late in the afternoon, cruise on Lake Pichola in a private boat to enjoy the sunset.
 

Morning, explore the city starting with the opulent City Palace. Standing on a crest overlooking Lake Pichola, this majestic palace is a stunning blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture, surmounted by balconies, towers, cupolas and terraces with wonderful views of the city and lake. The entrance is through Hathi Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city.  The main part of the palace is now a museum with a large and eclectic collection.

Stop off next at the three-storey Jagdish Temple, a wonderful Indo-Aryan temple built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Climb stone steps flanked by sculpted elephants and admire the intricate pillars, carved ceilings, stunning frescoes and the massive black, stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.

Continue on to the Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens), a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains.

Rest of the day at leisure.

This morning is at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel amenities.

Later, take an afternoon flight back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and connect flight for onward destination.

Day-use room can be arranged if required.