Project Description

FORTS AND PALACES

FORTS AND PALACES

DURATION

17 Days

COVER

8 Cities

BOOK
temples

DELHI
Welcome to India! “Monuments and archaeological pieces serve as testimonies of man’s greatness and establish a dialogue between civilizations showing the extent to which human beings are linked.” We are about to embark on a journey to the many great forts & palaces in India. Take the day at leisure.

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DELHI
As Mirza Ghalib wrote, “I asked my soul: what is Delhi? She replied: the world is the body and Delhi its life.” You are about to explore life in Delhi. We start with an early morning cycling through the narrow and wide alleyways of Delhi and devour a hearty breakfast at Karim’s. They specialise in Mutton Nihari (smooth flour based stew with slow-cooked mutton in a myriad of spices) or an authentic Indian breakfast. Later in the day, you will see Qutub Minar – the tallest minaret, Lotus Temple – the notable flower-like shape and Iskon temple for its sheer stillness in the atmosphere. End your evening dining at one of the world’s best restaurant – ITC Bukhara. Did you know US presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have also dined here?

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DELHI to AGRA
We will travel to Agra by car and take the day at leisure. For the more enthusiasts, we also arrange a walk with us to a village known as Kachhpura where you could visit the past through its Mughal-era monuments like the historical wells of Baoli and the Humayun Mosque.

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AGRA

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” And, we would want you to experience Yoga not just as poses, incense and frills but as a lifestyle. Experience this unique yoga session with an amazing view of the Taj Mahal at the time of sunrise. Experience the larger than life depiction of the love story between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and the journey of building The Taj Mahal – ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ at Kalakriti Cultural and Conventional Centre.

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AGRA to JAIPUR


We will drive from Agra to Jaipur and visit Fatehpur Sikri Enroute. Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent fort city and an Islamic masterpiece. According to the stories, Akbar visited to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. Chishti predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. It is said that when the prophecy came true, he made Fatehpur Sikri, his capital and built one of the largest mosques in India – the Jama Masjid. Also, visit Chokhi Dhani, a luxury resort village; for a unique experience of the culture of Rajasthan – a myriad of entertainment like live folk music performances, ethnic costume photography, pottery session, and Rajasthani cuisine. Rest of the day is at leisure. Soak in the luxury at the former residence of Maharaja of Jaipur – The Taj Rambagh Palace.

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JAIPUR
Morning calls for a Jaipur cycle ride with Pink Pedals Exploration. Immerse in the traditional perspective of how the beautiful and historical city of Jaipur works in the morning. Get charged at the highly acclaimed food outlets to experience the rich food culture of Jaipur, meet the locals and ride through the Havelis and temples within the streets of the walled city. View the city from Hawa Mahal just like the queens did in the bygone era.


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JAIPUR to JODHPUR
Welcome to Jodhpur. Next stop is the magnificent and the world’s sixth largest residence; home to Jodhpur’s royal family – Umaid Bhawan Palace. This is your stay for the next two days. We explore this opulent sandstone fort – its palm court palace, family museum, and revisit the many rich and vivid stories. We arrange for you to personally meet the Royal family and know one of the most inspiring stories of the Maharaja Gaj Singh and his daughter Shivranjani Rajye. Know tales of how they withstood the test of time and continued their royalty without taking any titles with the vision of new Jodhpur.

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JODHPUR
Explore the winding narrow maze-like lanes of Jodhpur city, the clock tower and the bustling colourful market. Take a private tour of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort that is perched on a 150m high hill and gives way to the most astounding fort in Rajasthan. Discover the battle scars of the cannonball, chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending the fort, the seven gates and the enchanting life inside the fort. Later, on the way down from the fort, we reach Jaswant Thada, which is the marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, better known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar, in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur. 

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JAISALMER
Jaisalmer – of Golden Sun & Sands, magnificent forts & palaces, larger than life lakes, ancient temples, this Golden City in the middle of the Thar Desert is ethereal and this day, we will explore the intricacies that make up this fairy-tale city. First, enter the Gadsisar Lake through the most artistically carved Yellowstone archway and then explore the massive sandcastle in the middle of the desert known as Jaisalmer Fort. Did you know that Jaisalmer Fort is one of the only living fort in the world? Take a walking tour of the interconnected seven Jain Temples. Then comes the mansions that are located both inside and outside the fort. A cluster of five mansions that make for the most beautiful and intricate artwork that is both impressive and breathtaking. Jaisalmer is a trip back in the time of the Arabian Nights. Then in the evening, enjoy the cultural show in the middle of the desert. It is surely a spectacle and has something very exciting about it.

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JAISALMER
There is something very unsettling about the silent streets, remnants of abandoned houses and workplaces; this day we hear the haunting views & tales of the lives of the people of Kuldhara, once a prosperous village and now a cursed, old and abandoned site for over 200 years. Then, we ride the ‘ship of the desert’ at Sam Dunes. Also, for the adventurous souls, experience Dune Bashing – hovering up and down the exotic The Great Thar desert in an SUV. Tighten your seatbelt because this is going to be one hell of a ride.

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MIHIR GARH
Welcome to ‘World’s most extraordinary hotel’ as called by Lonely Planet – Mihir Garh, Jodhpur. This eco-boutique hotel is a one-of-its-kind new-age fort that exemplifies the artistic and architectural traditions of Jodhpur Rajasthan. Built on “Mali Nathji ka Dhora”, the sacred dune dedicated to the Warrior God in Marwar, Mihir Garh is one among the most luxurious stay right in the middle of the Thar Desert. Today, we will experience its warmth, hospitality and relax for the journey ahead. Enjoy lunch by your private pool with an enthralling view of the desert. Remember every inch of this fort has been built in tune with Nature.

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JAWAI
Get your binoculars and camera ready because you are in the middle of the leopards’ habitat cohabiting with the charismatic Rabari herdsman for centuries. Time to venture into an experience filled with mystery, adventure, wellness and antiquity. Take a 4×4 jeep, and explore the great attractions of this place with a local guide. We will save all the stories for later. In the evening, the local chef of Jawai will share the recipes and secrets of traditional use local fresh ingredients over drinks and celebration of your first day.

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JAWAI
With the morning sun about to hit the hills of Aravalli, we will take for an off-road cycling expedition to explore the beautiful landscape of Jawai. Then, we head to the 15th-century architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is not only inspiring but impressive for its testament to the valour and indomitable spirit of the Rajputs, Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand district. “Temples are the gateway to the knowledge of our own ignorance.” Next stop is Ranakpur temples that is one of the five most important pilgrim sites for the Jains.

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DELWARA
Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.” Udaipur is one of the most fascinating cities in India. Take a boat tour to Jagmandir Island and be mesmerised by the centuries-old Bagore ki Haveli that overlooks the Pichola Lake at Gangori Ghat. Enjoy a cultural performance like never-seen-before joy looking at the lit up corridors of the City Palace is ecstatic. With the beating of a drum, blowing of a conch shell and a welcome song, you will know that you are in for a true cultural treat. It is very true that dance is the hidden language of the soul of one’s region, and here the performers here will open a myriad of Rajasthani colours & life with their dance performances.

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DELWARA
This day you take a day trip to Chittorgarh Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the seven gateways, or pols, watchtowers, iron doorways that are perched high above the city near Gambhir River. Reimagine the great history of its former rulers and grandeur.  

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UDAIPUR to MUMBAI
Take a flight from Udaipur to Mumbai for your flights back home. Hope you had an engaging and delightful experience. Do visit us again.