Tour Name : Rustic Rajasthan Coach Tour
Duration: 12 nights / 13 days
Season: October to March each year
Cities: New Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Samode - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Nimaj - Deogarh - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur - New Delhi

Day 01 ARRIVE AT DELHI
Arrive Delhi at night on this day. You will be met by our representative at the arrival hall at New Delhi's International airport terminal with a paging board, and transferred to your Hotel. Our representative will complete formalities related to Check-In. Installation in rooms and overnight at Hotel.

Delhi, the capital of the country, and one of India's fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek - by - jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Delhi has specialty restaurants to please the gourmet, sprawling parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months, a variety of cultural events. The myriad faces of the city are simply tantalizing, and entice the curious traveler into a fascinating journey of discovery

Day 02 DELHI : American Breakfast at the Hotel. This morning will be at leisure for you to overcome the Jetlag. Sightseeing of the Old City, which would include the Mosque and a walk through the markets of Chandni Chowk, drive through visit of Parliament Buildings, India Gate, and sightseeing of Humayun's Tomb. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 DELHI / AGRA
Very early wakeup and transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station. Our representative will assist you to put you on board your Coach on the train to Agra. You will travel this day by the Shatabdi Express to Agra. Departure from New Delhi at 0600 Hrs. Arrive Agra at 0800 Hrs. Our representative will meet you at the Railway Station in Agra and transfer you to the Hotel in Agra.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning visit of the Red Fort. Return to the hotel for Lunch. Time at leisure. Afternoon visit of the Taj Mahal. (THIS DAY SHOULD NOT BE A FRIDAY AS THE TAJ MAHAL REMAINS CLOSED FOR PUBLIC ON ALL FRIDAYS.) Overnight in Agra.

AGRA: Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal City has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. 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 Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.

Day 04 AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / SAMODE
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning drive to Fatehpur Sikri. Located 35 Kms from Agra it is a 45 minute drive. Visit this extraordinary Capital of the Mughal Rulers, built by the great Mughal Akbar, later shifted to Agra, due to lack of Water in the area. After sightseeing, continue driving to Samode. Around 230 Kms, it is another 5 hours drive from Fatehpur Sikri. Lunch enroute at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur.

Arrive at Samode Village. Check-In. Welcome Dinner at the Samode Palace and Overnight. Possibility of organizing a Caravan Welcome with Camel Carts accompanied by local musicians and fireworks. The procession will take you through the village. Arrive at the Palace to a Royal Welcome with decorated Camels and Horses and traditional Welcome Ceremony. (This item is recommended only for groups.)

SAMODE PALACE: The winner of the award for the best Heritage hotel in the country, for 5 consecutive years, the Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history. Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.

Day 05 SAMODE: Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visit on Camel Carts to the neighboring villages. Visit the village houses, see their daily lives, visit a village school. Halt for drinks and continue the visit. Return to the Samode Palace for Lunch.

Afternoon at leisure to explore the Palace and to enjoy the facilities offered by the Hotel like Swimming Pool, Sauna, Massage Center etc. Dinner and Overnight in Samode.

Day 06 SAMODE / JAIPUR
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur. Located 40 Kms, its one-hour's drive from Samode. Stop enroute to visit the Amber Fort or also known as the AMER FORT the ancient capital of Kachwaha Rajputs On arrival checkin at your hotel. Afternoon visit of the City Palace, Observatory and a Photo-Stop at HAWA MAHAL (Palace of Winds). Rest of the time dedicated for Shopping and a walk through the colorful bazaar of Jaipur. Return to Hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.
Mehrangarh Fort.jpe (7795 bytes)

Day 07 JAIPUR / JODHPUR
This early morning our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer to the Airport Check-In on the flight to Jodhpur. (CD-7471. Departure 7:20 AM. Arrival 8:00 AM). On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel.

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort and white marble cenotaph adjacent to it, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE: The 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace, (also known as Chhittar Palace because of the Chhittar sandstone used in building it) was built in a time of peace, and is quite Western in its design. It was built, as a famine relief project, which gave employment to people, for 16 years. Much of the interior of the palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.

A prime attraction of the city, are the Clock Tower and the colorful Sardar Market near it. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

MEHRANGARH FORT: Dominating the city of Jodhpur is Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's three great hilltop forts (the other two are Kumbhalgarh and Chittaurgarh). Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort". It is located at the very centre of the city, and is visible from the surrounding area. There are, in all, three gates, each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. Originally built in 1806, the fort has been added to, many times since. Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned walls and windows of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana make the medieval splendor come alive. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well - preserved. Mehrangarh appears impregnable, and with good reason. Its battlements soar four hundred feet above a hill, that rises sharply from the surrounding countryside. Mehrangarh has its own architectural appeal, such as brilliant stained glass, that creates vibrant mosaics on the floors, with the passage of the sun through the day.

Day 09 JODHPUR / NIMAJ
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning drive to Nimaj. (Located 110 Kms. Its 2 Hours drive form Jodhpur). On arrival in NIMAJ Check-In in Deluxe Tented Camps Facing the Lake at the CHHATRA SAGAR DAM.

NIMAJ: Situated on the Jaipur-Jodhpur highway. Chhatra Sagar was built as a hunting lodge of the Nimaj Estate. Surrounded by lush green fields of wheat, mustard, cotton and chilies and vast grazing pastures, this hundred-year-old reservoir, with a periphery of about 10 kilometers, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect getaway from the chaotic city life. Chhatra Sagar has witnessed many exciting shikar (hunting) camps and leisure parties, Today, the campsite, situated on the dam, offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the aravalli ranges on the horizon.

The old hunting hide - Aodhi has been put to good use as it provides a closer view of the waterfowl and birds of prey. Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen to old folk lore - or be more adventurous and take one of the many jeep safaris on offer. Experience the warm hospitality, and enjoy some truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables. in the family kitchen Relax in the tastefully designed and well-appointed tented accommodation. Each tent has an attached bath will running hot and cold water and its own private sit out overlooking t he lake

REMARKS : TENTS ARE OPERATIONAL ONLY FROM OCTOBER TO MID MARCH OF EVERY YEAR. TOTAL NUMBER OF TENTS AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT IS 11 DOUBLES. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at CHHATRA SAGAR TENTD CAMP at Nimaj.

Day 10 NIMAJ / DEOGARH
Breakfast at the Camps and drive to Deogarh. (Located 150 Kms, it's a 3 hours drive).

Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity.. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them!

Check-In in a Deluxe Room at the Deogarh Mahal. Explore the Palace and the colorful local market in the Village. Jeep Safari to the LakeSide. Tea/Coffee at Sunset by the LakeSide. Return to Deogarh Mahal. Overnight in Deogarh.

Day 11 DEOGARH / KUMBHALGARH / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR
Breakfast at Deogarh. Drive through a beautiful countryside road and arrive at Kumbhalgarh, which is located 85 Kms from Deogarh and is a 1.5 hours drive.
KUMBHALGARH: Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel-Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge,1914 meters high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century A.D. by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 A.D.) and the principal fortification after Chittorgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur. The massive fort, encompassed by a 36-km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watchtowers strengthen the walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure. Fascinating chambers are built on the western side of the last gate-the 'Nimboo Pol'. According to history, the infant Udai Singh was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers by his Uncles who desired the throne. Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar with Kumbhalgarh as his residence and later established Udaipur-the beautiful Lake City.

Visit the Jain Temples at Ranakpur and continue driving to Udaipur. Lunch at the Maharani Bagh at Ranakpur. Continue driving to Udaipur. Checkin either at your Hotel in UDAIPUR. Overnight.
Visit the City Palace of Udaipur, the largest Palace complex of Rajasthan. Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. In the evening you can witness a show of Tribal and Folk Dances of Rajasthan at the Bagore ki Haveli in Gangaur Ghat. Show timings are between 7 to 8 PM. Return to Hotel and Overnight at Udaipur.
Temple.jpg (5356 bytes)

RANAKPUR: There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Udaipur.jpe (3713 bytes)

Day 12 UDAIPUR : Visit the City Palace of Udaipur, the largest Palace complex of Rajasthan. Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. In the evening you can witness a show of Tribal and Folk Dances of Rajasthan at the Bagore ki Haveli in Gangaur Ghat. Show timings are between 7 to 8 PM. Return to Hotel and Overnight at Udaipur.

There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable
Udaipur 1.jpe (7066 bytes)

past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.

Day 13 UDAIPUR / DELHI
Breakfast at Hotel. You will be met by our representative at the hotel and transferred to the Airport. Check-In on the flight to Delhi. (Jet Airways Flight 9W-3301. Departure 8:10 AM. Arrival 10:45 AM) On arrival you will be met by our representative at the Airport and transferred to Hotel. A room will be reserved at the Hotel till your departure on this day. Rest of the day will be at leisure for rest / last day shopping etc.

Late night our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the International Airport. Assistance at the airport for Check-In for flight back home.

Day 14 DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

Flight back home and arrive same day.

Mail us: mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com