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India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages

Complete Rajasthan

13
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Classic Tours
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North India’s Rajasthan is one of the greatest shows on earth. This is the fabled “Land of Kings”; the place to imbibe the glorious history, the glamour, and the grandeur of India. This Alaya small group trip is a colourful introduction to some of the most intriguing sights of Rajasthan. Begin with a good look at Mughal and colonial highlights of Delhi and the glorious Taj Mahal, then travel deep into Rajasthan’s most fascinating locations; the beautiful mansions of the remote Shekhawati region, the grand fort at Bikaner, the peaceful village of Nagaur with its historic palace, and the colourful cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Looking for a great introduction to India? Join us for this Alaya insider experience of Rajasthan’s most compelling sights.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-02
Delhi
Old Delhi by rickshaw and trendy Hauz Khas
03-04
Agra
Modern temples, ancient forts, and the Taj Mahal
05-07
Jaipur
Lavish palaces and bustling bazaars
07-08
Mandawa
Painted mansions
09
Bikaner
Desert forts
10-11
Nagaur
Stay in an award-winning fort
12-13
Jodhpur
The Blue City and Kipling’s fort
14
Delhi
Fly to Delhi and Departure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
Exploring the old and the new
Delhi
,
India
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our local representative at the airport and transferred directly to our hotel. On Day 2, get a feel for the dynamic capital; begin with a namaste at the breathtaking Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple and pause at the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Plunge into the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi as you explore by rickshaw and stroll in the trendy Hauz Khas area to feel the energy of the city.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 1
DAY
03-04
City of love
Agra
,
India
Start Day 3 at Delhi’s Qutab Minar, one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and enjoy a moment of silence at the notable Lotus Temple. Continue on to Agra to visit the grand Mughal fort, a massive structure of red sandstone and marble containing palaces and pavilions. On Day 4 get up early this morning for a special dawn look at the Taj, one of the few architectural icons that surpasses expectation. A heritage walk through the farming community of Kachhpura ends at the peaceful Mehtab Bagh Garden which faces the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River – the perfect place to watch the sunset.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 2
DAY
05-07
Perfection in Pink
Jaipur
,
India
Set off on Day 5 to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire, a marvelous complex of monuments and temples carved entirely from red sandstone. Continue to the Abhaneri Step Well, a uniquely Indian architectural species designed to be a cool place of rest and a pool for ritual pre-temple cleaning and a water supply for dry weather. During a full two days, we’ll explore Jaipur in depth. Tour the spectacular Amber Fort, a magnificently preserved complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens, and temples; visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five remarkable observatories representing the high points of medieval Indian astronomy; see the City Palace, a former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. A stroll through some of the grand bazaars is a must! We’re hosted one evening by an Alaya family involved with historical preservation in the city.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 3
DAY
07-08
Painted mansions
Mandawa
,
India
Head into the Shekhawati desert region of Rajasthan. This storybook area is only now being re-discovered for its colourful frescoes on every subject under the sun, ranging from the religious to copies of popular English prints to witty social satire, rendered in the inimitable style of local artists. Stay for two nights in one of the beautifully restored grand homes built by long-vanished wealthy traders. Spend Day 8 discovering the dazzling and whimsical murals of the 18th and 19th century havelis and meet with a Shekhawati art restorer to learn about the heritage of these intriguing buildings.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 4
DAY
09
Desert forts
Bikaner
,
India
Once a major staging post for the caravan trade, Bikaner is a vibrant desert town with a frontier feel. The old city is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets encircled by a 7km-long 18th-century wall. The magnificent Junagarh Fort houses palaces, temples, and pavilions whose interiors reveal lovely carved balcony windows, beautifully painted and lacquered walls, and fascinating carvings in the pink stone. Explore all this and the fabulous bazaar too.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 5
DAY
10-11
The abode of the queens
Nagaur
,
India
Set off deep into Rajasthan, enjoying the roadside entertainment as our comfortable coach shares the highway with auto rickshaws, colourful trucks, and wandering cows. Our destination is the magnificent Ahhichatragarh Fort where the 18th century maharaja sought to create a refuge from the external troubles of warfare and politics. Now, one of the most well-preserved residences in India, the Fort is the recipient of a UNESCO award for pioneering conservation standards and our home for two nights. On day 11, visit the restored areas of the fort today with the owner to learn about how they are maintaining the fort’s heritage, tour the nearby temples frequented by the village and meet family priests, and explore Nagaur town to sample crafts at the local bazaar. This evening stroll the Fort’s frescoed halls and lovely gardens in the evening and feel the pulse of history.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 6
DAY
12-13
The Blue City and Kipling’s fort
Jodhpur
,
India
Head south passing through traditional villages, stopping to see roadside barber shops, bustling markets, and Hindu temples – classic and timeless Indian scenes. Arrive in the brilliant blue city of Jodhpur, a jumble of post-impressionist cubes, painted that very distinctive and most attractive shade of blue, stretching out to the 16th century walls. Explore the refreshingly quiet oldest part of the blue city on a guided walk. Towering above the city is the Mehrangarh Fort, the setting of Kipling’s The Jungle Book. From its crenellated ramparts enjoy postcard views of the ancient blue city below. Inside, discover the well-preserved palaces and the dazzling Hall of Mirrors. Visit the city’s temples and browse the vibrant Sadar Market Celebrate our India adventure with a special dinner this evening.
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 7
DAY
14
Departure
Delhi
,
India
Fly to Delhi and Departure
India’s Colourful Forts, Palaces and Villages - 8

What's Included:

·       Airport transfers forpassengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary

·       Accommodation basedon double occupancy in hotels listed or similar

·       Breakfast daily

·       Lunch or dinner daily

·       Transportation byair-conditioned coach

·       Bottled water on thecoach

·       All activities andentrance fees

·       Services ofspecialized English-speaking guides

·       Gratuities forescort, local guides, drivers, hotel and group meals

·       Taxes

·       Fully escorted byWorldwide Quest tour director

What’s not included:

·       Roundtrip airfare from your home to join the tour

·       Meals other than those mentioned above

·       Beverages with meals

·       E-Visa fees (currentlyC$71.40 pp)

·       Fuel surcharges, if applicable

·       Excess baggage charges

·       Items of a personal nature

·       Travel insurance

·      Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation

·       Any item not mentioned in “included features” above

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Ranvas Nagaur

Ranvas Nagaur

A rare chance to stay right inside the magnificent Nagaur Fort in a restored 18th century residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Part of an ambitious twenty-year plan to restore the fort, the 33 guest rooms are stylishly simple with antique artifacts and private outdoor terraces.

Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur

Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur

Formerly a royal residence, this is one of India’s first heritage hotels. This charmingly refurbished property has 70 comfortable rooms decorated with colourful Rajasthani fabrics set in cottages around the main building. Meals are taken in the gardens, beside the lovely swimming pool.

ITC Rajputana Jaipur

ITC Rajputana Jaipur

Located 500 m away from Jaipur’s city centre, ITC Rajputana offers modern air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, spa and five food and beverage options. Rooms are decorated with bright colours and painted murals. Excellent Indian cuisine among the five dining options on site.

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

Dynamic travel designer who continually develops unique ways to educate and entertain each and every tour group. Adept at delivering exceptional customer service and turning each tour opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Personally, Sandeep is a fashionable trendy gentleman who’s impossible to miss with his colorful turbans. Commencing his career within hotels, Sandeep understands the importance in providing exemplary, consistent service.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.

Getting a closer look at a colourful country and its vibrant culture
A well-curated tour across India that combines the best of the North and the South - people, places and heritage.
Story by Wayne Radziminski
Exploring a country of warm people and welcoming smiles
India has something new to offer, no matter how many time you visit it
Story by Lynette Husum
Travelling back in time lost in the beauty of South-east Asia
Flitting across Vietnam and Cambodia, reminiscing the past and revelling in the present
Story by Wayne Radziminski
My new friend at the Pushkar Camel Fair, India
Pushkar Experience
Story by Ruth Brodie
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This trip has fixed departure dates. Above mentioned dates are tentative and subject to change.