
APPRECIATION LETTERS
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Imperial Rajasthan
Duration : 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destination Covered : Delhi - Udaipur - Shahpura - Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra
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Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
 Late
night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our
representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our
representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the
documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the
opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at The Imperial - a 5* Downtown Hotel
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Day 02: Delhi
 Following
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the
Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in
the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the
vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive
through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and
Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the
capital.
Afternoon, we cross the city and enter into the walled gates of
the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and
19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as
compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and
lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its
chequered history. Our tour includes visits to the Jamma Mosque
(1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly
translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers
and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort
(1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in
Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj
Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were
cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The
Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the
front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a
remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as
well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with
people and pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be
accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as
well as the onlookers.
Overnight at The Imperial - a 5* Downtown Hotel
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Day 03: Delhi / Udaipur (9W 3401 - 0545 / 0810 Hours)
 Early
morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise".
Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the
legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun God. A
city where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict
code of heroism were happily united with a love of fine living.
A city that has come to be an oasis of romance in the warrior
state of Rajasthan
Meeting and assistance upon arrival check into the hotel Lake
Palace, which is a palace on an island girdled by hills. Built
on a rocky island over lake Pichola over two and a half
centuries ago, once it was the summer palace of the rulers of
Mewar. Today the pleasure palace is a luxury hotel like no other
in the world. To stay here is an un missable privilege,
affording as it does a glimpse of pleasure that once were the
sole preserve of princes. The Lake Palaces Hotel amazes and
delights you at every turn. It is pure white marble, every
ancient inch of it - slender carved columns, fountains,
filigreed screens, marble from the pinnacles of its domed
Chatris to the bottom of its swimming pool, created for the
private frolics of a princess.
Following rest and relaxation, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake
City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of
Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state
where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The
huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of
buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a
surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of
the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish
temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of
Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a
brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan
Art.
Evening we enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake
Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir Palace
is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations and ideas
to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake provide
interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that
takes place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and its
great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of
rare beauty.
Overnight at Taj Lake Palace - a 5* Taj Group Hotel
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Day 04: Udaipur / Shahpura (220 Kms)
 Morning
we drive off the beaten track to reach Shahpura Bagh an
aristocratic Estate. Set amidst the golden sands of Rajasthan at
Shahpura one finds an oasis - A dazzling shimmer of sunshine on
water that hovers on the edge of a mirage. Shahpura Bagh has
just opened its doors to visitors for the first time. A stay
here with the family and the Ruler himself, offers a rare
opportunity to experience a royal way of life, preserved in a
timeless corner of Rajasthan. Simple in decoration, but grand in
proportion, Shahpura
Upon arrival check into hotel Shahpura Bagh situated on the
edge of the lakes where man and nature exist in harmony with
each other. This was the summer residence of the rulers of
Shahpura. The 30-acre estate was granted by the Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan to Rajadhiraj Suraj Mal, Rana Pratap's grandson in
1630 AD for successful military campaigns against the Marathas
and Afghans.
Shahpura Bagh has exquisitely furnished spacious bedroom over
600ft with walls that are coated with limestone. The traditional
charm and décor blends delightfully to facilities and
services discerning tourists would see - all rooms have world
space radios, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers, phone system
as well as eco friendly herbal toiletries. The place is still
the residence of the descendants erstwhile Royal family and they
are your present hosts. They meet you, share stories and put
your holiday in perspective. It is their personal touch and
their local knowledge that make the stay a memorable fairy tale.
Shahpura Bagh is also a food-lover's heaven. You can take your
pick from authentic home cooked Rajasthani food prepared over
fire or home-cooked continental and tradition meals, tempered to
suit your palate.
Late afternoon, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
villages where tradition centuries old still permeate life
styles. We will witness the rituals & local practices of the
people of this town. Gaily attired men and women carry on their
chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs.
The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of the
simple and traditional living here.
Overnight at Shahpura Bagh
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Day 05: Shahpura
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Today make short trips
into farms & villages and forts; these farms are great for
bird watching. You will have a great time with simple activities
like boating, air gun, target shooting, farm visits as well as
having fun with someone like Sat and Jai. They are the host
brothers who will escort you around.
You will enjoy your visit to Ram Dwara, the revered ancient
temple. Also, the old city palace reveals the integration of
Rajput and Mughal traditions in architecture while the
geometrical symmetry of the baoli (step wells) inspires a
serenity that lingers. The Dhikola Fort stands majestically on a
hill, surveying a vast expanse of verdant green and lakes.
In evening we explore the unending shopping options of
Shahpura. There are many goods on sale in the marketplace.
Suggest get a leather mojari or local footwear, made to your
size.
Overnight at Shahpura Bagh
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Day 06: Shahpura / Jaipur (220 kms)
 After
breakfast we will drive to Jaipur
Upon arrival, check into the Rambagh Palace, which is one of
the most beautiful palaces in India. Originally a garden house
of a favorite royal maid, it was constructed in the 19th
century. The palace is open to all those who seek to be
transported to the royal past, the glorious age of grace and
beauty.
Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the unending shopping
options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting
point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing
and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in
some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists
here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its
jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal
jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art
of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of
Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed
into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with
delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field)
technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver
enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with
semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take
great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The
skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals
and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst.
Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also
available.
Overnight at Rambagh Palace - a 5* Taj Group Hotel
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Day 07: Jaipur
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This morning we visit
Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to
be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop
fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled
Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the
palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota
Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the
surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a
five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and
delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of
the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women
could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone
screens.
Later, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace &
Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a
blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the
palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with
fine vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the
heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The
fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from
invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which
surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar
Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device
that give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Rambagh Palace - a 5* Taj Group Hotel
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Day 08: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)
 Following
a leisurely breakfast we drive to Agra stopping at deserted
Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the
Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the
empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular
parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we will
continue our drive to Agra
Meeting and assistance upon arrival as you are individually
checked in at your rooms at the luxurious Amarvilas hotel, which
is one of the best boutique hotels in the world. The hotel of
whimsical charm has several attractions. However, being in the
city of the Taj Mahal, the most relevant charm of the hotels is
the unhindered view of the Taj Mahal from your bedroom. It is
the most beautiful and an amazingly uplifting sight. Only 600
meters from the Taj Mahal stands this luxury resort. Discerning
travelers can now appreciate the fabulous Taj Mahal while
enjoying world-class luxury. The elaborate Mughal gardens,
terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions
complement the classical architecture of the hotel
You will have rest of the day free for your independent
activities. The hotel offers incredible and unobstructed view of
the Taj Mahal from almost anywhere. We have booked for you rooms
with a private balcony that would afford an opportunity to view
the amazing monument that epitomizes love. The changing colours
of the monument under different lights of the day, including an
opportunity to view it under moonlight will indeed add an air of
romanticism to your stay here.
Overnight at Amarvilas - a 5* Hotel
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END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will
remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would
kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you
for being our guest, and as we say in India 'Please Come back Soon"
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