The Crowning Glory Tour Of India...

Day 08 : Narlai / Sodawas (35 kms)

Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual energy from descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the early morning chanting coming from the many temples and mosques. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills, as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman. After breakfast we have an escorted stroll through the small bazaar, bustling with activity and bursting with colour.

Following breakfast we travel to Sodawas. Upon arrival, check into Sodawas Kot.

Sodawas was given in Jagir (Fief) to Late Thakur Bishan Singhji by His Late Highness Maharaja Shri Umaid Singhji of Jodhpur in the Year 1943 along with two other villages, before which it was a 'Khalsa' Village, meaning for Three Decades it was under the direct rule of Marwar State(Jodhpur). Upon arrival you enter through a grand gateway into the Sodawas Kot, which is still owned by the family of Thakur Bishan Singhji.

The Kot has ten bedrooms and every modern amenity. The family drawing and dining rooms have been opened to receive guests in true Rajput Hospitality. Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine for which the House is well known for, is served with a mild and delicate blend of spices adapted to your taste. The family will join you and will give you an opportunity to discuss their traditions, culture and the rich heritage of Marwar erstwhile State of Jodhpur. Folk Music and dance are performed in the evening especially for us. The beautifully designed stables will interest Horse lovers. Once the much loved stallion and mare of the Late Thakur Sahib were stabled here.

Beyond the Kot walls the guest encounters breath taking green fields of mustard and wheat; and in the village, one can see artisans working on the local crafts of the region.

This afternoon we walk through the main boulevard which is wide enough to take a bullock cart. We visit the local school here to witness the kids sitting in rows on cotton mats. We also visit the colourful bazaar as well as the village temple to witness the day to day. Life here is very simple and uncomplicated and traditional virtues still intact. People here may be very poor, but they are extremely friendly and hospitable, willing to share out their meagre possessions with you.

Overnight at Sodawas Kot. (B)

Day 09 : Sodawas / Rohet (65 kms)

Following breakfast we ride out to Rohet. Upon arrival check into the Rohetgarh fort.

At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. Past centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan. Within the precincts of these time weathered walls is our hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani culture where one can, even today experience the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality. Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the traditional style, using traditional motifs and colour schemes herald your entry to this charmed world the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where a profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The portico is a warm and informal place decorated with the artifacts and trophies of many years. Exquisitely carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities. Antique hunting riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The swimming pool here is in beautiful settings and is an oasis in a dessert.

The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded to retain its pristine flavours. You savour only the very best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty. The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal family interact with the guests and interesting stories and anecdotes are narrated.

This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dusts trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.

Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. 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: Rohetgarh (B)

Day 10. Rohet / Jodhpur (40 Kms)

Following breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

Upon arrival, check into the legendary Ajit Bhawan Hotel, Set in the serene desert of Rajasthan, this hotel stands as an oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Built exclusively for Maharaja Sir Ajit Singh, it is vibrantly alive with the personalized hospitality provided by the late Maharaja's family who still lives there. The doors of this truly traditional yet subtlety contemporary estate is open to you and offers you Old World elegance, with the modern comforts of a classic heritage hotel and the essence of being a guest of the Maharaj's family.

Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium

This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc

Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace

Day.11 : Jodhpur / Jaipur (INTERCITY EXPRESS)

Early morning, transfer to the Railway station to board INTERCITY EXPRESS (0545 / 1020) to Jaipur.

In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies scarves). Camel's buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motorcars and buses.

Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby which opens into the chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.

Afternoon is designed for walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated streets - or for independent discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight At Alsisar Haveli

Day 12 : Jaipur

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.

Afternoon, proceed on a tour of 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 Alsisar Haveli

Day 13 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)

Following breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. 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 continue riding to Agra.

Upon arrival check into hotel Trident - Hilton, a 5* Hotel of the prestigious Oberoi Group of Hotels.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.

We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble just as at the Taj Mahal

Overnight At Trident Hilton - a 5* Hotel

Day 14 : Agra / Delhi (200 Kms)

Morning, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.

Following the tour, we drive to Delhi. Upon arrival check into your hotel The Connaught for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner : This evening, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

Overnight At The Connaught - a 4* Hotel

Day 15 : Delhi / Depature

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

End Of Services…

We do hope the flavour 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"

Thank You For Giving Us An Opportunity To Serve You!

Days Of Guaranteed Departure (Subject To Min 2 People) :2nd & 4th Saturday of each month

Tour Cost : Available On Request*

* We wish to introduce the tour to you in further detail when we quote to you. It is always easy for the competition to out price an advertised price. Hence, with our price we also wish to communicate to our prospective clients the content and the intent of the tour. It is then up to our clients to find out if they are comparing apples with apples. The travel business is like a tailor's shop. No matter what material one has to offer, a dress can be tailored. It is only a post facto revelation that the dress is not quite what you are prepared to bargain for. Similarly, a tour can be operated within very flexible fund limits depending on what accommodation, transport or effort we choose to put in place.