The Jewels Of The Crown….

" So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked. "

-- Mark Twain, from following the Equator.

Day 01. : Arrival / Delhi

Late Night arrival. Traditional welcome with garlands as your representatives welcome you aboard your Luxury Car. The ride to your hotel, The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel, during which time your representative would introduce, India as well as some common Indian customs and courtesies.

Upon arrival at the hotel, whilst our representatives organize your check in, a refreshing welcome drink is served to you - 'Namaste' and 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 Connaught - a 4* Hotel

Day 02 : Delhi / Ahemedabad - {Rajdhani Express 1935 / 1000*}

After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi

For more on the tourist attractions of Delhi click here:  Delhi Tour

Evening, transfer to the train station to board RAJDHANI EXPRESS for an overnight journey to Ahmedabad. Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins accompanied by blankets, sheets and pillows.

Overnight: - 2 Tier Airconditioned Sleeper Accomodation

Day 03 : Arrival / Ahemedabad Ahemedabad / Dungarpur (125 Kms)

Meeting & assistance upon arrival and drive to Dungarpur .

Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace. The history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of bluish grey local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged in 1940 by Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings around the " Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally one- pillared Palace) and thus created the famous " courtyard of the palace. The result is an architectural expression exquisitely detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers accommodation in the houseguest tradition with seventeen spacious and lavishly appointed bedrooms. No two rooms are alike; each room enchants with its own personality, spaciousness and modern comforts and offers a unique experience. The Furnishings are mostly from the 20th century art-deco style, marble bathrooms with English fixtures and running hot and cold water. Meals are served either in the banquet hall, which displays crystal chandeliers, or in the more intimate family dining room. Continental or Chinese dishes are also served.

Overnight Udai Bilas Palace

Day 04 : Dungarpur

The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli Range is said to date back to 4000 B.C. They are one of the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world. This morning we will visit some of these unspoiled Bheel hamlets in and around the town. We will witness and photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. You would have an opportunity to meet villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello to people, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!!!

We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the destination at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise for bird watchers. The cooler months from mid October to February are the best to see winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself at remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons, white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks among others, depending on the season of your visit. Birds are also plentiful in the surrounding wood lands where one can hope to see the Grey Hornbill, Gray Partridge, Green Pigeon, Peafowl, Peacocks, Paradise fly-catcher and the Golden backed woodpecker, to name a few representative species. You may proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or heir boat for a special boat trip on the lake as well as a gentle trek through the forests so that the nature lover in you is able to enjoy the beauty of the place and are able to get a close look at the bird life.

Late afternoon we visit the ancient fortified ruins of the Old Fort. Besides fine panoramic view of the ancient town of Dungarpur the fort has well preserved examples of natural colour paintings and incredible art and architecture.

Overnight Udai Bilas Palace

Day 05 : Dungarpur / Udaipur (100 Kms)

Following breakfast, we drive to Udaipur. Royal capital of a divine dynasty. Languid Lake City, strewn with marble palaces, hibiscus - massed gardens, fountain pavilions, and cobbled medieval gardens.

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 your hotel Paras Mahal. The Hotel offers you the best of two worlds : traditional Indian hospitality and all the modern conveniences. Paras Mahal is a celebration of this traditional value & gracious living. The hotel offers well appointed centrally air conditioned rooms, a multi cuisine restaurant, 24hrs coffee shop, a well stocked bar. In keeping with the beautiful natural surroundings, the hotel has a swimming pool, undulating spacious lawns & a recreational park.

This afternoon, 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.

Overnight at Hotel Paras Mahal

Day 06 : Udaipur / Ghanerao

Following breakfast, we would have an opportunity to explore the feudal village of Kumbhalgarh. The people here are extremely friendly and hospitable. We witness their ethnic tribal lifestyle.

We continue our ride to the interiors of Rajasthan to witness tribal life untouched by modern times.

Upon arrival at Ghanerao we check into the Royal Ghanerao Castle, a property of the Royal Family of Mewar. We stay at the Ghanerao Royal Castle to step back into the past and re-live it. Here truly time stands still to let you bask in the sunshine of the bygone era. Besides all modern comforts the royal family here have endeavoured to recreate the lifestyle of the thakurs (feudal lords) in all past glory. Situated in the picturesque `Godwar` region of Rajasthan, Ghanerao was founded in 1606 A D Today, standing sentinel over the villages, The Ghanerao Royal Castle is a truly magnificent edifice of red sandstone havelis (mansions), marble citadels and some miniature paintings on walls, the village is strewn with old temples, step walls and marble archways. The old fort to the south of the castle pock, marked with cannonballs and destroyed time and again, but stubbornly refusing to be vanquished.

Afternoon escorted walks through the primitive town to witness traditional styles of living and occupation.

Overnight: Ghanerao Castle

Day 07 : Ghanerao / Narlai (60 Kms)

Following breakfast we ride to Narlai, stopping several times for photos and walks through the countryside to interact with and witness the life styles of the natives.

Upon arrival check into Rawla Narlai. Situated in the Narlai village, Rawla Narlai, is a 17th century fortress renovated over the years to have 15 exquisite double rooms. Rawla Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village bustling with activity and bursting with colours. But, inside the Rawla (fortress) there is only serenity and stupendous view of a gigantic350 ft single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples and crowned by a statue of a white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other. Maharaja and Rani Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses. Comfortable rooms and modern bathrooms blend with the ancient way of Narlai, while offering a warm and homely atmosphere. The charming rooms are all stylized from references from the past adding more to your experience at Rawla Narlai. The chef prepares you a delicious meal, garnished with care made from Secret Recipes handed down for generations to the Royal family. In the evening bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening to hypnotic and chanting rhythms by local musicians whom will rekindle the sprit in you. The peace and calm of the gentle rustling leaves, the sun bathed courtyards and the star lit nights adds an air of romanticism to this wonderful fortress.

Afternoon, we would have an escorted stroll through the small town, bustling with activity and bursting with colour- perhaps pausing to see the rich handicrafts or even to design your own silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm, both for women and men- worn around the neck, at the silversmith.

Overnight: Rawla Narlai. (B)

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)