Introduction to Jewels of Rajasthan

The delights of Rajasthan await on this tour, as you depart from Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and more. Discover the many fascinating facets of Indian life and culture, while exploring some true jewels of the region.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi – Agra

This morning, discover the history and heritage of Delhi, with a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then drive to the old part of the city, walking through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk, to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. En route, drive past the splendid Red Fort, India Gate, President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings of Lutyens Delhi.

Later this afternoon embark on your drive to Agra (220 km – approx. 5 hours), city of the world famous Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Day in Agra

This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Later visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens

Enjoy the evening at leisure in Agra.

Classic Theatre Performance: This evening, you have watch a live theatre performance, introducing you to the story of the Taj Mahal. Watch the spectacular performance – “Mohabbat the Taj – The saga of love”, staging the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, and presenting the legend of love that created this magnificent mausoleum.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Jaipur (250 km – approx. 5 hours) – land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India’s most well planned cities.

En route to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jaipur.

Home Hosted Dinner: This evening, learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking.

Day 5: Day in Jaipur

This morning, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort.

This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs.

Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur – Pushkar

After breakfast, embark on a drive amidst the arid Rajasthan desert towards Pushkar, a land of fairs in the heart of Rajasthan. Famous for the annual cattle and camel fair in November, Pushkar is also one of the holiest cities of India, being one of the 5 sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for Hindu devotees.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pushkar, mingling with saadhu’s (holy men in their orange attires), visiting the holy Pushkar Lake and the various temples in the region. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Option for Evening Sunset Camel Safari with Dinner: This evening, you have the option to enjoy an evening sunset camel safari with cultural performance followed by dinner. (at extra charge).

Day 7: Pushkar to Jodhpur

This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel. Enjoy an evening is at leisure in Jodhpur.

Option for a Village Jeep Safari: This afternoon, you have the option to experience a jeep safari to the nearby Bishnoi villages, to get a feel for the local lifestyle of Rajasthani villagers. Bishnoi’s are a village community of Rajasthan who are famous for their cultural lifestyle and their love for nature and animals. You get an opportunity to observe the village lifestyle and interact with villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region (at extra charge).

Day 8: Jodhpur – Udaipur

After an early breakfast, visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort that has fine views over the city and Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

This afternoon, drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar.

En route to Udaipur, visit the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures.

Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 9: Day in Udaipur

Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; the grand white marble Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honour.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Option for boat cruise at Lake Pichola, Udaipur: Enjoy an evening boat cruise at the serene Lake Pichola (at extra charge and subject to water level)

Day 10: Udaipur – Delhi

Enjoy a morning at leisure. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Delhi, where you will be transferred to the international airport to catch your international flight to Dublin, which departs early in the morning.

Day 11: Dublin

Arrive in Dublin after your return flight from Delhi.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Delhi
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 9 nights accommodation in Superior Hotels
• Meals : Half Board
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Delhi to Dublin (overnight)
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €354

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €620
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Irish nationals require a visa to enter India. Cost €50, obtained via the Indian Embassy
• Taxes, fees or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price

Accommodation details

• Delhi – Country Inn Suite or Similar
• Agra – Radisson, Trident or Similar
• Jaipur – Fortune Select Metropolitan or Similar
• Pushkar – Aaram Bagh or Similar
• Jodhpur – Ajit Bhawan Palace or Similar
• Udaipur – Udai Kothi, Lotus Resort or Similar

All hotels are of a 4 – 5 Star Standard

Dates and Prices

Date	Price			55Club
07 Apr 2012	€2,099
14 Apr 2012	€2,099
05 May 2012	€1,899
12 May 2012	€1,899
19 May 2012	€1,899			€1,799
26 May 2012	€1,899
02 Jun 2012	€1,899
09 Jun 2012	€1,899
16 Jun 2012	€1,899
23 Jun 2012	€1,899
30 Jun 2012	€1,899			€1,799
22 Sep 2012	€1,899			€1,799
29 Sep 2012	€1,899